Clowning around: 2011 Character Clown Corps pics

The official 2011 Portland Rose Festival Character Clown Corps season of clowning around has come to an end. Toot Caboose, in his third year as a member of the Clown Corps, and his clown pals had a great time participating in National Train Day, the Fred Meyer Junior Rose Parade, the Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade and other activities. Many of their antics are documented in this Flickr gallery of clowning images.

If you have any desire to be a member of the 2012 Portland Rose Festival Character Clown Corps be watching for application and audition information early next year on the organization's web page.

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

Toot! Toot!*: Jeff Fisher LogoMotives design included in LogoLounge 'Shapes and Symbols' book

The logo design work of Jeff Fisher, the Engineer of Creative Identity for the firm Jeff Fisher LogoMotives, is represented in the recently released book LogoLounge Master Library, Volume 3: 3,000 Shapes and Symbols Logos. The volume, written by Catharine Fishel and Bill Gardner, and produced by the web presence LogoLounge and Rockport Publishers, features logo design examples from around the world.

The logo for the Oregon winery Nicolas Rolin is displayed in the book. The icon within the design is based upon the Hospices de Beaune (or Hôtel-Dieu) toits bourguignons (Burgundian polychrome roofs) made of tiles glazed in terracotta, green, yellow and black and arranged in eye-catching geometric patterns. Located in Beaune, France; the hospital was built for the poor and needy in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin and his wife, Guigone de Salins. At the time Rolin was Chancellor to the Duke of Burgundy.

Fisher, a 33-year design industry veteran, is the author of Identity Crisis!: 50 redesigns that transformed stale identities into successful brands and The Savvy Designer's Guide to Success: Ideas and tactics for a killer career. Several other book projects are currently in the works. The designer has received over 600 design awards and his work has been published in more than 140 books on identity design, self-promotion and the marketing of small businesses.

More information about Jeff Fisher, and his design and writing efforts, may be found on the Jeff Fisher LogoMotives blogfolio.

(* If I don’t "toot!" my own horn, no one else will.)

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

Clowning around: Toots Caboose and pals do love a parade; two within one week is fan-frickin'-tastic!

Toots Caboose, the alter ego of designer and author Jeff Fisher - the Engineer of Creative Identity for the Portland-based firm Jeff Fisher LogoMotives is clowning around for his third season as a member of the Amtrak Cascades Character Clown Corps for the Portland Rose Festival. The annual activities got off to an early start in May, with National Train Day at Union Station.

Toots on a Union Pacific caboose, next to SP 4449 - “World's Most Famous Steam Locomotive” - at Portland's Union Station during National Train Day. [Photo by clown pal Jumbo/Brian Ross].

A railroad engineer clown is always a big hit at National Train Day. Over five hours of clowning - and literally having hundreds of photos taken with children and train afficianados - is a bit exhausting, but it's an incredibly gratifying and enjoyable event.

This week, with the Portland Rose Festival in full swing, it's time for two historic parades and some serious fun:

Toots and the caboose of UP 956, Union Pacific's famous miniature train, at the 2010 Portland Rose Festival Junior Parade.

• Fred Meyer Junior Rose Parade: The oldest and largest children's parade in the United States will be held on Wednesday, June 8th.

Pippa and Toots Caboose in the 2009 Portland Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade [Photo by Ross William Hamilton/The Oregonian].

• Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade: The Grand Floral Parade is Saturday, June 11th. In 2010, in addition to being seen by a national television audience, nearly 500,000 people lined the streets of downtown Portland to view the event. Toots is looking forward to seeing the Union Pacific Miniature Train in the 2011 parade.

For more photos of the 2010 Amtrak Cascades Character Clown Corp activities, check out this gallery of images

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

Jeff Fisher LogoMotives identity designs included in Iconify.it 'Firsts & Favorites Logo Showcase No. 1'

Logo designs by Jeff Fisher, the Engineer of Creative Identity for the Portland-based firm Jeff Fisher LogoMotives, have been included in the Iconify.it blog entry "Firsts & Favorites Logo Showcase No. 1." Designer Scott Lewis invited a number of industry peers to submit their first professional logo design and the personal favorite creation from their own identity portfolio.

Fisher's first professional logo effort was executed, as a student in 1978, for the Chinese Student Association at the University of Oregon (above left). The dragon-inspired image was created using the design tools of the time; India ink, ruling pens, Speedball pens, and art brushes on illustration board.

Produced 31 years later, directly at a computer, the designer's current favorite identity is that for the Stumptown Clowns troupe (above right). As his alter-ego Toots Caboose, Jeff Fisher is a member of the entertainment organization.

More information about Jeff Fisher, and his design work, may be found on the Jeff Fisher LogoMotives blogfolio.

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

Calls for entries: Upcoming graphic design competition and book submission deadlines

All of the following competition or book submission deadlines present great opportunities to showcase your design efforts, market your work on an international scale through the published books, and "toot!" your own horn to clients, peers and the media:

Bright Ideas in Logo Design 1
(Bright Books - USA)
Deadline: Enter Now!
No entry fees charged

HOW Logo Design Awards
(HOW Magazine - USA)
Deadline Extended: 29 June 2011 (late fees waived)
Entry fees charged

HOW Poster Design Awards
(HOW Magazine - USA)
Deadline Extended: 29 June 2011 (late fees waived)
Entry fees charged

London International Awards
(LIA - UK)
Deadline Extended: 29 June 2011
Entry fees charged

The Designer's Web Handbook
(HOW Books - USA)
Deadline: 30 June 2011
No entry fees charged

American Graphic Design Awards
(Graphic Design USA - USA)
Deadline: 30 June 2011
Entry fees charged

American Printing Awards
(Graphic Design USA - USA)
Deadline: 30 June 2011
Entry fees charged

International Wine Label Design
(To benefit Volunteer Center of Napa Valley - USA)
Preliminary Deadline: 30 June 2011
Entry fees charged

Best Practices for Graphic Designers: Grids & Layouts
(Rockport Publishers - USA)
Deadline Extended: 1 July 2011
No entry fees charged

HOW Interactive Design Awards
(HOW Magazine - USA)
Deadline: 1 July 2011
Late Deadline: 15 July 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

LogoLounge Book 7
(LogoLounge - USA)
Deadline: 1 July 2011
Paid site membership required

