Channel Lettering (Donor Naming)

Copyright 2023 College of the Mainland. Photo credit: Scott Turnbough.

Copyright 2023 College of the Mainland. Photo: Carl Owens

Copyright 2023 College of the Mainland. Photo: Carl Owens

THE NEED
College of the Mainland’s (COM) new Administration Building was in need of channel lettering due to a very generous donation by the Doyle family. In addition, a custom-framed donor recognition image needed to be created that would be presented to the donor at an unveiling event and a digital event flyer.

MY APPROACH
The Administration Building was photographed and Photoshop work began visualizing a number of realistic signage approaches that aligned with building architecture. The proposed channel lettering was strategically designed to be legible from parking lots, but not so large that it would overpower the college name and logo from campus perimeter views. Lettering design concepts utilizing the brand font were shared with the president who selected the version to move forward into production. Specific building measurements were acquired and letter thickness tests helped determine the final scale and lettering placement. Careful typography adjustments were made to ensure production would result in a professional appearance representative of the institution’s pursuit of excellence.

THE RESULT
The Doyle Family Administration Building represents a new era at College of the Mainland as a generous donation from the Doyle family contributes to the major transformation and growth of the COM campus. Aside from many positive comments from executive leadership and college staff, the building channel lettering identifies the building with integrity and provides timeless clarity in wayfinding.

MY ROLE
Research, design strategy, brand strategy, wayfinding strategy, executive collaboration, conceptual illustrations, typography, project management, vendor management