Stillwater Public Schools
Graphic identity redesign for school district (2009)
Graphic identity redesign for school district (2009)
The scope of this "re-branding" project (for which I was award the bid) was to create a new graphic identity for Stillwater Public Schools, a Class 6A district located in north-central Oklahoma. The existing "S" mark had been in use for several decades, but the silhouette ox and wagon did not accurately represent a modern school. Instead the imagery was slow and plodding, and the shape of the "S" a little awkward. In order to stand out as one of the top schools in the state, Stillwater needed an image that was professional and matched its values and vision.
The curvature of the existing "S" was certainly unique, and I wanted to keep the sense of history but have the letter evolve into a more timeless mark. It needed to be at home among other top secondary schools in the region, and even among university marks, yet retain its uniqueness. I believe the new "S" achieves that goal, and can proudly stand on its own.
As for replacing the wagon, I collaborated with an acclaimed illustrator, Tim Jessell, to develop a strong Pioneer character that pays homage to the buckskinned mascot that had been associated with Stillwater Schools for many years. While the iconic image depicts a historical figure from the past, the graphic also looks forward (literally and figuratively) to a bright future, where Stillwater Public Schools can be a pioneer in education and students can be pioneers in any field they choose.
Wordmarks were also created to provide additional consistency with a strong, progressive look. In addition, the traditional school colors of Pioneer Blue (PMS 286) and Gold (116) have been standardized for consistency in reproduction.
The marks have been implemented throughout the district, on stationery packages as well as the district website, facility and stadium signage, field/turf graphics, district vehicle identification, team uniforms, fan apparel, team posters, marketing materials, etc.
Overall, the updated design has been very well received by students, faculty, administration and alumni since it debuted in 2009. I thoroughly enjoyed working on this challenging, but rewarding project.
- Clay
The curvature of the existing "S" was certainly unique, and I wanted to keep the sense of history but have the letter evolve into a more timeless mark. It needed to be at home among other top secondary schools in the region, and even among university marks, yet retain its uniqueness. I believe the new "S" achieves that goal, and can proudly stand on its own.
As for replacing the wagon, I collaborated with an acclaimed illustrator, Tim Jessell, to develop a strong Pioneer character that pays homage to the buckskinned mascot that had been associated with Stillwater Schools for many years. While the iconic image depicts a historical figure from the past, the graphic also looks forward (literally and figuratively) to a bright future, where Stillwater Public Schools can be a pioneer in education and students can be pioneers in any field they choose.
Wordmarks were also created to provide additional consistency with a strong, progressive look. In addition, the traditional school colors of Pioneer Blue (PMS 286) and Gold (116) have been standardized for consistency in reproduction.
The marks have been implemented throughout the district, on stationery packages as well as the district website, facility and stadium signage, field/turf graphics, district vehicle identification, team uniforms, fan apparel, team posters, marketing materials, etc.
Overall, the updated design has been very well received by students, faculty, administration and alumni since it debuted in 2009. I thoroughly enjoyed working on this challenging, but rewarding project.
- Clay