New Talent Annual 2012
(Graphis - USA)
Deadline: 5 July 2011
Entry fees charged

Graphis Photography Annual 2012
(Graphis - USA)
Late Deadline: 5 July 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

UCDA Design Competition
(University & College Designer Association - USA)
Final Deadline: 8 July 2011
Entry fees charged

cause/effect
(AIGA San Francisco - USA)
Deadline Extended: 8 July 2011
Entry fees charged

W3 Awards
(IAVA - USA)
Final Deadline: 8 July 2011
Entry fees charged

100 Best Annual Reports
(Graphis - USA)
Deadline: 11 July 2011
Entry fees charged

AIGA (Re)designAwards
(AIGA - USA)
Deadline: 22 July 2011
Entry fees charged

Annual Design Awards 2011
(ANNDAS - UK)
Deadline: 22 July 2011
Entry fees charged

Davey Awards
(IAVA - USA)
Final Deadline: 29 July 2011
Entry fees charged

2011 Labels of the World
(Neenah Paper - USA)
Deadline: 30 July 2011
No entry fees charged

iheartlogos
(iheartlogos.com - USA)
Season Two Deadline: 11 August 2011
Entry fees charged

HOW International Design Awards
(HOW Magazine - USA)
Deadline: 15 August 2011
Late Deadline: 1 September 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

Creativity 41 Print & Packaging Competition
(Creativity International - USA)
Deadline: 26 August 2011
Entry fees charged

Bright Ideas in Layouts
(Bright Books - USA)
Deadline: 26 August 2011
No entry fees charged

Hand Drawn
(Print - USA)
Deadline: 1 September 2011
Entry fees charged

Communication Arts Typography Competition
(Communication Arts - USA)
Deadline: 9 September 2011
Entry fees charged

Creativity + Commerce
(Print - USA)
Deadline: 15 September 2011
Entry fees charged

Book of the Year, Volume 4
(Design & Design - France)
Deadline: 30 September 2011
No entry fees charged

Communication Arts Interactive Competition
(Communication Arts - USA)
Deadline: 7 October 2011
Entry fees charged

Bright Ideas in Brochures
(Bright Books - USA)
Deadline: 28 October 2011
No entry fees charged

LogoNest 02
(LogoNest - Australia)
Deadline: 31 December 2011
Paid site membership required

Bright Ideas in Use of Color
(Bright Books - USA)
Deadline: 6 January 2012
No entry fees charged

Bright Ideas in Logo Design 2
(Bright Books - USA)
Deadline: 2 March 2012
No entry fees charged

Bright Ideas in Business Cards
(Bright Books - USA)
Deadline: 4 May 2012
No entry fees charged

PAPERWORKS Letterhead Contest
(Neenah Paper - USA)
Deadline: Ongoing - judged quarterly
No entry fees charged

PAPERWORKS Text And Cover Contest
(Neenah Paper - USA)
Deadline: Ongoing - judged quarterly
No entry fees charged

(To make sure you are reading the latest bLog-oMotives design competition update click here.)

You may want to read my article about participating in design industry competitions and calls for book submissions: A collection of design competition - and book submission request - tips, tricks and observations.

A design competition calendar is also available at Icograda. Lürzer's ARCHIVE has an impressive online list of competitions sponsored by international magazines and organizations. Dexinger posts competitions of great value to industry professionals - however designers need to be aware that some of the listings are for "spec" work as a requirement for submission. Requests for new, or speculative, work as a condition of entering a "contest" are much different than legitimate design competition "calls for entries," in which previously created works are judged for possible awards, exhibition, or publication in an annual or other book.

My own work appears in over 140 graphic design books. Many of those inclusions are the result of design competitions, or requests for submissions, like those listed above.

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

Toot! Toot!*: Designer|clown Jeff Fisher included in book 'RIPE: Rich, Rewarding Work After 50'

Designer Jeff Fisher, the Engineer of Creative Identity for the Portland-based firm Jeff Fisher LogoMotives and Portland Rose Festival Character Clown Corps member Toots Caboose, is mentioned as a "ripe pioneer" in the recently released book RIPE: Rich, Rewarding Work After 50. The volume, by author, speaker and columnist Julia Moulden, is currently available at most online bookstores.

RIPE delivers the news that something wonderful – and unprecedented – is just beginning for those who have reached 50 years of age. Baby boomers like you are approaching the next phase of their careers with the confidence of mature professionals and the zest of beginners. They are becoming what Julia Moulden calls, “ripe”. Meet the ripe pioneers who told her, “This is the most deeply satisfying work I’ve ever done.”

RIPE introduces a twelve-week course that will help readers discover new passion, purpose, and possibility at midlife - and make a successful transition to the next, best phase of your career.

Jeff Fisher first became aware of Moulden, a columnist for The Huffington Post website, through social media posts regarding her blog entry, Ripe, Rich, Rewarding Work After 50. An email exchange led to Fisher being interviewed by Moulden about his design and writing career, playing outside of work, his experience of dealing with chronic vertigo, and - following improved health - becoming Portland Rose Festival clown Toots Caboose (above).

In the book, Moulden writes: 'Jeff Fisher, a graphic designer who became a character clown in his 50s, repeated to me what his grandfather said to him "Please tell me you'll never say, 'I should have.'" words to live by.'

Fisher, a 33-year design industry veteran, is the author of Identity Crisis!: 50 redesigns that transformed stale identities into successful brands and The Savvy Designer's Guide to Success: Ideas and tactics for a killer career. Several other book projects are currently in the works. The designer has received over 600 design awards and his work has been published in more than 140 books on identity design, self-promotion and the marketing of small businesses.

More information about Jeff Fisher, and his design and writing efforts, may be found on the Jeff Fisher LogoMotives blogfolio.

(* If I don’t "toot!" my own horn, no one else will.)

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

A fun birthday package from my mother...

May 21 will be my 55th birthday - provided it is not actually the rapture, doomsday, or judgment day predicted by some. Although, we supposedly no longer exchange gifts in our family, simply because none of us need any more stuff, my mother does somehow find it necessary to send presents. I must admit the package that arrived this week was a very pleasant surprise.

Initially, when I opened the box, I found wooden coasters bearing the logo I created for the Oregon Department of Forestry when the agency's identity needed a makeover. The coasters were produced to celebrate the department's recent 100th anniversary. Celebratory banners have been temporarily added to my logo design. The box also contained two coffee cups noting the occasion.

