The time had come to design an official logo for the Atlanta International Soccer Fest (AISF) 2010. We’re committed to this event and to the children it will help through the SOS Children’s Villages charity. Everything is moving at warp speed and designing this new logo is no exception. Doing pro-bono work is always an adventure in time management as you must meet the needs and expectations of paying clients while squeezing in your brilliant “free” design during a snack of peanut M&Ms (or, in Carmen’s case, peanut butter and yogurt…but that’s another story). And don’t be fooled: the expectations are just as high but the pressure to perform ups the ante as you only have so much time allotted to mix, bake and serve your ideas. Let’s take a look at this process, the logos that were submitted for consideration and the eventual winner.

Day 1: Meetings, discussion, sketches, more discussion, research.

Day 2: Need some inspiration? How about this?

Michelle, Carmen, Winnie

Day 3: Creatives ponder the meaning of soccer balls in life. (“Which came first – the soccer ball or the egg?”) Ideas begin to take digital form.

Day 4: Creatives trust no one, jealously guarding their desks and shielding all but the most crafty from sneaking a peek. (“Can I see?” “No.” “How about a little peek?” “No.” “Can you just tell me the colors you are using?” “Black and blue, which is what you’re gonna be if you don’t go away.”)

Day 5: Only the Creative Director is allowed into the inner sanctum, offering advice and sympathy where needed. Finally, the first round of designs are ready for viewing. Oohs and aahhs commence. Designs are mounted on black foam core, ready for their official presentation.

And here we have our contenders:

Option 1


Option 2


Option 3


Option 4

Did you pick a favorite? If you’re like me, you had a hard time choosing one because they all have a great presence. But only one can be crowned the official logo for the Atlanta International Soccer Fest 2010, and so much discussion ensues. What will appeal to the broadest audience? What has lasting power for the next four years (which is what we are anticipating)? What will reproduce the best? What conveys the purpose of this event? What about color choices? And we need to focus on the SOS charity aspect as well as the event itself.
 

After a few days, more discussion and pondering, we have a winner. And to ensure SOS receives equal billing, it’s decided that the SOS logo will always appear with the winning AISF 2010 logo. Congratulations to Realm designer Winnie Widastra on having her logo selected!

Why is this logo so important? Because the Atlanta International Soccer Fest 2010 is THE soccer event of the summer. The South African-American Chamber of Commerce and the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southeastern U.S. are leading this initiative in honor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South AfricaTM. The AISF 2010 is a combination of two events. First, coinciding on June 11 with the beginning of the FIFA World Cup South AfricaTM, there will be viewing parties at restaurants and pubs around the metro Atlanta area. Second, a soccer tournament will be held June 12 at the Atlanta Silverbacks Park between bi-national chambers of commerce, consulates, the World Trade Center Atlanta and community organizations.

Proceeds from AISF 2010 will benefit SOS Children’s Villages, an independent, non-governmental social development organization. Since 1949, SOS Children’s Villages has been working to meet the needs, and protect the interests and rights of children. Operating in 132 countries, SOS Children’s Villages provides long-term family-based care for children who have been orphaned, abandoned or whose families are unable to care for them.
SOS Children’s Villages has three locations in the U.S.: two in Chicago, IL and one in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. A third location is being built in Chicago.

I hope to see you at the June 12 tournament, and around town at some of the viewing parties. I can guarantee you there are some soccer-crazed fans here in the city and a good time will be had by all. For more information about these events, please visit www.atlsoccerfest.com or visit the Facebook page for Atlanta International Soccer Fest 2010.