Leading NZ designer attacks Auckland logo process

AUCKLAND, 18 February 2010 – Leading international designer and former President of the Design Institute of New Zealand, Fraser Gardyne, today criticised the Auckland Transition Agency (ATA) for the process it has undertaken to find the city’s new logo.

Mr Gardyne, founder and partner of design agency, gardyneHOLT says, “It is a widely held public perception, 'anyone can do design'. But to create a logo that is successful and workable takes talent, training and experience. It also takes process, and this isn't it.

“ATA has shown a total lack of understanding and respect for New Zealand’s highly talented visual communications industry. The considered and professional use of our highly skilled graphic designers has been recognised by many enlightened businesses and public organisations.

“Good graphic design comes about through a logical, considered process and the country’s best practitioners are well qualified and equal to the very best in their profession globally. Practically, logos need to be able to work across a wide range of media, and need clear guidelines. Yet, a panel of celebs, many of whom I know and respect in their various fields of practice, are being asked to judge the results of a wide open public competition into which no self respecting designer would enter.”

Fraser Gardyne is one of only ten international design judges, and the only New Zealander ever selected, for the prestigious Milan-based WOLDA awards, the ‘Oscars’ for the best logos designed globally each year.

About gardyneHOLT
gardyneHOLT is one of New Zealand’s leading full service design firms with offices in Auckland and Bangkok, providing brand and design expertise to organisations throughout New Zealand and Asia.

ENDS

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