SYO calls for new logo design
Competition open to all
April 18, 2011 – The Saskatoon Youth Orchestra is updating its image for the 2011-2012 season and is issuing a call for submissions for a new SYO logo.
The current logo has served the organization well, but the executive board has agreed it is time for a new look.
The competition is open to all, but the only remuneration offered will be a small honorarium and the lasting recognition and the pride in contributing to the organization in a meaningful way.
A public unveiling will be organized to coincide with a press release congratulating the winning artist.
The SYO was established in 1958 as the Saskatoon Junior Symphony. It has historical ties to both the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra and the University of Saskatchewan Department of Music.
The organization boasts alumni that continue to contribute to Canadian society as professional musicians, educators, artists and community leaders.
The SYO is non-profit, parent run and includes the orchestra, the Saskatoon Strings and the Double Bass program.
In designing the new logo, artists should be aware of the history, goals and values of the organization, which include:
- to be an elite music program
- to provide the opportunity for growth in a fun, supportive environment
- to be a contributing part of the music community in Saskatoon and area
Design requirements
- The SYO has no official colours as of yet, so the palette is wide open.
- The logo (or versions) should be suitable for use with wrap-around text, as a stand-alone design element in banners and advertising, and as a letterhead. It should be neither too vertical nor too horizontal unless designed so as a version/option of the main logo.
- Ideally the logo will be striking in both colour and black and white.
- Designers may give thought to three complementary designs differentiating the main youth orchestra program, the Saskatoon Strings program and the Double Bass program.
Deadline
Submissions should be made to Paul Sinkewicz at publicity@syo.ca by May 31, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. or dropped off in person by prior arrangement by calling 931-2629.
Selection
The SYO executive board, or a committee designated by the board, will judge the entries and select the new logo. If none are deemed suitable, the committee may recommend no change to the logo be made this year.
As and example of the thought process that went into the current logo, here is an explanation taken from the SYO handbook:
Created by artist and parent Jane Bickis, the SYO logo works on several levels. The ‘S’ shape refers to the South Saskatchewan River flowing through the city and at the same time to the flow or melody of a piece of music. It is also the first letter in Saskatoon. The two horizontal bars (or staff lines) refer to the woodwind instruments and to the bridges that span the river in Saskatoon. The two curved lines at the left hand side of the staff lines echo the dynamic movements of the conductor and also refer to the mouthpieces of the woodwind instruments. The ‘V’ shape within the ‘O’ at the top symbolizes the human element in the orchestra; the director with his outstretched hands, and to the young people who are being nurtured or ‘kindled’ as the torch image, or candle image implies. The ‘Y’ and ‘O’ shape also refer to the beginning letters in Youth Orchestra. For the percussionists, the curve in the ‘S’ at the right and top suggests the various drums as does the ‘O’ shape refer to the cymbals and other circular percussion instruments.
Thank you.