Brand Identity Showcase:
Recently, the New York Public Library has unveiled a new logo design, to freshen up their look and convey a more modern and digital-friendly image. The goal in designing the new logo was to emphasize today’s Library, grounded in tradition yet contemporary. The logo is based on two iconic statues outside the building known as “Fortitude” and “Patience”.
The process started more than a year ago with by the in-house art department minimizing the cost. Dozen of concepts were considered and hundreds of drawings were produced. Influences included woodcuts, stained-glass windows and Art Noveau. The main challange in designing a successful logo was to keep effective readability for any medium usage.
The new logo is clean, modern and progressive, but it lacks the sophistication that connotes “education, knowledge, and smart”. There's something awkward about the type treatment that feels unresolved - perhaps too trendy for such fine institution.
Old logo design.
Sketching process by New York Public Library staff members. Initial ideas - a literal approach.
Stained-glass and woodcut style of artwork.
Refinement process and final logo execution.