A Men’s Shed is a community space for men to connect, converse and create. The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, but for groups of men to enjoy together, helping to reduce loneliness and isolation.
Men’s sheds are local non-profit organisations that provide a space for craftwork and social interaction. The movement originated in Australia in the 1980s to improve the health and wellbeing of older men.
So when asked by Andy if I would help the Men’s Shed they were setting up in Ripon, I was more than happy to be involved with this great cause. I was initially asked to create a logo for the organisation’s Facebook page. But after our initial chats, I discovered they were wanting, in time, to develop a website, advertising, literature, and more, so I had to be mindful of how their identity would work in many applications. With this project there was no brief as such; they were happy to give me a blank canvas to work with.
I built the shed logo using panels as you would an actual shed, to represent construction. I then developed it further to show that the shed doors were wide open to symbolise that Ripon Men’s Shed is inclusive and open to all.
“Absolutely thrilled with the logo Richard designed for us – his wonderful creativity in arriving at our logo really captures the essence of our Men’s Shed charity here in Ripon – thank you”.
Andrew Makey, Founder Ripon Men’s Shed
After researching the many Men’s Sheds out there, I wanted the new identity for the Ripon Shed to feel modern, masculine and inclusive. With the logo, I wanted this to be a literal representation of a shed, so people got it straight away. But, been mindful that there were many shed logos already out there, I wanted to somehow create something abstract and unique.
I developed the shed logo using panels as you would in constructing an actual shed to represent the craft/building of the members’ involvement. I then created the logo further to show the shed doors were wide open to symbolise the Ripon Men’s Shed is inclusive and open to all.
