KOPN is looking for a new logo for its 2019 Central Missouri Holiday Parade. The radio station is seeking current K-12 students to design something creative, innovative and professional. The logo should be recognizable and help promote the 2019 Parade Theme, “Reason to Give.” The goal is to promote inclusion, diversity and engagement in Central Missouri, the logo flyer said. The contest ends April 26, at 5 p.m.
The winning logo will be displayed on printed materials, in any advertising, and on any signage for the parade, KOPN Community Radio General Manager Sean Spence said. The 1st place winner will receive a parade t-shirt with their logo design, a 3’ x 4’ poster of their logo design, an interview on KOPN and a free entry into the parade. The 2nd place winner will receive a free parade t-shirt, an interview on KOPN and a free entry into the parade. The 3rd place winner will receive a free parade t-shirt and a free entry into the parade.
“This is the first time we have ever done anything like this, so we have no idea what to expect,” Spence said. “We hope to get a bunch [of entries.]”
The KOPN Central Missouri Holiday Parade is Sunday, Nov. 24 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. The parade, which has been going on for around 100 years, hopes to celebrate, entertain and bring the community together, Spence said.
Senior Ncuti Ishimwe said she see logos everywhere. They are important for marketing and can help a business get more customers, she said.
Senior Cameron Thompson has entered artwork in competitions before, including the school art show and the Columbia College High School Art Show. She received 2nd place for a painting, along with a cash prize and a discount for their summer art program.
“I think the biggest way I make my art stand out is in the subject matter and the title,” Thompson said. “I think that really original and/or personal pieces resonate well with judges. As for inspiration, I try to choose things that are really personal to me. I’ll base my work off of my family, or off of ideas that I feel really strongly about.”
Thompson said she designs logos frequently in her marketing class, but she has never entered a logo into a contest. A good logo, Thompson said, should be unique enough that people can easily identify it, but simple enough that it can be seen from far away and can be printed on items.
“When you make a logo, you should keep in mind how it’s gonna be used,” Thompson said. “For example, if it’s going to be printed on clothing, shoes, bags etc, it needs to be simple enough that it’s versatile and can be incorporated into a lot of different designs. If your product is something more formal or ornate then the logo should be ornate as well. Regardless, you should always pay attention to how the logo is going to be used on/surrounding the product.”
To enter, contestants should submit a logo design in .jpeg, .psd, PDF or as a vector File. Logo designs that are hand-drawn, painted or created with other drawing tools are also accepted, the flyer said.
“We wanted to focus the contest on students because they have so much energy and creativity,” Spence said, “and Central Missouri youth, to us, represent the best of us.”
Are you entering the logo contest? Let us know in the comments below!
Alma Jarbou • Apr 28, 2019 at 12:32 pm
This seems like a really fun opportunity! I would love to see a logo everywhere if my friends or I win! If we make a logo, where do we turn it in?
Sarah • Apr 27, 2019 at 8:07 pm
This contest is a great way for students to gain experience and promote the goal of the parade. I had no idea about this parade but I love how it has a theme of diversity!