Drawing attention

[Dunsunnin]

Does anyone know if there has been a generic naturist logo designed at all? Something which visually says 'I'm a naturist'. I don't mean logos connected with associations or clubs - something anyone can download and use as a car sticker, etc, and is internationally interpretable...like road signs are.
If not, shouldn't there be one?

[Dunsunnin]

Does anyone know if there has been a generic naturist logo designed at all? Something which visually says 'I'm a naturist'. I don't mean logos connected with associations or clubs - something anyone can download and use as a car sticker, etc, and is internationally interpretable...like road signs are.
If not, shouldn't there be one?

[Gary Naturist]

I agree that there should be one. People could wear the symbol on jewellery or clothing (where necessary) to allow nudists to identify one another.

Gary

[missouriboy]

I believe I have seen such a symbol, but I can't remember where. Possibly a photo in N magazine. It was just a few artistic lines that suggested a shapely, uncovered derierre.

It would make a great international symbol to demarc nude beaches, etc.

[Naturist Mark]

I've seen an oval car sticker with NDST on it. I think someone is selling them online. Ah ha! here it is! (http://naturistworld.com/)


-Mark

[greensunshine]

Dear Mark and Everyone who thinks that putting a bumper sticker on their car that says "NDST" is a great idea,

There is one major problem with using something like that for those of us who need to be very cautious about putting anything so direct on our cars...it still says Nudist without the "U or I" in it and for some of those who shouldn't know we are, that still gives them more info that we may want them to have /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

I on the other hand would love to see someone design a bumper sticker with the following theme: A Teddy Bear laying out in the sun with nothing on no wording of any kind attached to it. To me that says I am a sun lover in all the languages that could possibly enjoy the sun like most nudist do /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Greensunshine in the Pacific NW /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Dunsunnin]

Greensunshine - sounds like a good idea. I too think anything with wording would slow down the recognition - it has to be very simple but noticeable, especially if used on moving vehicles.
Perhaps there are more ideas out there too.
The NDST one is fine for those who know what it is.
Our symbol needs to make sense just as much to people who don't get involved with any offshoot naturist interest (websites, mags, clubs, associations. etc), and happily just do their own thing, but would like others to spot them anyway - a sort of comraderie (is that the word?)
I had thought of maybe a well defined bare foot impression in a circle of grass (not sand because beaches aren't always a naturist venue, and in any case the owner of the foot might be an everyday beachgoer). Whether it says 'naturism' or not, I'm not sure.
Unfortunately showing any form of numan nude anatomy in a logo immediately brings in the old suggestion of the involvement of sex.

[Jochanaan]

Jo Mulholland, a naturist leader from Australia, told of an international naturist symbol on the Happy Nature site (http://www.happynature.com/forum.htm). I couldn't find it with a quick search, but I know I've seen it there.

[Naturist Mark]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jochanaan:
[qb] Jo Mulholland, a naturist leader from Australia, told of an international naturist symbol on the Happy Nature site (http://www.happynature.com/forum.htm). I couldn't find it with a quick search, but I know I've seen it there.

[Dunsunnin]

OK. Or go directly to www.thewhitecockatoo.com (http://www.thewhitecockatoo.com) click on the naturist information panel, and then the Symbols menu box.

[Baron Lake]

Not sure just what is "international" about a nude on a shuttlecock. Please to enlighten. (anyone).

[Nudini]

It's not a shuttlecock. That is the sun with rays coming from it. I agree, however, that it doesn't seem international.

[Dunsunnin]

I didn't want to hurt any feelings, and with all due respect to the designer, who obviously has a lot more years of naturistic experience than me, it just says to me 'happy holidays'. I know the design was intentionally to give the feel of those earlier pioneering days, with its art deco look, and probably does the job for most, but still believe there's room for an alternative, more 'now', logo for those who want something of the 21st century?

[Elery]

I think the most effective, simple and evocotive depiction of humanity in the natural state I've ever seen is the "greeting" that NASA put on the first vehicle to leave the solar system...actually, I think I've seen it used on at least one nude site before. For once a government agency did something right, could you imagine sending a depiction of ourselves into the infinite wearing bikinis..?

[Stevedaoust]

Yes, there is. If you go to my club (posted in my profile and attached to my letters, you'll see the address for my club. The info-address is IN the picture section of the club.

