Why the backpack?

I was recently asked why I have a backpack as the logo on my website and thought it was a question worth explaining in a blog post. While the answer, I like backpacks, is certainly a valid answer for me, I thought I would explain in more detail why I enjoy the symbol and function of backpacks enough to make it my personal logo. 

I have always found the concept of a backpack intriguing, they are designed to carry exactly what you need without any excess. During my time as a Boy Scout (and after achieving Eagle Scout), I learned the value of traveling with just what I needed without packing excess. If I carried more than I needed then I became uncomfortable with the extra weight and find less enjoyment on the trail. Similarly, when I go on trips with a backpack full of camera gear I find myself questioning why I chose to bring ALL my lenses when I knew the likelihood of using them was slim. These instances lead to less enjoyment on the trail due to the uncomfortable weight of my gear. Or missing photographic moments all together because I am have to be delicate with my pack full of fragile equipment. Neither of these experiences are welcome or appreciated.

The designing of the logo began when I was at work feeling locked behind my computer. Inside an office with no windows, humming florescent lights above, and the blue tint of and LED computer monitor in front of my eyes. I wanted to distract my mind I grabbed my creased and worn Field Notes book and began to sketch. There was no plan, no goal, I just wanted to get my mind off of work for a while. I sketched a couple little backpacks. After filling a page of these small sketches, I decided to sketch another page all in a different style, then another, and still another.

Before long I had 60 little backpack sketches, spanning a total of 10 pages with 6 sketches per page. Each was unique in their own way. It was not until later that night, when I reviewed these sketches, that I considered turning one of them into a logo. The next day I met briefly with a graphic design professor and talked about logos, brand identity and design. After gaining more insight from someone with much more experience in the design world, I set off and began digitizing my sketches.

The symbol and function of a backpack is to carry only what you need without any excess. In a physical sense, your load will be lighter, your body will be less fatigued and you will be able to appreciate the world around you without being concerned with the amount of equipment you are carrying. In a creative sense, it is very freeing to not carry every option for every contingency with you. Give yourself limitations and see what you can create. As with most things in my life, simplicity is the way to go.