The making of the Odessa utilities signs
Studying all signs in use in the city.
![odessa hydrant process 01](odessa-hydrant-process-01.jpg)
Looking at the map of fire valves and estimating scope of work.
![odessa hydrant process 02](odessa-hydrant-process-02.jpg)
Making first sketches, searching for accents and choosing the best layout. We need to make sure our sign is easily readable and cannot be confused with other signs.
![odessa hydrant process 03](odessa-hydrant-process-03.jpg)
Receiving comments and taking them into account.
![odessa hydrant process 04](odessa-hydrant-process-04.jpg)
Deciding that it’s time to talk to fire services. Finding out which elements are important to them and must be on the sign. Making another attempt.
![odessa hydrant process 05](odessa-hydrant-process-05.jpg)
Other designers join in suggesting a sign with a heroic fireman. Taking note.
![odessa hydrant process 06](odessa-hydrant-process-06.jpg)
The art director suggests to make a round sign, referencing the shape of manhole covers.
Going to look at the covers in the city. As it turns out, not all of them are round.
![odessa hydrant process 07](odessa-hydrant-process-07.jpg)
Many of the covers are already painted. However, that doesn’t prevent cars from parking on top of them.
![odessa hydrant process 08](odessa-hydrant-process-08.jpg)
Thinking of the best way to show the type of manhole to the driver. Maybe using a firetruck?
![odessa hydrant process 09](odessa-hydrant-process-09.jpg)
Trying it out in real life.
![odessa hydrant process 10](odessa-hydrant-process-10.jpg)
Coming to realization that we need better solutions. Also deciding to abandon manhole numbering for the sake of faster implementation.
![odessa hydrant process 11](odessa-hydrant-process-11.jpg)
Understanding that the task was poorly formulated from the start. Continuing to work and making emphasis on the fireman icon.
![odessa hydrant process 12](odessa-hydrant-process-12.jpg)
Finding out that there are other types of signs as well, such as for gas pipelines.
![odessa hydrant process 13](odessa-hydrant-process-13.jpg)
Trying out a sample.
![odessa hydrant process 14](odessa-hydrant-process-14.jpg)
Working on the fireman icon.
![odessa hydrant process 15](odessa-hydrant-process-15.gif)
Art director: They look like schoolboys. The right one is better, but he has a belly and looks battered.
![odessa hydrant process 16](odessa-hydrant-process-16.gif)
![odessa hydrant process 17](odessa-hydrant-process-17.gif)
Creating the fireman, preparing the cover design and finding out exact dimensions of the signs.
![odessa hydrant process 18](odessa-hydrant-process-18.jpg)