CCS: I've hated Maryland's sign for years. Boring, boring, boring. Minnesota had a sign like this, and they gave it the old heave-ho for a much more attractive and equally functional design. My new Maryland design follows in that tradition, I think. I added the State shape and the State Flag to give the state identity a bit more exposure. It might make the tourists think we have a bit of pride here... (Large version on Big Signs page)
From J.P. Kirby: I have always liked the Maryland state flag. This sign incorporates the special cross from that flag and the yellow represents the other quadrants of the flag, with the black line seperating the cross section from the number section. On the right is an early draft of this shield, which has merit, too.
From David Kendrick: Maryland's present signage is just ugly. But the basic shape is about as recognizable as Cal Ripken, so why do away with it? Add the state flag and a splash of color, apply the typeface Maryland uses for historic and state welcome signage, and soften the edges a little. Same functional, basic design, but a newer, spiffier look. For three-digit route numbers, just narrow the characters. The font stays remarkably readable even when compressed. And since Maryland's running out of three-digit route numbers, the design even works with four-digit numbers.
From Ed Miessner: I took the Saskatchewan highway sign, changed the color of the shield to Calvert tan (it's in the Maryland state flag, then added the latest Maryland logo at the top for the banner instead of the grain bundles that the canadian province has.
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This page last updated Wednesday, May 21, 2008