Winning design by Vancouver-based graphic artist, Zara Contractor, selected for accentuating elements of air, earth, fire and water and strong Zoroastrian identity.
Burr Ridge, Illinois, May 1, 2017– FEZANA (www.fezana.org), the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America, today unveiled a new logo to commemorate its 30-year anniversary. The winning logo, designed by graphic artist, Zara Contractor, was selected through an exhaustive independent evaluation of more than 100 outstanding logo design entries submitted by Zoroastrians from around the world. To read all about the winning entry visit this link
Living and working in Karachi, Pakistan, Contractor’s logo subtly features the four elements most revered by Zoroastrians: air, earth, fire and water, and exudes a rich, striking Zoroastrian identity. The logo competition was managed by FEZANA Vice President Arzan Sam Wadia, and judged by leading Zoroastrian marketing, design and public relations industry professionals, including: Mantreh Atashband (New Jersey); Jim Engineer (Chicago); Feroza Fitch (Washington, D.C.); Mrinalini Nair (New York City), and Zen Yinger (North Carolina).
“On behalf of FEZANA’s executive team, our member associations and corresponding groups, I want to personally thank each designer who took the time to think through our need, develop innovative design concepts and put their artistic skills to the test,” Wadia said. “We salute Zara Contractor for her winning design, and believe it best represents FEZANA’s mission, vision and religious identity.”
Contractor is a graphic design professional with a passion for community building through storytelling. She earned a Masters of Applied Arts in Design from Emily Carr University in Vancouver, Canada, Zara’s practice is rooted in ‘Design for Social Impact,’ both in the commercial and non-profit sectors. A natural storyteller, she draws a narrative thread through her work, be it illustration, photography or graphic design.
Her portfolio includes work done for clients such as the City of Vancouver, University of British Columbia, the Ontario Energy Board (in collaboration with Jay Wall), and the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Before her move to Vancouver, she was a Creative Manager with Red Communication Arts, an advertising agency in Pakistan, where her major clients were Garnier, Sanofi-aventis and Hewlett Packard.
A keen social worker, Contractor has volunteered with the Zoroastrian Society of British Columbia, MOSAIC refugee services, the Vancouver School Board, the Karachi Zoroastrian Banu Mandal, and the British Women’s Association of Pakistan. To learn more about Contractor and her design portfolio visit: www.zaracontractor.com.
Zoroastrians are followers of one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions founded by the prophet Zarathushtra more than 3,000 years ago in ancient Iran. Zoroastrians have long-served as bridge builders in interfaith dialogue, believing in truth, righteousness, charity, beneficence, respect for the environment and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
About FEZANA
Founded in 1987 and celebrating its 30-year anniversary, FEZANA serves as the coordinating body for 26 Zoroastrian member associations and 15 corresponding groups throughout the United States and Canada. FEZANA promotes the study, understanding and practice of the Zoroastrian faith in North America. FEZANA represents the interests of its member associations, and carries out philanthropic and charitable activities worldwide. FEZANA Journal, FEZANA’s publication of record, circulates to Zoroastrian households in more than 22 countries, as well as to scholars, academicians and religious organizations worldwide. www.fezana.org.
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Contact:
Jim Engineer
FEZANA Media Relations
Mobile: +1 (630) 728-1387
