Leave graphic design to the experts

I was disappointed to see what has been selected as Virginia's new highway welcoming signs.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, we stopped at a Virginia welcome center where we had the chance to vote for a new welcome sign. Try as I might, I couldn't find the box for "none of the above" or "submit your ideas."

In all, 56,400 people voted, according to the VDOT website. Out of six designs, 31.5% chose the above sign, which is a clip art special, arguably worse than the existing signs.

Graphically speaking, I think any of the other choices were stronger, although I was disappointed that most of them struggled to represent the entire state. My vote was for the ship sign, to go along with the giant Jamestown 2007 anniversary celebration.

I guess it's too late now, but this is the reason why it doesn't hurt to pay a professional to design your products. One thing's for sure, it's is a reminder of the danger of high-powered graphic design software in the hands of the unskilled.

Posted by JRC at December 18, 2005 08:29 PM | TrackBack