DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
CALL FOR ARTWORK
GRAPHIC DESIGN
The DVBIA believes it’s important that the people who work, live and play in downtown Vancouver have a say in how their downtown looks and feels. Therefore, the DVBIA is extending the opportunity to local artists and designers to be featured on the city streets through an open call for artwork.
My design was one of the five finalists, unfortunately the contest had to be posponed till further notice due to the COVID-19 emergency situation.
INSPIRATION
This design concept is inspired by Granville’s Theatre Row and its neon signs which in the 1950’s made Vancouver the world’s second neon sign capital.
CONCEPT
Each letter is based on recent and past neon signs of iconic establishments on Granville street. A subtle design abstraction based on the real neon signs is exercised on each letter of the layout, in order to convey a nice modern design and bring coherence to the composition. The bright neon colours express the vibrancy of the neon signs and the street’s liveliness.
THE POSSIBILITIES
A special layout can be made of each letter, showcasing a picture of the building where the neon sign is originally from, and adding some historic context. This can be printed in wide formats and placed either outside the pictured building, or in authorized spaces like abandoned buildings facades. This can add an attraction to the street for locals and visitors, allowing them to learn something exciting about the street.