[Project Complete] Ricochet Marketing - $200

[MarketingGuy]

(Admin code added by Palmer - 2BG84774LT092940N)

Thanks for checking out this contest and good luck!

Type of Contest: Logo Design
Company Name: Ricochet Marketing
Company Tagline: None
Deadline: Wednesday, May 24, 2006, 5pm CST
Prize: $200 Guaranteed

Company Details: Ricochet is a marketing agency that targets small businesses and startups. We provide basic direct mail, outdoor, television, and interactive planning and production services.

“Ricochet” Defined: A ricochet is a “rebound off of a surface”--most often associated with gunfire. We use it to describe how consumers “rebound” from one media channel to another (for example, they watch television while surfing the web and glancing at a magazine). To find other word associated with ricochet (and maybe for some design inspiration) please check out http://www.visualthesaurus.com/index.jsp

Logo Use: The logo will be used on the web site, sales materials and corporate identity items (letterhead, business cards, etc)

Target Customer: 30-50 year-old small business owners in the United States

Logo Creative Direction:
The logo and type should be:
* simple
* modern
* clean
The logo and type should not be
* violent (don’t reference bullets, it’s more about the “rebound” than guns)
* literal (don’t show consumers or people abstractions)

Logo Format Requirements:
1. Arrange logo and the name in a horizontal row (logo to the left of the name, do not stack logo on top of the name).
2. Please stack “Richochet” on top of “Marketing” to avoid too much horizontal length
3. The word “Ricochet” should be larger and more prominent than the word “Marketing” (we call the company “Richocet” not “Ricochet Marketing”.)
4. Include the “TM” (trademark) in small letters near the Ricochet Marketing name

Colors:
Please use the main color and either/both of the accent colors as necessary.
* Main Green: 009999
* Strong Accent Orange: FF6600
* Soft Accent Blue: BFFFFF

Postings: Please post your ideas in-line (don't link out to them) so that I can review submissions easily.

Winner: Winner will be required to sign a copyright notice giving us full ownership of the logo.

My promises to you:
* I'll post at least one section of comments for each entry every weekday morning (CST).
* I’ll answer all questions posted within 24 hours
* I’ll make a quick decision at the end so the winner is paid quickly

Thanks! Good Luck!

[Titania]

i'm in! :yes:

[Magentis]

Hello,

Here's my design proposal.

Kind regards,
Caroline

[Magentis]

And a slight variation.

I am working on something else

[Rongie]

Hi Chris,

Here's my 1st draft. :)

[Blesseville]

One from me.

http://www.medigraph.net/do/rm1.jpg

[MarketingGuy]

Hi guys, thanks for your quick entries (and on a weekend)! I’ve put comments below. Let me know if anything’s not clear. I’m looking forward to working with you.

Vertime: I like the “reverb” idea that you have and especially like version #1 with the smaller “marketing”. My only suggestions are that the “Marketing” isn’t all caps, perhaps a capital M only. Also, I like the clean fonts you used but wonder if there’s something a little less ordinary for the “Ricochet” part (but that remains sans serif). Finally, could you be sure to add the “TM”? Thanks for being the first to give it a shot!

Graphixparanoid: Hey there, welcome to the contest! I really like your phased font, I think that gives it a lot of interest. I also think that the layout puts great emphasis on “Ricochet” and less on “Marketing”. The part that is missing for me is the actual icon. I’ll sometimes use just the icon (without the words Ricochet Marketing) and I don’t think the “horizon” symbol quite embodies the “ricochet” concept. Can you imagine something that more strongly illustrates that concept?

Medigraph: Thanks for your entry. I’m surprised, but I like your font choice! I’d imagined something a bit more plain but think that your selection is quite interesting. I also appreciate the traditional placement of the logo to the left. My only concern is that the logo (to me) doesn’t really illustrate the “bounce” idea of Ricochet. I like it, but I’m not convinced it’s right for our company. Do you have any other idea? Thanks again!

MarketingGuy/Chris

[Paula23]

:)

[Paula23]

Thanks,
Paula

[Blesseville]

http://www.medigraph.net/do/rm2.jpg

[nhr]

Hallo:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b92/nhrdesign/DO/RicochetMarketing_DO.png

Thank you.

[Magentis]

Hello,

Thanks for your comments. I apologise, I missed the "TM"

Here's a new idea.

Kind regards,
Caroline

[Magentis]

And a revision of the first one.

Caroline

[Ratbaggy]

Hi Chris,

This concept sprang to mind immediately. let me know your thoughts.

