[ProjectComplete]Due June 20 - Whetstone Strategy Group - $150

[swamihead]

(Admin code added by Palmer - 2CH47236M68312104)

Company / Logo Name: Whetstone Strategy Group
Deadline: Tuesday, June 20, 8 PM Pacific Time
Winner could be announced earlier if there is a fit as we do need this ASAP.
Award: $150

Company Background:
Whetstone Strategy Group is a marketing consultancy that focuses on new business development primarily for technology companies. We help companies expand sales in existing markets and we help them identify opportunities to create new revenue streams. We are unique in that we not only provide the high-level strategy to business leaders but we are a hands-on partner in executing the marketing and business development plan. In many ways we act as an outsourced sales, marketing, and business development department as well as a trusted business advisor.


We help clients:

1) Identify, understand, and articulate their competitive advantage in the market
2) Define positioning strategies for their products and services
3) Generate a sales and marketing plan to leverage core strengths
4) Target, screen, and filter potential clients for sales
5) Develop relationships and alliances with sales channel partners
6) Identify and develop new products or services that can expand new markets and create new businesses

We also help connect our clients to a host of strategic resources for their business.

What we hope to accomplish with new logo:
In launching this enterprise, we want to establish a professional feel that conveys a message of vision, strategy, and the paradigm change new technology often presents in the business environment.

Logo Requirements for WSG
We are very open to your ideas as far as the overall design concept. We want to have a logo that is clean, yet stunning and spohisticated. It doesn't have to be a complicated logo but we want to convey a progressive company - not conventional. Since we are trying to help clients find a clear path to marketing opportunities, we need to have a clear presentation of ourselves as a bridge from the present to the possible.

The logo will be used on stationery, business cards, and other collateral print materials. Also our Web site.

Logo files provided need to have (1) commonly used vector based, (2) for print and (3) for web file formats.

Colors / Design Concept:
We are not wed to any specific colors but prefer color as a means of making it stand out as unique and memorable. Also, color connotes the creative aspect that new product and new business brainstorming requires. The complete company name could be written out or the letters WSG in a creative way. We don't think that interpreting the word whetstone adds much value ("sharpening" one's marketing plan?) but you can try that if it makes sense. We are primarily branding the name with the owner.

We have a starter Web site that needs help. You can view it at www.tedwhetstone.com.

The logo and type should be: Clean

Tagline or Slogan:
Business Development Consultants to Technology Companies


TO ALL DESIGNERS:

* Please post your ideas in the inline format, so our team can quickly & easily monitor design
* Designer winner required copyright notice giving our company full ownership of logo / design
* We are constantly online and will post replies, answers, questions, comments in hours.
* When we award the design (and copyright notice is signed) we will pay quickly

[Ratbaggy]

Hi Ted,

Here's a concept based on the 'W' and a spring - springboard to success.

Let me know your thoughts.

Cheers,

Paul

[Blesseville]

http://www.medigraph.net/do/wsg1.jpg

[swamihead]

Hi Ted,

Here's a concept based on the 'W' and a spring - springboard to success.

Let me know your thoughts.

Cheers,

Paul


Paul - It's lively looking, and I like that. I'd like to see some more ideas. Maybe something with the logo mark to the left of the text?

Thanks!

[swamihead]

http://www.medigraph.net/do/wsg1.jpg


Hi - The colors need to pop a bit more and I wonder if it looks as though things are getting smaller versus what we are really trying to do is help companies grow larger. Thank you for the ideas...keep them coming!

Cheers.

[swamihead]

Paul:

I get your metaphor of the "spring" thing but it's not the right message. I want to maintain the core concept of business growth. I am looking to align with the tagline, "Helping technology companies thrive through enhanced innovation and relentless new market development."

The other thought is to add dimensionality (3-D plus color?). The 2-D thing looks flat. I'd like to express more inherent complexity - like developing products, understanding customer needs (market) and delivering to them through various channels of distribution. So more of a dynamic from creation to evolution. Does that help?

I like the play with the "W" - maybe an intertwining of W's in 6 dimensions like escher.

http://www.mcescher.com/indexuk.htm (click on Recognition and Success 1955-1972 - I like the Mobius strip concept). Any inspiration there?

Thanks,
Ted


Hi Ted,

Here's a concept based on the 'W' and a spring - springboard to success.

Let me know your thoughts.

Cheers,

Paul

[swamihead]

I think the threads are getting intertwined. I hope the feedback tracks with the right logo design. This is for Y. Cem Kaplan, MD.

I like the three triangle shapes but I'd like to see color differentiation to indicate differentiation - perhaps like the light spectrum signifying end-to-end process from inspiration, to product creation, to final end user utility. Also I'd like to see the shapes more interactive. They seem discrete and separate rather than intimately synergistic and evolving towards maturation of concept. So some kind of continuity is needed. Good luck! I know you'll get creative.

Thanks, Ted

[djaka]

:)

[joshuamings]

Here is something involving a bridge from the present to the possible.
Josh

http://www.joshuamingsdesign.com/designoutpost/whetstone/v1_0.png

[Senter]

I plan on entering something later tonight.

