This article was originally published in the Welcome Home print issue of The Daily Utah Chronicle, originally in stands on August 25, 2024. It has not been updated and some information may be out of date.
Utah and snow are intrinsically linked. Millions of visitors travel from across the globe to experience the “greatest snow on earth.” One of the most iconic places to experience this snow is Snowbird — its logo is instantly recognizable. It takes flight, quite literally. Inspired by the very essence of its name, a bird motif takes center stage. Its wings morph into a dynamic shape that embodies the resort’s year-round spirit. A cool blue, reminiscent of winter skies, defines one wing. The other unfurls in verdant green, mirroring the lush summer landscapes. This logo was designed by Ted Nagata, a pioneer in graphic design, who graduated from the University of Utah.
Early Life and Challenges
Born in Santa Monica, California in 1935, Nagata faced significant hardships from a young age. At the outbreak of World War II, his family was uprooted due to Executive Order 9066, which forced Japanese Americans into internment camps. Nagata’s family was first sent to the Tanforan Assembly Center in California and later to the Topaz Internment Camp in Utah. Nagata was just 7 years old at the time.
In an interview conducted by the Densho Digital Repository in 2008, Nagata reflected on the difficulty of leaving behind his possessions and the harsh conditions at the internment camps.
“We put all of our things in the warehouses that the government provided, but after the war, we were notified that we could not come back to pick ‘em up, because they were all gone,” he told the interviewer.
Like other Japanese American families, the postwar period was filled with challenges. They had to completely rebuild their lives from nothing.
Finding a Passion for Art
Despite these early obstacles, Nagata discovered a passion for art. After the war, his family settled in Salt Lake City, where he attended West High School. It was here that his love for art began to flourish. He excelled in his art classes, often having his work displayed on the school walls.
“I always knew in the back of my mind that I was gonna be an artist,” Nagata said.
Upon graduating high school, Nagata pursued his passion further by enrolling in the U’s College of Fine Arts with a scholarship. At the U, Nagata specialized in what was then called commercial art, now known as graphic design. In 1959, he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts. Soon after, he earned a graduate degree in the same field, making him the first student at the university to do so. This marked the beginning of a long and successful career.
After working briefly in California, Nagata returned to Salt Lake City to establish his own business. Over the next 41 years, he grew his reputation, creating logos and branding materials for numerous local businesses and government agencies, including the Snowbird Ski Resort and Salt Lake County.
Legacy and Recognition
Nagata, now 89 years old, has made many contributions to his field. In 2022, he was honored by the U College of Fine Arts with its Legacy Award. This award recognized his career achievements and lasting impact.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Nagata has been a dedicated member of the Japanese American community. In 1992, when the Topaz Monument was vandalized, Nagata played a crucial role in its redesign. This act ensured that the history and experiences of Japanese Americans during World War II are not only remembered but also respected. His dedication went even further with the authorship of “Japanese Americans in Utah,” a book that details the history of early Japanese families in the state. Through his work, Nagata has inspired many and has a lasting legacy in the community.
Inspiring Future Generations
Ted Nagata’s life and career is a story of resilience and dedication. He was unwavering in the pursuit of his dreams and accomplished them. His life exemplifies the power of perseverance. Uprooted from his home and incarcerated during his childhood, he found solace in art. The U became the launching pad for his remarkable journey.
However, the true key to his success wasn’t found in a classroom — it was in his unwavering commitment to excellence, regardless of the project’s scale. This simple principle, applied with dedication and a touch of artistry, can propel anyone on a path to achievement.
