As readers of IPR comments already know, the Libertarian National Committee picked a new logo at its meeting held in Alexandria, VA this weekend.

21 JULY 2015 UPDATE: In an email to the LNC, ED Wes Benedict noted that IPR misrepresented the new logo above. Here’s the version he says will be used, “once we iron out the contract, details, and final specs.”

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END UPDATE

Previously, the LNC and a subcommittee appointed for this task narrowed the logo submissions from around 200 to the following nine selected at the last meeting in Phoenix in March:

Then, the LNC met by web conference on May 3 and further narrowed the choices down to #1, #4 and #8 from the above graphic. A motion to adopt the same logo that ended up being selected did not pass at that time. Instead, the LNC sent out a survey to the membership which ended up confirming the preference of most of the LNC members:

As reported by Chuck Moulton liveblogging in IPR comments:

The meeting is back in session and is now talking about the logo.

The options are:

* torch eagle

* current logo (yellow / blue statue of liberty)

* old logo (one color blue statue of liberty)

Moulton pointed out a version of the current logo with the statue of liberty not in her shadow was produced in 2007. Sarwark then mentioned that the annual report “went rogue” and used this logo on the cover. He passed around a copy.

Poll with 374 responses:

58% torch eagle logo

33% current logo

9% old logo

Redpath showed a coin with a statue of liberty image on it that represents what he wanted to see in a logo — with the statue not in its shadow. He passed around an image of the coin.

Tomasso asks if we can re-open the logo selection because none of the finalists seem good. He seemed to think there was merit to the Redpath proposal. Sarwark ruled that out of order.

Sarwark says the coin image is not trademarkable because the U.S. government already uses it — so anyone can use it.

Katz wonders whether the slogan “Minimum government, maximum freedom.” was attached to that one design (not sure which one). He pointed out there is a motion that had been postponed until this meeting and is now on the floor: adopting the torch eagle.

Wiener presents the torch eagle motion. He says we’ve wasted too much time on this matter and shouldn’t let it draw out indefinitely. The statue of liberty can still be used in our literature, it just wouldn’t be our logo.

Sarwark clarifies we are adopting the graphic. The word type and words associated with the graphic would be at the discretion of staff.

Hagan points out there is language in our policy manual that allows only the statue of liberty. He suggests a substitute motion amending that provision. Sarwark says that’s not in order… first adopt the new logo, then amend the policy manual afterward if that passes.

Olsen asks how much it would cost to redo all our literature, etc. Kraus and Wes says we would use up all the old literature, slowly phasing it out.

Ludlow says 99designs is a very bad way to get a new logo. He thinks we should use a very different process. Sarwark says the torch eagle wasn’t from 99designs… it was a master’s thesis from a design student. Ludlow still says this is such an important decision that we should hire a professional designer / brander / marketer.

Bittner says he got the torch eagle logo from Will Taylor, the design student, and was blown away by the 100 pages of incredible work put into it. Bittner looked at all the 197 submissions, has a marketing background, and solicited a lot of feedback. The torch eagle was the only submission that went beyond simple artwork.

Tomasso says the torch eagle is an okay logo, but he wasn’t blown away by it and neither were the members — 58% is not a large enough mandate. He also wonders when the re-branding will take effect. What is the timetable? Sarwark plans to re-brand in November after the election, so as not to interfere with campaigns. Tomasso would be fine with either the torch eagle or a re-done current logo (remove the shadow and the year).

Redpath quoted Tina Turner and said he doesn’t want to fight anymore.

Mattson isn’t influenced much by the poll and isn’t in love with any of the designs.

McLendon is warming up to the bird on a stick. He wonders if we can make it red.

Martin Moulton (the top voter getter in DC and perhaps a distant relative of mine?) says he has an extensive marketing background and likes the torch eagle a lot.

Sarwark says the logo would cost about $5,000. We wouldn’t need that until November, so our cash crunch wouldn’t stop us.

Vohra says the point of a logo is to make us look professional and not embarrass us… it doesn’t have to do everything about highlighting our brand. He points out we want to speak to the people not Libertarians yet, not just us.

Wiener suggests Wes could fundraise with t-shirts and sweatshirts with the new logo to pay for the $5,000.

Adopt the torch eagle:

Hagan – Y

Olsen – N

Craig – Y

Bittner – Y

Tomasso – A

Wiener – Y

Lark – N

Redpath – Y

McLendon – Y

Ludlo – A

Goldstein – N

Reimers – N

Johnson – N

Marsh – Y

Vohra – Y

Mattson – N

Sarwark – Y

It passes by a roll call vote of 9-6-2.