Back in August I came across Dave Taylor’s 3D Wood Art page on Facebook. A friend of mine was looking for someone to create some Baltimore Ravens logos for him and one of his friends suggested Dave Taylor. The samples that were shown from his work were top notch, so I began to look through some more of his creations. I was seeing all kinds of great woodcuts and not just sports logos either. That got me to thinking, “I wonder if he’d do a roller coaster logo?” I wanted to reach out to him, but I decided to go online and look at possibilities of what I might want. This is where things became a little difficult.
Looking Through Taylor's Portfolio
Looking through Taylor’s work, I knew that this artwork couldn’t be complicated with color gradients, textures, or a bunch small details that would be next to impossible to cut. That meant the piece I really wanted was out, that being the Twisted Timbers logo. It’s okay though, I have something in mind for that if I can find someone who knows how to print onto wood surfaces.
As I looked more and more through coaster logos, I really began thinking about what coasters were important to me, not just which ones were my favorites. Hersheypark’s Comet jumped out immediately because of it being my first “big” coaster, if you will. Logo work for that, however, is quite limited with the ride signage being nothing more than light up letters. I wanted something with a bit more pizazz. That’s when The Loch Ness Monster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (BGW) popped into my head.
Locked in on Loch Ness
Loch Ness is a coaster I’ve been riding since I was young and one that is obviously a classic. That’s when I did a search for the logo/signage for the ride and saw a possibility. The ride’s entrance art was easily out due to its complicated design elements, but the 40th anniversary logo was perfect! Well, aside from all the 40th anniversary elements, that is.
If you’re asking, “What does that even mean?” let me explain.
I have always been someone who isn’t the biggest fan of buying something that becomes easily outdated. Think of an AFC/NFC Champion shirt from a sports team. After the following season, it just looks like you’re wearing an old shirt. Sure, it was cool when it happened, but what if you go to two more soon thereafter?
I took this same approach with the Loch Ness Monster logo. It’s awesome that it celebrated a 40th anniversary, but that was two years ago now. In eight more years it’ll be 50 and that’ll be more significant than its 40th anniversary. See my point? I did have a solution, but first, I wanted to show Taylor the anniversary artwork and get his opinion before I spent time making modifications.
Preparing the Art
Taylor and I talked for about 20 minutes that first day and he said the artwork looked like it would be something he could handle. I told him I wanted to make some alterations to it by removing all the anniversary festivities. He said to go ahead and send it over when I was finished.
Taking the JPG into Adobe Illustrator, I performed a trace on the art. I deleted the party blower and confetti first. There was no way that was going to make it into the art. Sorry, but no. What to do with the “Celebrating 40 Years” circle, however? I had a few ideas, like an “established 1978,” but I was worried about the small text. Then I grabbed the current Busch Gardens logo. As I was about to drop it into the piece, however, I had an idea. “What about The Old Country logo instead?” When the ride was built, that was the park’s name. I thought it might add a bit of retro appeal to the design.
Long story short, Taylor told me the artwork was perfect. The piece would measure about 24-inches square and he would then insert that into backing. I asked for his input on the backing, but after our discussion, he liked my idea of trying to somewhat capture the look of the wood backing found at the ride’s entrance. While it doesn’t have all the color stripes in the wood or anything, it still grabs that old style wood look found when getting in line for the classic Arrow looper. I cannot be any happier with how it turned out. My only issue now is trying to figure out where to hang this amazing piece.
The Kennywood park logo features simple shapes, lettering that is not too small, and flat colors.
The Lake Compounce logo features intricate shapes, small details,, small lettering, and numerous color gradients
Interested in Commissioning a Piece?
After posting Taylor’s Facebook and Instagram (@DaveTaylor3DWoodArt) posts to my own Facebook page, as well as Coaster Appreciation Society and Busch Gardens Williamsburg Insiders groups, Taylor was contacted by a few enthusiasts about potential work. I had a feeling this might happen and hope some of you commission your own pieces through him. He has my endorsement!
One thing to keep in mind, however, is some that some of the artwork being sent to Taylor were quite complex. While I’m sure he’d love to be able to do them, there are just some things that are out of his wheelhouse when it comes to this type of art. Try to find logos that feature flat colors and less complicated shapes. I have featured two park logo examples above that I think will help you understand what type of artwork is conducive to this type of commission.
I cannot speak for Taylor, so if you think you have something that might be a possibility, by all means, contact him to discuss your idea. After all, that’s how I met him and come to capture this awesome Loch Ness Monster piece!
Be sure to check out Taylor’s work by visiting the following social media accounts:
