Banksia Villages Logo - $180

[designmarket]

(Admin code added by 2square - 1006216)


Banksia Villages is "a Community based, not for profit, organisation providing quality accommodation for older Australians." In other words - a retirement village.

They are undergoing expansion & a name change. They need a new updated "look and feel" and we are starting with their logo (branding). This will be used for new print materials and new website (watch for a competition coming your way soon).

Currently they have an old illustrated logo - being used in different forms on off-line advertising... the look and usage is old fashioned and unprofessional (well, in my opinion anyways :huh: ). The biggest problem being lack of consistency.

They have a temporary website (http://www.banksiavillage.com.au) where you can learn more about them (nothing about this website is good in terms of what they want for their new look and feel).

My thinking is that there are two possible ways to go with this, either do a logo with an illustration of the banksia in it OR.. go for something completely different , more modern and stylised. By that I mean something truly simple.

Updating logo style information to reflect current understanding:
The idea of doing a realistic or illustrated real type banksia is now out and it is decided to go with a more modern approach to cater to the younger target market.. 40-50 age bracket looking for a place for their parents.

The logo should be elegantly simple and inspire competence, caring, stability, professionalism, friendly...a modern, subtle image.

You can include appropriate concepts that are not based on the flower as well, to give variety.

There is a great example of what I mean in the logo on the web site at: www.liav.com.au.

It is not a banksia, but as a concept it really strikes me for it's pure simplicity. I love the website look as well (so we can bear that in mind for the future).

I have put together a zip file:
1) showing the current print materials
2) a couple of local banksia photos so you can confirm the botannical type of the flower/plant of the local area. These are not in full bloom, but you can see clearly how they grow, the colour and the leaves.
3) a scan of a banksia we have used previously in a collage. This shows a banksia in bloom, but the colours are faded and the leaves are burnt by the sun, the composition of the leaves is not ideal either.

Download the zip file here. (http://www.dialdesign.com.au/banksia.zip)

Colours - feel at liberty with this for now.

Deadline Extended: - Was 24th October <-- Now 27th October or until they get what they want.

What I want to do initially is to get some concepts together to show the client and then firm up which direction they want to go to complete the contest.

That is done and now we are up to getting logos based on their input ready for management board decision.
Good luck all, please ask if you have any questions.

[designmarket]

Note to admin: funds transferred before posting... Palmer away? Is there a lag on getting the contest approved, or can someone else attend to it?

[Michael]

Code added :)


Michael

[KelliShaver]

I have a couple of other ideas in mind too. I'll try and post more later tonight.

:)

[Bill]

Here's a design...

[MUTE DESIGN]

(Admin Edit by 2square)

Please can you read your PM.


Thanks

Michael

[MUTE DESIGN]

(Admin edit by 2Square)

As above

[designmarket]

Here is a local banksia overview :tup:
There are 76 Banksia species, and all but one occur naturally only in Australia.

The two that I can see are most like the local native ones here are:

Banksia serrata
A gnarled, twisted, small, long lived tree. Large green-yellow flowers in spring-summer.
Common Name: Saw Banksia

Banksia aemula
Spreading shrub or small gnarled tree with rough grey bark with orange patches and greenish-yellow flowers in spring and summer. Interesting large seed pods. Common Name: Wallum Banksia

(A google image search will help you with more images)

The most distinctive features of these these two is the serrated leaves which can be quite large and long and sort of separated in their formation growing out in a radiation from one point for each group... not like thick clumps.

The flowers are actually clusters of smaller flowers that form the "cone". The pods are interesting gnarled looking things that are rugged and woody to protect the seeds from birds and very typically Australian.

Click here for a Technical Drawing of how the flowers grow. (http://www.anbg.gov.au/banksia/banksia.serrata.illust.gif)

Click here for a historical botanical illustration (http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/~alroy/lefa/Banksia.jpg) so you can see a Banksia Serrata with flower & pod.. NOTE: Be careful - this image looks as if it has been reproduced as logos, many times!

Feedback coming in next post!

[designmarket]

KelliShaver - Thanks for opening the contest! I like some of the colours going on there. The "cones", My opinion is that the tiny flowers that make up the cone shape do not lend themselves to a defined black outline..makes them look.. um flat and un-banksia like :) (best way I can try to describe it). The leaves are too "normal leaf" like and not like banksia leaves at all. I really look forward to seeing your other ideas and I hope that my post about banksias helps you.

pennyln - Great start, I like the simplicity of where that is going..improvements might be to go for a serated leaf style and make the small flower bits not so long and a bit more populous.

