The Mind Behind the VC Bird Logo

Details

Design

Saturday, 26 September 2009 05:55

By D Francis

The designer of the winning logo for the centenary celebration of the late Father of the Nation speaks of her project with pride.

Based on the criteria laid out by the committee, the logo's design must feature the number 100, a picture of VC Bird, the years 1909-2009, and the national flag or coat of arms. It must also have a national feel.  

According to Faye Edwards, “I thought about it for two weeks before applying my thoughts in the graphic. I thought of VC Bird as a young man, a middle aged man and as the elderly gentleman who left us. Three phases of life to coincide with the three digits of the century (100)."

According to Edwards “The flag was chosen as it represents all that is Antigua, in design and colour. The photos were embedded into the century (100) with the younger VC heading the line up. The sun was extracted from the flag and raised behind the younger VC as a symbol of the Father of the Nation and son of the soil, of whom saw the birth of this nation in 1981.  

“The century (100) was graphically enhanced to signify the strength and timeless nature of the celebration of 100 years and this was made the central piece to the logo.”  

She said layout options were also handed over to the committee, to facilitate a creative departure depending on the use, yet maintaining the integrity of the logo.

As for how long she took to do the piece, she said, “I thought about it first, piecing together the work in my mind's eye. Then it took just about three hours to put together, then two days to fine-tune the art and compose deviations to the established design. Since I am a landscape artist, using paint and brush to canvas, the discipline is there. Create in your mind first, if the piece is an original concept, or look at what you want to portray with a photographic eye. Establish first your approach to the creation, then just do it. I paint now only on commission. I hope to return to painting just for the joy of doing it."  

Edwards has been involved in art ever since she can remember. As a graduate from the ASC, she was among the first batch of students to pass art in 1989. The course instructor was Lyndel Benjamin.

She shared words of advice for aspiring artists: “Always create something. Do not wait for a competition to be creative. Never do it for the prize, for the winning sake, but always to express a talent you think or know that you have. Do not be discouraged if you are not adjudged the best on this day, but improve your craft always to be at your best.

Take advice sparingly. Critics are everywhere and not necessarily having the best advice. Be humble in your work so as to better be able to absorb new ideas and aid in your development. Leave pride outside of your personal database. Be gracious with the talent God has given you; be generous and kind. Share it always with love and caring and the rewards will be greater than any prize that can be won. Your work will always live on when your time on earth is done. Live, learn, love and leave a legacy is my motto to enduring."

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Edwards admits she didn't know how to use a computer until she was asked to be the PRO for JCI Antigua (Jaycees) in 1997.

" I found the challenge to be overwhelming but I learned to use the computer because at that time I saw the potential to extend my creativity in art on a digital plane," she said. " I taught myself the programmes, and later taught myself the graphic programmes. Today my body of work extends in all types of publications and has graduated to billboards, banners and web design."

 

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