Proof that Every Design Project is Worth Extra Effort.

Donal McLaughlin was given the assignment to design an emblem for the United Nations Conference in 1945. So, at the age of 38, he was  challenged with the task of designing an original pictorial image in conjunction with the words "The United Nations Conference on International Organization, San Francisco, 1945". This new emblem was to be used on a round button, measuring 11/16ths of an inch. Not even 3/4ths.

Mr. McLaughlin created a map of the continents, with the United States front and center on the vertical axis. Another designer from his team added olive branches as a symbol of peace.

This design was adopted as the the official United Nations seal and emblem one year later, in 1946. Donal recommended and produced minor modifications that same year.

We lost Donal McLaughlin last month at the age of 102. He left behind a legacy of graphic design and architecture. But, his most monumental creation was a small button. You can read this story in it's entirety in the New York Times or the Washington Post. Thank you Mr. McLaughlin for the years of hard work and inspiration.