On February 17, it was announced that Laurissa Mancía – graduate from Collegedale Academy’s class of 2023 and current student of Southern Adventist University’s School of Visual Art and Design (SVAD) – won first prize in the City of Collegedale’s branding and design competition. The $2,500 prize for the new logo was awarded to Mancia, junior graphic design major at SAU. Joe La Com, associate professor of graphic design at SVAD and Larnell Samuel, senior graphic design major, were runner-ups for the competition. 

The rebranding contest was launched last November by the city of Collegedale and was open to all students and residents of the city. The designs, officials said, were to be “judged on various aspects, including creativity, relevance to Collegedale’s identity and values, versatility, and use of color and typography.”

“I experimented with dozens of color options,” says Mancia, “before landing on a natural, cohesive palette that felt professional and welcoming…I kept adjusting each color until it eventually all came together.” The fonts chosen for the design were Futura PT, “for a clean, modern look,” and Georgia, “for a classic touch.” 

When considering early concepts, Mancia credits “a marathon across Collegedale” as serving as inspiration. She says, “I wanted to make sure I fully knew every detail of Collegedale so I literally walked around everywhere. I walked the Greenway multiple times, along with Little Debbie Park, The Commons, and Imagination Station. Taking my time looking at all the details that some people may not even see. I took my camera and drawing pad to start sketching ideas.”

In addition to this field research, Mancia credits Dr. Mills McArthur, professor of history and political studies at Southern Adventist University, with helping refine ideas. Stated Mancia, “I had him [Dr. McArthur] in mind when I began my research looking through some of Southern’s archives and eventually found articles featuring Dr. McArthur and his words on the history of Collegedale. After drafting a historic summary for my concept, I met with him to ensure accuracy. His guidance helped me refine the historical representation of Collegedale and behind the design.”

Additionally, she credits Randy Craven, SVAD professor at Southern Adventist University, with helping her understand the bridge between art, history, and design. She states, “Professor Craven’s class taught me the importance of understanding history and purpose behind a design. I learned to build cohesive brand systems, brand books, and about the process from brainstorming to sketching to designing! His expertise and guidance were extremely valuable which helped me develop this logo.”

An Explanation on the Newly Designed Logo, by Laurisa Mancia herself: 

“Here are the presentation notes I used for describing the symbolism of the design: 

The badge shape represents safety and service, inspired by the city’s original emblem.

The mountains and sunrise reflect the White Oak Mountains and Collegedale’s natural beauty.

The flag symbolizes Veterans Memorial Park.

The Clock Tower stands for community and direction.

Wright Hall represents education and leadership.

The train tracks honor the city’s railway beginnings.

Wolftever Creek and the Greenway represent nature and wellness.

The evergreen tree connects to Little Debbie Park and the city’s environment.

Overall, the logo blends Collegedale’s history with a modern, timeless identity.”

“It feels like an incredible honor,” says Mancia, “Seeing something I created become part of the city is so rewarding, especially after sometimes doubting my own work. It just shows me that dedication and time can truly be rewarding if you stick with it.”

Designing a logo, or anything else for that matter, may seem like a simple thing to do. Now with generative tools like AI, it is easy to simply generate designs with prompts, rather than spending a lot of time and effort on a project. Designers like Macia. however, show us the value that is found, when an individual – artist, designer, creator – spends time and truly achieves something great and of value. Laurissa’s design is embedded with history and personal significance that make it stand out among others. Collegedale Academy is proud to have alumni, such as Laurissa Mancia, who show us that there are no limits to what you can achieve. 

Says Manica, “I’m grateful for my friends, family, and professors who supported me through this process. I’m proud of how it turned out and excited to see its future in Collegedale.”