Meet the man with designs on having one
THE silver fern on an All Blacks jersey has become one of the symbols of Kiwi nationhood.
But now, the design’s original creator, graphic designer Dave Clark, wants to create another inspiring fern symbol – one that everyone in the country can proudly use and enjoy.
Clark says he is looking to the fern design on the gravestone inscriptions of fallen heroes in the Gallipoli campaign as inspiration for his new project, which is still on the drawing board.
His new rendition of the quintessential Kiwi silver fern would embody the country’s heritage, but also be a downloadable alternative to the copyrighted All Blacks logo, said Clark. It means anyone will be able to download it free of charge to use themselves.
Clark was commissioned by the New Zealand Rugby Union in 1986 to create the first trademarked logo for the All Blacks.
‘‘It’s between an idea and a real project at the moment, but people see the silver fern as mark of their Kiwiness. I’ve seen the All Blacks logo tattooed on the back of someone’s head and on numerous Kiwis’ arms.’’
Clark envisions the possible future design symbolising New Zealand’s heritage.
The renowned graphic designer will be completing 40 years in the New Zealand design industry on June 1.
The rugby fan came to New Zealand 40 years ago with aspirations to play for the All Blacks. ‘‘I wanted to play rugby at the highest level, I wanted to play for the All Blacks. But after coming here I fell in love with this country and the people’s free attitudes. I knew I wanted to stay here.’’
Apart from the silver fern logo, Clark has worked on redesigning Air New Zealand’s famous Korustyled livery, numerous supermarket product brands, as well as design all five New Zealand Super Rugby teams.
But he says the two projects that stand out in his career as being the most challenging were the All Blacks design and the Air New Zealand livery.
Clark came up with the iconic fern in his sleep. He said the design was a product of ‘‘sheer fright and stress’’ from his fast approaching deadline.
‘‘I thought it would have been an easy job, but it took me three months and hundreds of drawings.
‘‘Andy Haden, one of the tallest All Blacks at the time, kept on ringing me up and asking where