Plano Star-courier > News
Decades old Plano logo put on notice
Image courtesy of the city of Plano: The Plano City Council is considering changing the official city logo. The old logo is pictured on the left, while the proposed logo is pictured on the right.
By Bill Conrad, bconrad@starlocalnews.com, @Bill_PlanoStar on Twitter
What seemed like a simple discussion on the city of Plano's "P" logo turned into a lengthy City Council debate Wednesday night.
By the time the debate had concluded, the relative strength and friendliness of various colors and fonts had been discussed, but no decision was made as to the future of the iconic red-and-blue logo. The council was split on whether to change the logo or whether it was even something the council should be spending their time considering.
"I think of the 100 most important things I have to do in the next nine months as a council member, changing the logo is not on my radar," said Councilman Pat Gallagher. "... I like the old logo and have lived here 20-plus years and have liked it every day. I am going to rain on the parade a little bit; I know it is a fresher look, but it is not for me."
Councilwoman Lissa Smith disagreed, saying the boldness of the new logo and its vibrant new colors really stood out.
"I think it updates our current 'P,' which we all love and is hard to walk away from," she said. "I think it really carries us toward the future."
Mary Vail-Grube, Plano marketing and community engagement director, said her staff has been studying the logo for nearly a year. She said there was not support for doing away with the old logo altogether, so the decision was made to simply modify it by changing the shade of blue in the logo, and adding a few more graphic elements. The addition of a tagline -- "people connect here" -- was also added to the logo.
Graphic designer John Evans said he has thought about redesigning the logo for years and was happy to put his ideas down on paper. He said the current logo uses a dated font, and that the "P" is too unbalanced. He also said the colors should be richer and stronger, suggesting they be changed to resemble the colors of the U.S. and Texas flags.
"The new logo features a star in motion, reflecting Plano's dynamic community and quest for excellence," Evans said. "It is now better balanced with a stronger foundation ... the new colors are bolder and stronger. Even with these subtle changes, at first glances it still looks like the city of Plano logo we are all comfortable with."
Even with Evans, Vail-Grube and City Manager Bruce Glasscock attempting to sell the eight-member council on the need for the new logo and tagline to appropriately convey the city's message, the council failed to reach a consensus. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Ben Harris joked that the current logo is dated but would become retro and hip in a few more years, while Councilman Pat Miner said he has always been waiting for the current logo to tip over since it is unbalanced.
The issue will be brought back before the council at its March 25 meeting, at which time a vote may be held. If a new logo is approved, Glasscock said its implementation would be cost effective since it would be phased in over time as part of routine painting and maintenance.
By the time the debate had concluded, the relative strength and friendliness of various colors and fonts had been discussed, but no decision was made as to the future of the iconic red-and-blue logo. The council was split on whether to change the logo or whether it was even something the council should be spending their time considering.
"I think of the 100 most important things I have to do in the next nine months as a council member, changing the logo is not on my radar," said Councilman Pat Gallagher. "... I like the old logo and have lived here 20-plus years and have liked it every day. I am going to rain on the parade a little bit; I know it is a fresher look, but it is not for me."
Councilwoman Lissa Smith disagreed, saying the boldness of the new logo and its vibrant new colors really stood out.
"I think it updates our current 'P,' which we all love and is hard to walk away from," she said. "I think it really carries us toward the future."
Mary Vail-Grube, Plano marketing and community engagement director, said her staff has been studying the logo for nearly a year. She said there was not support for doing away with the old logo altogether, so the decision was made to simply modify it by changing the shade of blue in the logo, and adding a few more graphic elements. The addition of a tagline -- "people connect here" -- was also added to the logo.
Graphic designer John Evans said he has thought about redesigning the logo for years and was happy to put his ideas down on paper. He said the current logo uses a dated font, and that the "P" is too unbalanced. He also said the colors should be richer and stronger, suggesting they be changed to resemble the colors of the U.S. and Texas flags.
"The new logo features a star in motion, reflecting Plano's dynamic community and quest for excellence," Evans said. "It is now better balanced with a stronger foundation ... the new colors are bolder and stronger. Even with these subtle changes, at first glances it still looks like the city of Plano logo we are all comfortable with."
Even with Evans, Vail-Grube and City Manager Bruce Glasscock attempting to sell the eight-member council on the need for the new logo and tagline to appropriately convey the city's message, the council failed to reach a consensus. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Ben Harris joked that the current logo is dated but would become retro and hip in a few more years, while Councilman Pat Miner said he has always been waiting for the current logo to tip over since it is unbalanced.
The issue will be brought back before the council at its March 25 meeting, at which time a vote may be held. If a new logo is approved, Glasscock said its implementation would be cost effective since it would be phased in over time as part of routine painting and maintenance.
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