Update 6/13/09: Please read all the way through for the update at the bottom of this post.
As we approach the four-month anniversary of the founding of Social Media University, Global, your Chancellor is still looking for a creative logo to replace this wordmark:
I’m thinking something that resembles a coat of arms or a crest, like all of those “real” universities…such as:
Harvard
Yale
Or maybe something round, like these:
Stanford
Carleton College
Or some blending of the two, like this one from the University of St. Thomas:
Given that many college seals are in a circular shape, and that part of our school’s name is “Global” it would seem to make sense to have a representation of the Earth as part of the SMUG seal’s framework.
If you wanted to include Latin in your design, maybe you could use fragments of the “Lorem ipsum” text traditionally used for placeholders in mock-ups. Or if anyone can translate our University motto — It’s Not That Hard — into Latin, that would be even better. The year of our founding, 2008, should be included in the seal, too.
My artistic skills are limited to drawing word pictures, so I would appreciate it if students who are more graphically talented would contribute their artistry to good ol’ SMUG U. Please let me know if you’re interested in working on this.
Speaking of word pictures, one project I will be working on myself is a school song. It’ll be coming soon. But to do a really cool recruitment music video, we need a better logo.
Whoever submits the best logo will of course be compensated in links and salutations, and will earn tenured professorship in the SMUG Department of Fine Art.
Update 6/13/09: I’m working on a project for which it would be really great to have a new SMUG seal. And an official seal would be a nice addition to my presentations. As you can see from the banner at the top of this page (and the comments below) we’ve got our school motto translated as Suus Non Ut Difficile, which ideally would be incorporated into the seal design. If you’re up for the challenge (or know someone who might be able to help) please get in touch with me by email (see the contact form) or by Twitter @LeeAase. I’m open to providing financial remuneration if necessary in addition to the fame and glory referenced above.
Lee,
I’m working on my own design but I wanted to share the best Latin translation I could come up with for “It’s Not That Hard”.
Suus Non Ut Ferreus
My Latin days were forever ago but I think that’s pretty accurate.
Toby Palmer
http://www.tobiascommunications.com
tobypalmer@gmail.com
I think ferreus translates into “iron”
Perhaps:
Suus Non Ut Difficile
Thanks to both of you for the Latin renditions…I’ll run these by a friend I’m seeing tonight who had some Latin training…will see what he says. And if anyone else has opinions, please weigh in.
Jason is more accurate. My ‘hard’ translation was idiomatic. It was fun to try though.
Another attempt:
non est difficilius = it’s not too hard
Let me see what I can do to get some SMUG emblem ideas to you, Lee! Give me a few days (my graphic designer is amazing)
Paula…that would be sweet! And if you can incorporate the Latin, that would be even better. The power of community!
Hey Lee,
I’ve been in graphic designing for a bit.Check out my twitter BG and my Deviantart page (listed on twitter bg). If that’s the kind of work that you’re looking for, feel free to hit me up on Facebook (/TajdarOC) or through Twitter (@TajdarOC). I’m sure we can work out something 🙂
Cheers.
Tajdar
http://www.twitter.com/TajdarOC
http://www.facebook.com/TajdarOC
Hi Lee- I’m a graphic designer and am definitely interested in your design challenge, will work up a logo for you this week – send you something by Wed (6/17) – where should i send the sketches?
Lee, You may want to check with Justin Moreland. He lives in Rochester. He’s a mac user, and a graphics designer, and his wife is an artist. They are a young couple with three kids, and have the sweetest way about them. I think you’d like them. They used to go to church with us, but moved to Roch, because of his job. He’s around 30. Smart, quiet, creative, thinks outside the box. Just a thought. His number is 507-282-2121 and his e-mail is jwmoreland@charter.net
Thanks Lee for all you do for everyone. I save every LINES FROM LEE!
Terri Zink
Hi Lee! Would love to touch base with you this week about the SMUG seal design. I sent you a DM via Twitter with my contact info!!
Sara Theisen