The case study of the Oregon Department of Forestry logo appears in my book, Identity Crisis!: 50 redesigns that transformed stale identities into successful brands. I probably see the design more than any other I've created in my 33-year career. It is on display along highways throughout Oregon, often beautifully carved in wood, on signage designating state forest lands.

In addition, the box contained two mugs commemorating the Sisters Rodeo. According to my mother, although I designed the logo over a decade ago, the Sisters Rodeo Association recently produced the item and is offering it for sale in their gift shop. My partner Ed and I have decided the cups will be finding a home in our camping vehicle - the Get-Get-Get-Away van.

The identity was included when the Sisters Rodeo was inducted into the Library of Congress “Local Legacies" archive. The rodeo logo received an Award of Merit in the Central Oregon Drake Awards and a Silver in the Summit Creative Awards. It also is featured in The Big Book of Logos 3, LogoLounge - Volume 1 and Design for Special Events.

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

How does the garden grow?: The challenge of replacing my winter-damaged ceramic planters

Several years ago, in a search to find planters for the front porch of my home, my friend Mike Smith - co-owner of Joy Creek Nursery - took me to a garden pottery wholesaler. I was thrilled to find three large ceramic pots that perfectly matched the purple of the front door (below). Over the next few summers the planters were filled with purple fountain grass, purple and green sweet potato vines, pansies and more. During the winter months the vessels were often planted with a variety of kale.

Following the cold and icy winter of 2009, I noticed fine cracks beginning to appear in the surface of the pots. A few small pieces of the purple finish even began to fall off. Fortunately, the seasonal vegetation in the planters covered the increasing flaws.

This past winter the planters began to fail even more. Large portions of the finish began to fall away from the pots after another unusually cold winter (above). The search for replacements began.

With friends and neighbors complaining about winter damage to their own planters, I started looking for substitutes that might better handle the elements. I must have looked at every fiberglass, resin and concrete planter made on websites, at home improvement stores and at nurseries. Most were fake in appearance, too shiny, poorly designed or just plain ugly.

The arrival of my Crate & Barrel catalog resulted in a couple of possible solutions. One, a bronze option, came with the disclaimer "bring indoors during freezing temperatures." Right - I don't think so. The other was a bit more intriguing to me - a tall, square zinc planter with a shallow insert for plantings.

After a visit to the local Crate & Barrel, three of the planters appeared on the porch (above). Ed, my partner of over two decades, suggested feeding drip line sprinkler lines up through the drainage holes in the pots and inserts. I then smashed the old, purple ceramic pots with a hammer; using the pieces to weight down the bottom portions of my new porch decor. After doing so, I had to go plant shopping.

Most of what I planted in the pots came from another favorite local nursery - Marbott's. Spiky Cordyline australis is the centerpiece of each planter. They are surrounded by Blackie sweet potato vine, Blue Picotte Lobelia, the almost chartreuse Marguerite sweet potato vine and Antique Red Diascia. I look forward to the pots filling in as spring progresses - and seeing how the planters survive the changing seasons.

Note: You might want to check out my flower pot umbrella stand, hose guide and copper pipe garden trellis projects. I also have a regularly updated Flickr photo gallery of images from my garden

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

Toot! Toot!*: Jeff Fisher LogoMotives designs included in 'Basic Identity' volume from Index Book

The design work of Jeff Fisher, the Engineer of Creative Identity for the Portland-based firm Jeff Fisher LogoMotives, is included in the recently released book Basic Identity. The volume, from Spanish publisher Index Book, is currently available online and at bookstores worldwide.

Fisher's identity for Emerge Medical Spa at Bridgeport is featured in the book, along with branding projects from 151 designers and firms, representing 30 nations. The Emerge logo, stationery package and signage are highlighted in Basic Identity (below).

The Emerge Medical Spa logo also appears in The Big Book of Logos 5, 100s Visual Logos & Letterheads (UK) and American Corporate Identity 2008.

Fisher, a 33-year design industry veteran, is the author of Identity Crisis!: 50 redesigns that transformed stale identities into successful brands and The Savvy Designer's Guide to Success: Ideas and tactics for a killer career. Several other book projects are currently in the works. The designer has received over 600 design awards and his work has been published in more than 140 books on identity design, self-promotion and the marketing of small businesses.

More information about Jeff Fisher, and his design and writing efforts, may be found on the Jeff Fisher LogoMotives blogfolio.

(* If I don’t "toot!" my own horn, no one else will.)

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

Calls for entries: Upcoming graphic design competition and book submission deadlines

All of the following competition or book submission deadlines present great opportunities to showcase your design efforts, market your work on an international scale through the published books, and "toot!" your own horn to clients, peers and the media:

ADC Young Guns 9
(Art Directors Club - USA)
Late Deadline: 30 May 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

Graphis Photography Annual 2012
(Graphis - USA)
Deadline: 31 May 2011
Entry fees charged

Graphis Advertising Annual 2012
(Graphis - USA)
Deadline Extended: 31 May 2011
Entry fees charged

HOW In-HOWse Design Awards
(HOW Magazine - USA)
Final Deadline: 1 June 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

HOW Logo Design Awards
(HOW Magazine - USA)
Deadline: 1 June 2011
Late Deadline: 15 June 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

HOW Poster Design Awards
(HOW Magazine - USA)
Deadline: 1 June 2011
Late Deadline: 15 June 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

FPO Awards
(UnderConsideration - USA)
Deadline: 3 June 2011
Entry fees charged

American Graphic Design Awards
(Graphic Design USA - USA)
Deadline: 10 June 2011
Entry fees charged

American Printing Awards
(Graphic Design USA - USA)
Deadline: 10 June 2011
Entry fees charged

UCDA Design Competition
(University & College Designer Association - USA)
Early Deadline: 17 June 2011
Final Deadline: 8 July 2011
Entry fees charged

cause/effect
(AIGA San Francisco - USA)
Deadline: 24 June 2011
Entry fees charged

The Designer's Web Handbook
(HOW Books - USA)
Deadline: 30 June 2011
No entry fees charged

International Wine Label Design
(To benefit Volunteer Center of Napa Valley - USA)
Preliminary Deadline: 30 June 2011
Entry fees charged

HOW Interactive Design Awards
(HOW Magazine - USA)
Deadline: 1 July 2011
Late Deadline: 15 July 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

