I’m thinking that it would be a sad day if something in the skyline such as the bridge or the twin towers were somehow torn down after we choose one of the 6 out of the 8 logos that have the skyline in it.

Left by Michael Davis on October 8th, 2008

Can you say DISAPPOINTED?

Left by PeoriaIllinoisan on October 8th, 2008

 
Has anyone asked what we are expecting to achieve with a new logo?
 
If we want to improve the city’s image we must see changes in decision making- raise the standards and move away from the anything goes mentality.  
  
The next time you are out and about take a good hard look …take off the rosy glasses and notice for yourself.
 
The city has too many ugly metal buildings, strip mall developments, cash stores, fast food joints, beer banners, neon signs, cigarette butts, and girlie bars.  And that is just scratching the surface. 

One could imagine a logo that would give a more honest picture of what to expect when you visit Peoria, but no one would want to put that image on city stationary. So why is there such a disconnect? 
 
I am all for a logo that is up-to-date, communicates a professional image, and reflects positive community interests and values; however, we have a long road ahead before a new logo actually reflects reality…otherwise it is just lipstick on a pig. 

I would rather see city leadership get down to business and start walking the walk.
 

Left by George(the original not Jacob) on October 8th, 2008

At least you didn’t accuse me of insulting “joe six pack”

Left by George(the original not Jacob) on October 8th, 2008

Wow….I’m sure glad the city didn’t open up the contest to local art students. 

I might ask for a partial refund.

Left by Mazr on October 8th, 2008

For the record, my favorite is the third one in the second row.

Left by Mazr on October 8th, 2008

Completely unimpressive, ho-hum designs. I’d ask them to go back to the drawing board and start over.

Left by Will on October 8th, 2008

None of the above.  I agree with whomever wrote on the first go-around— to put the logo out for design into the community.  Another waste of dollars for more of the same. 

No vision for the city and so the logo reflects um — nothing.

Do you know where you’re going to?  Do you like the things life is showing you? ….. Where are we going Peoria?

Left by Karrie E. Alms on October 8th, 2008

The circle with the bridge towers river thing isn’t awful, but it is SO 1980s. I really expect much more from Converse, especially considering what they’re being paid. The historic logo is nicely done, but doesn’t represent our vibrant community. The swirly logo is the work of a designer on too much caffeine. The exclams are just plain silly. (They just threw those in to see if Peorians are still breathing.)

Not impressed.

Left by Tulip on October 8th, 2008

Vibrant community- are you kidding me?

Left by George(the original not Jacob) on October 8th, 2008

No. We do have vibrancy. Firefly Energy. ATS. Bradley University. UICOMP. Ag Lab. Yeah we have sleaze, poverty, litter, toxic waste, etc. too. But don’t let that take away from our burgeoning prominence as a place for technological and educational excellence. Peoria has it.

Left by Tulip on October 8th, 2008

$30,000 for ANY of these? You have to be kidding!

Some random thoughts though…except for #7 all have “City of Peoria” though none have IL - aren’t there several Peoria’s in the USA? OTOH what is the real purpose this logo will serve? Logos on t-shirts and coffee mugs to be sold to CAT tourists at the airport? or to waste money to replace the Rath Bacon logo on the salt barn out on 74 which I have NEVER understood! 

Actually I,  like Mazr, had some initial attraction to #6 as it is symbolic of that wonderful first view of Peoria coming in on 74 from the East. OTOH I’m not in favor of saying “thanks Jane Converse - here’s your $30,000″!  

Left by without malice on October 8th, 2008

I understand this is the Midwest and we are plain, honest people.  Meat, potato’s and white bread are great but not in a logo to enhance the image of the city.  In my opinion they forgot the meat and the white bread is stale!  A refund is due the citizen’s for the mockery of this exercise in noncreativity.

Left by Allie on October 8th, 2008

A refund is due the citizen’s for the mockery of this exercise in noncreativity.

Good 1

Left by Tulip on October 8th, 2008

I can’t believe this is the best they came up with. I say no to all.
Most are dated and look like they are from the 80’s or 90’s.

They should have another choice- None of the above!

Left by peoriafan on October 8th, 2008

I’m partial to the one that had the big turd floating by on the Illinois River… with the sail stuck in it… just before a stinkin’ barge runs over it, and chops it into fine pieces.

Left by prego man on October 8th, 2008

Prego man: You remind me of Phil Luciano. You are quick with the quips, but you are short on the insight.

Left by Billy Dennis on October 8th, 2008

Shoot… and all I’m trying to do is make lots of new friends.

Left by prego man on October 8th, 2008

A little off subject…

Anyone ever hear of an AMERO?

Left by New Voice on October 9th, 2008

I’m all for change when needed but with all due respect the old logo is much more appealing than any of these new presentations.  As someone said above, they look dated from the 80’s.  I’d say they look dated from the 70’s. Neither of these is cool.  They look dated.

