How do you promote a radio station, targeted primarily to females, ages 24 to 45? You borrow interest from the most iconic female of all time.

This wrapped “Barbie Bus” traveled the streets of Cedar Rapids for well over three years. When the bright pink bus wrap was first introduced, young girls everywhere were begging their moms to chase it down. No joke. When the Barbie Bus was handling school routes, children squirmed with excitement. Barbie was also the chosen mode of transportation for at least one birthday party celebration. Copywriter Chris Lien was challenged with the writing the definitive Barbie euphemism—on his first day on the job no less. We think he nailed it.

With 20 years of work to draw on, I’m posting a personal favorite. This logotype, circa 1991 or 1992, was developed for a friend of mine who owned a very small town Iowa Feed Store. While this mark made some of the small town conservatives scratch their heads, it was a favorite of Communication Arts judges, being juried into their prestigious Design Annual.

“Wierman,” was translated visually to a “Wire Man,” with the face comprised of W-i-e-r-m-a-n letterforms.

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