LogoLounge Book 7
(LogoLounge - USA)
Deadline: 1 July 2011
Paid site membership required

New Talent Annual 2012
(Graphis - USA)
Deadline: 5 July 2011
Entry fees charged

Great Layout Ideas
(Ampixx Books - USA)
Deadline: 29 July 2011
No entry fees charged

2011 Labels of the World
(Neenah Paper - USA)
Deadline: 30 July 2011
No entry fees charged

iheartlogos
(iheartlogos.com - USA)
Season Two Deadline: 11 August 2011
Entry fees charged

HOW International Design Awards
(HOW Magazine - USA)
Deadline: 15 August 2011
Late Deadline: 1 September 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

Creativity 41 Print & Packaging Competition
(Creativity International - USA)
Deadline: 26 August 2011
Entry fees charged

Communication Arts Typography Competition
(Communication Arts - USA)
Deadline: 9 September 2011
Entry fees charged

Book of the Year, Volume 4
(Design & Design - France)
Deadline: 30 September 2011
No entry fees charged

Great Brochure Ideas
(Ampixx Books - USA)
Deadline: 30 September 2011
No entry fees charged

Communication Arts Interactive Competition
(Communication Arts - USA)
Deadline: 7 October 2011
Entry fees charged

Great Use of Color in Graphic Design
(Ampixx Books - USA)
Deadline: 30 November 2011
No entry fees charged

LogoNest 02
(LogoNest - Australia)
Deadline: 31 December 2011
Paid site membership required

PAPERWORKS Letterhead Contest
(Neenah Paper - USA)
Deadline: Ongoing - judged quarterly
No entry fees charged

PAPERWORKS Text And Cover Contest
(Neenah Paper - USA)
Deadline: Ongoing - judged quarterly
No entry fees charged

(To make sure you are reading the latest bLog-oMotives design competition update click here.)

You may want to read my article about participating in design industry competitions and calls for book submissions: A collection of design competition - and book submission request - tips, tricks and observations.

A design competition calendar is also available at Icograda. Lürzer's ARCHIVE has an impressive online list of competitions sponsored by international magazines and organizations. Dexinger posts competitions of great value to industry professionals - however designers need to be aware that some of the listings are for "spec" work as a requirement for submission. Requests for new, or speculative, work as a condition of entering a "contest" are much different than legitimate design competition "calls for entries," in which previously created works are judged for possible awards, exhibition, or publication in an annual or other book.

My own work appears in over 140 graphic design books. Many of those inclusions are the result of design competitions, or requests for submissions, like those listed above.

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

Clowning Around: Toots Caboose & pals prepare for 2011 Portland Rose Festival Character Clown Corps

Toots Caboose, the alter ego of designer and author Jeff Fisher - the Engineer of Creative Identity for the Portland-based firm Jeff Fisher LogoMotives is dusting off his red nose for a third season as a member of the Amtrak Cascades Character Clown Corps for the Portland Rose Festival. In 2009 Toots emerged from clown school and made quite an impression at official Rose Festival events.

Toots Caboose in front of SP 4449 - “World's Most Famous Steam Locomotive” - at Portland's Union Station during National Train Day.

Once again, Toots Caboose and members of the Character Clown Corps will liven things up during National Train Day festivities at Portland's historic Union Station on Saturday, May 7th. In 2010, at the request of Amtrak Cascades officials, Toots was an official tour guide on their custom-built Talgo train.

Al Baker, of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, with Toots at Portland's National Train Day event.

Led by Boss Clown Angel Ocasio, there be be sightings of Toots Caboose and the Character Clown Corp troupe at these, and other, upcoming official Portland Rose Festival events:

• National Train Day: Meet strolling and performing clowns at Union Station on Saturday, May 7th.

Toots Caboose playing engineer with the Union Pacific Miniature Train during the 2010 Fred Meyer Junior Rose Parade

• Fred Meyer Junior Rose Parade: The oldest and largest children's parade in the United States will be held on Wednesday, June 8th.

Toots Caboose, Auguste and Trip strike a pose prior the 2010 Portland Rose Parade [Photo by clown pal Pippa/Debra Samuel].

• Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade: The Grand Floral Parade is Saturday, June 11th. In 2010, in addition to being seen by a national television audience, nearly 500,000 people lined the streets of downtown Portland to view the event.

For more photos of the 2010 Amtrak Cascades Character Clown Corp activities, check out this gallery of images

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

Toot! Toot!*: Jeff Fisher LogoMotives identities showcased in Taschen's 'Logo Design Vol. 3'

The new internationally-released book Logo Design Vol. 3 includes six identities from Jeff Fisher, the Engineer of Creative Identity for the Portland-based firm Jeff Fisher LogoMotives. The volume, edited by Julius Wiedemann, was published by the German-based firm Taschen as part of their continuing series on logo design and branding.

The Jeff Fisher LogoMotives designs selected (above) include an identity concept for the Cat Adoption Team, the logo redesign for "The Sentinel" community newspaper and the branding image for the Holocaust Remembrance Project of Tampa, FL. In addition, logos for the short-lived Portland eatery Balaboosta and the Historic Kenton Firehouse Committee are featured in the design inspiration resource. Also represented in the book is the logo for the entertainment troupe Stumptown Clowns, of which designer Fisher is a member in his alter-ego persona of clown Toots Caboose.

Fisher, a 30+ year design industry veteran, is the author of Identity Crisis!: 50 redesigns that transformed stale identities into successful brands and The Savvy Designer's Guide to Success: Ideas and tactics for a killer career. Other book projects are currently in the works.

The designer has received over 600 design awards and his work has been published in more than 140 books on identity design, self-promotion and the marketing of small businesses. He often travels – nationally and internationally – to present courses, seminars and workshops on design, branding, marketing and social networking. In addition, Fisher is a nationally-recognized speaker, making numerous presentations each year to design organizations, design schools, universities and business groups.

More information about Jeff Fisher, and his design and writing efforts, may be found on the Jeff Fisher LogoMotives blogfolio.

(* If I don’t "toot!" my own horn, no one else will.)

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

Jeff Fisher's neighborhood logo design efforts recognized at 'Celebrate North Portland' event

It's always nice to be recognized for one's work-related efforts, especially pro-bono activities in your own community - although it's never something to be expected. For me, the funny thing is that each time I've informed that I was to be publicly recognized at a neighborhood event, I've known I would miss the celebration due to traveling outside of the country. Such was the case in March 2011, while I was in on the island of St. Croix.

