The Changing of Times » Design Icons

Bad typography is everywhere…

Richard — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:29:20 +0000

Bad typography is everywhere…Good typography is invisible.

Good typography is invisible.
By Craig Ward (aka Words Are Pictures).

Design Icons: Chris Yaneff

Richard — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 23:17:01 +0000

The second designer I wish to metion in this ongoing series of Design Icons is none other than Chris Yaneff. He was a teacher, business professional, and art director, known best for his unique corporate identities. One could argue that he was responsible for really pushing the idea of branding before most businesses even grasped the importance of a corporate brand.

Chris Yaneff created logos for companies like Crown Life Insurance, Canada Trust, Windsor Salt, and Financial Trust among others. His main focus was to give clients what they needed, as opposed to what they wanted. His style is clean, and many of the logotypes created have had a major impact on the business of graphic design. Belwo are a few examples of his work.

Canada Trust Logo

Conklin Shows

Windsor Salt

“Peace”
for “Images for Survival/Hiroshima appeals”
40th anniversary of atomic bombing

Design Icons: Joe Borovich

Richard — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:49:16 +0000

For the first in this series of design icons I’ve decided to spotlight North-Vancouver Designer Joe Borovich, the creator of the 1970-1978 Canucks’ logo. I would have to say that this logo is one of my favourites as far as logos go for a professional sports team. For this reason, I am beginning my series of designer icons with Joe Borovich.

The logo – fondly known as “Stick-in-Rink” seen above, features a stylized “C” created by two of hockeys most recognizable shapes- a hockey stick inside a rink. The colours also make reference to the waters, and mountains found throughout the land of Vancouver. I must say that this logo is brilliant! So simple and clean, yet it speaks volumes of the brand. As a side note, it has been said that Joe received the grand total of $5,000.00 for the creation of this fine logo.

Even today this logo is a fan favourite. As an alternate jersey, the Canucks’ will sport the classic throwback version from time to time. It should also be noted that in 2007 some minor updates were made to the logo giving it a face-lift. The hockey stick has been slightly angled to represent the letter “V” for Vancouver. The lines have been tightened up, but the colours remain the same.