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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) FOR BRANDING PROJECT
BGMC & NCTM Brand Identity Request for Proposals (RFP)
BGMC & NCTM Brand Identity Request for Proposals (RFP)
1. Are you changing the name "Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus"?
1. Are you changing the name "Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus"?
No. The Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus (BGMC) will continue to be known as the Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus. Our name, mission, and identity remain unchanged.
What is changing is the name of our parent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, currently known as BGMC, Inc.
Over the past several years, our organization has grown beyond a single ensemble. In addition to the Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus, we have launched the Nickel City Treble Makers (NCTM) and anticipate opportunities for future artistic programming and ensembles.
To better reflect this growth, we are seeking a new name for the parent organization that oversees all of our ensembles while allowing each performing group to retain its own unique identity.
Think of it this way:
Parent Organization (new name to be determined) – The nonprofit corporation that governs and supports all ensembles.
Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus (BGMC) – Our flagship TTBB chorus (name remains unchanged).
Nickel City Treble Makers (NCTM) – Our treble ensemble (name remains unchanged).
The goal of this rebranding effort is to create an umbrella identity that unites our growing family of ensembles while honoring the proud 25-year legacy of the Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus.
2. Who is eligible to submit a proposal?
2. Who is eligible to submit a proposal?
The RFP is open to graphic designers, artists, illustrators, branding professionals, design students, and creative individuals. We especially encourage members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and local Western New York artists to apply, although submissions from all qualified designers are welcome.
3. Is there a submission fee?
3. Is there a submission fee?
No. There is no cost to submit a proposal.
4. What organizations are included in this project?
4. What organizations are included in this project?
This project includes the Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus (BGMC) and Nickel City Treble Makers (NCTM). The selected designer will develop a cohesive brand identity that reflects both organizations while allowing each chorus to maintain its own identity.
5. Why is BGMC seeking a new logo?
5. Why is BGMC seeking a new logo?
As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary Season, we are looking toward the future. We want a modern, inclusive, and timeless brand identity that better reflects our mission, values, and the diversity of our membership and audiences.
6. What should the new logo represent?
6. What should the new logo represent?
We encourage designers to think beyond music notes and rainbows. The logo should communicate:
Community
Pride
Inclusion
Excellence
Music
Joy
Diversity
Belonging
Professionalism
Hope
The strongest concepts will tell a story rather than simply illustrate music.
7. Can I submit more than one concept?
7. Can I submit more than one concept?
Yes. Designers may submit multiple concepts if each is presented as a complete design solution.
8 Can I collaborate with another designer?
8 Can I collaborate with another designer?
Absolutely. Team submissions are welcome.
9. Is AI-generated artwork permitted?
9. Is AI-generated artwork permitted?
Artificial intelligence may be used for brainstorming or ideation, but the final submitted artwork must be an original design created by the submitting artist and must be legally transferable for commercial use. Designers are responsible for ensuring their work does not infringe on copyrights or trademarks.
10. What deliverables are expected?
10. What deliverables are expected?
The selected designer will be asked to provide:
Primary logo
Secondary logo variations
Icon or emblem version
Black-and-white version
Full-color version
Vector artwork
Brand color palette
Font recommendations
Basic brand standards guide
Additional deliverables are outlined in the RFP.
11. What file formats should finalists provide?
11. What file formats should finalists provide?
Preferred formats include:
AI
EPS
SVG
PDF
PNG (transparent)
JPG
12. Will the designer retain ownership?
12. Will the designer retain ownership?
The selected designer will transfer ownership and usage rights to BGMC & NCTM upon receipt of the award payment. Copyright details are explained in the RFP.
13. What is the award?
13. What is the award?
The selected proposal will receive a $500 award upon acceptance and execution of the agreement.
14. Are revisions expected?
14. Are revisions expected?
Yes. The Board may request reasonable revisions before final approval. The goal is collaboration to achieve the strongest possible brand identity.
15. How will proposals be evaluated?
15. How will proposals be evaluated?
Submissions will be evaluated on:
Creativity
Originality
Professional quality
Versatility
Scalability
Representation of our mission
Long-term usability
Overall brand strategy
16. Can I include mockups?
16. Can I include mockups?
Yes! Mockups showing how the logo would appear on:
Concert posters
Programs
Apparel
Social media
Websites
Signage
are highly encouraged.
17. Where will the logo be used?
17. Where will the logo be used?
The selected logo will appear on:
Website
Social media
Concert marketing
Programs
Merchandise
Letterhead
Business cards
Sponsorship materials
Digital advertising
Promotional products
18. What should designers avoid?
18. What should designers avoid?
Please avoid concepts that:
Depend solely on rainbow imagery
Closely resemble existing chorus logos
Include copyrighted artwork
Are overly detailed or difficult to reproduce
Don't scale well for digital and print use
19. Will my proposal be returned?
19. Will my proposal be returned?
No. Submitted materials become part of the review process and will not be returned.
20. Will every submission receive feedback?
20. Will every submission receive feedback?
Due to the anticipated number of submissions, we are unable to provide individual critiques or design feedback.
21. Can BGMC choose not to select a winner?
21. Can BGMC choose not to select a winner?
Yes. BGMC & NCTM reserve the right to reject any or all submissions if none meet the project's objectives.
22. What happens after a winner is selected?
22. What happens after a winner is selected?
The selected designer will work with representatives of BGMC & NCTM to finalize the logo package before public launch.
23. When will the new logo be unveiled?
23. When will the new logo be unveiled?
The new brand identity is expected to debut during our 2026–2027 Silver Anniversary Season, following completion of the design and approval process.
24. May I share my submission publicly?
24. May I share my submission publicly?
Please do not publish or promote your submitted design until the selection process is complete. This helps ensure a fair review for all participants.
25. Who should I contact with questions?
25. Who should I contact with questions?
Marketing Committee
Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus & Nickel City Treble Makers
📧 Marketing@theBGMC.org
We're not just looking for a logo—we're looking for the visual identity that will represent the Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus and Nickel City Treble Makers for years to come. As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary, we invite designers to create something that captures our history, our mission, and our vision for the future. Surprise us. Inspire us. Help us tell our story.
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