In late 2010, I learned that my volunteer neighborhood design efforts were to be acknowledged at a public dinner to be held on March 19th at the University of Portland. I was to be one of many residents to be honored at the event "Celebrate North Portland: Recognizing over three decades of activism in North Portland," hosted by my long-time friend and client, Mike Verbout.

Verbout, the former principal of James John School, also asked if I would create the logo to identify the dinner.

Schnitzer Steel, community activists Barbara Parmelee and Rich Recker, former Portland Mayor Vera Katz, columnist Steve Duin of The Oregonian and The Merck Family received plaques for their contributions to North Portland. Along with many businesses, organizations and individuals, I was honored to have a narrative describing my community work published in the evening's recognition book:

"Jeff Fisher, author of Identity Crisis!: 50 redesigns that transformed stale identities into successful brands (HOW Books, 2007), is the Engineer of Creative Identity for the North Portland-based firm Jeff Fisher LogoMotives. A 32-year graphic design veteran, he has been honored with over 600 regional, national and international design awards and is featured in over 140 books about logos, the design business, and small business marketing. His first book, The Savvy Designer's Guide to Success was released in 2004. Other book projects are currently in the works. He often travels – nationally and internationally – to present courses, seminars and workshops on design, branding, marketing and social networking.

In addition, Fisher is a nationally-recognized speaker, making numerous presentations each year to design organizations, design schools, universities and business groups. In 2009, Graphic Design USA magazine named Jeff Fisher one of its design industry “People to Watch.” Jeff Fisher LogoMotives is a past recipient of the Spirit of Portsmouth Award, Salvation Army’s North Portland Neighborhood Pride Award and the Portland Area Theatre Alliance B. Joe Medley Volunteer Award. Fisher is also Portland Rose Festival Character Clown Corps member Toots Caboose. Jeff and his partner, Ed Cunningham, have made Arbor Lodge their home for 15 years.

Past North Portland clients of Jeff Fisher LogoMotives have included James John School, Just Out, Peninsula Community Development Corporation, North Bank Cafe, Coyner's Auto Body, Lampros Steel, The Sentinel and DiPrima Dolci. The designer has donated his talents and abilities to create logos and other works for the North Portland Business Association, Project Safe Summer, Portsmouth Neighborhood Association, Peninsula Clean Team, Caring Community of North Portland, Kenton Neighborhood Service Center, Children's Relief Nursery, North Portland Neighborhood Services, St. Johns Window Project, Historic Kenton Firehouse Committee, The Salvation Army’s Moore Street Corps, and the North Portland Pride B.B.Q and Festival. He also designed the St. Johns street banners."

It's been a real pleasure to live and work in North Portland. I look forward to many more years of involvement in the vibrant community I call "home."

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

Simple garden hose guide and plant protector [Redux]

[With spring gardening in full swing, for those not currently under water or still covered with snow, I've had several requests for information about my hose guide project. Here's a "rerun" of the original post. Happy gardening!]

One of my greatest passions, and best forms of therapy, outside of work is my garden. Although the entire garden is most often watered by a timer- operated irrigation and drip system, occasionally there is a need to do extra watering using the garden hose. I always hate to be dragging the hose across the driveway, sidewalk or patio and have it attempt to decapitate plants in the garden.

I've looked at various hose guides at garden stores and I'm just too cheap to pay what is asked. I'd heard of people making the guides using lengths of pipe with ornamental lamp finials on top. Again, most lamp finials I like are too expensive for me to use in such a manner. A few weeks ago at Lowe's I found some aged bronze swirl drawer pulls on sale for $1.28 a piece - and I'd discovered my hose guide ornaments. So, with a 37-cent copper cap, a $1.42 piece of rebar, and about $1.00 worth of copper pipe, I had my hose guide materials for just over $4.00.

The materials needed for one hose guard (shown above) are:

• 1 piece of 1/2 inch copper pipe cut to 10 inches in length

• 1 copper cap for 1/2 inch pipe

• 1 piece of 3/8 inch rebar cut to 24 inches in length

• 1 ornamental brass or bronze drawer pull

• 1 metal screw (comes with drawer pull)

The tools needed include:

• a tape measure

• a handheld pipe cutter (available at the hardware store)

• a hacksaw (to cut the rebar and screw)

• an electric drill

• the necessary solder and soldering equipment

• steel wool, sandpaper or a tool made for roughing up the pipe surfaces to be joined

• a container of flux and the necessary brush for "painting" it on the copper tubing

• a pair of gloves with a non-skid palm surface for assistance in holding the pipe while it is being cut

The project process was actually fairly simple. The most effort was required in cutting the rebar and copper pipe to the proper lengths. It was also necessary to cut the screw that came with the drawer pull to about half of its length.

I used an electric drill to create a hole in the copper cap to screw on the drawer pull. Once the drawer pull was tightly screwed onto the cap, Ed soldered the screw in place within the cap to prevent movement (you could super glue the screw in place if desired). He then soldered the copper cap to the 10-inch length of copper pipe (again, you could super glue it on for ease).

I then stuck the piece of rebar into the ground, at the corner of the flower bed, until 10 inches of the rebar was left above the surface. The copper pipe fit over the rebar and my "designer" hose guide was in place. In a little less than an hour I had three custom hose guides completed and installed in my garden.

Note: You might also want to check out my flower pot umbrella stand and copper pipe garden trellis projects.

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

'Identity Crisis!' included in limited edition MyDesignShop.com 'branding expert' package

Update: The 'Become a Branding Expert Ultimate Collection' SOLD OUT on 04.01.11 through the MyDesignShop.com website.

The book Identity Crisis!: 100 Redesigns That Transformed Stale Identities into Successful Brands by Jeff Fisher, the Engineer of Creative Identity for the Portland-based firm Jeff Fisher LogoMotives, is included in the latest Ultimate Collection Series package offered by MyDesignShop.com. The 'Become a Branding Expert!' collection is limited to 100 purchases at the special price of $119.

The 'Become a Branding Expert Ultimate Collection' also includes:

Why We Buy, Why We Brand. Debbie Millman's Branding Secrets On Demand DesignCast. Debbie Millman takes a keen look at the influence branding has on our everyday lives, from branding ourselves and the world around us to the role branding plays in the products we buy and the way we live.

