Bismarck, N.D. — The State Capitol was put on lockdown after hundreds of angry graphic designers and artists stormed the Governor’s office demanding Governor Burgum withdraw the state’s new tourism logo.
Last week, Governor Burgum unveiled the state’s new Legendary Tourism logo, which prompted today’s protests on the capitol grounds.
Hundreds of artists chained themselves outside the Governor’s office in response to the logo unveiling. One artist was arrested after spray painting the previous North Dakota Legendary Logo on the side of the Governor’s Mansion. Artists also spread petitions demanding the Governor take immediate action to reverse his decision on the state’s new brand identity.
“It’s a travesty,” said one protester. “I know North Dakota was trying to save money on unnecessary spending, but after seeing this new logo, I’m starting to think our whole state is bankrupt.”
North Dakota Secretary of State Candidate Joshua Boschee says the logo will hurt future trade, commerce, and diplomatic relations and needs to be reverted immediately.
“This is not North Dakota Fabulous,” says Boschee, referencing his plan to re-brand the state’s tourism logo if elected to office.
In response to the protests, the North Dakota Highway Patrol evacuated Governor Burgum to a secure location.
Despite outrage from the artistic community, some state officials are optimistic that the new brand identity will resonate with audiences due in part to the significant cost savings involved with designing the logo in Microsoft Word.
“North Dakota is facing a budget crisis and there’s no need for the state to be spending thousands of dollars on a new logo when state workers are being laid off on a weekly basis,” said ND Department of Clip-art Director Arial Garde. “And with the Governor’s previous experience working with Microsoft, he knew that MS Word was the right platform to get this job done. Not only was the logo designed in Microsoft Word, it was done in less than five minutes by his secretary. Utilizing existing infrastructure in innovative ways is a hallmark of Governor Burgum’s approach to government, and we think his unconventional approach is communicated well in the state’s new tourism logo.”
North Dakota’s new tourism logo will be accompanied by “bright and vibrant” Microsoft Word clip-art in a multi-state advertising campaign. The first round of advertising will feature “active residents enjoying the scenic autumn sights of North Dakota” according to Garde.
“We understand that some people may not be fond of our new logo and graphical elements, but give it time and it will grow on folks. If there’s one thing North Dakotans appreciate, it’s being thrifty.”
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