Meet the Designer behind the 413Life logo
Liz, designer and illustrator at Liz Moran Design, moved to Western Mass to attend Smith College in 2008. In retrospect, the unique landscape and community here were a big factor in her decision to go to Smith.
Originally from rural Maine, Liz knew she wanted to be somewhere with easy access to nature and outdoor activities, but she also appreciated the greater availability of events and opportunities that comes from having more people and colleges nearby. Western Mass seemed like a great mix of both worlds.
“Making art was part of my life from an early age, but pursuing a creative career seemed like a mysterious and uncertain path to follow. At Smith, I majored in Environmental Science with a minor in Studio Art, and fully expected my art practice to remain a hobby.”
However, when a friend started successfully working in the field of graphic design, Liz learned more about the profession and thought it would be a good mix of her analytical and creative skills.
“After a circuitous route that took me to Mass Art and Boston for four years, my partner and I moved back to the 413. We now live and work in Turners Falls and enjoy experiencing the area in a new way.”
In 2020, Liz left her job at a larger creative agency to start Liz Moran Design. Working closely with frequent collaborator/creative producer, Candace Hope, and 413Life founder, Kevin Gould, Liz created the logo and illustrations for 413Life.
“The logo uses the negative space from the word ‘Life’ to form ‘413.’ Having these words intertwined is a nod to the way that people’s daily lives are woven into the geography and community of this area.”
Liz kept the mark simple and without landmarks to appeal to the diverse array of people who call Western Mass home and who’s emotional ties to landmarks may differ drastically. However, the connected line above ‘413’ is a subtle reference to rolling hills or water.
Reach out to Liz at hi@lizmorandesign.com
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