Cheers,

Paul

[Fabian]

Hello Chris

Great to have you back again,here's my offering :)

Cheers
Fabian

[Rongie]

Here's my 2nd version

[MarketingGuy]

Hello everyone,

Wow, thanks for all the great entries yesterday. Don’t you guys take weekends off? I appreciate the work you’re putting into the contest, my comments are below. Some might be a little hard to understand so just post any questions you have.

Paula23: Thanks for both your entries! I prefer version 1. I really like the font you used for “Ricochet” and how you blended the colors in the icon. I think a few changes to the icon could make it even stronger: The zigzag somehow looks like an “s” to me and I’m afraid people might think it’s meant to be a letter. Can we make it a little more abstract. Also, I think it’s really clever the way that it dots the “I” but I’ll sometimes use just the icon and don’t think it works without the word Ricochet…can we contain it to just the icon area? I like the “Ricochet” font, but I think the “Marketing” font is just a little too heavy, is there something simpler to use? Finally, could you double-check the colors (are they the colors listed n the posting) and add a “TM”? Thanks!

Mediagraph: Wow, thanks for the quick changes. Everything looks good. I like the font choices and think the new icon is much stronger. I only have two requests…could you add the “TM” and could you think a little about the “swoop” part of the icon? I like the way it swings over the ball, but I think it is just a little awkward (though I have no concrete suggestion for a change).

Nhr: Thanks for joining the contest! The thing that I like most about your submission is the way that the ball is breaking out of the black box; I think that gives it a great dynamic feeling. I also like the highlight you added to the ball; it makes it seem more dimensional. Finally, I like the font you chose for “Ricochet”. A few changes I think could really strengthen this option: How would you combine the colors onto one logo (so that it uses at least two colors)? Also, is there a simpler font to use for “Marketing”? The box idea is great but can we shrink it down a little so it’s not much longer vertically than the words Ricochet Marketing? Finally, I like the zigzag path the ball makes is there a way to make it a little more angular (not as gentle a swoop as the first swoop).

Vertlime (version 3): Thanks for this new concept: I really like the shading on the balls and the fonts you chose. Do you think the balls should be 3 different colors? Or a single color? It seems a little odd to me to have the first one orange and the others blue. Or perhaps the largest one should be orange and the others blue. Also, do you think the size of the balls are in scale to the words “Ricochet Marketing”? They seem a little large to me. Overall I like the choices though!

Vertlime (version 2): I like the changes you made; I think the font choice for “Marketing” is much stronger. The change to the “Ricochet” font seems just a little heavy to me though. Also, I’m wondering if the light outer circle will be too faint in print or on the web…what do you think? Is it useable or should we darken it a little?

Ratbaggy: Thanks for entering the contest. I think you’ve nailed the idea of the “bounce” but I think that I really need an icon with my logo (I’ll use the icon as a design element sometimes). Do you have any ideas for an icon? Also, could you use the colors listed in the original post and add a “TM”? Thanks!

Fabian: Thanks for the nice note! I like your idea a lot, it reminds me of a skipping stone. How would you incorporate two colors into the icon? Also, I don’t think the font choices are quite right (the “Marketing” is two feminine for me and the Ricochet seems like two different fonts). Any other thoughts on the fonts? Thanks!

Graphixparanoid: Wow, I like this concept much more than version 1. I like the shading that you used and the interesting ball icon. Is there a way to use both color s in the icon? Also, though I love the interesting design in the ball I’m not quite sold on the use of a “people character”. Is there some way to make it a little more abstract?

Thanks everyone!
MarketingGuy/Chris

[Magentis]

Hello,

Back with one revision and a new idea.

Regards,
Caroline

[Magentis]

:)

[Blesseville]

A small revision.

http://www.medigraph.net/do/rm3.jpg

[Paula23]

Thanks for the feedback :)
Here are a revised icon, and a new concept.
The color charts are accurate :)

[Paula23]

Feel free to ask for any other adjustments.

Thanks, Paula

[nhr]

My revisions:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b92/nhrdesign/DO/RicochetMarketing2_DO.png

[nhr]

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b92/nhrdesign/DO/RicochetMarketing21_DO.png

Thank you.

[eziey]

:)

[Fabian]

Thanks Chris

Here is a revised design :)

Cheers
Fabian

[djaka]

my submission, the ricochet as 'r'
any comments are appreciated
thank you
:)

[MarketingGuy]

Hello everyone, thanks for the revisions. My comments are below:

Vertlime (concept 1): I love the shading, I love the box, I love your changes, period. My only suggestion to this final revision would be to slightly widen the slim outline around the box and the line connecting the balls. I think that it’s too thin for the web/newsprint (I’m afraid it’d be missed). Thanks!

