Introducing the new Great City Network logo

Allow me to introduce Great City Network’s icon and visual brand. First, take a moment to look at the icon. Really look at it because there are a few thoughtful design elements to notice.

First up, the idea of a great city. The name “Great City Network” comes from Jonah 4:11 where God is commissioning the reluctant messenger to go to Nineveh. Of course, if you know anything about the Old Testament world, you know that Nineveh was on of the largest cities in Mesopotamia. It was a hub of commerce, culture, and conversations. In the eyes of Jonah, it was a wicked vile place, but God still cared for the people there. He cared enough to send a prophet.

We see ourselves in that story.

Today, North America’s “great cities” are massive centers which can be very intimidating place to spread the gospel. The post-Christian era is in full swing in places like Seattle, Chicago, Vancouver, New Orleans, and others. In the center of our icon, you see the idea of skyscrapers drawing us toward the focus of this network: To develop fresh strategies and perspectives on leading a church in a major urban center.

Secondly, the circle wrapping around the buildings is light. The light of the gospel carried forward by our called workers and lay leaders. You probably noticed the notch cut out in the circle. Rather than seeing it as an incomplete shape, I invite you to see it as a highlight or a spot where the light is so bright it shines in your eye. You see, if you study drawing and light, you’ll learn that there is more light at the bottom of an object than you may have noticed. That’s us. We like to bring the light in the darkest, lower-most areas. You’ll notice the same notch highlight at the bottom of each building.

Lastly, it’s no accident that there are three buildings in the icon and the center is the tallest. If you’re very observant, you may notice that the building “on Jesus righthand side” is slightly larger than the other. That building is also a bit closer to the center building, recalling for us the “never too late” faith of the thief on the cross next to Jesus.

Great City Network was borne out of Illume Church in Seattle, WA. Out logo and color palette bares a few nods to the parent brand. The highlight in the circle and bottoms of the buildings are closely related to Illume’s icon.