It’s been a few years  now since the NW Way of Life logo came into existence. I’ve had a fair number of comments and “What’s it all about?” questions lately, so I thought I’d explain the meaning and how the design came into existence.

Long before Heather and I bought our own first house, or started helping other people buy and sell real estate, we made a vow to each other — on the alter, at our wedding, actually — to commit to a life of adventure. Whatever professional or geographical or intellectual path we found ourselves on at any point in life, we promised, we’d stay true to our deepest passion and favorite pastime: Adventure.

So when we made the decision that Bellingham was our basecamp, and real estate was our livelihood, it was then a matter of combining those truths with our promise and love for kayaking, running, cycling, hiking, racing, and that whole world of fun-and-fitness-in-the-great-outdoors.

We then asked the question, “How do we capture and convey that in a single image?” We’re both more writer than artist, so we made a written list of our ideas and requirements:

First, at the center of it all is the NW Way of Life — the essence of why we’re so deeply in love with Bellingham and the people and the natural world here, and the life that it makes possible.

Next, it has to say “adventure, fitness, speed, power, water, muscle and gravity” — all laws of nature and core elements of  human potential and enjoyment.

Then, it needs to convey the significance of our setting here in the Pacific NW, defined by sparkling and wild waters and rising to the majestic mountains, all of it right out our doorstep 365 days a year.

Also, it needs to incorporate our connection and homage to “home as basecamp” and its key role as frame and bookends to the endless string of adventures.

Finally, the colors should emulate the Native Indian Art of the Pacific NW to convey our respect and admiration for its history and beauty.

When we found an artist, we sent this list and few more general details, and got 6 varied concepts a few days later. We chose one to work off of, and made about 6 rounds of revisions before the version above hit our inbox. At the moment we saw it, we knew we’d captured exactly what we were after.

To this day, whenever I look at the logo, I’m reminded of the commitment to and love for adventure that has led us to this place, the world class people who call it home, and indeed the Way of Life. And I couldn’t feel more blessed.