[Project Complete] Residential Real Estate Agent Branding - $175 - Due Jan 15

[Murgos]

Admin code added by Abby - 2FX30859E6776392G

Project Summary:

What text should be included in the main part of the logo?

Brian Curfman - my name

What type of product or service do you offer?
Residential Real Estate (Houses, Multi-families, Condos, Co-ops, Investments, etc.)

How long have you been in business?
3 years

What do you hope to accomplish with your new identity?
I want to begin to brand my own image so that people think of my logo when they think of real estate. I have to do this in conjuction with my company's logo (see attachment "Company Logo.jpg").

What are your long term goals?
I want to increase listings and sales, but I also want a unique identity to brand myself.

When is the deadline for final entries before choosing a designer?
January 15

Audience Profile:
Very broad... first time home buyers, move up buyers and sellers, and elderly clients. Basically, anyone who wants to buy and sell in my market in Pittsburgh.

Who would you like to add to your audience?
Ideally, I'd like to market more to the GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered) community, but not with a logo that would isolate my other non-GLBT clients.

Perception/Tone/Guidelines:
What type of logo would you like?

Illustrative Logo

Do you have any colors in mind for your logo? (if so, why?)
Yes, something that complements my company logo (see attachment), but one that I could use if I left the company as well.

Do you have any specific images or icons in mind that you would definitely like to see incorporated into your logo?
No, but please see the logo of another agent that I really like (it's the front and back of his business card - both attachments). Ideally, I'll be creating a business card eventually that would incorporate my logo and a full body b/w image like his on one side, and my company logo and my contact information on the other. I'm open to logos like his and an illustrative logo.

Communication Strategy:
What attributes would you like your logo to reflect about your business?
Hard work, integrity, emphasis on technology (but I can't scare away older clients who aren't familiar enough with technology)

What is your tagline or slogan?
I don't have one...yet.

What is the overall message you are trying to convey to your target audience?
For sellers, I want them to think that I'm the agent that will sell their house the quickest and who offers the most services. For buyers, I'd like to instill in them the confidence that they're getting 100% support and experience.

Where will your new logo be used?
Business cards, letterhead (next step), house fliers, etc. All incorporated with my company logo some how.

Competitive Positioning:
Who are your competitors and what do you think about their logos?
There are few, if any, agents in my market that brand themselves. Most rely on their company's brands exclusively.

List competitive URLs if possible
These companies are competitors of my company, but their agents are competitors of me:

www.coldwellbanker.com
www.remax.com

What sets you apart from your competitors?
My youth, being full-time, my quick rise toward the top of the company by working hard, and my emphasis on technology in marketing.

Targeted Message:
State a single-minded word or phrase that will appropriately describe your company:
Residential real estate

I've been really impressed and excited with the other logos I've seen designed on this site, and I'm looking forward to seeing the kinds of things talented people could do for me. Thanks ahead of time!

EDIT: Just an added FYI, the logo I'm looking for will complement my company's logo, but not incorporate it.

[BlueCherryGraphics]

One to get started;more later.

v1

[OffbeatDesign]

Keeping the colors and shape of the Howard Hanna logo with the style you liked.

[Senter]

Im in.

[OffbeatDesign]

Similar font with the option of using the rainbow to tie into the GLBT community.

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v2

[Blesseville]

Rainbow colors symbolizing diversity of your target group.

http://www.blesseville.com/do/bc1.jpg

[Blesseville]

Another version.

http://www.blesseville.com/do/bc2.jpg

[Senter]

A more professional look.

http://www.senterbrands.com/designout/Curfman1.gif

[Leclerk]

http://logoholik.com/do/logoholik_brianc_01.gif

[Leclerk]

http://logoholik.com/do/logoholik_brianc_02.gif

[Leclerk]

#1 realtor...

http://logoholik.com/do/logoholik_brianc_03.gif

[Fabian]

:)

[Leclerk]

http://www.logoholik.com/do/logoholik_brianc_04.gif

[Murgos]

I am truly impressed with the work that has been put forth thus far. I knew this was the right way to go in the beginning, and you have all proven me correct. Thank you for your hard work thus far. In response to the individual designers and design teams:

Jennifer/BlueCherryGraphics - Of the versions you've submitted, I like version two the best. Orange, however, is not my color, nor do I think it blends well with my company's logo. It's also a bit "flashy" for me... I'm grounded, reliable, and dependable, but not flashy.

