This book has been created to give Civic Choices' staff a guide to the multimedia campaign suggestions I have designed and designated. I've based all my design solutions on the idea of democracy; a government that requires openness and accessibilty for every citizen. The design solutions promote action, energy, confidence and encouragment. The values and feel of the organization should reflect simplicity because government is something most citizens have little knowledge and little direct interaction with. Civic Choices should be about educating citizens but it should focus on supporting the idea that every person is vital to the success of government and that they are the key factor in bring about change.
The logo mark of Civic Choices is a combination of two different sketches resulting from feedback through surveying friends, classmates, and family (all of whom would fit into the designated target market). The red color is to promote the idea of activism, of people being involved. The arrows are representative of the flow of information to and from people and their government. The curved shape of the arrows is design the alleviate any intimidation people might feel when thinking about being directly involved in government or civic activities. The negative space create a sense of tension represented hope for change.
Sally Strong was created as a means to enlighten citizens that they can be a part and that they can make a difference. Sally's story is one any parent can relate to, protecting children. Any parent could be Sally and any parent could be a great example of leadership and activism, not only for her own children but for the community at large. It also illustrates that civics is not just about voting. You don't have to run for office to make a difference in your community. Being civically engaged can be as big or as small as the person desires.
The logo mark and the logotype together make a badge of sorts. The blue text is designed to relate directly to government but also to relay a message of confidence and honesty. The font style is an open curvilinear style to give the impression of openness and accessibilty. Civic Choices is for everybody is the underlying message. The red and blu situated on a plain white background relays a message of pride and patriotism. The logo in it's entirety alludes to the stars and strips and red, white and blue imagery associated with American Pride and patriotism but it is distinctly different from the other civics education organization in existence. Most of these rely heavily of flag imagery. Civic Choices' logo will stand out and therefore will attract attention due to its simplicity.
