A Crowning Achievement

April 19, 2011

State Theatre Crown
When HenkinSchultz Graphic Designer Tanya Christensen began designing a logo for the State Theatre’s Capital Campaign, she aimed to create an image as iconic and glamorous as the theatre itself.

Here’s what Tanya has to say about her design:

“The tag line for the campaign had already been chosen when I began working on the logo: The Last Jewel in the Crown of Historic Downtown. Obviously a crown was a natural fit for the logo, but it had to look like a real treasure—just like the State Theatre is a treasure for our city.

“My goal was to create a modern image that still reflects the history of the State Theatre. Since the theatre was built in 1926, I researched Art Deco jewelry and Beaux-Arts architecture for inspiration. The design I came up with perfectly balances the vintage feel of the theatre with modern design.

“The crown logo needed to be versatile. While it works perfectly as the ‘W’ in the word crown, it also needs to stand alone—without the State Theatre logo or the campaign’s tag line. This design lends itself well to print brochures, logo wear, pins, stickers and much more, giving our client many ways to use the logo.

“The last consideration I had was to create an image that appeals to donors of all ages. I think a 25-year-old donor would be as attracted to the glamour of this crown as a 70-year-old donor.”

By amie

Filed Under Design, HenkinSchultz

Spotlight on Our Thinkers: Cami Lovely

April 5, 2011

Just as graphic design is an important element of an advertising campaign, volunteering and mentoring are key components to a successful advertising community. Graphic Designer Cami Lovely often mentors shadow students who visit HenkinSchultz, and she’s involved with the South Dakota Advertising Federation (SDAF). She also volunteered to judge this year’s Student Addy Awards, and now she’s working on a pro-bono project for SDAF.Cami Lovely

Why do you volunteer your time for these projects?
“Well, I’m hardly a model volunteer. But volunteering reminds us we are part of a larger picture. We often need to step away from our desks and gather with like-minded people. When we come together, we learn from each other and inspire others with what we have to offer. I think we grow as a result and see things that we might not have seen – it often sparks inspiration within ourselves and often it can solve challenges we may face.”

What do you enjoy about working with students?
“I like helping students, and I want them to be successful. I work with them so they can be prepared for the advertising industry when they graduate from college. After working with students, sometimes they have a better idea of the direction they want to go in their field. Sometimes a simple conversation will shed light on a path they might not have known about. The people in this industry have so much talent; it would be a shame to have it go to waste.”

You also often attend SDAF luncheons. Why is it important for you to be involved with SDAF?
“The SDAF lunches make you aware of what is happening outside of your little design world. Design is going on all around us and it’s best to be in it. It keeps me alert as a professional designer. You have to keep up with the latest trends in this business, and you have to keep reinventing yourself. If you stay present, you stay strong.”

By amie

Filed Under HenkinSchultz