Logo/banner for political site - This one should b

[JamesAZ]

(Admin code added by Demex - 8PD9123222)

A client of mine, a political candidate running for the Arizona House of Representatives, needs a logo/banner for the template I've put together for him. I'd do it myself, but I need to move on to some other projects so I'd rather just contract it out.

You can see the web template here:
http://www.doublefelix.com/~pearce/

It's possible that the colors might change, so don't follow them too closely. You should be safe with a red, white, and blue theme.

Banner should be 675w 100h (can be taller or shorter if necessary, but width should be 675).

See http://www.russellpearce.com for information to put on the banner (name, district, headshot, etc.). The headshot isn't great, so I'll probably be getting a new one for the winner before closing the deal, but for now that's all we have to work with. (Sorry!) EDIT: We now have a headshot available. See http://www.doublefelix.com/~pearce/rpearce.jpg

The following sites might provide some inspiration on the sort of banner we're looking for:
http://www.prescottforcongress.com/home.php
http://www.rickrenziforcongress.com/
http://www.grijalva2002.com/eng/main.htm
http://www.peoplewithhart.com/
http://www.sweeneyforcongress.com/
http://www.boehlert.com/
http://andercrenshaw.com/
http://www.electharris.org/
http://www.friendsoffarr.org/
http://loretta.org/
http://www.lindseygraham.com/

They're not the greatest and they all tend to look the same, but that's what politicians tend to be comfortable with. If you have any more creative (within reason) ideas, feel free to use them.

Some good themes:
U.S. Flag
Arizona Flag
Eagle
Constitution
Arizona landscapes (saguaro outline, etc.)
etc.

I've seen some great work here in the past, and I hope that I'll see some now. Thanks!

Deadline is Sept 17th.

[Eagle]

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In!...stand-by!...

[JamesAZ]

By the way, is this a realistic deadline, or should I push it out?

[Eagle]

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Yup, more than...I'll have 'just a few' for you in a little while! <img src='http://www.jms101.btinternet.co.uk/full_sets/gold/circular_bold_std/thumbsup.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

And here they are:

So's not to murder Palmer's bandwidth, I'll be hosting this image as it's a bit on the large side...click to view...

<img src='http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~eeqip/desop/russw3bm0ntage13x4m.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' /> (http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~eeqip/desop/RussWebMontage1.jpg)

I hope that you like at least some of these "ideas"...and that they give you a better steer on what you want...I can work on these further if you wish, that's not a problem! <img src='http://www.jms101.btinternet.co.uk/full_sets/gold/circular_bold_std/thumbsup.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
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[JamesAZ]

Thanks, Eagle. Nice work.

Some comments -- don't need responses, I'm just trying to help "steer" the thread:

The headshot doesn't blend well in most of the samples -- seems almost like an afterthought.

I like where you were going with #1 and #2, but they seem a bit simplistic (fonts, shapes, etc.). I like the notion of the landscape with the flag in the background, though.

#3 is a bit too simple.

#4 is nice, but the script font is a bit hard to read, and the colors don't seem very "Arizonan" or "American". I think that general layout might play well with a variation of the Arizona flag, though.

#5 and #6 aren't bad, but they seem a bit rough. Fonts, shapes, etc., are a bit simplistic. (I understand that these are prototypes, though.) I'm looking for something a bit more refined...maybe a subtle but unique typeface, for example.

#7 might fit better with a picture of RoboCop instead of Russell. :-) #8 is much closer, but again seems a bit oversimple.

I see how you were trying to integrate the colors of the original site, but in looking at them, I'm not sure how well it works. I just went in and refined the site colors so that they're less bold. They're not red, white, and blue, but they're closer and should play better.

Also, we have the new headshot available. See my original post (edited with URL).

Thanks again!

[Virgil]

Hello,

Here are my first entries.. :)

P.S. I just saw the new headshot. I will integrate it in my next designs.

Gilles.

[JamesAZ]

Thanks, Gilles. Some comments:

1. I like the idea of blending state and federal, but the colors and image quality seem a bit too rough. Also, I think the typeface is a bit too informal.

