This is a project I did recently for the City of Salem, MA, to promote the Charter Street Cemetery , which is the oldest cemetery in Salem, and a huge focal point for tourists and tour groups.
Some background: everybody and anybody who works in the tourism industry in Salem, knows Charter Street and it’s importance as an historical attraction. The cemetery has long been a focal point for tour groups, and tourists, often to the detriment of the cemetery itself. The huge, largely un-managed crowds were actually destroying the cemetery. There had been discussion for years about the desirability of managing the cemetery like the major attraction it is, rather than as just another cemetery. There was little to no movement on this front, until the Peabody Essex Museum stepped up with a plan, and funding. Suddenly it was happening. The Peabody Essex was offering the Pickman House, a historic house directly adjacent to the cemetery, (and used as PEM offices), as a visitor center. They decided they needed a logo for the cemetery and a map/guide. This is where I enter the picture. I mention this background because highly visible public projects are fraught with peril as everyone wants to lay claim to it, in some way or another.
I have worked on several large, public projects at the State and Local level. These projects usually come with a lot of potential stakeholders, who all want to feel that their suggestions are heard and appreciated, even if they are minimal or even inappropriate. In this type of situation, not only are my contributions not acknowledged, or valued, but often I am treated as an afterthought, the largely invisible facilitator of other people’s “brilliant “ ideas.
This is especially true when it comes time to take credit for the successful execution of a project.
People, ( I mean people in charge of things), love to take credit for work they didn’t actually do.
Such is the life of a designer. The unwritten rule is if you got paid for your work, you just take your money , keep your mouth shut, and let the “leaders” take the credit. Well screw that.
I’m officially taking credit for both the Charter Street Logo and the Charter Street Map, which I created. Because sometimes a little public acknowledgement and appreciation would be nice.
Front of the Charter Street Map print piece (8.5” x 14”)
Back of the Charter Street Map print piece (8.5” x 14”)
Full color version of the map. Built in Illustrator, this map is editable and has over 40 layers.
The logo is now appearing on signage, and premium items for sale at the visitor center.