MUTE DESIGN - I like where your thoughts are going there as an alternative for them. Thoughts.. the colours.. need to be the goldy (not red) and green. The banksia shape needs to be longer. The leaves you have remind me of the formation you would see on a rose stem and look rose leafy.

Good work everyone, the competition is off to a great start and I my input & feedback helps! :D

[designmarket]

This is TOTALLY irrelevant, but do any of you know the Australian stories of "snugglepot & cuddlepie".. illustrated by May Gibbs.. where the "big bad banksia men" feature? Banksia, and banksias are well intrented into Australian culture & folklore... often springing emotianal ties the relate back to illustrators such as May.

:unsure: just talking.. I am sure that banksia villages wouldn't want any big bad banksia men lurking around, just thought it was an interesting offside for those interested in Australian illustration.

Adding - if I had more time I would correct my spelling :blink:

[Bill]

Trying to make a complicated plant simple...

[MUTE DESIGN]

(Admin edit by 2square)


As above

[designmarket]

Thanks everyone, great entries!

coredesign: Second entry is very very good.. I love the colours you have used in your examples.. the way they look together tends to make me feel I could do something with it for brochure or web layout/design... any thoughts from you on the extended usage of that logo would be most welcome.

Not sure about the font, so please do play with it. Your first entry is beat out 100 times in my mind with that second one.. you have captured a very elegant simplicity and if you have any thoughts for refining it or improving on your concept, please do so. Only negative was that my partner didn't like the "pointy bits" on the cone.. I forget what he said, but I didn't find them objectionable and think you need something there to break it and suggest the points of the flowers.

pennyln: One of the reasons I am glad I am on this side of the design fence :D I think it must be one of the hardest things there is, is to try to be simple especially confonted with a detailed or complex subject. You are doing well.. but I now think the first leaves are better and the cone now looks a little to "perfect" and whatever. Keep going!

disturbReality: Wow, that is some entry and must have taken some time to do....! Only problem is it is the wrong plant :)

Looking forward to more entries and am getting this batch to the client for review now.. will post their input as soon as possible.

:tup: Great start.. thanks all.

[designmarket]

I was hoping to get some more illustraters onto this case and can always extend the timeline if anyone is working on that side and it is going to be what the client is wanting ultimately.

When I have discussed this more fully with the client as to which way they want to go then it will be better for you all so we know which way they firmly want to go (illustration/stylisation) etc.

I think I have enough to get them to decide that soon and will let you know, but if anyone is working please post your roughs or drawings, no matter how incomplete!

[designmarket]

yes, I can see signage too! But I don't know if they will be upgrading those just now.

1) Fonts of the three - personally I liked the 2nd one (but I recognise it to be something towards hollywood theatre etc?), but the 3rd is more in tune I think..solid, trustworthy, but it is a little plain. Sorry, I am not really good at fonts ... maybe something you need to offer some alternatives on based on your design sense.

2) The pointy bits, I am happy with myself - but it is good to know of any negative comments - so I would both leave them and then maybe offer an alternative if possible (maybe not so shark jaw .. more like the little straight stems - look at that botanical drawing for inspiration) .

PS: there are plenty of jobs down here if you look and are willing to work.. I personally have created my own job by running my own business... and I wouldn't be posting here for your help if I wasn't having an overflow or WORK (I'm swamped)! :lol:

[Raja]

ooooh, that's nice, Ryan

[Juvanescence]

A couple of ideas. Limited number of strokes, hopefully not too abstract..

[designmarket]

Everyone: OK.. just had a chat to the manager there and what is happening is the logos will be presented to the Management Board early next week. It will be important to have the new business name correct Banksia Villages (Include the S). I would like to get as many preliminary logos in to discuss with the manager before it goes to the board! So everyone jump in please.

I think I forgot to mention it in my first post... but the Target Market for this is your Baby Boomers looking to find a place for their elderly parents. (Technologically capable, sophisticated, trendy, mid to upper income bracket. etc)

The logo should be elegantly simple and inspire competence, caring, stability, professionalism, friendly and is currently swaying towards a modern, subtle image.

The fonts could be a little more chunky, decisive and bold. (don't go too extreme with script & decorative fonts.)

coredesign: Nice effort there. We feel now the image is more complicated and is tending towards the busy side. My partner now prefers the original pointy bits. :blink: BUT - all of your ideas are good and will be presented. Of the new fonts, I like the first, but goodness knows what they will ultimately like.

j-design: You are on a good track there... I like the use of the two types of fonts and colour, but you could try a different more simple one for the :villages" maybe postitioning it to somehow combine differently, rather than straight across.

