2026: A Fresh Start

Each year, I set a theme for the year. Last year was incremental progress. I did write a lot during the year, and I released some new typefaces, but I wasn’t able to reach my health goals and organization is still something I want to continue to work on.

For this year, I’m excited about a fresh start. I start an exciting new job (that’s really a completely different career). I’ve finished all of my Ph.D. classwork, so I’m just focused on my dissertation now. With those two clean slates, I’m going to focus on building a healthy routine and organizational plan to support it. I’m optimistic about the year ahead.

Bob Wertz is a type designer, Ph.D. student and researcher living in Columbia, South Carolina. He’s been blogging since 2008.

More Apple Logo Variations

One strange thing about Apple’s visual identity is that they allow logo variations that most brand managers would never approve. In the past, I’ve noted their environmental logo with a green leaf and their security logo that looks like a padlock. They have a gift logo that they use annually during the holidays and created a special logo for their opening of their Marina Sands store in Singapore.

Today, I saw another couple of variations to add to my list from the Apple Japan web site as part of their New Year’s Celebration:

Apple japan logo variations.

For a company known for their branding, I think it’s fascinating to see all of these variations from Apple. Especially since it runs counter to what most brands do.

Bob Wertz is a type designer, Ph.D. student and researcher living in Columbia, South Carolina. He’s been blogging since 2008...

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I’m watching the World Darts Championship on Peacock and I have so many questions. Apparently, they are currently doing a speed round, the crowd is wild, and a couple of spectators are dressed as Ronald McDonald.

Our travel plans for Christmas changed at the last minute, so Team Wertz took a day trip to the Isle of Palms and Charleston.

Four people are standing on a beach near the water with a pier in the background.

An exciting and hectic 2026 ahead

I was thinking this morning about goals and themes for 2026, but as I thought through my plans, I realized that 2026 is going to be a big year for me and my family.

  • New job. I have a new job, and it’s a massive shift from what I’ve done for the last thirty years. I’m excited, but I have a lot to learn. Thankfully, I have a supportive team and I’m still at the university that I love. I officially worked a week in the new job in 2025, but I hit the ground running on January 2. Excited for the fresh start.

  • Dr. Wertz? I’ve finished all of my coursework for my Ph.D in Mass Communications. The only requirements left are my comprehensive exams and my dissertation. In theory, I should be able to accomplish everything in time for a December hooding. That’s the goal, but we’ll see. With everything...

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I just made the move from an iPhone 12 Pro to an iPhone 17. Lots of advancements over the last 5 years.

The renovated Finlay Park in Columbia is gorgeous. They did such a great job with the update and it’s now such a vibrant space for the community. Love it.

A large cascading fountain is set in Finlay Park with the Columbia, South Carolina skyline in the background.