Chermayeff & Geismar's Identity Design Process Revealed - On Demand Master Class. Sagi Haviv, recently called a "logo prodigy" by The New Yorker, walks you through his firm's time-tested approach to identity design, with 4 real-world case studies from start to finish.

A Logo Does Not Make A Brand - On Demand Master Class with Joe Duffy. In this Master Class, Joe Duffy discusses what brands need today: a complete 'language' that is unique to them, one that they can call their own. This language must encompass every point of contact with the audience - the way it looks, sounds, even smells.

Branding is Like Dating - On Demand Conference Session. Marcus Hewitt will take you from initial concept to potential repositioning. Plus, learn the seven steps to better brand relationships.

2009 How Annual CD. Get a whole year's worth of inspiration & ideas from the leading business and creativity magazine for graphic designers.

2009 Print Retrospective CD. Portable, searchable, and printable, this CD offers a gorgeous look book and insightful critique of the best design in the United States and around the world.

The $119 special offer is valued at $330.

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

Calls for entries: Upcoming graphic design competition and book submission deadlines

All of the following competition or book submission deadlines present great opportunities to showcase your design efforts, market your work on an international scale through the published books, and "toot!" your own horn to clients, peers and the media:

Great Healthcare Advertising
(Ampixx Books - USA)
Deadline: 29 April 2011
No entry fees charged

Creative Quarterly 24
(Creative Quarterly - USA)
Deadline: 29 April 2011
Entry fees charged

HOW In-HOWse Design Awards
(HOW Magazine - USA)
Deadline: 2 May 2011
Final Deadline: 1 June 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

American Web Design Awards
(Graphic Design USA - USA)
Deadline Extended: 4 May 2011
Entry fees charged

Graphis Advertising Annual 2012
(Graphis - USA)
Deadline: 9 May 2011
Entry fees charged

Graphis Design Annual 2012
(Graphis - USA)
Deadline Extended: 9 May 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

Core77 Design Awards
(Core77 - USA)
Deadline Extended: 3 May 2011
Entry fees charged

Communication Arts Design Competition
(Communication Arts - USA)
Deadline: 13 May 2011
Entry fees charged

Communication Arts Advertising Competition
(Communication Arts - USA)
Deadline: 13 May 2011
Entry fees charged

ADC Young Guns 9
(Art Directors Club - USA)
Deadline: 16 May 2011
Late Deadline: 30 May 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

Pentawards (Package Design)
(Pentawards - Belgium)
Deadline: 20 May 2011
Entry fees charged

1000 Paper Graphics
(Rockport Publishers - USA)
Deadline Extended: 23 May 2011
No entry fees charged

Graphis Photography Annual 2012
(Graphis - USA)
Deadline: 30 May 2011
Entry fees charged

HOW Logo Design Awards
(HOW Magazine - USA)
Deadline: 1 June 2011
Late Deadline: 15 June 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

HOW Poster Design Awards
(HOW Magazine - USA)
Deadline: 1 June 2011
Late Deadline: 15 June 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

FPO Awards
(UnderConsideration - USA)
Deadline: 3 June 2011
Entry fees charged

UCDA Design Competition
(University & College Designer Association - USA)
Early Deadline: 17 June 2011
Final Deadline: 8 July 2011
Entry fees charged

cause/effect
(AIGA San Francisco - USA)
Deadline: 24 June 2011
Entry fees charged

Great Layout Ideas
(Ampixx Books - USA)
Deadline: 30 June 2011
No entry fees charged

The Designer's Web Handbook
(HOW Books - USA)
Deadline: 30 June 2011
No entry fees charged

HOW Interactive Design Awards
(HOW Magazine - USA)
Deadline: 1 July 2011
Late Deadline: 15 July 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

LogoLounge Book 7
(LogoLounge - USA)
Deadline: 1 July 2011
Paid site membership required

2011 Labels of the World
(Neenah Paper - USA)
Deadline: 30 July 2011
No entry fees charged

iheartlogos
(iheartlogos.com - USA)
Season Two Deadline: 11 August 2011
Entry fees charged

HOW International Design Awards
(HOW Magazine - USA)
Deadline: 15 August 2011
Late Deadline: 1 September 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

Creativity 41 Print & Packaging Competition
(Creativity International - USA)
Deadline: 26 August 2011
Entry fees charged

Great Brochure Ideas
(Ampixx Books - USA)
Deadline: 31 August 2011
No entry fees charged

Communication Arts Typography Competition
(Communication Arts - USA)
Deadline: 9 September 2011
Entry fees charged

Book of the Year, Volume 4
(Design & Design - France)
Deadline: 30 September 2011
No entry fees charged

Communication Arts Interactive Competition
(Communication Arts - USA)
Deadline: 7 October 2011
Entry fees charged

Great Use of Color in Graphic Design
(Ampixx Books - USA)
Deadline: 31 October 2011
No entry fees charged

LogoNest 02
(LogoNest - Australia)
Deadline: 31 December 2011
Paid site membership required

PAPERWORKS Letterhead Contest
(Neenah Paper - USA)
Deadline: Ongoing - judged quarterly
No entry fees charged

PAPERWORKS Text And Cover Contest
(Neenah Paper - USA)
Deadline: Ongoing - judged quarterly
No entry fees charged

(To make sure you are reading the latest bLog-oMotives design competition update click here.)

You may want to read my article about participating in design industry competitions and calls for book submissions: A collection of design competition - and book submission request - tips, tricks and observations.

A design competition calendar is also available at Icograda. Lürzer's ARCHIVE has an impressive online list of competitions sponsored by international magazines and organizations. Dexinger posts competitions of great value to industry professionals - however designers need to be aware that some of the listings are for "spec" work as a requirement for submission. Requests for new, or speculative, work as a condition of entering a "contest" are much different than legitimate design competition "calls for entries," in which previously created works are judged for possible awards, exhibition, or publication in an annual or other book.

My own work appears in over 140 graphic design books. Many of those inclusions are the result of design competitions, or requests for submissions, like those listed above.

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

The Jeff Fisher LogoMotives identity evolution

I get a lot of questions about the creation of the Jeff Fisher LogoMotives identity, especially as many designers struggle with the creation of their own logos. I was certainly no different.