OffbeatDesign - Version one is WAY too close to my company's logo. I could never keep it if I changed companies. Version 2 is the favorite of several of my colleagues. I love the very subtle integration of the rainbow stripe, but the "bubbly" nature of the image and the font just don't say "professional." It's more "flippant" that I'm going for, but I really like the direction your headed.

Medigraph - I appreciate your integration of the GLBT rainbow, but it's too much and not subtle enough. The house and the name aren't integrated and feel separate from each other in version one, and version two feels like it's too much. I like that you tried to incorporate the type of logo from the pictures I provided though.

Senter - Very professional, but I can't use it. There's a company in Pittsburgh called "Pittsburgh Paints" (see http://www.ppg.com/ppgaf/pittsburgh/index.htm) and that was the first thing that came to mind for everyone who saw it. Also, I'm not sure what the clover on the bottom of the "f" in my last name is, but it's not adding to the design.

Logoholik - Your version 2 is my favorite of everyone's thus far. It's clean and simple and integrates the company colors. The logo shows an abstract house, but the font isn't quite right. Is there a way to incorporate something rainbowish without detracting from the design? It's professional looking as well. I'm also intrigued by version 1, though it's a little "colorless." Version 3 and 4 are a little to blunt in message and the logo isn't me.

Fabian - The first reaction I had from people was that the logo looked too much like a pyramid rather than the roof of a house. The font doesn't say professional and it isn't something with which I could "identify" long term.

Thanks to everyone thus far. I hope you'll consider revisions, since you're all so obviously talented. I'm looking forward to narrowing it down to one eventually! Thanks again for your hard work.

Brian

PS. If anyone needs to ask anything specificially to help with their design, please feel free to ask me to clarify or elaborate if I'm not giving you enough.

[Senter]

I am truly impressed with the work that has been put forth thus far. I knew this was the right way to go in the beginning, and you have all proven me correct. Thank you for your hard work thus far. In response to the individual designers and design teams:

Jennifer/BlueCherryGraphics - Of the versions you've submitted, I like version two the best. Orange, however, is not my color, nor do I think it blends well with my company's logo. It's also a bit "flashy" for me... I'm grounded, reliable, and dependable, but not flashy.

OffbeatDesign - Version one is WAY too close to my company's logo. I could never keep it if I changed companies. Version 2 is the favorite of several of my colleagues. I love the very subtle integration of the rainbow stripe, but the "bubbly" nature of the image and the font just don't say "professional." It's more "flippant" that I'm going for, but I really like the direction your headed.

Medigraph - I appreciate your integration of the GLBT rainbow, but it's too much and not subtle enough. The house and the name aren't integrated and feel separate from each other in version one, and version two feels like it's too much. I like that you tried to incorporate the type of logo from the pictures I provided though.

Senter - Very professional, but I can't use it. There's a company in Pittsburgh called "Pittsburgh Paints" (see http://www.ppg.com/ppgaf/pittsburgh/index.htm) and that was the first thing that came to mind for everyone who saw it. Also, I'm not sure what the clover on the bottom of the "f" in my last name is, but it's not adding to the design.

Logoholik - Your version 2 is my favorite of everyone's thus far. It's clean and simple and integrates the company colors. The logo shows an abstract house, but the font isn't quite right. Is there a way to incorporate something rainbowish without detracting from the design? It's professional looking as well. I'm also intrigued by version 1, though it's a little "colorless." Version 3 and 4 are a little to blunt in message and the logo isn't me.

Fabian - The first reaction I had from people was that the logo looked too much like a pyramid rather than the roof of a house. The font doesn't say professional and it isn't something with which I could "identify" long term.

Thanks to everyone thus far. I hope you'll consider revisions, since you're all so obviously talented. I'm looking forward to narrowing it down to one eventually! Thanks again for your hard work.

Brian

PS. If anyone needs to ask anything specificially to help with their design, please feel free to ask me to clarify or elaborate if I'm not giving you enough.