The flower is a good start but looks a little weak... maybe it has a few too many leaves and maybe the cone part is not differentiated enough?

I like the way you have presented it with the different usage options.

disturbReality: Much better - I think the colours used may be a little psychadelic for this project. The cone part is good ... the leaves look a little too sharp and uniform... I don't mind the font used there but feel the words are getting a little drowned.

[Taldo]

hi!

[designmarket]

hi Taldo, I like the colours and the concept. the flower shape, I feel needs to have the leaves repositioned... it's looking a little like a corn cob, I don't know.. just not quite recognisable as a banksia :)

Thanks for entering the contest...please do develop you base concept & idea!

[Taldo]

here are some revisions....

[designmarket]

coredesign: Thanks for the variety in your presentation

disturbReality That font stands out better, thanks

Taldo: That's much more banksia like, thanks

Sending all these to client now and will get back with feedback when I can.

This competition is open for more entrants...we are looking for variety. B)

[Juvanescence]

A few revisions..

[designmarket]

j-design.. that looks good too thanks.. don't forget it is villages (with the s)

I'm just waiting on client feedback....sorry for the delay all :)

[designmarket]

Ok... client feedback.

I'll run through the list and try to cover everyone. Forgive me if some may come across as a little blunt.. trying to get what they like/don't like.

KelliShaver: Feedback same as mine on page 1.
pennyln: Trying to be too "real", try something a little more abstract/symbol..try a new concept
coredesign: They like the style and where it is going
disturbReality: Same as for pennyln.
j-design: Your entries have some possibilities the cone in the 2nd entry is better, but the leaves are still a little too much (too many/wrong shape?)
Taldo: Your concept struck them as a workable idea from the point of view that currently they have 3 facilities (types of areas) each square could represent an individual area. There is a future 4th one planned and they could see that coming into complete the "square". They were not struck by the flower or the font, but the *concept*.

So to sum up:
1) It seems that they want a symbol type logo with the elements I have posted before:
The logo should be elegantly simple and inspire competence, caring, stability, professionalism, friendly...a modern, subtle image.

2) The direction to head in is towards coredesign/taldo/j-design styles.

3) We need some finalists to go to the board meeting.

4) The fonts could be a little more chunky, decisive and bold. (don't go too extreme with script & decorative fonts.

Fonts liked so far but are not stuck on:
Coredesign - Page 1 First Entry Second Logo &
Page 3 Logo 1

I hope that helps ...good luck all. :tup:

[designmarket]

I have updated my first post with the following information, please do ask questions if you don't understand anything. Thank you to everyone who has entered under the initial information as posted. We need logos and we need variety... I am in contact with the client and will provide feedback as much as possible as we go.

Consider this as round two with a little tighter direction :)

Updating logo style information to reflect current understanding:
The idea of doing a realistic or illustrated real type banksia is now out and it is decided to go with a more modern approach to cater to the younger target market.. 40-50 age bracket looking for a place for their parents.

The logo should be elegantly simple and inspire competence, caring, stability, professionalism, friendly...a modern, subtle image.

You can include appropriate concepts that are not based on the flower as well, to give variety.

Deadline Extended: - Was 24th October <-- Now 27th October or until they get what they want.

Good luck all.

[Palmer]

design-market needs a new isp :) Here is her reply...
-------------------------
Jon.. you need to disturb the reality on it - in a different way :) Thanks for the
revisions but you need to read the posts above... Need to be not trying to be so
*realistic* on the flower now, but symbolic and leaning towards suggesting the offer & services... banksia flower is not necessarily the focus and if used could be *an idea* or *suggestion* only.

That is not to say a simple version of the banksia should not be used. It is to say...
we need some creativity and focus now on the image the company wants to portray and their target market :)

As an extra comment, Jon, you have made me remember to not forget to mention that when going for a banksia *cone* shape it is true to say that the type of banksia we are looking for has a more flat head than rounded.... review the open flower images if unsure anyone.

Ryan.. I just wanted to add a special note for you... the concept you have presented previously was liked, but, I would say try to submit something different completely if you can.

[Taldo]

here are some revsions..trying to show the environment around the villages...

[designmarket]

{Thks Palmer, I'm back ;))

Taldo: good concept.. the plant thing is fine as it is but doesn't say much about the area. could be banksia leaf or gumtree leaf shape.. as a suggestion.
What did you invisage as the possible future fourth element?