2. Bit hard to read. Seems busy.

3. Composition seems a bit lopsided.

4. Not bad, but I wonder about the revolutionary-style font. Colors also seem a bit awkward.

5. I like the idea of merging the US and Arizona flags like that. This is a good idea to play with.

6. Not too bad, but seems lopsided.

[JUNEAU]

Here are a few designs. :D

<img src='http://home.earthlink.net/~bob_marley/designoutpost/images/pearce.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />



<img src='http://home.earthlink.net/~bob_marley/designoutpost/images/pearce2.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />



<img src='http://home.earthlink.net/~bob_marley/designoutpost/images/pearce3.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

:geek:

[JamesAZ]

Juneau,

Now we're cooking!

I like all three of those, but I'm definitely leaning toward the second one, because I'm not sure about duplicating the headshot. I love the "close up" approach you've taken. Looks professional, elegant.

So far it looks like a lot of people have been using the Constitution theme. I don't have a problem with that, but I think I'd like to see some variations as well. Maybe something resembling your second one, but with some other motifs in place of the constitution?

(Also, just as a side note, there are two Ls in Russell.) ;-)

Great work.

Thanks,
James

[Liz]

Hi.

Here's a quick entry from me. [ VIEW HERE ] (http://clients.snapfire.com/pearce.jpg)

Thanks for your consideration.

- Liz.

[JamesAZ]

Rabbitdog: Beautiful work! I'm trying to think of suggestions for improving it, but I'm not coming up with any.

I'd say that you and Juneau are the frontrunners right now.

[ElKootcho]

Here's my contribution (675x125)

[JUNEAU]

Changed some elements here I added the text "we stand together" but I can take it out. :)
I also added another one with the constitution just cause the colors blend well.


<img src='http://home.earthlink.net/~bob_marley/designoutpost/images/pearce4.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />



<img src='http://home.earthlink.net/~bob_marley/designoutpost/images/pearce5.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Virgil]

Hello,

Here are some changes.. :)

[Virgil]

And another..

[JamesAZ]

Gilles,

I like your last one. Would it be possible to see that with the headshot in full color?

Thanks,
James

[Virgil]

Of course! I'll post it later today. :)

[Virgil]

Changes as you requested :)

[JamesAZ]

Thanks, I like that.

I apologize for not having mentioned this before, but he's running for state House, not federal, so I'm not sure the picture of the federal building is appropriate. I wonder if you could find one of the Arizona building instead?

Thanks again!

James

[Virgil]

Yes, of course! Could you point one web address for Arizona building so I will get it right? I live outside US and I'm not familiar with this specific image.
Thank you again. :)
Gilles.

[JamesAZ]

<!--QuoteBegin-rabbitdog+Sep 11 2003, 12:21 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (rabbitdog @ Sep 11 2003, 12:21 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Hi.

Here's a quick entry from me. [ VIEW HERE ] (http://clients.snapfire.com/pearce.jpg)

Thanks for your consideration.

- Liz. [/b][/quote]
rabbitdog,

Could you try making this image a bit taller? I love everything you've done with it, I'm just thinking it might snap into place a bit better if it were a bit taller. (Include more the headshot, landscape, flag etc.)

Thanks!

James

[JamesAZ]

<!--QuoteBegin-Gilles Le Bon+Sep 12 2003, 12:04 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Gilles Le Bon @ Sep 12 2003, 12:04 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Yes, of course! Could you point one web address for Arizona building so I will get it right? I live outside US and I'm not familiar with this specific image.
Thank you again. :)
Gilles. [/b][/quote]
I believe this is it:

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&lr=&...tol&sa=N&tab=wi (http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=arizona+capitol&sa=N&tab=wi)

[Virgil]

Thanks for your help. I will integrate the new picture in the design and post it soon. :)
Gilles.

[Virgil]

Changes with Arizona House

[Virgil]

Arizona House top detail :)
Aiming at the TOP ;)

[Virgil]

And another :)

[Liz]

Hi James -

Here's a version that's a bit taller (150px tall vs the old at 130px tall). I also swapped out the middle graphic for something that had a little more punch of color.