Left by dempsey on October 9th, 2008

By the way, the voting should include the old logo. I’d bet the old logo would win.

Left by dempsey on October 9th, 2008

I am starting to like the old logo better now. Maybe just an update of the colors on the old logo is all that is needed along with a new typface that says PEORIA.

Left by peoriafan on October 9th, 2008

How are these logos all “from the 80’s” but the current logo you all like isn’t?  I think all of these look better thant he current one.  When I moved to Peoria six years ago, it took me six months to figure out what the current logo is.  I think all of these represent Peoria better than the Indian head.

Left by Ryan Johnson on October 9th, 2008

New Voice,  “Amero” is the proposed name for the common currency of North America, which the New World Order crowd wants to replace the U.S.Dollar, Canadian Dollar, and Mexican Peso with.  I’m sure they would like to extend it to all of Western Hemispere evenutally, in preparation for their one-world-totalitarian-government.  Some people think this financial crisis will be used as an excuse to force the Amero down our throat, as early as the end of this year.  Given the breakneck speed with which the government is passing out dollars, I would hesitate to disagree.  If the dollar goes, you can say goodbye to American sovereignty.     

Left by The Mouse on October 9th, 2008

How about a logo that includes a D9 with a bunch of politicians genuflecting and $$$$ being dumped into the river?

How much we spending on a logo? … and why?  If Peoria can’t sell itself without slick advertising gimmicks, why are we trying to sell it anyway?

Left by kcdad on October 9th, 2008

Mouse; it isn’t a one world government that is being thrust upon us, but a One World Bank.

Left by kcdad on October 9th, 2008

The Logo of PEOR ! A   looks an awful lot like Peor (meaning “bad” in Spanish) with an exclamation point and then the letter A …  “Bad Ass”????

Left by kcdad on October 9th, 2008

I like the skyline theme but only one of the choices shows the First Financial/Savings Tower. I don’t like any of them.

Left by David P. Jordan on October 9th, 2008

“How are these logos all “from the 80’s” but the current logo you all like isn’t?  I think all of these look better thant he current one.  When I moved to Peoria six years ago, it took me six months to figure out what the current logo is.  I think all of these represent Peoria better than the Indian head.”
Are you kidding me?! You couldn’t see a Indian head in the currrent logo? Where do you think the name Peoria came from?
I think if we were to just update the current logo and type under it that might work. It will still cost money but people would still indentify with it. Corporations update logos all the time.

Left by peoriafan on October 9th, 2008

Did the stock market just lose money cause of these logos?

Left by Mahkno on October 9th, 2008

Keep the existing one or

That’s it.

Left by bbbb on October 9th, 2008

I’m not the one getting paid $30K to figure that out. Converse Marketing is!
 

Left by peoriafan on October 9th, 2008

Is the $30,000 for the design ONLY or does part of that number include implementation - i.e. repainting logos, letterhead, etc.

Left by PeoriaIllinoisan on October 9th, 2008

Let’s face it — for most of you, your mind was made up before the logos were released.  Since you knew the city was paying someone for the work, you were predisposed to not liking the outcome.  I’ve never witnessed such a negative group of people.  I’m surprised George (The Original) still lives here — I’ve never heard him post one positive thing.  Yes, there is lots of crap in Peoria.  Guess what, there is lots of crap in America.  David J. wouldn’t be happy if unless there was a gigantic train in the logo.  Karrie seems to think we should all come to some collective kumbaya before proceeding with anything.  Pregoman is just a pr*&k.

Didn’t the city or Converse have a website where they asked people a bunch of questions about Peoria?  I thought I remember answering a questionnaire (but the city’s doing a lot of on-line surveys lately).  Maybe lots of people mentioned the bridge, or the river, or the skyline.  What did you say?  Did you even bother to contribute your thoughts?

I like CJ’s question: What did you want to see in a logo?  What does a logo really do, anyway?  Is it for us citizens, or for those who know nothing about Peoria?  Y’all make it sound like some doped-up designer banged out a few designs on the back of envelope in which they put the invoice for $30K.  My guess is that there was some real work put into this.  It might not satisfy you, and I doubt 50% will like it, but all of these are way better than that stupid-ass indian head.

Left by Sud O. Nym on October 9th, 2008

I would like to see something that captures the essence of Peoria – the oldest community in Illinois and perhaps the one with the brightest future. The history and technology/innovation that we are known for. The skyline is the skyline but is not particularly symbolic. Maybe a Native American theme (arrowhead?) alongside innovation (Duryea car, Cat tractor, agriculture?). Many possibilities. None of which have been explored by Converse.

Left by Tulip on October 9th, 2008

Sud O. Nym.
It may surprise you, but Peoria can be a tough audience. Sorry. It’s part of the fabric of this community.

