Celebrating Heritage: The Journey to Winning Discover Long Island’s 250th Anniversary Logo Contest

Participating in Discover Long Island’s 250^th Anniversary logo contest has been a rewarding experience. This contest was more than just a design challenge; it was an opportunity to connect with the roots of our island and celebrate its significant role in America's journey to independence.

The contest called upon creatives and historians alike to design a logo commemorating 250 years since the American Revolution and its significance to Long Island. As a lifelong resident and a professional designer, I felt a profound connection to this project. It was a chance to blend my personal history with my professional expertise, creating something truly meaningful.

The Thought Process Behind the Final Logo

When I started brainstorming ideas for the logo, I wanted to ensure it captured the essence of Long Island's heritage. The initial concept began with the iconic silhouette of Long Island. This shape is instantly recognizable and serves as a powerful symbol of our local identity.

To integrate our national history, I decided to integrate an abstract American flag defining the contours of the Long Island map. The design was anchored by the bold inscription 'LI250'. The '0' in '250' was transformed to feature the original 13 stars, representing the founding colonies of our great nation. This element ties Long Island's pivotal role in the Revolution with its ongoing journey.

Iterating Towards the Final Design

The journey to the final logo involved several iterations including typography and representation of the Long Island Silhouette, stars and stripes. The 'LI250' typography went through various styles before settling on a bold, timeless font that would be easily recognizable and impactful.

In each iteration, I aimed to refine the balance between the elements, ensuring the logo was visually appealing and symbolically rich and be reproduced across various platforms both small and large.

Below, I share some of the iterations that led to the final design:

The Final Design: A Tribute to Resilience and Unity

The final logo, crafted with the skills honed through my tenure as the owner of CS Designworks, represents more than a visual symbol. It's a narrative that intertwines Long Island's pivotal role in the American Revolution with its ongoing journey. It's a reminder of where we come from and what we stand for.

Receiving the announcement from Discover Long Island that my logo was selected as a finalist was a moment of immense pride. Here's an excerpt from the letter I received:

This recognition underscores the significance of the logo and its role in celebrating our island's rich heritage. As we await the final results, I am filled with pride and excitement, knowing that my design has resonated with others and has the potential to represent Long Island in this historic milestone.

Winning the Contest

Upon learning that we won the contest, I was filled with pride and excitement, knowing that my design has resonated with others and will represent Long Island in this historic milestone.

LI250 is a symbol of pride, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the enduring legacy of Long Island in the American narrative. I am honored to have been a part of this journey and look forward to seeing how my design will continue to celebrate our past and inspire our future.