The first TIPS logo was created in late-1987, just after the TIPS program became officially established. At that time, the world wide web was newly emerging as a viable means for communication and the sharing of information on a far greater scale than when it was initially created. In fact, at that time, OSM did not have a website or a dedicated web-specific staff. It was actually TIPS who applied-for, and purchased the domain, www.osmre.gov for the agency. Greg Morlock, one of TIPS' founders, handled the purchasing of OSM's domain and TIPS was to be the administrator of OSM's web. It was also Greg who developed the first logo for TIPS. Befitting of his engineering background, Greg used AutoCAD to draft the design that would become the first TIPS logo.

By the year 2012, the TIPS logo had been in use for 25 years. The TIPS program, in keeping with the vastly changing technological landscape, also had made dramatic strides forward. TIPS had grown in reach and had advanced well into the digital age, embracing newer technologies to accomplish their mission, including online distance learning courses, expansion of their website, and overall growth in the support they offered. Also, coincidentally, the Office of Surface Mining was celebrating it's 35th anniversary beginning in August of that same year. The time was ripe for TIPS to explore a new look that could demonstrate their growth and success as a vital effort within OSM.

Encompassing the entirety of what TIPS is, and how it functions, in a singular iconic image, is a daunting task. The very nature of the group is founded on concepts that may not easily be visually defined: Innovation and Service. So in developing a fresh look for TIPS, the design team wanted to create something that would embody visually, a the broad range of characteristics that is TIPS.

The TIPS "Wave", as the logo has come to be deemed for its sinuous design, builds upon the elements from the first TIPS logo, but is a fresh departure in its own right. The color palette will be familiar to those familiar with TIPS but does feature some new variation. Where the Wave departs from its predecessor is quite obviously, in its form. The Wave has an entirely new, organic look. The introduction of more curved radiuses softens the form, hinting at the organic nature of TIPS as a living breathing thing. TIPS is also about people, fostering relationships between OSM, States, and Tribes and providing Professional Service. Nevertheless, the logo appears calculated and precise, with consistent curves and every straight line aligned vertically and horizontally. Symbolically this is representative of TIPS' commitment to Technical Innovation and the continued effort to explore the technological frontier in search of the newest and best methods for accomplishing the mission. The very nature of the Wave emulates TIPS, in that it can function on so many levels. In its complexity, the logo illustrates the many facets of TIPS. Lastly, for the very literal, it doesn't hurt to mention that the Wave is comprised of each letter of the acronym, T, I, P, and S.