Beaconites Rusty Stahl and Sara B. From responded to their kids being inspired by the new Spirit of Beacon logo that originated in 2022 from designer Kim Dei Dolori with creative guidance with Katie James Inc. by letting their kids design Halloween Yard Art. Halloween is a big deal in Beacon, and this sign went over well with the trick-or-treaters.
Thanks Rusty and Sarah for sharing!
The Spirit of Beacon day has been in full swing for 45 years as a solution to bringing young Beaconites in to quell racial unrest that had bubbled over between the youth in Beacon High School and the community in the late winter/early spring of 1977 in Beacon. For its 45th year, we are creating a new logo in celebration!
In most of that time, there was no logo to brand the day. The focus was on everyone else’s logo to promote organizations and non-profits who provide services. When Gwenno James took over as the Chair of the Spirit of Beacon Day years ago, she recognized the need for a logo, and a volunteer and professional illustrator, Josh McKible, designed one.
This year, after Gwenno stepped down to accept new responsibilities at her job, the new Committee wanted a new direction for the logo. A logo design contest was launched, and the assignment given.
We are excited to announce that we have a winner!! Kim Dei Dolori.
Direction for how to design the logo was as follows:
Community: Reflect Beacon as a community.
Location: Reflect Beacon in its unique location between the mountain and the river, with buildings and houses in between. Consider using illustrations of a mountain, river, apartment building and house.
Colors: Colors can reflect the Beacon City School District colors, but do not have to. The color purple has been mentioned as a desired color, in addition to earthy colors like green, brown, red, and blue. No need to base your colors off of this website. These colors are temporary and will be changed once the logo is selected.
We wanted to show you everyone who entered, to help give them a lift in their promotion.
Kelsey R. Bradley
@kelseyrbradley
Tatyana Smith
@whatuplove
Terri Sileno
@terrisileno
Kim Dei Dolroi
www.brandnewdei.co
@brandnewdei.co
When Kim submitted, she right away explained that she did not include the word “Day” in the logo. “I figured, while we only have one official day to celebrate, the Spirit of Beacon lives on always and can be represented any day.” The Spirit of Beacon Committee agreed.
In terms of Kim’s inspiration: “I loved the direction and challenge of showing our town tucked between the mountains and the river and had so much fun coming up with this design. You’ll see nods to iconic Beacon landmarks and the playful, quirky font gives a warm feeling of nostalgia with a handmade quality. I hope you enjoy it!”
The Committee brought on another talented Beaconite designer, Allie Bopp, to aid in the voting process. Our Treasurer, Nickeya Allen, wondered about the brown sun, so as a group we asked Kim for a few variations. Meanwhile, we did some research on color theory, and discovered we very much liked the brown.
Said Nickeya from her research: “I read here that Brown creates a sense of stability and support, which aligns totally with the motto of Spirit of Beacon Day!” We asked Kim for a few variations, which she took graciously and quickly, but we ultimately came back to this original design.
Kim is a graphic designer and art director living in Beacon and wants to work with more local organizations and small businesses. She says: “I love meeting new people and creatively connecting with others.” Take a peek at more of her work at her website, and pass her and all of these designers on to your friends.
Shout-Out: The team at Katie James Inc. provided art direction on this design.
The Committee for the Spirit of Beacon Day is launching a Logo Design Contest for the redesign of the Spirit of Beacon Day, now celebrating its 45th year. The winning logo will be awarded $300, and will be used on all signage, website, social media, merchandise, etc. All entries will be published for viewing, so that everyone can see the range of ideas.
Design Direction:
Community: Reflect Beacon as a community.
Location: Reflect Beacon in its unique location between the mountain and the river, with buildings and houses in between. Consider using illustrations of a mountain, river, apartment building and house.
Colors: Colors can reflect the Beacon City School District colors, but do not have to. The color purple has been mentioned as a desired color, in addition to earthy colors like green, brown, red, and blue. No need to base your colors off of this website. These colors are temporary and will be changed once the logo is selected.
Qualifications: Designers must live in the Hudson Valley. Don’t be shy. Apply.
Deadline: Friday, August 12th, 2022. Winner will be announced Monday, August 15th.
Submit: Please submit a PDF of your logo to spiritofbeacon@gmail.com
History Tip: The original logo that was created using red, white and blue was designed by the illustrator Josh McKible under the helm of then Chairperson Gwenno James. Hats off to them for branding the day with a logo for the first time ever.