Vertlime (concept 2): I appreciate your next idea, but I’m afraid it’s just a little too soft for me. The gentle curves make this more easy-going than what I’m driving for.

Medigraph: Thanks for the changes, everything looks great. I’d consider this concept complete. Please enter any other ideas you come up with!

Paula23 (concept 1): Thanks for the changes, they look good (the squiggles are much better). I think this one is done!

Paula 23 (concept 2): I like this idea, especially how it’s three-dimensional . Do you think the “trail” for the ball should be the same color as the ball itself? Also, could you switch over to the suggested colors? Thanks!

nhr: Thanks for the squiggle changes, I think this looks great, to me it’s much more aggressive (and somehow reminds me of an exclamation mark too). BTW, I think you’re right that it’s best in a single color. I consider this entry finished. Please enter any other ideas that come your way.

Eziey: Thanks for entering, good to see you again! I like the general idea for your entry but think that it overall feels a little soft. The ball is really bouncing in a gentle way. Can you somehow make it a little more aggressive? I think the font is ok, but perhaps not quite strong enough as well (also, could you show where you would place the “TM”). Thanks again for joining the contest.

Fabian: Thanks for the changes. I think the logo looks great, I especially like how it’s a little more abstract. The font change is definitely an improvement but I think the letters are a little too compact…is there any other font you would recommend?

Djaka: Welcome to the contest! Thanks for entering. I see where you’re going with this approach and I think it’s very creative. But I’m afraid that the loop script font presents itself as too gentle. I’m looking for a font that is a little more masculine. Do you think your icon would still work with a different font?

Thanks everyone!
MarketingGuy/Chris

[Rongie]

:) 3rd round

[Rongie]

:) different idea

[Fabian]

The font change is definitely an improvement but I think the letters are a little too compact…is there any other font you would recommend?

Yes,Here are some others for your consideration :)

[Fabian]

:)

[Fabian]

;)

[gig]

:)

[Paula23]

:)

[MarketingGuy]

Good morning and thanks for another round of changes and new ideas. My comments are below:

Graphixparanoid (version 3): I like this entry the best of all your work! I’m surprised because I didn’t expect to like an “r” approach to the icon, but it works. I especially like the way that it swoops from the background to the foreground. I like the font choice too. So, no changes! Thanks!

Graphixparanoid (version 4): The element I like about this approach is the shadow on the ground. However, the “R”s just don’t work for me, I think they lose that concept of “bouncing”. I’d prefer to stick with version 3. But thanks for throwing another idea out there and please post any others you come up with!

Fabian: Thanks for hitting the fonts again. I like version 1.3, I think that’s a great choice. This concept is done! Please post anything else that comes to mind, the contest doesn’t end until 5/24. Thanks!

Gig: Thanks for entering and welcome to the contest. I like the thick font your chose to use in “Ricochet”, it feels very powerful to me. But I think the addition of the bullseye and changes to the “c” make it a little tough to read. Also, I think the bullseye seems a little more about the target than ripples. How would you alter the bullseye to reinforce the “bounce” concept and what changes would you make to make the word “ricochet” a little more readable? Also, could you use the suggested colors and add “TM”? Thanks!

Paula23: Thanks for your changes, everything looks great. I think this version is sealed down. Please be sure to enter any other ideas that you have!

Have a great day everyone, thanks for your hard work.

[djaka]

thank you for the feedback
this is the revision
:)

[djaka]

:)

[Magentis]

Hello Chris,

Here's my revision. Lines a bit thicker.

Kind regards,
Caroline

[MarketingGuy]

Good morning Djaka and Vertlime. Thanks for your work yesterday! My comments are below:

Djaka: I like the font changes you made and think that I prefer version 2. I’d consider this one complete! Please enter any other ideas you have.

Vertlime: I love the thicker line surrounding the box, I think it makes the icon much more solid and strong. The lines connecting the balls still seems a little weak to me? I like your concept a lot, how would you strengthen the connection between the balls?

Thanks everyone.

MarketingGuy/Chris

[Magentis]

Vertlime: The lines connecting the balls still seems a little weak to me? I like your concept a lot, how would you strengthen the connection between the balls?


Thank you! Let me think of something.:)

[MarketingGuy]

Hey everyone, since we've got a few days left before wrapping up the contest I thought I'd throw out some alternative inspiration.

We've really played out the single ball idea with some great work.

