Alphabet Arm Design News

We were pleasantly surprised to discover that our work is featured in, not one, but two new books that were just released. One being, Typography Essentials: 100 Design Principles for Working with Type by Ina Saltz. The other is Logo Lounge 5. We don’t have any copies in hand just yet, but when we do, rest assured we will post an update with photos!

We just wrapped up the art direction for G&F Records‘ newest project titled, “Our Musical Journey.” We decided to take a semi-literal approach to the “journey” theme starting with a beat-up, vintage suitcase. Using the track titles as inspiration we designed some travel-inspired tickets and stickers to decorate the suitcase and use throughout the packaging. If you didn’t notice, we also designed their logo several years ago.

Right out of the gates in my first days here I began work on logos for a couple of different clients.  It was exciting to jump into real work, and it was immediately clear that my role as an intern here wouldn’t be that of an office servant.

The logo I’m sharing today is for Project T.E.A.C.H. (Teen Education About Careers in Health), a comprehensive summer program for 10th graders at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, which includes paid summer employment, seminars, math and science courses, and opportunities to shadow health care professionals in the emergency department, operating room, and on patient rounds.  Sounds pretty sweet to me.

In the first round of sketches, I couldn’t get away from the symbol of the medical cross because it just conveyed that side of Project T.E.A.C.H. so quickly and clearly.  Here are a few of the initial sketches:

Here are the three refined versions sent off to the client for consideration:

Here is the final logo along with a 1-color alternative mark:

Everyone seemed happy going with the less conservative of the three options, the one I affectionately call TeachBob SquareBulb.  Or maybe it was LearnBulb SquareTeach.  Something like that.

For those who’ve been keeping track, we were asked by Brandon Bird, of the AIGA B(oNE) Show and Brandon Bird Design, to create one character in the title’s signage for the B(oNE) Show. We’ve been teasing the final design here, here, and here. Hopefully, some of you got to see the final piece in all its glory, but for those who didn’t, here a couple shots of the “i” in place. Each of the thirteen characters were auctioned of to benefit AIGA:Boston, with the one prize being bragging rights. We’re not usually ones to brag, but in this case we might make an exception.

We recently attended the 13th biannual AIGA Best of New England awards – or better known as the B(oNE) Show. And guess what… we won Alphabet Arm Design’s very first B(oNE) award! Our winning entry was none other than the logo and office system for Proof Wine Marketing. With over 500 entries and only about 50 winners, we are very excited to be holding our very own B(oNE) award. We were amazed at the high quality of work represented at the award ceremony and we are truly honored to be among such talented designers.

From time to time, we get asked about the philosophy and process behind our logos. Affluent Magazine recently asked us how we approach logos, and how companies should address the challenge of identity/branding development in light of the current economic down-turn. The article went live yesterday, and it’s a good insight into how we approach the logo design process. It also showcases a few examples of recent logos we’ve designed that have helped to generated business and shape brands. Check the article out here, then peep the yacht reviews for your place on Nantucket.

After countless man hours, numerous trips to the hardware store, and and the sacrificing of several plastic toys, we’re finally done. Last week we put the finishing touches on our character for the B(oNE) Show’s signage, and we’re pretty happy with it. We’re going to keep the final assemblage under wraps, though, until the actual show. You’ll have to turn up to see it in all its glory. See you Thursday.

We are excited to announce that Chris has a solo-show of his paintings and prints opening up next Saturday at Chorus Gallery in Union Square, Somerville, MA.

Opening Reception: June 13, 2009 / 8pm – 11pm
Facebook event page

A new article just went up on boston.com that discusses some of the more publicised identity revamps of the past year or so. We’ve always maintained that a fresh identity can be a great way to stay relevant. It can often be the best course of action when a business has changed its course or had a leadership shift.

There are certainly some big brands showcased, and we’re proud to have a few identities that we’ve designed in the mix. The logos that we did for our friends at Cable Car Cinema & Cafe and The Wine Bottega wrap up the gallery. Take a look at the article and see the comparison of the old and new identities.

Well, we’re a little bit late to the party—but you can now follow Alphabet Arm on twitter! Our all-star-intern Mike has been manning the controls. So if you’re on twitter—let’s be friends!