DPCM has a new logo!

We are ecstatic to announce the unveiling of the Des Plaines Children’s Museum’s redesigned logo, created by Kelly Maron Horvath!

We asked Kelly a few questions about her background, design choices, and why she supports DPCM.

Tell us a little about yourself and your graphic design experience. 

I started as a high school art teacher for many years, teaching photography and graphic design. I left teaching to begin my own stationery and design studio. I did a lot of freelance design work as well as my designs that were sold to boutiques all over the world. I was lucky enough to have my work featured in books and magazines including Chicago Magazine, Martha Stewart, Women’s Day, Better Homes & Gardens, and many more. After my kids were born, I went back to work in the public sector, as the Creative Services Manager for the Des Plaines Public Library. Now I am the Head of Marketing and Communications for the Lincolnwood Public Library but still continue to do freelance work on the side, mostly for non-profits.

What design choices did you take when making the logo? (meanings behind the symbols, colors, feelings it evokes)

After talking with some of the board members, I had a better sense of what the group wanted to convey. I researched a lot of other branding for children’s museums, zoos, libraries, and community-focused groups. I kept coming back to something fun, welcoming, and inclusive. I tried out several concepts but the board was drawn to one in particular. I used simple shapes for DPCM as a base, thinking of the letters more as building blocks. On top of that, I started to add in elements that referenced Des Plaines specifically but could also be open to interpretation or imagination. The wavy lines symbolize the river. The x along with the tracks represent the many trains of Des Plaines. The smiling sun was a way to include the idea of people while being inclusive of gender, race, age etc. Lastly, the sycamore leaf ties in to the forest preserves that surround us, but also references the meaning behind the name Des Plaines. 

What motivates you to support the Des Plaines Children’s Museum? What future do you think it will hold for the Des Plaines community?

I’ve lived in Des Plaines for over 20 years and have raised two children here. While we have a wonderful library and active park district, as a parent I also found myself heading to other nearby cities for educational or enrichment experiences. Des Plaines has always held so much potential and having a Children’s Museum is one way to highlight that to our community and those around us. Des Plaines has many offerings to pull adults in from other towns, such as the Casino or the Theater, but how great would it be to have a kid-centric space that served as a beacon to families throughout the Chicagoland area? I am excited to be a part of creating a space that new generations of kids can use and learn from, and while my kids are now in middle and high school, one that even my older kids can find ways to be involved with. 

Thank you, Kelly, for your creativity, thoughtfulness, and initiative to volunteer your design services for the Des Plaines Children’s Museum!