1987-1988

Almost eight years after moving to Portland from college, and beginning my career as a professional graphic designer, I determined I needed a business name that reflected my interest in logo design, combined with my lifelong fascination of toy trains and actual locomotives. The examples above show the development of a logo for, what I originally intended as the name, Logo Motive Design. The first drawing was executed in ballpoint pen on a notepad, recreated with a rapidiograph pen (this was before most designers had computers), and then reversed out to final art. The logo only appeared in one print ad. It was not met with positive feedback from friends and clients, who felt the emphasis on my personal skills and talent required my own name in my business identity. So, the idea was shelved and I continued as Jeff Fisher Design.

1991-1995

With more and more of my design work being involved in identity efforts I revisited my original concept for the business name Logo Motive. I attempted to create a logo combining the necessary text and a symbolic art element in an integrated emblem, while also conveying my own creativity and identity design ability. The rough design for the initial train imagery incorporating the name LogoMotive was even included in a 1991 self-promotion piece. I again received negative feedback from clients and associates in regards to such a name making my efforts seem impersonal and too corporate. Still, I began using the business name LogoMotive in 1995 to give an identification to what was unintentionally becoming my primary business focus. I again halted my own logo project out of frustration with it not conveying a strong enough image - and the effort becoming a low priority due to an ever-increasing workload.

1997

Early in 1997 I decided to finally finish the logo project I began ten years earlier for my worst client - myself. About 80% of my design projects were now logos. Potential clients, clients and friends were now asking why a logo designer did not have a logo of his own. My sister, Sue Fisher; owner of the advertising, marketing and public relations firm TriAd (in Bend, Oregon); encouraged me to focus on my logo design efforts and finalize my business identity. I embellished on the rough design of a couple years earlier. By simply adding my name to the design I was able to "brand" myself, giving the logo the personal sense it had been lacking. The result was a logo with which I was finally pleased and it has served me very well. To celebrate completion of the design, I bought myself the new toy train set I had always wanted.

These days about 35% of my new clients tell me they have made the decision to hire me based on my personal logo. The design has been honored with numerous design awards since first appearing long ago. The Jeff Fisher LogoMotives identity also appears in Letterhead and Logo Design 5 (1998), American Corporate Identity 14 (1998), New Logo & Trademark Design (Japan, 1998), the 1998 PRINT Regional Design Annual, The New Big Book of Logos (2000), PRINT’s Best Logos & Symbols 6 (2000), Logo Design for Small Business 2 (2004), Logos from North to South America (Spain, 2005), Logo & Trademark Collection (Japan, 2004), The Big Book of Business Cards (2005), American Graphic Design & Advertising 25 (2010), Type Rules: The Designer's Guide to Professional Typography, Third Edition (2010), 2011 Artist's and Graphic Designer's Market and a little book called The Savvy Designer's Guide to Success (2004).

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

Back to this reality...

I've just returned from an annual two+ week vacation to the island of St. Croix. Each year, my partner Ed and I jet off to the Caribbean, with friends Lisa Francolini and Bev Wells (owners of RiverWest Acupuncture), in an attempt to perfect the art of doing nothing. We have the pleasure of staying at the beautiful beachfront home of Bev's sister and brother-in-law, Jim and Bonnie Pavel.

For a little cyber vacation, you might want to take a look at the Flickr gallery of our sand, sun, food and fun photos.

Of course, we've have returned to one of the coldest and rainiest March months in Portland history...and I've developed a miserable cold.

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

Logodotes: Stumptown Clowns

[Over the 30+ years I've worked professionally as a designer, interesting side stories have come up about my identity designs. This is one of an ongoing series of "Logodotes" - anecdotes about my logo designs.]

I often tend to be my own worst client. When designing for myself, I usually go into a very picky and hyper-critical mode. It did take me 10 years to create the Jeff Fisher LogoMotives identity.

With the image for Stumptown Clowns the process was surprisingly much different. Following attendance at Clown School, and a great experience as part of the Amtrak Cascades Character Clown Corps for the Portland Rose Festival, my clown pal Pippa suggested that those interested in clowning around a bit more participate in the 2009 Portland Pride Parade. As the event was not an official Rose Festival event we would need to march under a new clown troupe moniker. Pippa came up with the name "Stumptown Clowns."

In my odd logo designer mind, as soon as I was made aware of the name, I literally saw the words visually as a potential clown face. The "U" letterform in the word "Stumptown" could become a winking eye, with the "O" in the term creating another eye that was wide open. It only made sense that the "O" in "Clown" would become a big red clown nose.

There was no sketching or doodling of the concept. The design was so clearly defined in my mind that I went directly to the computer. The font Blue Plate Special, by Nick Curtis of Nick's Fonts, was the first and only choice for the logo. It seemed to convey the celebratory, circus-like quality I desired. The weight of the font, and the curves of some letterforms, complimented the graphic elements which were created first.

In a one-shot process the Stumptown Clowns logo was complete (top image). However, there was something that bugged me about the end result. It was an optical illusion, but the identity seemed to be tilting. I doubled-checked the horizontal allignment of the design. The lightness of the "winking eye" and the heaviness of the "open eye" element were causing the logo to look as if it had rotated clock-wise a bit.

Rotating the design a quarter of a degree, counter clock-wise, seemed to correct the visual issue for me (directly above).

Stumptown Clown pals Lou, Pippa, Trip and Toots Caboose preparing for the 2009 Pride Parade though downtown Portland

With our official Stumptown Clowns logo on an identifying sign for the parade (Thanks to Kathy at Signs Northwest!) the new clown troupe was ready for its parade debut.

This project did remind me of a previous identity design client with an incredible attention to detail - OK, the guy was anal retentive (Hmmm...am I more anal?). The logo project was finalized. Disks were prepared with all the necessary digital files for the client. The invoice had been sent off for payment. The the client called to request that I rotate the design - which did not have balance issues with its circular design - five degrees clockwise. It was one of the oddest, and most specific, requests I'd received in regards to a job. No explanation - just "please rotate the design five degrees."

I revisited the logo and rotated the image two and a half degrees. The client was perfectly happy.

The Stumptown Clowns logo was recognized with a 2010 American Graphic Design and Advertising Award, and Silver honors in the 2010 Summit Creative Awards. It appears in the books Logolicious, iheartlogos Vol. 1, and Logo Nest 01. (Australia).