Steve

[johny]

Steve, sorry, but http://JEJSLD@webtv.net is illogic and not existant. www protocole forbid to combinbate e-post and http addresses. Something there must be changed to open. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[David77]

True! You can not properly combine http:// with @webtv.net

Also, there is no such webtv.net address as JEJSLD@webtv.net (This takes you to a MSN default page.)

However, you probably want to list a URL instead of a webtv e-mail address.

[Snoboy]

Stevedaust, there is no way to access the info you shared because it sends a signal as Forbidden and errors. Any suggestions?

[Buzzer]

That reminds me of a story I heard some years ago. It seems a man was concerned about the safety of his & other children crossing the street in his neighborhood. He tried to get the city to put up "slow" signs, but to no avail. So he solved the problem by puttin up a sign that said; "caution, nudist area". Traffic slowed down considerably. LOL

[shãybare]

Very funny. I'm surprised the traffic didn't come to a complete stop.

[aunaturelone]

Definitely the NASA logo is a good one. It's commonly recognized. It's public domain so copywrite doesn't come into play. Can't be accused of being pornographic. Shows both male and female and (except for them being smoothies) is almost anatomically correct....

Carl Sagan's wife drew it. She had added a tiny slit for the woman's vagina, barely visible. It got censored in the final version.

[David77]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Jochanaan:
Jo Mulholland, a naturist leader from Australia, told of an international naturist symbol on the Happy Nature site http://www.happynature.com/forum.htm I couldn't find it with a quick search, but I know I've seen it there. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[FLslimguy]

That NASA logo is, in my professional opinion, a bit too anatomical to serve any purpose to "promote" social nudism. Great for cosmic aquaintances but not for bible-thumping humanoids.

As for the alledged vaginal slit... well, I'm personally glad anything like that didn't show up. If that story of Sagan's wife was in fact true, why didn't they just show copulation to the universe? "this is how we reproduce". Let it serve a purpose! I'd like to know how aliens reproduce...I'm sure it's stranger than we earthlings can conceptualize. ...might give us an idea or two...

The subject of an international, easily recognizable identity for nudism is as varied as everyone's impression of just what nudism/naturism is. I say, leave it up to each concern what emphasis they wish to promote.

[TXK NUDE]

<img><http://www.geocities.com/txknude/COSign153x194.gif></img>

This logo was/is available from a company that is trying to promote it as THE international sign for nuditsts. I really like it, and it really does say it all. Right now I can't find where I originally downloaded this image...anyone else know?

TXK NUDE

[TXK NUDE]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by TXK NUDE:
<img><http://www.geocities.com/txknude/COSign153x194.gif></img>

This logo was/is available from a company that is trying to promote it as THE international sign for nuditsts. I really like it, and it really does say it all. Right now I can't find where I originally downloaded this image...anyone else know?

TXK NUDE <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> http://www.partynakedstuff.com

I finally remembered! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

TXK NUDE

[Naturist Mark]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by TXK NUDE:
<img><http://www.geocities.com/txknude/COSign153x194.gif></img>
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>You can't deep link to a Geocities image. Was this the intended image?:

http://www.thecatdragdinn.org/cosign153x194.jpg

Also available here: www.ClothingOptionalSign.com (http://www.ClothingOptionalSign.com)

-Mark

[missouriboy]

That's it, Mark. That's the one I wrote about. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Mboy...Had to go back to your original post to see what the symbol represents ...Am I the only one that is that slow? /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[missouriboy]

Well, ODB, I expected my post to appear immediately below the image Mark posted, but the page-split ruined that effect, didn't it. /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

[TXK NUDE]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by naturistmark1:
http://www.thecatdragdinn.org/cosign153x194.jpg

Also available here: www.ClothingOptionalSign.com (http://www.ClothingOptionalSign.com)

-Mark [/QB] <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Yes! Thank you Mark!

TXK NUDE

I'd never have guessed it represented bare buns...but maybe thats a point in its favor...Outdoorbare /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Snoboy]

It resembles a womans chest to me. More so, than say, BUNS. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[johny]

TXK:- Thank You very much. I shall put this in my car window, only without of text label. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[johny]

Wow, I find in this picture something more! The cheaks makes a form alike the letters C.O. so the black line should be little bit corrected to close in the right side. Then the label beyound will stay unnessecary.

[florida-david]

seems sexual to me, but than again, everything could seem sexual....

