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PaulMacFarlane
07-17-2006, 01:50 PM
Admin code added by Abby - 1X782387WX847863P

We are looking for a new Product Logo. The 2 attached are the most recent ones. Magtax looks a bit like a .COM thing and a bit too busy. Magtax2 is a little 2 bland.

The logo will be used on our website (http://www.magtax.com) and in printed material - will be posting that once this is done.

Product: Magtax

Purpose: Print 1099 and W-2 Forms. File these forms electronically with the IRS and SSA.

Audience: General business, but an emphasis on QuickBooks users (main feature of importing the data from QuickBooks). Also CPAs and consultants.

Looking to establish recognition and create a sense of security, reliability, trustworthyness.

Project Summary:
What text should be included in the main part of the logo?
Primarily the name MAGTAX. 1099 and W-2 does not need to be part of the logo but is frequently very close to it...

What type of product or service do you offer?
1099/W2 tax form processing, printing and transmission to the IRS/SSA

How long have you been in business?
The product has been around for 20 years.

What do you hope to accomplish with your new identity?
Expand my market / share. I am doing some actual marketing! Sales have been on a referal only basis...

What are your long term goals?
To increase sales and awareness...

When is the deadline for final entries before choosing a designer? 7/31 - but if I see what I like I will close say so...

Audience Profile:
Please describe your existing audience
Bookkeepers, accountants, small business owners, CPA, and consultants. Basically boring people..<g>

Who would you like to add to your audience?

Perception/Tone/Guidelines:
What type of logo would you like?
Something that inspires confidence, detail, accuracy, yet simplicity and ease of use.

Do you have any colors in mind for your logo? (if so, why?)
I'm open to any selections...

Do you have any specific images or icons in mind that you would definitely like to see incorporated into your logo?
No. Perhaps "paper", but that is too boring. Some indication of "electronic paper"?

Communication Strategy:
What attributes would you like your logo to reflect about your business? Longevity, reliability.

What is your tagline or slogan?
Complete Solutions.

What is the overall message you are trying to convey to your target audience?

Where will your new logo be used?
Web, print ad, giveaways at shows, product splash screen.

Competitive Positioning:
Who are your competitors and what do you think about their logos?
They are completely boring.

List competitive URLs if possible
http://www.1099pro.com/

What sets you apart from your competitors?
Easier process, lower price.

Targeted Message:
State a single-minded word or phrase that will appropriately describe your company: Complete Solution

Senter
07-17-2006, 06:47 PM
Paul... If you could copy this and paste it back into a thread with all of your answers it will help all of out with designing a logo to better suit your needs.

http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7819

Senter
07-17-2006, 07:02 PM
http://www.thesenter.com/designout/MagTax1.gif

PaulMacFarlane
07-17-2006, 11:57 PM
Thanks Senter. I have completed the outline about as part of my original message.

Senter
07-18-2006, 12:00 AM
Thanks Paul...
Feel free to post comments about any of the designers concepts that you wish. Just make sure and post the designers name or reply to their posting so that we know to whom you are reffering. Thanks again and good luck.

BlueCherryGraphics
07-18-2006, 12:29 AM
v1

Ratbaggy
07-18-2006, 12:55 AM
One from me.

:)

Your thoughts and feedback are appreciated.

Cheers,

Paul

Senter
07-18-2006, 02:21 AM
http://www.thesenter.com/designout/MagTax2.gif

PaulMacFarlane
07-18-2006, 08:59 AM
Here are my comments so far....

Senter v1 - It's very classic looking but a brief survey of a few people yielded an impression of 'expensive' before any other adjective. I'm a little unsure how to change that....

JJohnson v1 - Nice, bold and welcoming, but I don't care for the pointer and a little unsure of the 'nubb' at the end of the name. I know it's a button but if you take away the pointer, then what is it. The wave effect is nice but I think that it won't reproduce as well at lower print resolutions (like a laser print).

Ratbaggy v1 - This is very nice and different. Everyone likes this so far. Suggest a different color? And possibly having the arcs in different colors from the name.

Senter v2 - Another classy design. I'm concerned about the reproduction issues with the fine detail. I am concerned about using red as that converts to grey for color blind people (as I understand my son). Can you eliminate 'software' and try a different color?

Thanks,
Paul

Blesseville
07-18-2006, 01:16 PM
http://www.medigraph.net/do/magtax1.jpg

Senter
07-18-2006, 04:12 PM
http://www.thesenter.com/designout/MagTax3.gif

Ratbaggy
07-19-2006, 12:22 AM
:)

PaulMacFarlane
07-19-2006, 01:29 AM
Ratbaggy: I like that. Maybe go back to Pantone 632 for the name and black for the swoosh? I think the swoosh loses definition quickly because of the light color.....

Also, as an alternative, how do you think it would look for the swoosh to have a break separating from the X like the lower swoosh never meets the M ? This might lose some character....

Ratbaggy
07-19-2006, 01:37 AM
:)

Ratbaggy
07-19-2006, 01:41 AM
And with the seperate 'swooshes'.

I think it's stronger with the connected x (1.2) and also feel the dark grey text with the coloured swooshes is probably the best option (1.2, bottom-left).

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Cheers,

Paul

PaulMacFarlane
07-19-2006, 04:17 PM
Thanks Ratbaggy - those look great. We may want to modify #15 to have the color of thr swoosh continue through one leg of the X even though there is a break there.... might make it stronger (I agree with your comment) Curious if the 'christian fish' symbol was in mind in the original design. That was someone's 1st impression....

Senter - #11 is intreaguing - but we think something is missing - but not sure what... 1st impressions is 'people friendly' which is good. The b/w version I think should be solid because the hollow tail doesn't look quite right.... Have any variation ideas?

Ratbaggy
07-19-2006, 04:22 PM
Hmmm, no it wasn't. I would never knowingly include a religious symbol in a mark. Originally the swoosh was only included on the 'x' but the logo as a whole seemed off balance so an additional swoosh was added at the base.

Ratbaggy
07-19-2006, 04:25 PM
Here it is without the swoosh underneath. Having revisted it, it actually works with the alternate colour on the swoosh.

Cheers,

Paul

PaulMacFarlane
07-21-2006, 03:11 PM
Thank you everyone for your ideas.

We have decided to go with Ratbaggy's v 1.2.

I will be posting a need for other artwork based on this design shortly (a coaster, a banner, a postcard, and a brochure).

Thanks again,
Paul

Ratbaggy
07-21-2006, 05:40 PM
Hot!

Thanks Paul.

Can you PM or email (rat_baggy [-at-] hotmail [-dot-] com) your email address details so I can send file/download information to you?

Cheers,

Paul

PaulMacFarlane
07-24-2006, 02:27 PM
RatBaggy,

I have sent a Private message and e-mail on 7/22 and also today.
Haven't seen a reply.
Please let me know you received the messages...

Thanks,
Paul

Ratbaggy
07-24-2006, 03:01 PM
Sorry for the delay Paul, files sent.

Cheers,

Paul

abby
08-01-2006, 10:53 AM
Project Update: I have moved this project to the Logo Archives.