I'm wondering if you have any concepts around multiple, chaotic balls. Here are some photos to help get things going.

Thanks!
MarketingGuy/Chris

http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=60458
http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=60459
http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=60460

[pracus]

I promised to join so here I am with my work :)

[Paula23]

:)

[Magentis]

Hello Chris,

Here's my revision, making the lines less weak.

Kind regards,
Caroline

[Ratbaggy]

Hoping to get some additional concepts to you ASAP.

Cheers,

Paul

[MarketingGuy]

Hello everyone, hope you had a great weekend! It’s finally a little sunny here in Chicago.

My comments on your entries:

Pracus: Thanks for joining us! I like your font choices and how you’ve boxed in the entire name of the company. But I’d prefer not to merge the icon and the name of the firm because sometimes we will just use the icon as a design element…your approach would require us to use the whole name. How would you separate the two? Also, could you use the colors suggested in the original post and add the “TM”? Thanks again and welcome from Poland!

Paula23: Wow, thanks for the additional entry. I think this does a great job of adding a few more balls/chaos to the logo. I’m not a big fan of the “stacked” logo because it takes up so much vertical space on a web page (limiting the design area for content above-the-screen-fold). Could you show this with the icon to the left of the logo? Also, I’m not sure about the “Ricochet” font. Sometimes I look at it and think fresh and techo, other times I’m not such a fan. What do you think? Finally, the “TM” seems to be on top of the Ricochet font…could you just bump it over a bit? Thanks! Overall really like this one.

Vertlime. Great! It’s done!

Thanks again everyone, remember the deadline is this Wednesday.

MarketingGuy/Chris

[castell]

http://www.visualadv.net/projects/other/richochet1.gif

Castell

[castell]

http://www.visualadv.net/projects/other/richochet2.gif

Castell

[castell]

Some updates...

http://www.visualadv.net/projects/other/richochet2a.gif

Castell

[gig]

:)

[MarketingGuy]

Good Morning!

Castell: Thanks for jumping into our contest with three fantastic entries! I like all your entries, and think that 02a could be great with a few small changes. My only concern about 02a is that the logo feels a lot like the Japanese flag in World War 2 (the rising sun with the sunbursts). I really like how you have the bursts in two spots, but how would you alter it to be less referential to the flag? Also, would you add a “TM”?

Gig: I love your changes. Only two last requests: Could you use the colors listed in the original post and would you add a “TM”? Thanks!

Thanks guys,
MarketingGuy/Chris

[castell]

It will be done.

Thank You,
Castell

[castell]

Here is an edit...

http://www.visualadv.net/projects/other/richochet2b.gif

Castell

[castell]

and here is one with the (TM) incorporated in the design...

Please note that according to design manuals, small signs such as (TM) and ® are preferrably used in very small size, that is close to subscript.

http://www.visualadv.net/projects/other/richochet2b_tm.gif

Castell

[Paula23]

:)

[gig]

Thanks Chris, but in my last revision I used the same color as my original entry :), I only need a "TM" mark

[castell]

Some variations in color...

http://www.visualadv.net/projects/other/richochet2b_v1.gif

Castell

[castell]

some more...

http://www.visualadv.net/projects/other/richochet2b_v2.gif

Castell

[MarketingGuy]

Thanks to all for your entries (and revisions!)...I'll make the final decision at the end of the day. Be sure to get in any last minute changes and entries!

Thanks,
Chris

[MarketingGuy]

Everyone, thanks for all your hard work. I truly appreciate the fantastic talent and effort you put into each entry.

After much deliberation, I've chosen a winner:

nhr
version 2.0
post #23 (orange)

I felt that NHR captured an aggressive ricochet effect in his logo that reflected the work my agency strives to achieve. Please join me in congratulating nhr.

MarketingGuy/Chris

[MarketingGuy]

nhr,

Congrats and thanks for your work.

To finalize this contest and get you paid we need to wrap up a few details.

1. Please add the tagline "The Small Agency for Small Business" beneath the logo...um, somewhere

2. Please private message me your contact information including name, address, and email address.

3. After we've finalized the logo, I'll email you a release form to sign and return (through fax or email).

4. I'll ensure that the winning money is released to you immediately after I receive your signed release form!

THANKS for your work, it looks great!

MarketingGuy/Chris

[Fabian]

Congrats nhr :D

[nhr]

Thank you very much for choosing my design, Chris :)
Please, check your Private Messages.

Fabian, big thanks to you too :D

[nhr]

Files has been sent.

Thank you very much again, Chris :)