The Timeless Journey of the Hills Alive Logo: A Creator’s 40-Year Legacy in South Dakota

Crafting a Vision in Spearfish, SD

Back in the early days of building my logo and graphic design portfolio, I poured my heart into designing the Hills Alive logo for KSLT radio, right as the Christian concert series kicked off in Spearfish, South Dakota. I wanted something that captured the spirit of the Black Hills and could grow with the event.

That bold brushstroke swoosh—my signature touch—became the backbone, a simple yet powerful outline that I knew could stand the test of time. As Hills Alive outgrew its park venue and moved to Memorial Park in Rapid City, SD, I saw my design evolve, but that swoosh stayed true, anchoring every change.

Designing for the Future

I crafted this logo with flexibility in mind, blending vibrant colors and the phrase “HELPING make it happen HILLS ALIVE” to reflect the energy of the concerts. My goal was to create a seal that could adapt—adding anniversary markers or venue details—while holding onto that original swoosh. Seeing it incorporated into the 40th anniversary badge, sent to me by Tom Shoensted, the original general manager, fills me with pride. It’s proof that my ingenuity could shape something lasting, evolving with each milestone yet rooted in its initial stroke.

A 40-Year Creative Odyssey

Over 40 years, I’ve watched Hills Alive grow from a local gathering into a beloved Rapid City tradition, drawing thousands with its message of faith and music.

That logo, featured on badges, banners, and more, has been my creative journey in action. I’ve shared pictures along the way—early sketches, event uses, and the latest 40th-year design—showing how the swoosh has guided its transformation.

As the 2025 anniversary unfolds at Memorial Park, my design continues to inspire, a testament to a vision built to endure.

Join the Celebration in Rapid City, SD

Experience the 40th anniversary of Hills Alive, happening now in Rapid City, South Dakota!

See my logo’s legacy live at Memorial Park, where faith and music unite. See my legacy contues to last decades just as designed. And fitting perfectly into this years motto of: “Helping Make It Happen” Check the schedule and grab your tickets to be part of this creative milestone!

---

SEO GEO Tags

• Location: Spearfish, SD | Rapid City, SD | South Dakota
• Keywords: Hills Alive 2025, Christian Concert Series, Rapid City Events, Spearfish Music Festival, South Dakota Faith Events, Hills Alive Logo Design
• Meta Description: Explore my 45-year journey creating the Hills Alive logo, from Spearfish to Rapid City, SD. Join the 2025 anniversary at Memorial Park—faith, music, and enduring design!
• GEO Tags: Latitude 44.0805° N, Longitude 103.2310° W (Rapid City, SD) | Latitude 44.4908° N, Longitude 103.8591° W (Spearfish, SD)