[Project Complete] $200 logo for software company - due 1/5/07

[bpautsch]

(Admin code added by Palmer - 9XX07310W5605545B)

The logo is for my software company IArchitect. I just incorporated the name and own the domain name iarchitect.net.

About the company:
I specialize in Microsoft .NET development and architecture...this is why I named the company this: "I architect .NET"...get it ;)
So I could see the logo having some type of architecture to it...but I don't want to give the idea I am a building architect. An example I list later in this message shows a logo with blocks...not a bad idea.

My preferences:
I like blues...it's very corporatey and professional (see my website www.brianpautsch.com...I stole the Windows Vista style). I also like other colors that might liven it up a little (maybe greens). I would like something that is a little edgy and aggressive, but not overly complicated.

I envision the logo having some shape (blocks for example) and the company name. Maybe a short tagline underneath it too...maybe not. I also am not sure how to upper/lower case the text: IArchitect, iArchtect, Iarchitect.

I was considering buying a web tempate. Here are a few I liked:
http://www.templatemonster.com/flash-templates/11271.html - I like the colors
http://www.templatemonster.com/flash-templates/9799.html - I like the idea of building blocks a little...plus the colors have nice "life" to them...not dark and boring. The logo isn't bad either.
http://www.templatemonster.com/website-templates/13201.html - This design is just really cool. Maybe too aggressive for my site, but the colors are cool.

Any questions?

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v1

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v2

[OffbeatDesign]

Opening doors, solving puzzles.

[OffbeatDesign]

The "i" built of blocks in Windows colors.

[OffbeatDesign]

another version, but showing the actual building, or development.

[Ratbaggy]

:)

Hi there Brian.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts and feedback.

Cheers,

Paul

[bpautsch]

I took all of the designs and put them in one image so I can summarize my thoughts...

1. Nice colors, but I think the logo is too complex and the outline is too thick.
2. Nice...but isn't great. Your logo reminds me of the Visual Studio .NET bubble logos...I always liked those...maybe check those out and rework a little? See the boxes and their background shapes at: http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/vstudio/aa700919.aspx
3. Too soft and rounded. The blue is a bit too light too. One person I showed these logos to said this logo was too phallic.
4. Not bad, but I've seen the open box logo all over the place. Also, the colors are a bit boring...more life to the logo would be nice.
5. I like. More than just a couple colors works well. Plus, the idea of using the Windows colors was a great idea. I like the logo to the left of the text, not on top. When the logo is on top, it tends to take up too much real estate (especially on websites).
6. Even better...seems like there is some action or animation going on. Have you tried scattering the blocks a little? I know building them up makes more sense for "architecture", but maybe 2 stacked and 1 on the side and 1 being dropped in would look nice? It just seems very tall right now.

Overall: I don't think I want the ".NET" in the logo since the company name "IArchitect" (no .NET). Plus, 5 years from now, I might be developing in some other software and I don't want to have to rebrand. Also, Microsoft might not like it (I do know quite a few Microsoft employees so there is the chance they could call me). Also, most of you seem to like the small "i" then "Architect" in the name. I think I agree.

So far, great start...thanks everyone. I just found out about this site and I'm very impressed. I have worked with many designers and I like this process much more. I guarantee you'll be seeing a lot more posts from me in the near future. As soon as we're done with the logo, I'll be submitting a request for the website design.

[OffbeatDesign]

Thanks for the feedback. Here are two options on the blocks. I also added a shadow to give it some more depth. I see this logo as fluid. There's no reason you can't use different configurations on the blocks on different parts of the website or stationery. Might be fun to mix it up!

[OffbeatDesign]

Another option

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v3

[Blesseville]

http://www.blesseville.com/do/ia1.jpg

[Blesseville]

http://www.blesseville.com/do/ia2.jpg

[Senter]

Ill have something for you soon.

[Senter]

http://www.senterbrands.com/designout/IArchitect1.gif

[bpautsch]

Another option

I do like the animation and shadowing a lot more. Have you tried coloring the text? I see the other designs and when the "iArchitect" is blue/green/both, it seems to be a little more exciting. The black text just seems boring. But I'm guessing you made the text black to not take away from the blocks. Thouhhts?

[bpautsch]

http://www.blesseville.com/do/ia2.jpg

Versions #1 and #2 are OK. The logo doesn't mean much to me. I'd like people to say "Wow that's a real creative way to show .NET architecture".

I know what I'm asking is hard to do, but you all are really close. The blocks are looking good. I'll try to think of other ideas that I think would look good.

[bpautsch]

http://www.senterbrands.com/designout/IArchitect1.gif

A fresh idea. I like the colors a lot (I'm a Chicago Bears fan and spent some of my college life at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana)...both are dark blue and orange. But the logo doesn't mean anything to me...it's just some weird shape. I'm sure that's what you were going for and it's cool, but it's not for me. I'd like to have the logo be related to "iArchitect".

Later today, I'll post more ideas of what I think might work. Thanks for trying out new colors that I didn't consider.

[OffbeatDesign]

Thanks. I was keeping it back to keep the blocks the main focus. Here's what it looks like with colored text. There may be applications where you want to use the logo this way, others where you want to use the black. Any logo file you get would be completely editable. Let me know what you prefer.