Jon: that's the spirit! makes for a great competition. :)
logo1 - good concept,, I think I like that font the best out of all you have presented to date.
logo2 - Not sure about the very sketchy brush stroke.. could be stronger.. flower is a good shape - leaves could point down or out, or out & down. not sure about the use of the brush stroke around the text.. might be a bit much. The client has indicated they quite like the placement of the symbol between the lettering.
logo3 - Doesn't do much for me.
logo4 - Good as an alternative concept.

If a tag line is used it could be "Quality Living for Seniors"

Everyone: Entries & revisions are being placed in a simple web gallery to make it easy for the client to view and to follow with the evolution of revisions. From this a selection will be taken to the board.

Click here (http://www.dialdesign.com.au/banksia/) if you are curious.

Good work all - Keep them coming! :tup:

[designmarket]

Jon: Thanks for the quick revisions.
logo1... can the leaves come out & down like logo2?
logo2.. much better, can the cone get longer not so sqat?
logo3... I am really not getting anything from this one.. I don't understand it.

Coredesign - Clarification... it is my feeling that you entry has been presented in as many ways and combinations as possible.. thank you. I just wanted to encourage you to present a totally different design/concept as well if you like :)
Ryan.. I just wanted to add a special note for you... the concept you have presented previously was liked, but, I would say try to submit something different completely if you can.

Adding note to everyone,, this is a great competition and it is going to be a hard one to crack.. their standards and expectations are high... thanks for keeping going.. It's really difficult when they are leaving it entirely up to the design team to come up with creative solutions with very little specific intruction as to what they want.. they don't know what they want :unsure: They trust US...

[Taldo]

How's this? When I first designed this..it was supposed to be a "V" for villages but I guess it can become an enclosed square! Maybe they have an idea for the 4th square...a bird that lives in the area, etc?

[designmarket]

Yes, well I guess it is just a matter of selling the concept Taldo.... I'd encourage you to add a forth.

Even if it is just a colour square with a question mark in it. Because the actual symbols can be decided and refined if the concept wins.

The thing they see is that each square represents a different retirment option or facility for marketing then each one could be branded under it square symbol - colour and identity or *feel*.. does that make sense?.

To help you, I have thought of:
Mountains/Hills - The great dividing range runs up along the coast behind us and the foot hills are not far
Animal - as in maybe bird (like kookaburra, cockatoo, rainbow lorikeet) or animal (like wallaby, koala or possum) or human (like in fulfillment, lifestyle, contentment - the completion of the whole)

As I say, don't worry too much on the actual things in the square, I think your entry could be a finalist just as a concept to be developed..

Hope that helps.

Adding: oh yes, that looks gum leafy :)

Jon... thanks.. I'll let you know client feedback when I can. The top logo is looking a little "candle like"? maybe the leaves need to go down .. I'm not sure, you could fiddle with it if you agree..

My favorite colour choice for the second one there is the first - green. I still feel as if the banksia needs something.. not sure what?

[Taldo]

mountains!

[designmarket]

good colour choice, nice balance.. I will be presenting your entry with both the 3 & 4 squares. thanks.

Are their any other designers wanting to enter this competitive competition? :lol2:

Surely you all can think of some concepts that you have gurggling away in your think caps :)

[designmarket]

Hehehe.. Taldo, it's good, it reminds me of .. "my life is but a tapestry..." the tapestry is a whole and the individual bits are meaningful as part of it yet equally meaningful as parts on their own. Suitable for retirement.. and they can choose which part of the reflection in the tapestry they dwell in in the twilight years..

sorry I am raving on... just thought I would share my thought, which I will also share to the client. :D

[designmarket]

Just a note to say you have about 24 hours for any new entries & revision work to get into the pre-selection draw for this competition. :D

[Bill]

Another idea...

[designmarket]

good work bill.. thank you.. good concept.
Let me make haste to get it up there .. anyone else out there now is the time... about 6 hours from the pre-selection (what with daylight savings, I am getting lost!)
but do post if you have a concept or entry.. I don't think it is all going to be decided in a day on this one.

[designmarket]

Just keeping everyone up-to-date on this competition...
Gave client a nudge, just now, to let them know you are waiting on feedback. Will post again as soon as I do hear.. good work to date all, I say.

[hheine]

Is there time for any new entry ? :tup:

[designmarket]

Yes, the competition is stalled currently, so go ahead please.

[hheine]

Here is my entry.

