The City Tech Library has a New Logo!


During the Fall 2016 semester, City Tech Librarians worked with Prof. Fikaris’ Design Studio students to develop a new logo and tagline for the library. We are very pleased to introduce our new logo (pictured right), which will be paired with the tagline “Bridge to Knowledge.”
The new logo was designed by Julia Karovina, who recently graduated from City Tech with a Communications Design degree. Her logo was selected out of more 50 designs.

Behind the Design

Julia Karovina

This summer we sat down with Julia to talk about her design process and influences. Here are highlights from that conversation.
What are some of the ideas behind the new logo you created for the City Tech Library? What did you hope your logo would represent?
My intention was to create a simple, modern and recognizable logo that would represent CityTech library the best. The library is located right next to one of the iconic structures in New York City and I felt that the simplified shape of the Brooklyn Bridge could be a good component of the visual solution for the logo. Additionally, the bridge is a symbol representing the library as a bridge to knowledge and CUNY as a bridge to professional life. Another important element is uncomplicated shapes of books which are a good representation of a library. I think combining the Brooklyn Bridge and books silhouettes looks very eye-catching and at the same time, it represents the CityTech Library in a simple and modern manner.
What is your design process like? What was it like working with the library as a design client?
During my education, I have had a chance to work with some clients as a freelance graphic designer and I can tell you that this project was one of the easy-going ones. The library staff members had a strong vision about the logo and it always easy to work with clients who know what they want. All feedback was very helpful and during the process, we simplified the logo from the first draft while keeping the original idea.
How did you become interested in Communications Design and what do you hope to do with your degree?
I got my first degree in art teaching and computer graphic in Belarus, my native country, and I could never think of doing anything else. I chose the major Communication Design and Advertising in CUNY college and just went for it. After four years of studying, I can say the CityTech is a great place to learn and acquire a degree. It is a place with nice environment and very knowledgeable professors. I also would like to say personal thank you to ‎Vice President of Enrollment and Student Affairs Marcela Armoza, Chair of the Advertising Design & Graphic Arts Department  Mary Ann Biehl, and Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Design Maria Giuliani who helped me a lot during my path to graduation.
Right now I am looking for a job in design and advertising areas and I am very excited about it! In a few years, I see myself as a Senior Art Director and at the sunset of my career, I would like to become an illustrator for children’s books. As you can see I’ve planned everything…let’s see where life takes me.
What are some of the favorite projects you’ve worked on?
For me, every school project was enjoyable. I absolutely liked Advanced Photo Studio class with Professor Robin Michals where I learned to create visual solutions based on my own photography, exceptional photo technics, and settings. I enjoyed projects from the Broadcast Design class with Professor George R. Larkins where I discovered passion in myself for video making including creating a concept, shooting, and editing. In Campaign Development class with David Prusko, I got valuable experience of thinking creatively and not to be afraid of pushing ideas to the edge.
What designs or designers inspire you?
One of my favorite designers is Paula Scher. I like her vision, innovation, and strong designs. She has a great sense of typography. I also like her paintings. I paint myself in my free time and I hope to keep this habit in the future and maybe, try to exhibit it. I adore David Lynch’s films and his ability to create a feeling of mystery in a very artistic way. I get inspirations not only from good graphic designers but pretty much from everything around me. You see, I am this type of designer who spends more time on looking at a menu design than exploring the food options in it. I am always looking for new trends, following interesting artists and always keep my eye open because we live in the visual world which always changes and at the same time it is us who change it.