I was recently inspired by Aaron Draplin to create a poster of logos, places, and names from my native state of Colorado. Aaron has done this for a variety of states that have resulted in some really cool posters.
While I could could just copy what he’s done I wanted it to mean more.
So many places, and names have memories etched into my brain and evoke a strong feeling of nostalgia and longing. For example, at the Westminster Mall there were these large balloons in the middle of a water feature that would go up and down almost magically. I remember sitting or laying on the carpeted steps in front of them and being transfixed as they would float up by some unseen force and then squish back down again. I must not have been the only one because there is a nine minute video on YouTube of just these balloons…
So every logo, place, and name I’m working on has a special place in my memory growing up. I plan on sharing all of these as I work my way through this project.
And its not just about nostalgia, I want to hone my illustrative skills, and also bring back or create new logos that have been long forgotten.
Right now my goal is post at least one logo a day. I’ve compiled a list of nearly 100 different things and I may add to it so I’ve obviously got my work cut out for me.
I anticipate this being a really fun journey to look back on the things that made my childhood special in Colorado. I invite any of you to post your memories as well.
See and follow the project in progress.
The List:
- Putt-Putt
- IMAX
- DIA
- Santa’s Workshop
- Westminster Mall (the balloons!)
- Grand Lake
- 9News
- Biggs
- Time Out on the Court
- McNichols Arena
- Denver Gold
- Denver Dynamite
- Denver Zephyrs
- Stella’s Coffee Shop
- Chautauqua Park in Boulder
- The Flatirons
- Roller City
- Skate City
- Cinderella City
- Cinder Alley
- Graystone Castle
- North Star Drive Ins
- American Furniture Warehouse (Jake Jabbs!)
- Elitch Gardens
- Lakeside Amusement Park (The Fun House!)
- Celebrity Sports Center
- Northglenn Mall
- Larimar Square
- Lo-Do
- Heritage Square
- Cave of the Winds
- Glenwood Springs
- Hanging Lake
- Mile High Stadium
- Coors Field
- Webster Lake
- Winter Park
- Cooper’s Square
- Beau Joes Pizza
- Copper Mountain
- Loveland Ski Area
- Berthod Pass
- Eisenhower Tunnel
- Boulder Falls
- Karls Dairy
- Northglenn High School
- Huron Middle School
- Casa Bonita
- Denver Zoo
- Stock Show and Rodeo
- Georgetown
- Broadmoor Hotel
- Camping
- Blinky the Clown
- Channel 2
- Show Biz Pizza
- Nathan’s Funtastic
- King Soopers
- The Ranch
- Parade of Lights
- 16th St Mall
- RTD
- Broncos
- Rockies
- Nuggets
- Avalanche
- Water World
- Pikes Peak
- Stapleton International Airport
- Jim’s Burger Haven
- Troccodaro
- Denver Post
- Rocky Mountain News
- Union Station