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

Calls for entries: Upcoming graphic design competition and book submission deadlines

All of the following competition or book submission deadlines present great opportunities to showcase your design efforts, market your work on an international scale through the published books, and "toot!" your own horn to clients, peers and the media:

Summit Creative Awards
(Summit International Awards - USA)
Deadline Extended: 2 March 2011
Entry fees charged

One Show Interactive Awards
(The One Club - USA)
Deadline Extended: 4 March 2011
Entry fees charged

The Communicator Awards
(IAVA - USA)
Deadline Extended: 4 March 2011
Entry fees charged

Greeting Card Design
(Zeixs - Germany)
Deadline Extended: 4 March 2011
No entry fees charged

T-Shirt Design 2
(Zeixs - Germany)
Deadline Extended: 4 March 2011
No entry fees charged

Book and Magazine Design
(Zeixs - Germany)
Deadline Extended: 4 March 2011
No entry fees charged

Typography 2
(Zeixs - Germany)
Deadline Extended: 4 March 2011
No entry fees charged

The Dieline Awards
(The Dieline - USA)
Final Deadline: 4 March 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

HOW Promotion Design Awards
(HOW Magazine - USA)
Deadline: 5 March 2011
Late Deadline: 22 March 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

365 | Design Effectiveness Competition
(AIGA - USA)
Deadline: 10 March 2011
Late Deadline: 31 March 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

Making the Case Competition
(AIGA - USA)
Deadline: 10 March 2011
Late Deadline: 31 March 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

Great Graphic Design Ideas
(Ampixx Books - USA)
Deadline Extended: 14 March 2011
No entry fees charged

International Design Awards
(IDA - USA)
Deadline Extended: 15 March 2011
Entry fees charged

The Best of Business Card Design 10
(Rockport Publishers - USA)
Deadline Extended: 15 March 2011
No entry fees charged

Creativity 41 Media & Interactive Competition
(Creativity International - USA)
Deadline: 18 March 2011
Late Deadline: 1 April 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

American Inhouse Design Awards
(GDUSA - USA)
Deadline: 25 March 2011
Entry fees charged

Communication Arts Photography Competition
(Communication Arts - USA)
Deadline: 25 March 2011
Late Deadline: 8 April 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

Graphis 100 Best in Design 2012
(Graphis - USA)
Deadline: 28 March 2011
Entry fees charged

Letter, Word, Sentence, Paragraph
(HOW Books - USA)
Deadline: 30 March 2011
No entry fees charged

Humor Sells: 300 Examples of Truly Witty Designs
(Crescent Hill Books - USA)
Deadline Extended: 30 March 2011
No entry fees charged • Publication fee if accepted for book

Brand New Awards
(UnderConsideration - USA)
Deadline: 31 March 2011
Entry fees charged

Go, Stop, Slow, Eat: How Typography Influences Behavior
(Rockport Publishers - USA)
Deadline Extended: 31 March 2011
No entry fees charged

HOW In-HOWse Design Awards
(HOW Magazine - USA)
Deadline: 1 April 2011
Late Deadline: 1 May 2011 (late fees apply)
Entry fees charged

Great Healthcare Advertising
(Ampixx Books - USA)
Deadline: 29 April 2011
No entry fees charged

Creative Quarterly 24
(Creative Quarterly - USA)
Deadline: 29 April 2011
Entry fees charged

American Web Design Awards
(Graphic Design USA - USA)
Deadline: 30 April 2011
Entry fees charged

Photography Journal Americas 001
(Graphis - USA)
Deadline Extended: 2 May 2011
Entry fees charged

Design Journal Europe & Africa 002
(Graphis - USA)
Deadline: 2 May 2011
Entry fees charged

Photography Journal Americas 001
(Graphis - USA)
Deadline Extended: 2 May 2011
Entry fees charged

Communication Arts Design Competition
(Communication Arts - USA)
Deadline: 13 May 2011
Entry fees charged

Communication Arts Advertising Competition
(Communication Arts - USA)
Deadline: 13 May 2011
Entry fees charged

UCDA Design Competition
(University & College Designer Association - USA)
Early Deadline: 17 June 2011
Final Deadline: 8 July 2011
Entry fees charged

Great Layout Ideas
(Ampixx Books - USA)
Deadline: 30 June 2011
No entry fees charged

The Designer's Web Handbook
(HOW Books - USA)
Deadline: 30 June 2011
No entry fees charged

HOW Interactive Design Awards
(HOW Magazine - USA)
Deadline: 1 July 2011
Entry fees charged

iheartlogos
(iheartlogos.com - USA)
Season Two Deadline: 11 August 2011
Entry fees charged

HOW International Design Awards
(HOW Magazine - USA)
Deadline: 15 August 2011
Entry fees charged

Creativity 41 Print & Packaging Competition
(Creativity International - USA)
Deadline: 26 August 2011
Entry fees charged

Great Brochure Ideas
(Ampixx Books - USA)
Deadline: 31 August 2011
No entry fees charged

Communication Arts Typography Competition
(Communication Arts - USA)
Deadline: 9 September 2011
Entry fees charged

Book of the Year, Volume 4
(Design & Design - France)
Deadline: 30 September 2011
No entry fees charged

Great Use of Color in Graphic Design
(Ampixx Books - USA)
Deadline: 31 October 2011
No entry fees charged

PAPERWORKS Letterhead Contest
(Neenah Paper - USA)
Deadline: Ongoing - judged quarterly
No entry fees charged

PAPERWORKS Text And Cover Contest
(Neenah Paper - USA)
Deadline: Ongoing - judged quarterly
No entry fees charged

(To make sure you are reading the latest bLog-oMotives design competition update click here.)

You may want to read my article about participating in design industry competitions and calls for book submissions: A collection of design competition - and book submission request - tips, tricks and observations.

A design competition calendar is also available at Icograda. Lürzer's ARCHIVE has an impressive online list of competitions sponsored by international magazines and organizations. Dexinger posts competitions of great value to industry professionals - however designers need to be aware that some of the listings are for "spec" work as a requirement for submission. Requests for new, or speculative, work as a condition of entering a "contest" are much different than legitimate design competition "calls for entries," in which previously created works are judged for possible awards, exhibition, or publication in an annual or other book.

My own work appears in over 140 graphic design books. Many of those inclusions are the result of design competitions, or requests for submissions, like those listed above.

© 2011 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives