Na Píobairí Uilleann

Chairman, NPU

An Píobaire

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NEW GRAPHICAL IDENTITy FOR NPU SINCE THE LATE 1970s, Na Píobairí Uilleann has been using a logo based on an image of John Cash, with our name in a ‘Gaelic’ typeface. The artist Willie Matthews provided the design, which was intended simply for our stationery (at the time the idea of a ‘logo’ was in its infancy). There wasn’t any discussion of alternatives or other options. Over the years, we have encountered technical problems when using the ‘Cash’ design as a logo. It was provided simply as a piece of paper-based artwork, and intended for use solely on stationery, so there were no digitally-originated files, optimised for online use, or for a variety of print contexts. Whenever the ‘Cash’ design is used internally there are always graphical tweaks required, and when used externally it is frequently misused, for instance by being converted to a negative image for use on dark backgrounds. The rectangular shape and asymmetric layout of the design have also been found inconvenient in the preparation of publication layouts. There are other aspects of the current design that make implicit statements that NPU have not consciously chosen to make. The first of these is the figure of John Cash as the central element of the logo. The use of a picture of an elderly male musician anchors our image solely to a (male) heritage-based outlook. The second aspect is the use of a Gaelic typeface. This immediately identifies us as Irish, but also as slanted towards the past. Given our current broad demographic, these messages perhaps convey an unbalanced impression of our current Membership and activities. Also, in the absence of a clear style guide we have tended to create a new look and feel for each publication, poster, brochure etc. The imminent launch of a new web site, strategy and capital campaign presented a timely opportunity to reflect the current status of Na Píobairí Uilleann as a modern, global institution, rooted in the vision of the founders, but attuned to modern conventions. The exercise allowed us to deal with both the technical and perceptual issues outlined above. Terry Moylan, Gerry Lyons and Emmett Gill worked closely with ORIGIN DESIGN, to develop different options. The design company has delivered both a new logo and also a style and colour palette guide and toolset which can be used as the basis for how NPU is presented on everything from letterhead to CD and poster designs. The design that was finally chosen was felt to offer several advantages. Most obviously, as it was created in a digital context, and in different shape formats, it is free of the technical limitations outlined above. The decision to opt for a treatment of the initials

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[Periodical]

2014-02-14T00:00:00

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