Thanks again for your consideration,

Liz

[ VIEW HERE ] (http://clients.snapfire.com/pearce2.jpg)

[Virgil]

Here's one version attached to the top of the site. :)

[JamesAZ]

<!--QuoteBegin-rabbitdog+Sep 12 2003, 01:15 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (rabbitdog @ Sep 12 2003, 01:15 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Hi James -

Here's a version that's a bit taller (150px tall vs the old at 130px tall). I also swapped out the middle graphic for something that had a little more punch of color.

Thanks again for your consideration,

Liz

[ VIEW HERE ] (http://clients.snapfire.com/pearce2.jpg) [/b][/quote]
Liz,

I definitely like the taller one. Even a bit taller might work.

Also, I really like the new mountains (very Arizona), but I wonder if that sign would send an odd subliminal message. Could we try it with similar mountains, but without the sign?

You're still the front runner so far. :-)

Thanks,
James

[ElKootcho]

trying to de-throne Liz :box:

[JamesAZ]

Ooooh I like that! Nice work!

The headshot doesn't seem to blend quite right. The seams seem to stand out a bit.

[JamesAZ]

<!--QuoteBegin-rabbitdog+Sep 12 2003, 01:15 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (rabbitdog @ Sep 12 2003, 01:15 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Hi James -

Here's a version that's a bit taller (150px tall vs the old at 130px tall). I also swapped out the middle graphic for something that had a little more punch of color.

Thanks again for your consideration,

Liz

[ VIEW HERE ] (http://clients.snapfire.com/pearce2.jpg) [/b][/quote]
Liz,

Could we also reduce the drop shadow a bit, maybe soften it (or even omit it)?

Thanks,
James

[ElKootcho]

:)

[Liz]

Hi James, glad you like the design so far :)

Made the following changes -

- edited out the sign from the center graphic
- increased the height a little bit more (I'm concerned about making it too large (tall) because I suspect that the final image would be a fairly large file size as is)
- reduced the drop shadow on the text, but still left a faint one to seperate the white of the text from the white in the flag.

[ VIEW HERE ] (http://clients.snapfire.com/pearce3.jpg)

Thanks,
Liz.

[Virgil]

Hello,

Here's another.. :)

[Virgil]

And anoher :)

[JamesAZ]

<!--QuoteBegin-rabbitdog+Sep 13 2003, 12:13 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (rabbitdog @ Sep 13 2003, 12:13 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Hi James, glad you like the design so far :)

Made the following changes -

- edited out the sign from the center graphic
- increased the height a little bit more (I'm concerned about making it too large (tall) because I suspect that the final image would be a fairly large file size as is)
- reduced the drop shadow on the text, but still left a faint one to seperate the white of the text from the white in the flag.

[ VIEW HERE ] (http://clients.snapfire.com/pearce3.jpg)

Thanks,
Liz. [/b][/quote]
Liz,

Looks great, except that I think I miscommunicated on my last message. It wasn't so much the text shadow I was worried about as the head shadow. It just seems a bit drastic. On a subliminal level, it almost conveys that he has a "dark side" -- sounds silly, but this is the stuff that political types worry about. :-)

The other changes look great! Excellent work.

Edit: In looking back, I think I actually liked the text with the shadowing from #2. :-)

Thanks,
James

[JamesAZ]

ElKootcho, it could just be my monitor, but the headshot looks a bit fuzzy, as if it lost something in the resizing. I could be mistaken about that, though.

Gilles, I like the visual themes you've put in there. I think that the typography is a bit lacking, though. Take a look at ElKootcho and rabbitdog for some typographical ideas.

Great work, both of you!

[Liz]

oh! sorry about that. :blush: I certainly see your concern - I hadn't even thought of that. Posted an update (http://clients.snapfire.com/pearce4.jpg) sans shadow. Thanks -- liz.

