1. Kelsey family crest
This exercise was quite an interesting experience, as I have never really investigated my family name. To be honest I have never given the subject much thought. I discovered that ‘Kelsey’ is an English surname and originated from an Old English place name in Lincolnshire. The place name derived from words meaning “Ceol’s island”(don’t know what this means). I also found that Kelsey means ‘warrior’ and ‘brave’.
The imagery contained in the Kelsey family crest, like most others have experienced, does not really mean anything to me. However, when I first saw the imagery contained in the crest I felt a sense of power, strength and truth. This is mainly achieved with the bold and distinct colours of red, white and blue as well as the repeated cross imagery. For a moment I found the imagery to be somewhat boring compared to other crests containing strong and fierce characters like lions and bears. With a closer look at the images, I found the imagery simple in what it was yet complicated in its configuration. The colours combined with the multiple crosses and the helmet made me feel like it represented something greater than itself – like it fought for others, not for their own glory. This is exhibited by the cross being projected out in front of the helmet armour. I also felt a sense of achievement and consistency with the blue band placed diagonally on the crest with the repeated cross imagery like an award of bravery and consistent loyalty in battle.
Later on I found out that red stands for ‘warrior’ and ‘military strength’; blue represents ‘truth and loyalty’; the helmet represents ‘wisdom’, ‘security in defence’ and ‘strength’. What I found most confusing was the shape of the cross. I found out that this type of cross is called a ‘cross moline’, which means: the mutual converse of human society (said to represent a millstone).
2. Logos:
Wallpaper*
Wallpaper definitely makes it to the top ten of my favourite magazines. Aesthetically, the name achieves simple yet unique and distinctive qualities. The sans serif typeface creates a simple yet modern feel to the magazine, making the name easy to distinguish and read but also giving it an informal and friendly feel. The font is also somewhat classic, unlike some fad fonts, which are cool for a season but then die. The constant stroke thickness works well in big sizes (wallpaper) as well as the reverse with the smaller font continuing from the bottom of the ‘P’ (international design interiors fashion travel). The simplicity of font is continued with the logo. The asterix on the top right corner (sitting to the right of the ‘r’) accessible on every computer keyboard is the logo for the well-known magazine. As much as it is so simple, wherever I see this symbol by itself I immediately think of the magazine. Every issue there are slight differences in colours and size in order to coordinate themes and style but it always stays consistent.
My emotional attachment to the logo comes from my own tastes of simplicity, love for the content, layout and design of the magazine and a desire to one day produce or be apart of a magazine with such taste. Also, a couple of years ago my sister got a tattoo of the same asterix inspired from the magazine – so maybe it makes me think of her as well??? I am not sure how well I am able to separate emotion from the aesthetic. I think when you like something it is hard to look at the aesthetics objectively. I am a huge fan but also see that it is well established and well known in the design industry.
ETA Original barbecue sauce
My emotional attachment to Eta bbq sauce comes from the years of my childhood when my family spent ten years living in New York. Being in a family obsessed with barbecue sauce (in particular- this version of bbq sauce) I naturally became obsessed as well. However, being in a country devoid of many great things like tim tams and Cadbury chocolate we had to get the sauce shipped over to us! Once it was shipped over the battle began between us siblings as to fairly ration out even proportions…it was never fair. Being back in Sydney with plentiful supplies I am always reminded of New York memories whenever I see the brick red and mustard yellow bottle.
The aesthetics are not particularly amazing. The bubble script font has a retro feel, which I like. The colours are somewhat dull however they do well in representing a feeling of a sizzling barbecue on a hot summer’s day. The logo (ETA) in capitals is enclosed in a semi-circle. As much as it is simple, it is not very distinctive. The colours and font of “Original Barbecue sauce’ is what stands out at first glance. As a whole, the logo and name has a classic feel – like it has been around a while and isn’t going anywhere soon. I like that.
