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Monday Marks: #15

June 30, 2014 Branding, Logos, Monday Marks

#15monogram

 

It’s Monogram Monday!

Monograms represent names. They can be creatively orchestrated to capture one’s unique identity, essentially serving as a shorthand signature. Here are four monogram marks pulled from the MGD archive to celebrate Monogram Monday (which is not an official holiday, in case you were wondering).

monograms

 

CLIENT: Jewish Communal Fund (JCF), New York, New York

BUSINESS: Not-for-profit organization that makes it possible for individuals and families to meet their philanthropic goals by using donor-advised funds.

DESIGN reMARKS: JCF strives to make every donor interaction a personal and satisfying experience. They are known for impeccable service delivered by a hands-on, attentive and efficient staff. We felt this signature characteristic had to be captured in a monogram. JCF’s interlaced initials are an expression of their personal approach to service and their desire to be “your personal connection to charitable giving” (which also serves as their tag line). View the mark.

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CLIENT: Newlands Group LLC

BUSINESS: Financial

DESIGN reMARKS:  This mark was inspired by the vision of a South African businessman eager to start a new business venture in America. Aptly named Newlands Group, we represented his ambitious spirit as an expressive stroke stretched across the landscape. The “N,” framed by the ground and the sky, has been reimagined as the company has spun off in new directions.

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CLIENT: Keast & Hood, Co. Philadelphia, PA and  Washington, DC

BUSINESS: Structural Engineering

DESIGN reMARKS: This monogram was built using a single modular unit to create the type (interlocking letters connected by an “and” sign). The structure communicates balance, strength, careful planning and precision. Our goal was to project a statement of bold confidence capable of communicating the 61-year-old firm’s enduring presence and personal integrity. View the mark.

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CLIENT: Cohen, Placitella, & Roth, PC, Philadelphia, PA

BUSINESS: Law

DESIGN reMARKS: This monogram is the shorthand version of the company’s extended word mark logo. It is used in all communications to reinforce their name and underscore what CPR stands for—Commitment. Purpose. Results. The company’s steadfast determination is captured with a time-tested, meticulously crafted font. We omitted the conventional commas and ampersand in favor of a forward leaning slash. This is in keeping with the firm’s distinctive style and the creative lens through which they approach each case. View the mark.

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Dedication: This post is dedicated to my mother Susan Gordon Weinberger (SGW), who introduced monograms to me as an essential addition to all things personal including, and not limited to, hand towels, cosmetic cases, license plates, coffee mugs, napkins, dog bowls, pajamas, and stationery. In a word—everything.

Special Thanks: The animated monograms were artfully composed by NG (that’s short for Nick Greenawalt, our superb summer intern who is not short). Thanks for making these marks so expressive!


Monday Marks: Every Monday, for twenty-one consecutive weeks, we’ll be blogging about a graphic mark designed by our creative team. We’ll reveal the meaning and inspiration and share the many questions that each mark seeks to answer. The series begins on our 21st birthday, May 19, 2014. BookMARK our blog and see how we have made our mark!