Because spring is a time of hope, April's logo is a message of peace
Moved by the events in Ukraine, Valéry Goulet designed this version of the CBC Arts logo
Every month, we feature a new take on the CBC Arts logo created by a Canadian artist. Check out our previous logos!
Technically speaking, spring has sprung, but when CBC Arts reached Valéry Goulet this week, she could still see snow outside her window. Originally from Quebec City, Goulet's based in Edmonton. It's been her adopted hometown for the last 20 years, and her illustration portfolio is packed with quirky tributes to Alberta, including some portraits of Dirt City's urban wildlife: sketches of magpies, coyotes, etc. that feature in a trading-card project led by local artists (Edmontonia).
When Goulet was brainstorming for April's logo design, she thought she'd go with a springtime theme. That idea evolved, however, and not because of the weather.
Take a close look at her logo and you'll quickly realize the design is embellished with symbols of peace. Global events, especially Russia's invasion of Ukraine, weighed heavily on her mind while she was developing the illustration. But spring's new growth can make us hopeful for better days, and her logo aims to spread that message. We heard more about her design process when we gave her a call.
Name: Valéry Goulet
Age: 43
Homebase: Edmonton
Let's talk about your logo! What's the concept driving the design?
Initially I wasn't thinking of doing what I did, but because of the events that happened in Ukraine, it was really hard for me to illustrate spring.
Here in Canada, we keep living our life, and yes, we're enjoying the spring. But I just wanted to have people thinking about a message of peace. I just wanted to create something peaceful that felt like there was hope.
That theme of "peace" really comes across. I mean, you have all these symbols: the doves, the peace lily right at the centre …
The olive branch.
Yeah. Can you walk me through some of the motifs you've chosen and why you picked them?
As a designer and illustrator, you often have to work with symbols to communicate something clearly.
I have friends who are starting their gardens indoors right now, and many other people are also doing this, so I picked flowers that would really connect spring and peace together. And then I have the Earth at the bottom. That shows that this is a message for everyone, wherever they are.
In terms of the colours, this is a palette that I like to use for communicating something positive.
You have your own design agency, is that right?
Mmhmm.
I imagine you've designed logos for clients before, but was there something kind of unusual about this assignment?
Usually [logos are] not as illustrative. Usually I would come up with something more simplistic in terms of the execution, the amount of detail.
Even when I teach, because I teach branding as well, I would tell my students to be mindful of the size at which the logo will be presented. But this project was unique because it does showcase the work of different styles and different artists.
This logo — you know, to any designer, it's one of the best that has been done in Canada. I actually own the branding guideline from 1974, you know, the reproduction of it?
[Ed note: We do know about it! Here's a CBC Arts story about how it was crowdfunded.]
What's your favourite place to see art?
I do like the AGA, the Art Gallery of Alberta. It's a favourite place just because of the environment.
But in all truth, when I see art in an urban setting, I love it too. Recently in Edmonton they opened a new bridge where the new train line will cross the river. And if you walk under there it's super colourful.
Who's the last artist you discovered online?
Pawel Jonca. He's an illustrator/artist who does amazing work. I wish I could be as good as him, but I'm just different and I have to accept it. (laughs)
What work of art do you wish you owned?
Hmm, well, Pawel's work I'd like to have. I actually already have a piece of Charley Harper's. It's a signed poster that I bought when I went to Costa Rica. I admire his work a lot, and so I guess I wish I could own all of it. (laughs)
Anything new that you can tell us about? What are you working on these days?
I'm currently developing illustrations for a children's book, and I recently finished a poster that is going to be distributed in all of the primary schools in the province of Quebec. I've never had such large exposure for a project. It's going to be up on my website very soon.
Find more from Valéry Goulet on Instagram and her website, valerydesgnwrks.ca.
This conversation has been edited and condensed.