[OffbeatDesign]

Another option

[OffbeatDesign]

and one more

[bpautsch]

OffBeat - Wow...you work fast. The colored text doesn't look right...maybe too much color. Version 7 doesn't add much, but version 8 is nice. Thanks!

[OffbeatDesign]

As long as I'm online when I get your comments and the changes are easy! I also like version 8. It adds color, but it's subtle. Let me know if there's anything else.

[bpautsch]

I spent some time looking around and here are a few more ideas. These are Microsoft logos (or derivatives).
1. Very futuristic looking. I like this a lot. A lot.
2. Not bad. I like the soft edges.
3. Puzzle is not bad.
4. Eh...just another idea. Not sure I like it.
5. Eh...just another idea. Not sure I like it.
6. Just an idea I had: Instead of the "X", put the "i" in there and change the colors? Maybe a different shape?

Overall: I like the gradient color shifts in #'s 1 and 2. Please include this in some way.

So far the boxes by OffbeatDesign are my favorite. I will be making a final decision on the morning of Jan 2nd, so get your submissions in now.

[OffbeatDesign]

The dots represent the dot in the "i"

[OffbeatDesign]

version 10

[OffbeatDesign]

Without the perspective, new type.

[OffbeatDesign]

Version 12

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v4 "i" and "A" combinations for 'windows'

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v5

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v6

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v7

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v8 image inside sphere represents forward thinking; "i" and sphere form "iA" when viewed together

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v9 same "iA" combination within icon

[bpautsch]

Offbeat - Version 9 - I like the dots!
Offbeat - Version 10 & 11 - I don't like these
Offbeat - Version 12 - That's very cool.

OK...stop the submissions! I am definitely going with one of Offbeat's logos. Offbeat has worked very hard and has come up with some great stuff. Now I have to choose between Version 4, 9 or 12. Once I decide which one to go with, then we just tweak them a little, right? This website is new to me.

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v10 (variation of v8)

[bpautsch]

Thanks everyone for the great logos. This website is very cool. I do A LOT of custom software development for customers and will be using this website a lot. I look forward to working with all of you again soon. Actually, in a week or two, we'll start the website design for this new logo.

[OffbeatDesign]

One more

[OffbeatDesign]

Thanks. Just saw your "STOP!" post after I submitted 13. Let me know what you want to go with and if you have any tweaks. I'll then prepare the final files to transfer over to you.

[OffbeatDesign]

Just wanted to check in and see if you had any comments. Please let me know if you needed to see anything else. Thanks.

[Senter]

We are not allowed to ask for feedback Offbeat.

[bpautsch]

We are not allowed to ask for feedback Offbeat.

Easy Senter...I already told Offbeat they won the design.

Offbeat: I will get back to you later today. I have been swamped and need to find a few minutes to finish the project up.

Thanks,
Brian

[OffbeatDesign]

Thanks Brian. Just wanted to make sure you were getting the messages.

[Paula23]

Project Update:
This project is now in the Revisions Forum.
Client please let us know once the project is complete and you have received all of your filea.

Thanks :)

[bpautsch]

Offbeat Design - Just to let you know, I'm getting comments from friends and family to help decide which to go with. I will get back to you in a day or two max. Thanks, Brian

[OffbeatDesign]

No problem. Thanks for the update.

[bpautsch]

If you want to see what people are saying, check it out at: http://www.brianpautsch.com/Blog/2006/1/2/iArchitect-Logo/

I just sent an email to some friends to get their thoughts. I expect to see a few updates within the next hour or two.

[bpautsch]

Hi Offbeat Design,

I have decided to go with lucky number 13. I love the logo, colors and font. One alteration: can you change the proportional of the logo to be a little smaller...similar to Windows proportions to text: http://www.microsoft.com/en/us/default.aspx

It's close to what I'd like...just a little smaller. Logo seems to overewhelm the text a little.

Also, I want to get started on the web design next. What's a good price to offer? What's low? What's high? I'm looking to have a homepage, forum, portfolio, contact us, software and blog page.

Thanks,
Brian

[OffbeatDesign]

Thanks Brian. Interesting to see the comments. Here are some size options. Let me know what you think works best for you.

[bpautsch]

OK...let's go with the top version. Thanks!

Yeah, some of those comments surprised me...some helped me decide which logo NOT to go with.

And you didn't answer my other questions:
"I want to get started on the web design next. What's a good price to offer? What's low? What's high? I'm looking to have a homepage, forum, portfolio, contact us, software and blog page."
Just looking for your opinion...

By the way, the logo for "ConsultUS" (thread started yesterday, I believe) is for my brother's business. Good luck if you're getting involved with that one too. They're more and IBM/Java shop.

[OffbeatDesign]

Files sent in message board. Thank you.

[bpautsch]

Files received...thanks!

[bpautsch]

Files sent in message board. Thank you.

Hey...what's the font used in the design?

Also, I'll be posting a website design request next week...I'll inform you when I do.

[OffbeatDesign]

Thanks. It's called Beta Sans.

[OffbeatDesign]

Brian, please check your private message. Thanks!

Jeff