I turned the F in your last name into a key. I see no resemblance to Pittsburg Paints, but oh well Im just a designer.;)

[OffbeatDesign]

Thanks for the feedback. Here's a version without the green.

[BlueCherryGraphics]

Hi,

Thanks for the feedback. Orange is one of the handful of colors that would work well with that choice of yellow and green IMO. But navy would too.

I know you mentioned you like the "boxed" style, but I'm keeping this as an open design to differentiate your personal logo from the company logo.

Another try...

[OffbeatDesign]

Another version with a roof motif

[OffbeatDesign]

One more.

[Murgos]

Senter - Thanks for your note. I see the key, now that you pointed it out to me. I didn't see it at first, but now the concept makes more sense.

Offbeat - (This applies to version 2 and 3). I think the font is what's throwing me off. Maybe something just a little less script? Maybe a bit more squared off (but not too much?)? I think I prefer something akin to the bubble around the wording or a color background, just less "bubble" (maybe something to match the new text). Let me know if I'm asking for the world here and I'm off base.

Jennifer/BlueCherry - You did exactly what I asked, but I think I overstated the flashiness (new word?) of your original design. How about something in between the two? I do like the blue and green of your new design. Also, in my simple head, the "C" looks like a "G," and I can see myself explaining that to my customers forever :)

[BlueCherryGraphics]

OK; thanks for the feedback; will post a new version tonite.

[Senter]

http://www.senterbrands.com/designout/Curfman2.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

Some new fonts with less curves behind the letters.

[OffbeatDesign]

Version 7

[OffbeatDesign]

Less scripty version

[OffbeatDesign]

Dropping the green and going with a black background

[Fabian]

Hello Brian,

I've taken another look at your project,this time i've
aimed for a more robust and professional style.

If I can do anything more for you please let me know :)

Cheers
Fabian

[Murgos]

Thank you to everyone who continues to post. I appreciate your time and efforts. Here is some more feedback:

Offbeat: I like versions 7 and 8...can't decide which font I like better. Is there a way to sharpen the background edges? I'm still thinking "bubbly" with the roundedness.

Fabian: I'm intrigued by your new design. Could you revise the color scheme though? I need something that will go with my current company's colors. Also, you can remove "real estate," from the design. In my state, we're not allowed to hold ourselves out like that unless we're a broker.

I'd like to get Jennifer/BlueCherry and Logoholik to provide updates, and then I can start narrowing it down.

[BlueCherryGraphics]

Will post some shortly; sorry for the delay.

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v4

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v5

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v6

[Fabian]

Thanks, here is a colour update.

Is this the colour scheme you had in mind?

Cheers
Fabian

[Leclerk]

I will try to expand on #2 tomorrow, thanks.

[Murgos]

Logoholik: I've changed my mind, and I prefer your version 1 over version 2. If you can expand on that one instead, I'd appreciate it.

To all of the designers: I appreciate everyone's continued revisions. My goal is to narrow it down to two designers by Tuesday or Wednesday, and I'll do that here. Thank you for your help.

[Leclerk]

http://www.logoholik.com/do/logoholik_brianc_05.gif

[Leclerk]

http://www.logoholik.com/do/logoholik_brianc_06.gif

[Blesseville]

http://www.blesseville.com/do/bc3.jpg

[OffbeatDesign]

Thanks for the feedback. Here are some options on the backgrounds. I also added a black on the white text to help it stand out.

[OffbeatDesign]

11

[OffbeatDesign]

12

[OffbeatDesign]

13

[OffbeatDesign]

14

[OffbeatDesign]

15

[Murgos]

I'd like to thank everyone for posting such wonderful logo choices and for revising over and over. There were SO many excellent options, that it was a really tough choice. Ultimately I've chosen Jennifer Johnson, owner of BlueCherry Graphics, and her version #4. I will work with Jennifer to revise and produce a final product. Jennifer, I have sent you a private message. Please respond to me as soon as you receive it.

Thank you all again. I know now where I'll come in the future or all of my design needs.

[BlueCherryGraphics]

This project has been moved to the Revisions Forum.