Left by Tulip on October 9th, 2008

Sud - my mind was not made up beforehand.  I and others met with two of the designers at a blogger bash in East Peoria.  They were fine people and I was happy that they wanted our views on what Peoria meant to us.  I am not very artistic nor am I a graphic designer and would never even try to design a new city logo, but I know would and can.  I had high hopes for this group, but I am not alone in saying I am disappointed.  I do give you props for being the only one I’ve noticed so far in support of them.

Left by PeoriaIllinoisan on October 9th, 2008

I was looking forward to seeing some new logo ideas. The ones they came up with just are not very progressive. They look somewhat dated. Keep in mind if history repeats we will be looking at the new logo for over 30 years. Even if it looks good today what will it look like 10-20 years from now?
They should be able to come up with something better than yet another redention of the skyline.
We need a bold simple graphic that will be easy to indentify and something that will look good on letterheads, signs and vehicles.
Even though the indian head logo is looking dated it has worked well over the years but it is time for something fresh, even if we just update it.

Left by peoriafan on October 9th, 2008

For those interested in learning a little more about the process that’s gone into the development of these logos, you’ll find a link on our homepage at http://www.conversemarketing.com.

Left by Jason Salyers on October 9th, 2008

Jason
Thanks for posting the site.
Including the falcon could work if combined with some other elements. (A bald eagle could work too.)
Outside of the ones including that image, there is a sameness to all of these - skyline, bridge, or combining neighborhood images with skyline. Others are a bit amateurish and should have been culled out by the agency. I do appreciate the wide variety of styles applied, but none of them really stand out. Nonetheless, the Indian head logo is dated and a caricature. It has to go.

Left by Tulip on October 10th, 2008

Sud O Nym…..the problem that most people have with this whole process is that the city isn’t in the financial shape to be paying 30 grand for a new city logo.

Wouldn’t it have been more cost-efficient and progressive to open the contest up to local art students and graphic design students?   That would have been out-of-the box thinking that most would have found refreshing.

Left by Mazr on October 10th, 2008

The Indian head logo is a fine logo for the city of Peoria.  It honors and recalls the Peoria tribes of the Wea, Piankesaw and Kaskaskia Indians who inhabited this area prior to the white mans ruinings.

Is the reason to replace this logo because it is the Indian head? Is it because it is not politically correct now like chief Illiniwek was no longer correct for U of I?  With this political correctness soon there well be only minor honors and recalls of Americas aboriginal inhabitants.

I want the logo to stay as is.

Left by fred on October 10th, 2008

Before the City Fathers decide on a logo, couldn’t they discuss whether we need one or not? What is it going to cost to implement this thing on city stationary, city autos, etc.; is it too late to stp this insane expenditure when we already have a great looking logo, or is the Indian outrage too great for us to back down now? Just wondering!

Left by wacko on October 10th, 2008

What? A local kid designing the city logo? Preposterous! What kind of message would that send to all those tourists and business we are trying to woo with our stunning new letterhead and advertisments?????

Perhaps they should have incorporated the new Museum block into the logo.

Left by kcdad on October 10th, 2008

Anyone notice how the swirl looks like the Converse Logo?

Left by kcdad on October 10th, 2008

Sud:  Mazr has it correct about the expenditure — really a want vs. a need. 

Really Sud — not sure which meaning of kumbaya you were referencing.  From Wikipedia … kumbaya, the song was originally associated with unity and closeness, but more recently is also alluded to sarcastically to connote a blandly pious and naively optimistic view of the world and human nature.

Hard to detect tone from blogs — I would say that you are being sarcastic. 

Kumbaya when associated with unity and closeness — that would be the ticket.  How is unity and closeness achieved?  Through the messy process of public input and inclusion which Peoria is want to do.  When it does occur and the outcome does not follow along what the powers at be want the outcome to be — it is disregarded.  It is now a sham or shell game as CJ wrote about in another post.

I cannot recall if you live in Peoria, if you are a native or your connection to Peoria.  I am not a native and for the past fifteen years have noticed that non-natives aka outsiders are hard pressed to have their ideas taken seriously unless politically, socially and/or economically ‘gifted’. 

kcdad is correct — horrors if a local student or even any local came up with the design — why do we always do the same old thing — oh I forgot, it’s a rhetorical question — insanity cycle again.

peoriafan is correct — what about 10, 20, 30 years down the road  — oops there we go again, back to my sonata about getting a vision from our community of where we want to go.

Left by Karrie E. Alms on October 10th, 2008

Karrie,

For the record, I am a transplant.  I’ve lived here for four years or so.  And I come here from much bigger cities. 

