Southwest Airlines is often regarded as one of the best companies to work for in America. In 2007, we received over 300,000 applications, and hired less than 5,000 of the best. This competitive hiring process is only one of the reasons I feel so lucky to have been hired on with the Graphic Design & Creative Services Department in late 2008.
I’ve always been a fan of Southwest, and I am intrigued by the story of the Company’s origin and early struggles. I’d heard rumors of a crazy former CEO, happy Employees, and great parties. At orientation, I learned about the Servant’s Heart, Warrior Spirit, and Fun-LUVing attitude that all of us are supposed to embrace. Being the skeptic that I am, I thought to myself that there is no way a Company this large could expect all of its Employees to live up to these values.
I was wrong.
Every day I am amazed at the kind hearts of my Coworkers and the countless ways that are found to keep our jobs fun--from office Olympics and picnics on the floor, to Team parties and outings (and I haven’t had a chance to attend a Spirit Party yet). I’m sure that when my Team reads this they will say to one another, “Boy, is she ever drinking the Kool-Aid,” but let them talk. From someone who never thought she’d enjoy working for a living: I LOVE my job!
Before working here, I knew Southwest for its humorous ads and great Customer Service. Every time Southwest flies to a new city, fare wars are waged as the competition is forced to lower prices to remain in the picture. I’ve been told this is known as the “Southwest Effect” and am excited for the chance to experience it for myself when service begins to Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) next month.
Southwest’s Graphic Design & Creative Services Department never passes up an opportunity for a good-spirited competition, so when the Public Relations. Team enlisted the help of GD&CS to create some collateral to celebrate the opening of MSP, we not only agreed to help, but decided to make it into a contest. The “When LUV Comes to Town” Design-Off was born!
The chosen design will be placed on T-shirts, posters, and other collateral that will be given away at the city's opening. Each designer was eager to have their chance at creating the winning artwork. (What Designer doesn’t want to see their stuff displayed on a T-shirt?) As added incentive, a seat on the inaugural flight into MSP will be guaranteed for the winning Designer, and from what I hear, inaugural flights are not something to miss.
Armed only with the slogan, “When LUV Comes To Town”, each of us had a few days to mock up a design. At the first critique, I realized the competition was stiff. I work with some very talented people! The best part is that even if I don’t end up winning this Design-Off, I know there will be plenty of fun-filled opportunities in the future, as long as Southwest continues to promote its values and stay true to its Fun-LUVing reputation!
Take a look at some of our solutions below, and see if you can guess the winner! (Which design would you chose?)
Comments
More on #3 - and piggyback on Rachael's comment: how about replacing the word PLANE with the picture of the plane from the SWA logo (a la #1)?
I like #3 the best, followed by #1 and the last one. However, the big red heart is too close to the I (heart) NY logo. Maybe change the skyline and modify it for the LGA launch? ;)
#3 is my favorite....I like how it showcases all of the great things that SWA will be introducing to Customers at MSP.... :)
The work force at SWA is great. The pilots are extremly well trained, and the workers are very nice. When you fly with them, they bend over backwards to help you out. They make sure you are on time, comfortable, and ready to go with your flight. SWA is the greatest airline in the country.
theprinceton
Just a small suggestion (and if you win, send me the t-shirt), since luv is the core of the subject, myself coming from the hippie days.......you should design a hippie type of tee. What came to mind, like tye dye, peace symbol, head bandanas, flowers, etc. Create one of our planes in tye dye with words and symbols like I mentioned above. Now, I don't know about you, but think it's a COOL, GROOVE, idea. Hope this helps and good luck in the win.
Carol Preston
former SRC emplyee
ps And I truly miss my days spent at the greatest airline in the industry. Keep up the good work, Jen the newbie, and believe me, you will NEVER lose that first LUV!!!
The first one! i do have to say they are all great designs though. The third one woulld be great as a huge poster though.
Great job Trent, John, Quin, Jen, and Sonia!
I like the buildings in No. 2, but No. 5 wins. The outline of the state says it all, and the plane is well placed. As Peter, Paul and Mary said, "you can't jump a jet plane, like you can a freight train". Do to the lack of heat and oxygen in the wheel wells, "jump that plane" is ill advised.
My vote is for the third one, but I thought the heart might have an plane silhouette inside. It was the only one without a plane and it feels like it could easily be incorporated without compromising the design. There are so many good ones to chose from, I don't envy the person making the final decision! And I too LUV Southwest.
I like the 2nd and 3rd the most. I get the "Jump that Plane" slogan but agree that it needs to be changed to "jump on that plane.
I like the third one the best. I think it would look nice screened on a t-shirt.