2026 SNVB Logo Contest:

An ideal logo for the future of SNVB and the Northwestern Naturalist will be bold, simple, timeless, and adaptable to multiple purposes. 

To determine key elements and concepts for the new logo, we're seeking input from membership by opening a contest. This contest will help us identify our collective views of the focus, purpose, values, and mission of SNVB as well as its value to the greater community.

 The goal of the contest is not to select a finished, production-ready logo, but to gather creative concepts and visual directions from SNVB members that can inform its development.

Contest Rules:

Submissions could take any of several formats:

·     A simple sketch or draft (hand-drawn, vector, or digital) or

·     A written description of the concept

·     Optional annotations explaining symbolism or design choices

Each submission should include a short description (100–300 words) explaining:

·     What the logo represents

·     How it reflects vertebrate diversity

·     Why it suits SNVB’s mission, vision and values (found on our website, here)

Concepts should aim to:

·     Be simple, legible, and scalable    

·     Reproduce clearly at small sizes (stickers, icons, web headers)

·     Represent vertebrate biology (mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fishes) simply or broadly

·     Avoid Indigenous art styles unless developed through formal collaboration

·     Feel appropriate for a scientific society

 Legal Caveats - Concepts/artwork should NOT:

·     Be created using any form of generative AI, owing to the risk of intellectual property theft and copyright infringement

·     Use copyrighted fonts that require the purchase of a license

Timeline for submission:

The deadline to submit is November 20th, 2026. Please send your submissions to info@thesnvb.org. Thank you!

Reason for change:

The artistic style of indigenous cultures in the current logo, which has represented the SNVB for the past few decades, was developed to honor and recognize their significance in the history and culture of our region. However, in the time since this logo was adopted, awareness has spread regarding challenges associated with Indigenous-inspired as opposed to Indigenous-created art.

Moreover, while the SNVB board is exploring ways that we and our membership can more meaningfully engage with and involve indigenous groups, the style of the logo implies an Indigenous affiliation that does not currently exist. Thus, out of continuing respect for the first peoples and stewards of the lands we all love and have dedicated our work and passions to conserving, it's time for us (and our logo) to adapt.