[Senter]

http://www.thesenter.com/designout/Whetstone1.gif

[swamihead]

Djaka:

I think you're on track. I like the intent but it doesn't quite communicate a concept to me. I like the abstract, 3-D "W" but the circle looks like a compact disc - great if I were a record company but not quite right for a technology marketing company. Maybe if it looked more like a globe or a brain? Just a thought - right now my eye is drawn to the "cd" and it doesn't quite work. Another thought: the "W" is very curvy. I am OK with a more feminine look but would prefer a stronger feel. I guess I would want something more angular if possible - the "W" looks like it is secondary to the logo rather than primary.

[swamihead]

Joshua:

I understand the "bridge" concept but frankly it looks old fashioned. I like the colors but I think the design is off track. The bridge is very industrial-age - does not connote the digital age of the future. Any way to make someething more futuristic? Maybe more conceptual rather than analog. Thanks!

[swamihead]

ThatOneGuy (Bart?):

I have no idea what this is!?! While it is unique, it really says very little. A "wet stone" is a bit literal (if that was the intent) and doesn't reflect what the business is about. Think technology, innovation, future thought, strategic change. Can you spice up the concept a major notch? Thanks.

[nhr]

:)

[Senter]

ThatOneGuy (Bart?):

I have no idea what this is!?! While it is unique, it really says very little. A "wet stone" is a bit literal (if that was the intent) and doesn't reflect what the business is about. Think technology, innovation, future thought, strategic change. Can you spice up the concept a major notch? Thanks.


I did the research on the name and the definition of the name from webster dictionary. And this was the reason behind the design.

1 : to sharpen by rubbing on or with something (as a stone) <whet a knife>

So basically I was taking the aspect of your company being the literal "whetstone" to the new dull existing companies and helping increase their R.O.I. by aquiring your services to help them "sharpen" their corporate goals. But if this is not what you are going to be doing with you company then I will concptualize again.

Thanks.

[swamihead]

For all involved, thank you for your patience. I realize it is hard to capture a complex concept with a single iconic picture. I am open to considering designs which just involve the letters of the company: WSG. Perhaps having them arranged in intertwining way? I leave it up to you! Thanks!

[Ratbaggy]

Well ... I was following (as you suggested to me) the MC Escher "impossible" shapes, but NHR has clearly covered that angle.

I will try and come up an ORIGINAL concept.

Cheers,

Paul

[nhr]

For all involved, thank you for your patience. I realize it is hard to capture a complex concept with a single iconic picture. I am open to considering designs which just involve the letters of the company: WSG. Perhaps having them arranged in intertwining way? I leave it up to you! Thanks!

I am little confused...
WSG with or without 3D?
Thank you.

[djaka]

thank you for the feedback.
actually my first attemp was a whetstone, but I admit that it so close to cd image.
so this is the modification to the logo
any comments are appreciated
thank you
:)

[Taldo]

"W" showing growth.... :)

[djaka]

:)

[Senter]

http://www.thesenter.com/designout/Whetstone2.png

[castell]

http://www.visualadv.net/projects/other/whetstone1.gif

Castell

[castell]

variation in color...

http://www.visualadv.net/projects/other/whetstone1a.gif

Castell

[castell]

http://www.visualadv.net/projects/other/whetstone2.gif

Castell

[Radu]

Here are a couple of ideas. Let me know your opinion.

Thank you.

[Radu]

and #2

[Ratbaggy]

Another :)

[swamihead]

I'll comment to all thee logos since my June 19 posting (in order of appearance):

NHR: Yes, my thought was to play with the WSG in 3 dimension - if posssible. I like what you did conceptually. Bascially on track. I wish we could have figured how to work in the WSG rather than just the W but I can see it is tough.

DJAKA: Version 2 just isn't working for me. The shape of the "W" is just weak - don't know what to say. It just doesn't communicate anything. Version 3 doesn't work either. Looks flat.

TALDO: Nice idea with the W+growth but, uh, how do I say...doesn't work.

THAT ONE GUY: Version 2 is GOOD. I like the infinite loop idea. Simple but transmits a good feel. Can you work with this a little? It loks a little like a punctuation - like dotting of an "i" - The positioning maybe be throwing me off. I love the effect though on the eye! Maybe emphasize the "O" in WhetstOne? Can you plaay with different variations on thiss infinite loop theme?

CASTELL: None of your logos are working for me. Look outdated and flat. Not very sophisticated. Sorry.

RUAIRI: Nice job opn logo version 01. VERY gooooood! Not crazy about the yellow/brown color but the logo definitely connotes strategy. Any way to fold the "W" into that theme or add some dimensionality? (3D)? You're very close to a strong concept. Version 02 though doesn't work.

RATBAGGY - still looks too simple and 1 dimensional. I like thee helix idea - maybe make that more prominent - like a "DNA for new ideas"

[Taldo]

one more try :)

[Senter]

http://www.thesenter.com/designout/Whetstone3.jpg

[Senter]

http://www.thesenter.com/designout/Whetstone4.jpg

[Senter]

http://www.thesenter.com/designout/Whetstone5.jpg

[Radu]

Here are some changes.

