CLIENT
A general trade publisher rooted in the rich literary tradition of the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 2001, Ooligan is a teaching press dedicated to the art and craft of publishing. Affiliated with Portland State University, the press is staffed by students pursuing master’s degrees in an apprenticeship program under the guidance of a core faculty of publishing professionals.
BRIEF
After surveying the students in the program regarding our branding, design submissions were called for. Logos were selected through a democratic process within Ooligan’s Design workgroup, with the top three being presented to a press-wide meeting where the final votes were given and tallied. The greatest challenge is pleasing every individual in such a large group. Luckily, only a majority approval was necessary.
APPROACH
The previous logo was an illustration of a fish; “ooligan” is a native term for what is also called a candlefish. Overwhelming opinion in our student survey made it clear that any variation on a fish would not be welcomed; everyone was pretty over it. The hook represents Ooligan’s confidence in the works we produce. I needed to consider the logo’s many uses and wanted something that would be easily recognizable with and without the press’ name attached and that would work especially well on a book spine, as spine out is typically how the majority of books are displayed. The hook fit this criteria well. My fellow (h)Ooligans are quite stoked, and I’m glad to have had this opportunity.