[Dunsunnin]

Florida-David, I have to agree.
It makes me think of football fans dropping their pants at coach windows on their way to an away match.

[florida-david]

or they could be the testicles of someone hanging upside down?? or, or, or

what the heck is that symbol anyways?? its too vague

[missouriboy]

Didn't strike me as being vague when I first saw it. I saw a nude figure walking away from me, and somewhat to the right. Still do.

[shãybare]

I see exactly what you see, MOboy.

[asianaturist]

Looks like a nude woman sitting down on the ground ... with only her breasts and her knees showing in the symbol.
Good effort ... but as some other posters said, it's not entirely clear what it's about.

[Dunsunnin]

I?ve been playing around with some ideas for a new logo/symbol. Having picked the one which I think works best out of them, here it is, though you might think otherwise.
OK, it does have a slightly anorexic look about it, but this is just to get some thoughts going.
Also, to be spotted easily on someone's bumper, for instance, I think a logo needs to be quite defined (ie. not too fussy in detail).
http://hometown.aol.co.uk/azureink/images/naturismsymbol.jpg
The above ?printed? version is based upon the ?N? of typeface ?Adolescence? - simply because it has a suitably organic flowing form. The ?N? obviously stands for either Naturism or Nudism.
A head has been added, plus a sun and simple rays.
The symbol can be either a single ?figure? (male or female)...
http://hometown.aol.co.uk/azureink/images/naturismsymbol2.jpg
...or two figures. Either way, it still retains the same theme.
I also like this kind of symbol because it can be hand drawn by anyone - an example is shown here of a brush-stroked version.
http://hometown.aol.co.uk/azureink/images/naturismsymbolpencil.jpg
The design hasn?t been complicated with too much detail, therefore such a symbol might lend itself to homespun signage, or as a signature symbol on correspondence to do with naturism/nudism, if required.
Many logos don't mean anything, until they've been seen alongside a product, and start to be associated with that product. That takes time.
I wouldn't mind putting this one on my car because it doesn't directly say I'm a nudist.
To sum it up, as a simple image, it relates loosely to someone nude sitting down, not bothering anyone, and just enjoying some sunshine.
Which is what I'd like to do now if it wasn't so cloudy.
Any comments, good or bad, feel free to let us have 'em.

[shãybare]

I think you have a great idea, Dunsunnin, and I really like the images, especially the two figured one. However, like the C.O. image, people will have different interpretations of what they see unless it is explicit.

[FLslimguy]

Graphic symbols always end up being beat to death by everyone with an opinion. Which is why I advocate that every nudist/naturist organization choose what it means to "them".

I am in favor of text saying CLOTHING OPTIONAL or BEYOND THIS SIGN YOU MAY ENCOUNTER NUDITY to be as effective as anything. Too many sexually-oriented concerns have adapted "nude" symbols for the general public to have any idea what is actually intended.

Believe me, if you place a "nude" symbol out somewhere, gawkers and pervs will FLOCK to it.

[Gary Naturist]

Dunsunnin: I think that your designs are brilliant. I really like all three, including the brush-stroked one.

You've definitely got talent. Do you work in the graphics arts field?

Gary

[Dunsunnin]

Thanks Gary-Naturist. Much appreciated!
Yes I have to own up to having been in a London ad agency as a graphics man for about 25 years.
I didn?t want to jump in again here too quickly, but just like to add that I?ve tried to hit upon a device which sits comfortably between what I would call explicitly depicted nudism, and something which doesn?t say nudity at all and therefore would be much slower in getting the message across.
The ?N? seems to work for me, and in fact could even be dropped into wordage for the purposes of promotion, such as the N?s in wellbeiNg, coNtentment, clothiNg optional, etc. So it has a versatility of use.
As far as showing nudity goes, I?ve tried to state quickly, without *****footing around with anatomical realism, a basic human form wearing nothing, as I think we have to stick our necks out a little, and chance such a logo also drawing in those only interested in nudity in the sexual sense...as has been quickly pointed out already. But I?m sure such people would soon get bored once they know what the symbol stands for. The fact that this figure isn?t adopting any erotic pose, and is facing the sun and not the audience, helps, and I think retains innocence to the image.

[Dunsunnin]

Sorry - a word was asterisked, which relates to a young cat...(and obviously a word frowned upon in these forums - and for good reason).

