City of Blue Island

Brand Strategy

Visual Identity

Creative Direction

Art Direction

On the most southern part of Chicago, where Chicago ends, Blue Island begins.

In 2022, Mayor Fred Bilotto came to us with a problem: Their visual identity reflected none of the city's rich culture and history.

A Railway Mecca

In the early days, a boom of the railway industry made this Midwestern city flourish. Blue Island became an ideal stopping point for freight and commuter trains due to it's close proximity to the Chicago.

An Evolution of the Past

As time went on, and the country became less relient on the railway industry, the city was tasked to reinvent itself or gradually become forgotten. In 2016, Blue Island hit a major milestone: The city converted one of its largest railroad bridges to a pedestrian only thruway. This was a major step for a city that is so deeply rooted in railway history.

History as Inspiration

We took cues from the first fire department's monogram and newspaper mastheads to honor important symbols of the city's heritage, while simultaniously referencing old railway seals to pay homage to Blue Island's roots.

As the Industry changed,
so did the People

Throughout time, various industries brought people from all different walks of life to Blue Island. It was imperative that the cultural richness of the city be front and center as we began our brand strategy.