I was being sarcastic.  This was your comment:
“No vision for the city and so the logo reflects um — nothing.
Do you know where you’re going to?  Do you like the things life is showing you? ….. Where are we going Peoria?”
While I don’t disagree that Peoria lacks a vision, I don’t think it is required to have a logo.  I think y’all are over thinking the meaning of a logo.  It is something we put on letterhead, trucks, maybe a tee-shirt or two.  It is about getting this town a bit up to date and be able to do it bit better job of marketing to outsiders.  Is it a want or a need?  Probably depends on who you talk to.  Is marketing the city in general a want or a need?
Here is what I found ironic about your last comment.  You said this: “How is unity and closeness achieved?  Through the messy process of public input and inclusion which Peoria is want to do.  When it does occur and the outcome does not follow along what the powers at be want the outcome to be — it is disregarded.”  Did you go to the link the Converse guy provided above?  If you did and you read the steps they took, would you agree that they tried very hard to make this a public process?  The opposite of what you want, at least in this case, would have been to run a contest.  The “winner” would simply have been the ideas of one person, voted on by the rest of us.  But it wouldn’t have been any closer to the public embrace you desire.

Left by Sud O. Nym on October 11th, 2008

Sud O.Nym, 
Am I negative or just calling it like it is?  Maybe you could say I am trying to raise awareness so that change takes place.  How can you ever get people moving to fix a problem which in their mind does not exist?  
 
Companies could do much better if there was a change in currnet political thinking. The corporation we own will be losing three employees this fall. They love their jobs, but they do not like living in the Peoria area.  When you factor in the added loss of their working spouses- Peoria’s economy is losing much more than a half million dollars.  This figure represents just one company- this quarter- and it has nothing to do with the economy.  We need to replace them and it will be tough for the very reasons I have stated in previous posts. We find it very hard to recruit and keep good people.
 
Have I always been this hard on Peoria?  No!  Twenty years ago I was totally oblivious.  I was too distracted by work and by my young family.  Additionally, I spent an inordinate amount of time volunteering in the community.  
 
Unlike some, I am not infatuated with our current politicians.  I am equally unimpressed with a number of the Chamber of Commerce crowd.  As you get to know these people you realize far too many are there for resume building or for social climbing purposes.  Many are unwilling to learn enough about the issues to fully grasp what is at stake.  Some believe they know everything and so the status quo continues.
 
Would I prefer to live some place else?  You betcha (without a Palin accent)!  But, for me moving is out of the cards.  So, there you have it, we need to roll up our collective sleeves and get to work making this a better place.  If we continue with the status quo Peoria will continue to swirl down the drain.
 
I, like you, know Peoria has tons of untapped potential- we moved here by choice.  I will work on packaging my message with a little bit of honey, not to be confused with simply sugar coating.

Left by George(the original not Jacob) on October 11th, 2008

Sud:  Thanks for the dialogue.  Yes, the link Jason posted has the process going more along the lines that should be employed in our community.  Nevertheless, the output of the eight logos does not merit a change from the Indian head IMO.  Has it occurred to someone at the top of the foodchain that the  logo voting should include other choices in addition to the eight:?

* none of the above
* retain the Indian Head logo
* The word Peoria and off the ‘i’ go down vertically with the word insane (end sarcasm)
* have another round of submissions from Converse
* have an open contest of submissions from all Peorians (not just art students graphic astists —perhaps there is a person who is not in one of those categories who has the talent/logo idea ….

Only one vote per person is counted for the new logos — that’s it — so, perhaps some people, including myself will not vote, because I would rather keep the current logo.  

In business, sometimes you have to go back to the drawing board more than once and I think we need to do that.  And sometimes you have to admit that the new direction is the wrong direction. 

Think messy to get to unity.  Think charettes and public buy-in about New Urbanism, changes to the code and then no backbone to enforce and stay the course from the naysayers.  

Long before you came, in 1997 — there was an open forum held at the Civic Center — Dave Koehler helped to facilitate it — it was awesome from what I have heard.  More than 300 people attended and generated a lot of ideas and more fallow ground.  This just keeps happening over and over and burnout it what occurs.  The little boy crying wolf syndrome and so nothing changes and we swirl lower as George commented above. 

Being from a larger city — do you think Peoria is on a transformational course to deal with the challenges before us?

George — which district do you live in?  You can still draw a city council position and run for office. 

Left by Karrie E. Alms on October 11th, 2008

Sud- Karrie is so correct in her assessment.
Karrie, Thanks for the suggestion and please forgive me if repeating this phase sounds arrogant, but  how can you sore like an eagle when you would be flying with turkeys?
 

Left by George(the original not Jacob) on October 11th, 2008

George:  You have a nest of eagles who soar together.  How?  You find four other eagles.   Then the voters elect an eagles’ nest at the next election cycle in Districts 1 though 5.  Still time for you to be the eagle from your district! 

Left by Karrie E. Alms on October 11th, 2008