Thank you.

[Radu]

and 01-2

[castell]

http://www.visualadv.net/projects/other/whets3.gif

Castell

[castell]

http://www.visualadv.net/projects/other/whets3-1.gif

Castell

[swamihead]

Ruari:

You are the forerunner. I like what you are doing. Vsn 01-1 doesn't work but o1-2 is interesting. What I had in mind with "3-dimensional" with version 1 (still my favorite) was perhaps just to give some depth to it, not necessarily distort it. Lastly, is it posssible that I see Version 1 as "mustard" color on my Mac while an associate sees it as green on a PC?

Castell: You are consistent and innovative with your designs. They aare good, but they just aren't my style.

Taldo: I wouldn't invest more effort at this stage. Thank you.

Senter: I saw that very similar logo on two companies this week(!). One is http://www.enterprisemanagement.com/ Perhaps that theme has been overused in the community - therefore I will pass on it. Thank you.

[Radu]

Hello,

I attached a variation of version #1 with a slightly 3D look. I hope we're moving in the right direction.
The problem with the color depends very much on the monitor type and calibration. You can find differences between an LCD monitor (on a Mac) and a classic monitor. Also the color profile can be different on different displays. I'm using a classic monitor (they are the best choice in terms of colors, so far...) on a PC and this green looks ok to me. Not a bright green, not too brown.
You can make a test by printing this out. I recommend using a color laser printer. I used a PMS 583 C color, but you can use also CMYK code (C23 M0 Y100 K17).

Thank you,

[swamihead]

Ruairi:

OK, failed experiment. Forget the 3D thing! Too busy. I like Version 1 the best. Here is what I'd like as we moved toward award on the process.

1) If you print out Version 01 you'll see the lines aren't parallel(!). Could you please crisp up the angles so they line up properly.

2) I'd like to look at a few color combinations. I actually like the color you selected (looks kind of edgy) but I'd like to see a couple variations just for reference (most would be just the one color plus black but perhaps a deep charcoal would look right - your call. I also like the blue/grey theme you used on version 01-2. My only concern about the color in Version 1 is that I'd want my collateral to match it and it might be hard. Maybe ssomething more toward the green or aqua blue but not electric green like many dot coms..

Lastly, I like the black and white outline look as well for non-color logo. Could you present it with the leftmost shapes the same line width aas the top and bottom. The rightmost is fine, just wanted to see it the other way for balance (again with lines parallel). Thx.

Basically, after cleaning up the lines on the logo and seeing a few color samples I think we can make a final decision.

Thank you!

[Radu]

Color variations...

[Senter]

I will have some more ideas for you as soon as I can.

[swamihead]

Ruairi:

Thanks for cleaning up the lines. I still like the greenish color best. So, last request:
1) Could you give me a few variations around that color PMS 583C - moving a few shades toward green and a few shades toward the mustard/yellow. There is a fine line between hip/trendy/updated/edgey color and slime/puke green. Sorry to be gross! I'm a little nervous that it may not printed well and want to make sure it shifts toward a pleasant color in all environments rather than an unattractive color.
2) Are you open to considering laying out the stationary for an additional/separate fee?

Thanks,
Swami

[Radu]

Hello,
I attached some color variations. I hope we're on the right track and the printing result will be a good one...
Also, we're open to design stationaries for an additional fee.

Thank you,

[Senter]

square peg. round hole.

http://www.thesenter.com/designout/Whetstone6.gif

[joshuamings]

Here is a more modern bridge.
Josh

http://www.joshuamingsdesign.com/designoutpost/whetstone/v1_1.png

[swamihead]

Ruairi:

Of the samples you provided I still like the PMS 583 (current) best but it's still not quite right. I went through and picked a few from the PMS color chart and want to see next to each other. Honestly, this is the LAST time(!). Can I see (in this order if possible): 390, 583 (current), 383, 391, 384, 582.
Then let's move to conclusion.
THANK YOU!!!!
Swami

[Radu]

Hello,
here are the new color variations. Let me know your opinion.

Thank you.

[swamihead]

Hello,
here are the new color variations. Let me know your opinion.

Thank you.

This is great. You have been selected as our winner! Congratulations.

We have selected the THIRD option - which is pms 383.

Please provide us with the following files:

1. Assuming you used Illustrator, an .ai or .eps file is good, with the color in the correct pms.
2. With the Illustrator file, make sure the font is turned into outline/shape.
3. A Photoshop file also would be good (.tif) 300dpi, 100% in CMYK with the color in the correct pms. (or it can be as a doutone saved as an .eps)
4. Please tell us what font was used
5. Can this also be done with a logo that has "Whetstone" all in black and then "Strategy Group" in green? This may be an option we may consider.

That should be it. I will look into how we release the funds to you immediately upon receipt of the files. You may use my personal e-mail address to send the files: rwhetstone@pondel.com.

Thank you again. It was a pleasure working with you and congratulations on your design win!

[Radu]

I apologize for the delay. I will send the files today.

Thank you.

[Radu]

Files sent by email.
Please let me know if you need anything else.

Thank you.

[abby]

Project Update: I have moved this project to the Logo Archives.