Finally, I got the urge to write today. It seems to me that before starting an entry, I have to determine my source of intent. Most often it is to share something new I have learned or to celebrate an inspirational topic.
This topic is one that I have been waiting to share for a long time. When I first moved into the area this architectural detail caught my attention for some reason. Even though most people might encounter it everyday, how often do you stop and wonder- what is the reason this is here?
From a graphic design standpoint, I thought this mark held a charming aesthetic. It is found etched into the bases of many street lampposts aligning the streets of downtown Seattle. Eventually I went to the library to do some research. It turns out this seal; comprised of two entwined fish tails, has a long history to tell.
The artist/ sculptor behind the mark is James A. Wehn. It is the first example of a city seal used in public works. The fish are supposed to be twin dolphins, regarded by Greek mythology as symbolic of seaports. The year of 1969 is when the city was incorporated. It is while creating this emblem, that Wehn conceived of the design that would eventually become adopted as the official city seal. A more recognized seal, with a profile of Chief Seattle in the center.
Wehn, was a model of inspiration for he understood the power of visual communication to relate a unified identity. He fought and believed in his work, not for the sake of self glorification but because of what the work symbolized in meaning. He felt strongly that an image of Chief Seattle be used because he was the founder of the city. In the official seal, he added a circular border which contains twin dolphins separated by a pine cone. It was created in 1928, the year the lampposts were designed for Seattle City Light. It was not until 1937 however, that it became formerly accepted by the city. In that year, a copy of the seal was cast in aluminum and installed at the Seattle Art Museum in Volunteer Park.
So whether you have a design project that is a new logo or identity mark for a client. It may seem tedious at times, with the multiple revisions and difference of opinions. Just think of James A. Wehn, he had the confidence to stand by his work for almost ten years until it became known as the cities official seal.