Tourism logos have to do a lot of work to communicate the attractions of an entire region or a country in a single design asset. That can sometimes result in drab, generic designs, or it can result in some of the most creative logos around.
The new logo for Visit Arizona, the 48th US state’s tourism office, lands in the latter group, and it bucks the minimalist trend with a design that’s delightfully detailed. The logo packs in lots of symbolism in a clever visual device that also links to the state’s history.
While Arizona is probably most famous for the Grand Canyon, Visit Arizona was determined that the new design wouldn’t be limited to one bucket list landmark but would encourage broader travel across the state. It gave the job to Phoenix-based Heart & Soul Marketing, which undertook a stunning rebrand.
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At the centre of the new logo is a motif inspired by Native American mandalas. The circular design created by Hopi and Isleta Pueblo artist Kevin Coochwytewa features an array symbols associated state. The sun is surrounded by icons representing the saguaro cactus, petroglyph hands, rainclouds in reference to the Sonoran Desert monsoon storms, a hummingbird (representing hummingbird capital Sierra Vista) and even a computer chip to represent the semiconductor manufacturing industry.
“Arizona is more than just one famous landmark,” says Heart and Soul’s associate creative director Hanna Heisler. “It’s an accumulation of the countless incredible people, places, ecosystems and cultures that make our state so uniquely vibrant. We wanted to leverage an authentic and meaningful art form that could encapsulate the diverse spectrum of elements that make state 48 truly special.”
The mandala is used in a lockup with a turquoise logotype with copper-colour mountains, and the lockup is versatile. There are options to adorn the space in the ‘O’: a saguaro cactus for Central Arizona, a ponderosa pine for the north and a hummingbird for the south.
The brand colours are new too, with a strong emphasis on turquoise and copper, the former inspired by Native American turquoise jewelry and the latter by the state’s copper production and the star on the state flag. Supporting colours include greens as well as sand to recognise that despite the desert, Arizona has lush forests.
Daily design news, reviews, how-tos and more, as picked by the editors.
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Key to the branding project was a discovery phase that involved surveys and online interviews with residents about what icons, textures and colours they felt represented them and their state.
The new logo (bottom) compared to the previous Arizona tourism identity (top) (Image credit: Visit Arizona / Heart & Soul Marketing)
The new logo is a striking improvement on the previous design which was unimaginative to the point of generic: the only reference to the state was the shape of its borders in the ‘O’. To an extent, it also bucks the prevailing trends in logo design.
The detailed design of the mandala could limit the interpretation of all the symbols at small sizes, but the overall lockup remains simple enough to work, and it’s striking and recognisable even if you don’t immediately see the details that make up the ‘O’ and take it only to represent the sun. There’s also an AZ monogram logo in the same colours for smaller applications.
For more news in tourism logo design, see the new Switzerland logo and the ongoing debate around the novel multilingual Dubai logo.
Joe Andreessen beat the odds to make Buffalo Bills roster
The Buffalo native and University at Buffalo linebacker surprised everyone with his performance over the summer.
The Buffalo Bills have won four straight AFC East titles, but their streak could be in jeopardy in 2024. The departure of star receiver Stefon Diggs opens up the possibility for regression from quarterback Josh Allen. Couple that with the fact that the team’s No. 2 receiver Gabe Davis also split town, and there is plenty reason to feel uneasy about this team’s offensive capabilities this season.
At the very least, the Bills return standout tight end Dalton Kincaid as well as late-season breakout receiver Khalil Shakir. The team also added second-round receiver Keon Coleman to the fold as well. If James Cook can continue holding down their backfield, the Bills could still boast one of the most effective offenses in the league.
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Their opponent this week will be the Arizona Cardinals, who have a lot to look forward to on offense. Kyler Murray, Trey McBride, James Conner, and Marvin Harrison Jr. should be spectacular but the team’s defense lacks the same high-end potential. While this team could have the offensive firepower to surprise some people, it would take a massive improvement on the other side of the ball for them to compete for a Super Bowl.
PROP TALK: These are the best prop bets for NFL games this week
Cardinals vs. Bills odds, moneyline, over/under
The Bills are favorites to defeat the Cardinals, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024 including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
Spread: Bills (-6.5)
Moneyline: Bills (-300); Cardinals (+240)
Over/under: 48
Not interested in this game? Our guide toNFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered with Thursday Night Football odds and Monday Night Football odds.
