Alhambra graphic designer grabs third place in Illinois State Police logo contest
An Alhambra woman claimed third place in a statewide contest to design the logo for the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Illinois State Police.
Lynsey Hause was chosen as one of the top finalists in the ISP 100th Anniversary Logo Design Contest. Hause’s entry was one in 240 other designs.
“I was pretty elated, pretty excited. You just never know how it is going to end up,” Hause said.
Hause, who is a professional graphic designer at Nevco, a scoreboard and sports display manufacturer based out of Greenville, said she decided to enter the contest after she learned of it from her fiance.
“I was like, ‘Well, this will be interesting to do.’ So I gave it a try,” She said.
Hause’s fiance is also a state trooper, so she said she felt like the pressure was on.
“Just marrying a state cop, that gave me a little bit more of a push to be creative,” she said.
The top three logo designs were judged based on professionalism, theme, color, integrity, and nostalgia, according to a press release. The winning logo will be used in making commemorative stars, patches, car decals, letterhead, challenge coins, yearbooks, apparel, web design, advertising, and collectible memorabilia for the ISP’s centennial in 2022. Knowing this information, Hause said that she did not want to complicate the design.
“I just wanted to keep it very simplistic,” Hause said.
When planning her design, Hause knew she wanted to use all of the state police’s main emblems.
Hause said that she matched the banner and the colors in the logo to the striping that can be seen on state police cars. She also looked at many pictures of state troopers and drew the silhouetted figure on the logo by hand. Hause also incorporated the ISP badge, stars, the outline of the state of Illinois and the ISP’s creed of “Integrity, Service, Pride,” and a big “100th” in honor of the centennial.
Overall, she said it took her about a week to complete.
The designs were submitted to the ISP Centennial Commitee over a five-month period, from November to March. The committee narrowed the selection down to three finalists, and the winner was voted on by state police employees employees and retirees.
Last Wednesday, ISP Director Leo P. Schmitz announced the contest winners on behalf of the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation.
“The number and quality of the designs submitted were remarkable,” Schmitz said. “The backing we received from the ISPHF for this contest and the commitment from the ISP Centennial Committee is greatly appreciated by the ISP. I want to thank each person who took the time to create and submit a design for consideration. I would also like to express my gratitude to the three finalists for capturing the essence of the ISP as we prepare for our 100th anniversary.”
Joe L. Vallejo Jr. of Channahon claimed second and Aaron Rath of Springfield came in first.
Hause said she felt pretty good when she heard the news.
“I was like, ‘Well, you can do worse than third place,’” She said.
Along with recognition for their work, the winners will also receive cash prizes for their efforts. Hause received $100 for her design.
“The award money is going to go to Las Vegas, when I go for my bachlorette party,” she said.
This story was originally published July 23, 2018 at 9:52 AM.