UC Blue Ash students create new look for City of Springdale
The new logo designed by UC Blue Ash students is being implemented across the City of Springdale, including its city vehicles. Photo/provided.
Students from the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College can see their homework displayed all over the City of Springdale.
Lisa Timman, professor of communication design, and Stefanie Pettys, professor of communication design and chair of the Art & Visual Communication Department at UC Blue Ash, worked with their students to develop a new brand identity for the City of Springdale. The results of that collaboration are currently being implemented on official city signage, vehicles, uniforms, apparel, letterhead, business cards and other materials.
A total of 19 students were involved in the project which started during the 2022-23 academic year. They met with Springdale’s City Administrator Brian Uhl and Economic Development Director Andy Kuchta as part of their design research course in the fall, then worked on developing the new brand identity in the service-learning course in the spring.
“They did a fantastic job. The feedback on the new logo has been overwhelmingly positive, and everyone has appreciated the collaboration,” Uhl said of the work by the students. “We were excited to provide the opportunity for the students to actively engage in this real-world learning experience.”
Developing a new brand identity is a very involved process. It begins with learning about the history, background and future goals of the client. The class did this by interviewing City of Springdale leaders, visiting the city and studying its past.
Next steps are identifying the goals and objectives for the new identity, developing the scope of the project and establishing the tone for the new design. In this case, the city wanted to communicate a welcoming, inspiring and approachable identity that celebrates diversity and inclusivity and has a simple, clean and modern look. It also needed to celebrate the city’s rich history with an emphasis on looking forward.
Springdale City Administrator Brian Uhl met with UC Blue Ash students to share background on the city and its goals for its new brand identity.
The result is a comprehensive approach that strategically communicates a unified and clean look for the city’s new brand. It includes bright colors and a logo that shows a community that is thriving.
“It never ceases to amaze me how our second-year students rise to level of producing professional quality design work,” said Timman. “They had to design with real constraints and a real audience in mind so that ultimately the work was authentic and would serve the people who live, work, and visit the City of Springdale. It is so rewarding to see them implementing this work.”
Uhl introduced the new brand identity to Springdale City Council in September and it has been well-received as the city has followed the process of changing out the new look and logo across all official city platforms and collateral. The project includes a brand book that outlines the elements of the new identity, as well as the correct ways to use the logo, colors, font and other aspects of the brand identity.
As for the students, they are grateful for the opportunity to gain this type of real-world experience while helping the city accomplish its goals. They realize how much it will help them as they continue to develop their skills and begin their careers as designers.
“I enjoyed the whole process,” said Megan Hathaway, a UC Blue Ash alumna who helped lead the design project as a student. “I learned that I enjoy doing brand design and creating visual identities. I learned about the research process and how it translates into effective design, ensuring that the final products align with the clients' needs.”
As the project comes to fruition, the students also realize that the work they created not only has a very visible impact today, it will continue to live on for years to come.
“I feel very connected to the work I created for this project and I can’t wait to visit Springdale to see the new brand identity in the city. I also feel a sense of fulfillment knowing that my design has made a lasting impact,” added Rebecca Kohrman, another UC Blue Ash graduate and former student who had a lead role in the design process for the new brand identity.
Featured photo: The new logo designed by UC Blue Ash students is featured on all official City of Springdale apparel, uniforms and promotional products. Photo/provided.
About UC Blue Ash College
UC Blue Ash College is a regional college within the University of Cincinnati. It offers one of the best values in higher education with access to a nationally recognized UC education in more than 50 degree and certificate programs, as well as tuition that is about half of most colleges and universities. The college is located on a scenic 135-acre wooded campus in the heart of Blue Ash, Ohio. To learn more, call 513-558-9495, visit us online, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
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