Thanks so much Brian; I will contact you later tonight.

[Murgos]

Hi Jennifer,

I figured I'd reply here to get the ball rolling. First off, thanks so much! Your design was awesome and I'm looking forward to a finished product! There are two things I'd like to explore with your version #4:

1. Would a darker blue still match? Maybe something like a royal blue? You tell me if it would still match my company's logo as well.

2. Also, and more importantly, my partner and I have decided to get married and we're taking each other's last names. I hope this doesn't throw too big of a wrench in the works, but instead of "Curfman" being my last name, it'll be "Sergi-Curfman." Can you revise that as well please? It may result in my last name being a bit smaller overall, but that's okay...I'll leave it to you to decide.

Thanks so much, and please feel free to contact me if you have questions.

Brian

[BlueCherryGraphics]

A couple of things:

The only way to get a really accurate idea of the colors is to look at a Pantone swatch book. For numerous reasons, colors viewed on your monitor may not match printed ouput.

Also, I am just guessing at the Pantone's for the HH logo. I think they're Pantone 357 and Pantone Yellow 012, so that's what I'm going by.

What I like to do for my realtor clients is pick one color from the "parent company" logo and use it and another color that complements it and works with the parent logo. That way there is enough of a differentiation between the two logos, but no clash if they're used in close proximity on printed materials.

I am posting some color triads that I think will work, but honestly, I think the best choices are the top left and bottom left trios.

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v8

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v9

[Murgos]

Jennifer,

Thanks for doing this. The block version of "Brian" (Version 8) is still my favorite. That may be the final version. Sorry that I didn't give this to you up front...! The Howard Hanna Pantone colors are Green 349 and Yellow 116. Does that change anything with the color swatches you posted above?

[BlueCherryGraphics]

Thanks!

Let me double check my swatch book and see if I need to change any of the colors.

Will do that today.

[BlueCherryGraphics]

Hi,

Looked at my swatchbook and I changed one color and removed one color; otherwise, all should work. (The top right is the least desirable IMO).

[Murgos]

Jennifer,

You're almost done with me, I promise! I hope I haven't been too demanding. Two of my colleagues suggested that the script font used on my last name made the "r" in Sergi and the "r" in Curfman look too much like "s"s. Is that something you can doctor? Or is that pretty much it? I'm not hell bent on it, but if others give me that feedback, I'd better listen.

Also, I think the color scheme you chose with the blue/green is just perfect. When can I get final copies in the various file formats?

Thanks so much!
Brian

[BlueCherryGraphics]

Take your time; I expect to make revisions and I want to make sure you're happy with it.

This one I altered the "r" and when I looked at it, I think the "f" may have been hard to read initially, so on v11, I changed it.

v10

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v11

[Murgos]

Hi Jennifer,

It looks great! The only other thing I'd like to revise is the "r" in Curfman. If you could bring the back line (close to the "u" down a bit further, I think we'll be done! Thank so much!

Brian

[BlueCherryGraphics]

Hi Brian,

In v10 or v11?

[Murgos]

Version 11, thanks. Sorry about that.

[BlueCherryGraphics]

Here you go...

[Murgos]

Hi Jennifer,

That's it! That's the logo and it's perfect! Thank you so much for your hard work! What is the process by which I get all of the different kinds of files and you get the money? :) Also, is there something that you have to complete to give me the rights to trademark it or sign off from it?

Thanks.
Brian

[BlueCherryGraphics]

Hi Brian,

Hi,

Thank you for selecting my design.

Download instructions and detailed information on the included file formats have been sent to you via private message. You can access that message here:

http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/private.php?

Once you've downloaded the files, please post noting that fact in the thread which will notify the moderators that the project is ready to be archived.

I also answered your questions regarding file formats and rights in the private message.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Thanks again,

[Murgos]

Jennifer,

Thank you for everything you've done. You've been wonderful to work with, and I have downloaded my files. I'll look for you again should I need design work.

Thank you!

Brian

[BlueCherryGraphics]

You're welcome; I'm glad you're happy with the end result.

Best of luck with the business. :D

PROJECT UPDATE: This thread has been moved to the Logo Project Archives forum.