For those unfamiliar, Centennial Park is an area in Wildwood Crest where different events are held like outdoor concerts and festivals. When there’s nothing going on, it’s nice to go sit under the canopy and enjoy the sights.
Iconically, though not as iconic as the beach balls at the Wildwoods sign, Centennial Park has large letters around the back end of the canopy that spell out C R E S T, in case you forgot which part of the five-mile long island you’re on. I wanted to capture this in the logo, but without “Crest” actually being in the name, I had some brainstorming to do.
Ironically, I was recently commissioned to design a logo for a startup barbecue business for a couple of friends. Unfortunately, due to my diet, I couldn’t accept payment in the form of delicious smoked ribs and had to settle on regular Benjamins. (Feelings are hurt, tbh.)
I graduated from the University of the Arts on May 19, 2011 with my BFA in Graphic Design. Interestingly, it was the same day my mom graduated from Camden County College with her associates in Accounting, only ten years later. During the ceremony, I looked around and noticed a lot of my peers had decorated their caps. I did not. I felt kind of odd possibly “ruining” a piece of my wardrobe I will 100% never wear again. So at home, in a Ziplock, I have my plain black cap and tassel, just existing and taking up space. My mom also did not decorate her cap for her ceremony, nor was it something she kept, so it’s not like I was urged to do such a thing, nor did I have direct inspiration. In fact, I don’t remember anyone in my family having their caps decorated for their ceremonies.
There was this dark spot on her face that bled up from her neck that for some reason I didn’t try to diffuse with my water brush. She also has a very uneven tan. The thin lines in her tail didn’t come out so thin as the embossing powder spread as it melted under the air of the heat gun, and as goofy as the whole thing looked, this card would soon mean a lot more than just fulfilling an errand of sending a message of best wishes and fun to the little girl on the eve of her actual birthday.