The origin of CMHA logo

The logo of the Canadian Mental Health Association is registered as the Fanciful Man Design, (the word "man" refers to humankind). Some view the abstract human figure as symbolizing the role of physical and mental health in the development of the whole person. Others interpret the four solid triangles as being the Associations' four areas of activity:

The Fanciful Man was developed by Mr. Leonard Crainford, a former Director of Information Services and adopted by CMHA in 1970.

This is how he explained the origin of his design

Four arrows indicate the four principle directions of the association's concern: service to patients survey and social action public education scientific research The arrows became larger, indicating growth of concern, but there is still nothing to indicate local or national action. The arrows became identical triangles to indicate areas of increasingly effective action. The triangles became more irregular in shape, indicating flexibility, but together make a strong cohesive square representing united effort. A visual focal point, a circular dot, provides a dynamic and intriguing creation - a healthy vibrant figure standing for a cryptic form of the official name - Mental Health Canada. This form was quickly adopted as the informal designation for the various divisions and branches of the association. If you have further questions about the history of the Association or would like to investigate some of the achievements in more detail, an excellent source is a book by John D.M. Griffin, General Director of the CMHA from 1952 to 1971, entitled In Search of Sanity. Further research materials can be located in the CMHA Ontario Division Library, as well as at the Archives of Toronto.