I was recently inspired by Aaron Draplin to create a poster of logos, places, and names from my native state of Colorado. Aaron has done this for a variety of states that have resulted in some really cool posters.

While I could could just copy what he’s done I wanted it to mean more.

So many places, and names have memories etched into my brain and evoke a strong feeling of nostalgia and longing. For example, at the Westminster Mall there were these large balloons in the middle of a water feature that would go up and down almost magically. I remember sitting or laying on the carpeted steps in front of them and being transfixed as they would float up by some unseen force and then squish back down again. I must not have been the only one because there is a nine minute video on YouTube of just these balloons

So every logo, place, and name I’m working on has a special place in my memory growing up. I plan on sharing all of these as I work my way through this project.

And its not just about nostalgia, I want to hone my illustrative skills, and also bring back or create new logos that have been long forgotten.

Right now my goal is post at least one logo a day. I’ve compiled a list of nearly 100 different things and I may add to it so I’ve obviously got my work cut out for me. 

I anticipate this being a really fun journey to look back on the things that made my childhood special in Colorado. I invite any of you to post your memories as well.

See and follow the project in progress.


The List:

  • Putt-Putt
  • IMAX
  • DIA
  • Santa’s Workshop
  • Westminster Mall (the balloons!)
  • Grand Lake
  • 9News
  • Biggs
  • Time Out on the Court
  • McNichols Arena
  • Denver Gold
  • Denver Dynamite
  • Denver Zephyrs
  • Stella’s Coffee Shop
  • Chautauqua Park in Boulder
  • The Flatirons
  • Roller City
  • Skate City
  • Cinderella City
  • Cinder Alley
  • Graystone Castle
  • North Star Drive Ins
  • American Furniture Warehouse (Jake Jabbs!)
  • Elitch Gardens
  • Lakeside Amusement Park (The Fun House!)
  • Celebrity Sports Center
  • Northglenn Mall
  • Larimar Square
  • Lo-Do
  • Heritage Square
  • Cave of the Winds
  • Glenwood Springs
  • Hanging Lake
  • Mile High Stadium
  • Coors Field
  • Webster Lake
  • Winter Park
  • Cooper’s Square
  • Beau Joes Pizza
  • Copper Mountain
  • Loveland Ski Area
  • Berthod Pass
  • Eisenhower Tunnel
  • Boulder Falls
  • Karls Dairy
  • Northglenn High School
  • Huron Middle School
  • Casa Bonita
  • Denver Zoo
  • Stock Show and Rodeo
  • Georgetown
  • Broadmoor Hotel
  • Camping
  • Blinky the Clown
  • Channel 2
  • Show Biz Pizza
  • Nathan’s Funtastic
  • King Soopers
  • The Ranch
  • Parade of Lights
  • 16th St Mall
  • RTD
  • Broncos
  • Rockies
  • Nuggets
  • Avalanche
  • Water World
  • Pikes Peak
  • Stapleton International Airport
  • Jim’s Burger Haven
  • Troccodaro
  • Denver Post
  • Rocky Mountain News
  • Union Station