Banksia is a www plant.

www= wild.weird.wonderful :D

<img src='http://www.openmarket.com.br/DesignOutpost/banksiavillage_02.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[designmarket]

argh.. yes, but it is..
good job, I will put your entry with the others

thanks..

I get the feeling we may be coming up for round two soon, but I cannot be sure (%@swear$).. I will keep you posted.

[designmarket]

hheine - my suggestions to you..
bring the core of the leaves up under the e of villages (spelling) and relax the straight up & down leaf to stage right. flop it.

[hheine]

Your suggestions sounded very good to me.
I´ll keep trying ! ;)
See ya..

[hheine]

Please comments... :D

<img src='http://www.openmarket.com.br/DesignOutpost/banksiavillage_04.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[designmarket]

hheine - thanks for your revisions.. I can see logos 1, 2&3 being possibilities.. if you read through this thread you will see that my client moved from realistic banksia type presentations to a more modern view point after asking for both to be presented as a starting place...

however, there is a management committee to go by and your logo is on the table for them.

If you are able you could also present a complete alternative, but you would need to review the thread, I think..

I am very sorry to all designers that this is so long drawn out, but as you know it is always the same with "commitees" & "boards"! :tup:

[hheine]

I´m presenting a complete alternative in 30 min from now.

Thanks.

[hheine]

Hope there´s some time to show this:

<img src='http://www.openmarket.com.br/DesignOutpost/banksiavillage_05.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

Thanks.

[designmarket]

ok thanks hheine I have to sit tight and wait on this one.. I liked the way you listened and picked up on the four aspect..


I am sorry everyone for the stall & delay on this competition... I have to hear from the decision makers before I can progress it.. anyone who feels they have revisions is welcome to continue until we hear some sort of firm direction..

Personally I feel there is a good representation of styles and I just would like to hear firmly on some of the concepts being accepted so we can move on.. but I have to wait with you all for that..

thanks for your patience on this :)

[Eagle]

Hi

Sorry for the late submission...here's my approach to things! ;)

[Eagle]

*
And here's how it would look combined with a very large advertising budget! :lol: ;)

[hheine]

Forgot something.

<img src='http://www.openmarket.com.br/DesignOutpost/eagles_joke.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[designmarket]

tee hee guys. B)

Sorry this competition isn/t moving.. I will call up my client soon and see if I can get some feedback for everyone and some sort of indication of where to go.

[Palmer]

Any word yet?

[designmarket]

No phone/email words from client.. I will have to try to get on to them again.

At least I know they are serious, I got a cheque for the logo component of their work today! That is a good sign.

I am really sorry about this, I will do my best to see if I can get some movement, I know it will happen as I have had contact with them on & off on various matters for a couple of years and it is coming at me via "word of mouth" etc.

We really need more direction from them before anything can happen in this competition.

Apologies once again all. :blush:

[Palmer]

No problem. Thanks for the update. :)

[designmarket]

OH no :unsure:

I don't know what to do know.. Pallllllmmmmmmeeeeeerr Help!

The board decided against having a new logo at all. :rip:

the manager is very embarrased and unhappy with their decision but he didn't win..
He wants to pass on many thanks to all the designers and compliment you all for the excellent work, presentation and co-operation.

He said there were quite a few ideas presented that would have worked really well.

Palmer.. over to you to advise please?

[Palmer]

Well according to the FAQ, there are no refunds unless there are circumstances that would warrant one. ie: no one entered. In this case you have a lot of time by the designers invested in this contest and somebody should get rewarded.

Do you want to have a poll or do you want to choose the winner or do you want to tell the board they have a new logo whether they want one or not and have them decide?

I'm heading to bed. I'll check in in the morning :zzz:

[designmarket]

I think I will pick a winner with a logo that I can maybe use for some other company.. they are all good.. so give me some time and I will discuss with my partner.

(I would like to reward everyone but that's not going to work :D)

[designmarket]

And the winner is..........

Pennyln!

Bill, if I could have that with both background ideas, no text - that would be great thanks.

I had my eye on that one for the client along with a number of the others... thank you all so much for your patience and work.. outstanding co-operation and team spirit here. :tup:

[Palmer]

Congratulations Bill. :tup:

Thanks for being cool about it Diane. Sorry that your client isn't going to get a new logo. They need one :)

[designmarket]

I know how to pick em Palmer.. all we can do is try.. LOL :lol:

All credits go to our fabulous DO team for making a great impression!

I am sure there will be waves come of it.