[missouriboy]

For good reason?? Well, I dunno... suppose I wanted to caution someone to avoid *****ly-heat by staying away from *****-willow trees? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
(Oh, well. This has been beat to death already. Sigh.)

FLslimguy, part of the idea here was to create an international symbol that doesn't rely on the text of any specific language.

In that vein, would even the letter N work everywhere? Or would the exceptions, if any, be too few to worry about?

[sawdust]

I really like your attemps to come up with an international symbol for nudist. These are sharp, interesting and yet simple and to the point. I think you are on your way to developing a winner. Don't forget to pattern your work before some one else steals it and the profit that might come from it. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Snoboy]

Dunsunnin, I think the gentleman means "patent" your designs. You are very talented and no one else should profit from your efforts without your express permission. I would love to see more of your work. Thanks for contributing wonderful ideas that benefit all of us. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Dunsunnin]

Here's another of my offerings.
http://hometown.aol.co.uk/azureink/images/naturismbird.jpg
The bird (based upon Picasso's 'Peace' symbol) is flying off with a figleaf.
Meaning:
As naturists/nudists, we are giving back to nature what we stole to hide our embarrassment.
I thought this was a more eloquent way of looking at things.

[missouriboy]

In an article about whether nudism should be closeted (N, Fall 2003) there is this quote:

"In Quebec and Ontario they have these road signs which have a nude family identifying where nudist resorts are at."

Do any of our Canadian friends know what this sign looks like?

[Gary Naturist]

In an article about whether nudism should be closeted (N, Fall 2003) there is this quote:

"In Quebec and Ontario they have these road signs which have a nude family identifying where nudist resorts are at."

Missouriboy asks: Do any of our Canadian friends know what this sign looks like?

I live in Ontario and travel in Quebec, but haven't seen any signs with a nude family. If there are any, I'm pretty sure that they have been put up by nudist resorts.

However, Ontario rents out sign space near exits on its main highways to promote tourist facilities -- name only, no graphics. When I drive west from Toronto along Hwy 401, I am always pleased to see the sign for "Four Seasons Nudist Resort". I'm sure that it gets quite a bit of attention from the non-nudists driving by -- and hopefully results in some people visiting the resort.

Gary

[NewbieM]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Gary Naturist:
In an article about whether nudism should be closeted (N, Fall 2003) there is this quote:

"In Quebec and Ontario they have these road signs which have a nude family identifying where nudist resorts are at."

Missouriboy asks: Do any of our Canadian friends know what this sign looks like?

I live in Ontario and travel in Quebec, but haven't seen any signs with a nude family. If there are any, I'm pretty sure that they have been put up by nudist resorts.

However, Ontario rents out sign space near exits on its main highways to promote tourist facilities -- name only, no graphics.

Gary </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Lol... This is what happens when you're new!

Sorry to dig up such an old topic, but I live in Quebec. There is a provincial road sign (public, as regulated by the Ministère des Transports du Quebec) with a nude family on it on Highway 20, beteen Quebec and Montreal. I'd be very surprised if the sign had been paid for by the resort, because the signature (the color, the lettering, etc.) is the same as other officially-sanctioned tourist destinations. That leads me to believe that it is an official sign.

Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of the sign, but I can tell you it's for the Centre Naturiste DSA, in St-Cyrille-de-Wendover, near Drummondville.

[missouriboy]

If it graphically showed a nude family, that must be what the article was talking about. And it alluded that they existed in more than one place, for more than one particular park, so if the format is constant rather than varied, it doesn't sound like private signs.

Surely someone has seen two or more, at a distance from each other?

[hm0504]

The Quebec signs, as I recall, show an iconized form of a family not unlike those signs you might see for restrooms -- the difference being that the forms are facing away so you can see the outlines of their bottoms.

[Argofan]

It's too bad that more of a naturally recognized symbol doesn't exist, I mean all of the attempts and the ones that were shown look alright, but it's too bad the nudism movement didn't have something similar to the rainbow flag.

[NudePete]

The Quebec sign discussion sounds like it might be about the Federation of Canadian Naturists logo, http://www.fcn.ca/media/FCNlogo2inch.gif but perhaps not. It's not really white on green or white on blue like most highway signs are.

Ah, just found something that might show it here (http://www.fqn.qc.ca/LeLienNaturiste/LeLienNaturiste%20V1No1.PDF)