What inspired your design, and what message were you hoping it would convey?
I designed this logo as a way of celebrating the diversity in the gifted youth community. All of us have different backgrounds, talents, and experiences that combine to create a unique, diverse culture. I aimed to create a visual representation of this idea by using bright, overlapping colors and paint splashes behind the silhouette of the Golden Gate Bridge.
In 2024, my family moved to Singapore. The year was a big change for me because it was my first time living outside of the United States and fully immersing myself in a culture different from my own. I considered how my experience living abroad has shaped my perspective, and one of the biggest lessons I learned is the importance of celebrating diversity.
I soon realized that diversity was exactly what I loved about being part of the gifted community! Although I haven’t yet had the chance to be involved in San Francisco Regional Mensa (SFRM)’s gifted youth activities, I often read the Mensa Bulletin and the Young Mensan Magazine. I am especially interested in reading articles that explore controversial topics, such as AI, and how different types of people approach them.
I get especially excited when the fiction issue of the Mensa Bulletin arrives. It’s fascinating to see how different perspectives can shape storytelling, and it inspires me to think more critically about my own writing and the narratives I want to share. For example, it was very inspiring to read the short story “Moving Day” by Tom Hooker in the September issue and learn about how loss shaped his perspective and his writing. It inspired me to later write a short fictional story about my experience moving to Singapore and holding on to my memories of California.
But in reality, diversity does not just appear in writing. The diverse perspectives in creativity can be found in artwork, community initiatives, and simply interacting with others in the Mensa community. Because of our unique backgrounds, experiences, gifts, and passions, we can inspire others and also be inspired in the process.
How did you decide on the colors or symbols you used in the logo?
I decided to use the Golden Gate Bridge as the focal point in the logo because it is the most iconic symbol for San Francisco. However, I wanted the logo to truly represent myself and my experience in the gifted youth program. And paint splotches didn’t just highlight the diverse creativity in Mensa; they also added a fun background that stood out against the silhouette, which is pretty cool.
Did anything surprise you or change as you worked on the design?
My first sketch was very different from the design I have now; the concept evolved with my ideas about Mensa.
At first, I was not sure how to represent what Mensa was. (Books? Globes? Dinosaurs?) I kept getting stuck while working on the design because no matter how hard I tried, it felt like something was missing. My design was just a basic representation of the gifted youth program—like something you would read on a website. It lacked the personal aspect of someone who was part of the community.
I decided to change my creative approach to focus on what I loved about being part of the SFRM Gifted Youth (GY) program. After that, the process was less frustrating and very enjoyable!
How does it feel to know your logo will represent our group?
I am proud to have the opportunity to design a logo that represents Mensa. I have loved art for as long as I can remember, so being able to do something I love for a good cause is very rewarding. Also, this is my first time designing a t-shirt illustration, which is really exciting!
What advice would you give to other gifted youth who want to share their creative ideas?
Go for it. It is so rewarding when you can share your passions with others, especially in a community where you can be inspired while inspiring others.