Channel Letters

Copyright 2022 College of the Mainland. Photo credit: Scott Turnbough.

Copyright 2022 College of the Mainland.

Copyright 2022 College of the Mainland.

NEED
College of the Mainland’s (COM) new Administration Building was in need of commemorative outdoor signage due to a very generous donation by the Doyle family. Going forward the building would be called the Doyle Family Administration Building.

APPROACH
The Administration Building was photographed and Photoshop work began visualizing a number of realistic signage approaches that aligned with building architecture. The proposed channel lettering was strategically designed to be legible from parking lots, but not so large that it would overpower the college name and logo from campus perimeter views. Lettering design concepts utilizing the brand font were shared with the president who selected the version to move forward into production. Specific building measurements were acquired and letter thickness tests helped determine the final scale and lettering placement. Careful typography adjustments were made to ensure production would result in a professional appearance representative of the institution’s pursuit of excellence.

In addition to the building’s channel lettering design, I also designed a recognition image, its matting and defined custom frame measurements for a commemorative piece presented to the Doyle’s at the building naming unveiling event.

RESULT
The Doyle Family Administration Building represents a new era at College of the Mainland as a generous donation from the Doyle family contributes to the major transformation and growth of the COM campus. Aside from many positive comments from executive leadership and college staff, the lettering identifies the building with integrity and provides initial clarity in wayfinding.

ROLE
Research and strategy, executive collaboration, conceptual illustrations, typography, branding and vendor production guidance and management