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FEELING LUCKY? Here are the best parlay bets and odds for NFL games this week
NFL Week 1 odds, predictions and picks
Ravens vs. Chiefs | Packers vs. Eagles | Jaguars vs. Dolphins | Steelers vs. Falcons | Vikings vs. Giants | Panthers vs. Saints | Patriots vs. Bengals | Titans vs. Bears | Cardinals vs. Bills | Texans vs. Colts | Raiders vs. Chargers | Broncos vs. Seahawks | Commanders vs. Buccaneers | Cowboys vs. Browns | Rams vs. Lions | Jets vs. 49ers
Lorenzo Reyes: Bills 25, Cardinals 23
I think Buffalo may struggle a bit on offense this season. Josh Allen may feel the pressure of needing to create more, given the loss of Stefon Diggs, and this could prompt carelessness with the ball. That has long been a problem for Buffalo, which should still win this game. Still, I think it’s a closer affair with the Cardinals’ improved roster.
Tyler Dragon: Bills 27, Cardinals 20
Not much is expected of Kyler Murray and the Cardinals this season. Cardinals rookie wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. is a player to watch. Arizona will play teams tough, but they lack talent across the board. The Bills lost plenty of veteran leaders over the offseason, Stefon Diggs. Josh Allen is going to have to elevate Buffalo’s offense the way franchise quarterbacks are expected.
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Safid Deen: Bills 26, Cardinals 16
Josh Allen has some new teammates to get used to, but he’s still one of the best offensive players in the sport. He’ll be able to gut out a win against Kyler Murray and Arizona.
Richard Morin: Bills 23, Cardinals 15
A still-getting-to-know-you Bills offense combined with a sleepy Cardinals team playing on the East Coast is a recipe for a slow game. I think the Bills get it done, but it will produce questions of whether they have the offense to be a legitimate AFC contender in 2024.
MOST VALUABLE BET: Who is the favorite to win NFL MVP in 2024?
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The Phoenix Police Department says two of their officers were shot in central Phoenix Tuesday night.
The shooting happened near 16th Street and McDowell Road around 6 p.m., and police say the shooter is still on the loose.
A heavy police presence could be seen in the parking lot of a nearby Mexican fast food restaurant and DMV services business.(Arizona’s FAmily)
The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association confirmed the officers were rushed to a nearby hospital.
The conditions of the officers are not yet known.
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“My prayers are going out to the two injured Phoenix Police officers and their families,” county attorney Rachel Mitchell posted on social media.
Please avoid the area around 16th street and McDowell in Phoenix for the time being as law enforcement continues searching for suspects. Hoping the two officers injured tonight are ok and that everyone else remains safe. https://t.co/y1JP2b02zz
Texas Longhorns DB Jahdae Barron’s advice for Jaylon Guilbeau
Texas’ Jahdae Barron gave first-time starter Jaylon Guilbeau a couple pointers, he said after the Longhorns’ win vs. Colorado State on Aug. 31, 2024.
The Texas Longhorns football team unveiled a turnover sword during their 52-0 win over Colorado State in Week 1 on Saturday to much fanfare, with social media raving about the idea to put footballs on the sword after Texas created turnovers.
Many also seemed to love the name for the sword: “Texcalibur.”
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It does have a nice right to it, doesn’t it?
However, not everyone was a fan of this new tradition for the Longhorns, especially fans of the Arizona Wildcats, who already have a turnover sword tradition.
Wildcats fans slammed Texas for stealing their idea on social media, calling it “stolen valor.”
New Texas co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Johnny Nansen just so happens to be the former defensive coordinator at Arizona and brought the turnover sword idea with him from Tucson to Austin.
College football Week 2 picks: BYU vs SMU | Texas vs Michigan | Arkansas vs Oklahoma State | Kansas State vs Tulane | Baylor vs Utah | Iowa State vs Iowa | South Carolina vs Kentucky | South Florida vs Alabama | Tennessee vs NC State | Colorado vs Nebraska | Boise State vs Oregon | Mississippi State vs Arizona State | NAU vs Arizona
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Arizona football rises: Latest US LBM Coaches Poll Top 25 ranking
Texas Longhorns’ turnover sword slammed by Arizona football fans:
What do you think of Texas football taking Arizona’s turnover sword idea?
More: Tetairoa McMillan’s record performance powers No. 21 Arizona over New Mexico in opener
Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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