[JamesAZ]

<!--QuoteBegin-rabbitdog+Sep 13 2003, 11:15 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (rabbitdog @ Sep 13 2003, 11:15 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> oh! sorry about that. :blush: I certainly see your concern - I hadn't even thought of that. Posted an update (http://clients.snapfire.com/pearce4.jpg) sans shadow. Thanks -- liz. [/b][/quote]
Much better! He looks less like Darth Vader now. :-)

Two little things:

Could you actually add back the text shadows from the original? (I edited my last post, but I didn't catch you in time!)

Could we do something about the red corner? Not sure what, but maybe we can get something in there so that it doesn't stand out as much.

Thanks!

[ElKootcho]

<!--QuoteBegin-JamesAZ+Sep 13 2003, 09:13 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (JamesAZ @ Sep 13 2003, 09:13 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> ElKootcho, it could just be my monitor, but the headshot looks a bit fuzzy, as if it lost something in the resizing. I could be mistaken about that, though.
[/b][/quote]
I replaced the headshot. No mo' fuzz!

<img src='http://smallbusinessstyle.com/DesignOutpost/RP5.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Liz]

"Darth Vader for District 18!" .... yeah, I can see how that wouldn't go over too well. (although I think you'd have the votes nailed from the state's star wars fans :lol: )

Quickie update reflecting your requests - I've just continued the flag completely to the left (let me know if you'd like something different), and gone back to the other drop shadow on the text.

[ VIEW HERE ] (http://clients.snapfire.com/pearce5.jpg)

Thanks,
Liz.

[ElKootcho]

another look. 150 px tall

<img src='http://www.smallbusinessstyle.com/DesignOutpost/RP6.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Virgil]

Hello, here's another version. Thank you for your suggestions. I will work on new versions with another fonts. In the meantime, take a look at this. Any feedback welcome :)

[JamesAZ]

<!--QuoteBegin-rabbitdog+Sep 13 2003, 11:45 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (rabbitdog @ Sep 13 2003, 11:45 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> "Darth Vader for District 18!" .... yeah, I can see how that wouldn't go over too well. (although I think you'd have the votes nailed from the state's star wars fans :lol: )

Quickie update reflecting your requests - I've just continued the flag completely to the left (let me know if you'd like something different), and gone back to the other drop shadow on the text.

[ VIEW HERE ] (http://clients.snapfire.com/pearce5.jpg)

Thanks,
Liz. [/b][/quote]
Liz,

I love it. I can't think of any additional changes.

Thanks!
James

[JamesAZ]

<!--QuoteBegin-ElKootcho+Sep 13 2003, 12:23 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (ElKootcho @ Sep 13 2003, 12:23 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> another look. 150 px tall
[/b][/quote]
ElKootcho,

Beautiful work. It's a very attractive banner, my only concern is that it might emphasize that particular landscape too much, which might be confusing since it doesn't look at all like district 18. :-)

I believe Camelback Mountain falls in District 18, or is at least more associated with the area. I wonder if you might be able to find some public domain photos of it on some AZ government sites...

[Virgil]

Hello, here's a design with another font :)

[Virgil]

And another.. :)

[Virgil]

Hello, here's another :)

[Virgil]

Another..

[Tonya]

<img src='http://www.frobo.com/graphic_work/pearce/pearce1.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[JamesAZ]

Everyone,

Thanks for your work. I'm very impressed with the quality of the submissions.

I'll be checking in tomorrow at around lunch time to see if there are any extra submissions. After that, I'll pick the winner and announce it.

Thanks again!

James

[JamesAZ]

Everyone,

The winner is rabbitdog, with this just-about-perfect entry (http://clients.snapfire.com/pearce5.jpg). :tup:

Thanks again!

James

[Eagle]

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Well done Liz! :clap: :)

Corel PhotoPaint per chance? ;) ;)
*

[Liz]

Thanks James! Glad you like. I'll drop you an email in a sec with a link to the cropped version of the header and the source file.

Eagle: You know it -- corel all the way, yo. Thanks :)

[Virgil]

Congratulations Liz!

Good work&nice design! :tup:

Gilles :)