Drew Gentry captures redefining elements, wins Visit Flint Design Contest

FLINT, Michigan – For Drew Gentry, it was an opportunity to showcase his new home, to contribute to an image that would better reflect the community he knows.

“I wanted to capture Flint in a style that paid homage to the city's automotive roots, but didn't rely on it to carry the focus of the image,” said Gentry (left), the winner of the Flint - Genesee County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Visit Flint Design Contest. “Flint is in the midst of re-defining itself...so I felt it was time to show other possible landmarks from the city.”

Gentry said he chose the Citizens Bank Weather Ball along with the Flint River and the downtown arches as a “trio of memorable sights that a visitor might take away with them mentally.”

Gentry, 30, is a graphic designer who specializes in brand identity and print media design. He is employed by a global corporation based in Southfield but has done freelance work for international beverage companies, major record labels, automotive companies, and several sports franchises. Gentry, whose work can be seen at AndrewGentryDesign.com, has also worked with local institutions including the Flint Cultural Center Corporation.
 
“Being relatively new to the area, I felt like this was an opportunity for me to really contribute to the Flint community,” he said. “Before this contest, I'd not had the opportunity to submit my ideas on how Flint could positively be presented in marketing and branding. With so much negativity in Flint, I felt submitting this logo was my best chance to help draw the right kind of attention to our corner of the world.”

This was the first design contest sponsored by the Flint Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Jared Field, the Bureau’s Marketing and PR Manager, said there were many great entries, but only one that really captured an essence that is often overlooked.
 
“With this design, I think there’s a sense that we’re more than just the gritty, industry town of years gone by,” he said. “There’s an element of elegance here that I think visitors to the Flint area recognize and others need to come experience for themselves.”

All media-related inquiries to Jared Field of the Flint - Genesee County Convention & Visitors Bureau at jfield@visitflint.org or 810-232-8181.