OUR VIEW LOGO (NEW)

Anyone wanting these days to find a sign of positive things to come need look no further than Shady Cove.

More precisely, those good vibrations can be found in the process that produced a new city logo that will find its way onto city signs, as well as other branding opportunities — all thanks to the work of Julia Jackson, a Shady Cove resident studying graphic design at Southern Oregon University.

Jackson’s concept — focused around a river streaming through the woods — was chosen by City Council from among the 18 original submissions for the project, which was conducted in conjunction with SOU’s Emerging Media and Digital Arts program.

Jackson, who went through about 50 designs before settling on her approach, told the Rogue Valley Times that she was inspired by what drew her to Shady Cove in the first place 12 years ago, when she drove across country in a van to find a new home.

“I felt a need,” she said, “to do right by my community.”

That sense of community clearly returned the favor — which makes this about more than just a logo-design contest.

Kathy Nuckles, president of the city council, said that when the four finalists for the new logo were posted on the city’s Facebook page, it generated a renewed sense of community spirit as residents connected to the project.

“We were getting all sorts of ‘votes’ and very constructive criticism,” Nuckles said. “I haven’t felt this sense of community harmony in a very, very long time.”

Jackson’s logo might have a modern feel, but it evokes a laid-back atmosphere as well — with its soft curves and a color palette of teal blue, forest green and burnt orange.

Jackson’s presentation also included branding possibilities for everything from backpacks to open-toed sandals, as well as alternative versions that incorporated depictions of deer and fish, as well as Christmastime and camouflage coloring.

Residents responded positively, saying her logo was “absolutely perfect” and “really tells a story of place,” feedback that Jackson said made her feel as though “I really did a good job.”

Jackson will receive a scholarship from the city, which also will make a donation to SOU’s new scholarship fund for the Emerging Media and Digital Arts program.

The graphic artist and SOU will need a few more weeks to get the design in shape, including the creation of a “brand guidebook” that will help Shady Cove apply the various elements for multiple uses.

“Then,” Nuckles said, “we can start splashing it around town.”

City signs will be the first major application for the logo and will incorporate Shady Cove’s new slogan — “Small Town, Big Adventures” — as well.

A new look can feel like a breath of fresh air, especially when the outcome brings people together. On that score, the selection of Shady Cove’s new logo was a positive change indeed.