[Project Complete] Nov 19th : $400 : Logo for portrait photographer

[Lelby]

(Admin code added by Palmer - 04C926012N983650S , 74S737790E983430D)

Project Summary
I had a logo designed by one of the talented designers here at the beginning of this year (view at www.figmentsphotography.com.au (http://www.figmentsphotography.com.au/)). While i still very much like it, unfortunately I have found the studio is moving in different directions and the logo no longer suits all aspects of the business. Where we once specialised in baby/child portraits, we are now undertaking weddings and commercial work, and are rebranding the entire business to suit this direction.

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

What type of product or service do you offer?
Portrait photography to of babies/children/families, weddings and commercial ventures.

How long have you been in business?
Three years.

What do you hope to accomplish with your new identity?
Our new logo will hopefully be the starting point for our new brand, which we hope will convey to our clients a feeling of trust. We want to capture a timeless, classic feel, elegant, quality and a cut above, but with a personal touch (not cold and clinical)

What are your long term goals?
To branch out and develop our studio in our chosen areas.

When is the deadline for final entries before choosing a designer?
November 12, 2008

Audience Profile

Our products and services are not inexpensive so our clients tend to be more affluent, mostly women.

Please describe your existing audience.
Mothers, mothers groups, families

Who would you like to add to your audience?
Prospective wedding clients, commercial businesses with photographic needs

Perception/Tone/Guidelines
We want to create a quality, timeless appeal, but do not want it to be too flouncy or wedding orientated since we don't want to alienate clients who are after commercial work.

What type of logo would you like?
Very simple, classic, perhaps even a text based logo? We don't want any fancy borders or flounces, or graphics that represent photography. We really are not sure we want a graphic at all. Some ideas we have considered:

The word 'Figments' in bold lettering, in soft rounded more classic lettering, or in script font - all have their merits
The work photography we would like in all caps, smaller underneath
The use of the 'i' in figments as a graphic of some sort
The use if just the dot of the i as a graphic
We had hoped to get some simple graphic of some sort from either of the above two points, to enlarge and face out in the background of our marketing collatoral.Do you have any colors in mind for your logo? (if so, why?)

Ideally, we love the idea of a very soft blue, with silver/pewter/sparkles....(no idea how to show this in text!) The designs we have played around with have had a grey coloured font and the blue background....sometimes using white also.

Do you have any specific images or icons in mind that you would definitely like to see incorporated into your logo?
No, we have considered the use of a stary, a sparkle, a chipd of diamond etc as the 'i' or the dot of the 'i' but they all end up looking very 'clipart'. Maybe it might be interesting to see a few designs with a graphic and then if they don't work we can just stick to text.

Communication Strategy

What attributes would you like your logo to reflect about your business?
We would like our logo to reflect that we committed to quality and creative work, that we care about them as individuals and that we care about the presentation and packaging of our products. We want them to feel that it is an indulgence to come to us, that they are spoiling themselves.

What is your tag line or slogan?
We do not have one at this time.

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

Where will your new logo be used?
Print, web and advertising.

Competitive Positioning

Who are your competitors and what do you think about their logos? List competitive URLs if possible.

None of our competitors really have logo designs that I am after. Many have cheesy photographic symbols, or very flouncy and florally designs. We want to avoid these. In the child photography market their is also a lot of 'cutesy' which we want to avoid.

Targeted Message

State a single-minded word or phrase that will appropriately describe your company:
Quality, timeless and classic portraiture, with a personal flair.

[Tyler]

Here is a start. :)

[Lelby]

Thanks for making a start Tyler! But I'm afraid it's not what we're looking for. I'd really prefer something with either a more personal touch, or a more refined one. I'd like the background in a soft blue and the font in the silver/grey. I just find that star in the g a little harsh looking, but would love to see some other designs from you. Thanks.

[LutFi]

Version # 1

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v1

[glyphica]

:)

[Lelby]

Thanks for your designs. I feel they are still moving in our old direction, and not really getting that classy and simple look we are after.

LutFi - It appears a little 'kiddie' oriented still. The font needs to be a little finer i think, and the sparkle more refined.

Bluecherry - that's really not going in the direction I want to head.

Glyphica - your design is very much in keeping with our old branding, which we are totally overhauling so I would like to steer clear of any designs submitted for our previous competition.

Im not totally discounting the use of the sparke/star, but to be honest, i'd prefer to see designs that make use of a different graphic, if any at all. We would like to use one for watermarking etc, but only if it fits the general tone we are trying to achieve. It's difficult to come up with a graphic that could represent 'figments' which by their nature are elusive and not tangible!!

I've wasn't going to attach this sheet because I really don't want designs to be too influenced by anything on it - none are what we are after, and we were just playing with ideas - trying to find simple text logos that used a simple graphic. We played around with ours using a scripty 'f' with the star attached so it could be a stand alone graphic, although we felt the 'f' wasn't recogniseable enough and it didnt work for us in this example - i'd been interested to see if anyone else can make this work??? We also liked the 'shiny floor' effect at one point, but found it too busy with the reflected letters, but no doubt that was just our clumsy attempts!

Obviously, i dont want to be similar to anyone else, let alone another photographer, but I love the use if the "I' in liana photography as a graphic she can include. I also like the Poppen and the Square peg ideas, and especially love the pyramid...the whole look of that is very classy, but i realise those logos work because they are a play on the name. Im not sure if it's a direction we'd want to head, but I also dont mind the K filled with the blue swirls/flowers...I have just felt that an initial that stands for a name is a little more logical than making use of the 'f' in figments...but I'm happy to be proven wrong.

If you have any ideas at all, even in terms of colour, that deviate from the brief but you think might be interesting to us, please feel free to submit, we'd love to be suprised!

I hope this feedback helps, thanks again :)

[LutFi]

Version # 2

[LutFi]

Version # 3

[LutFi]

Version # 4

[Lelby]

LutFi - thank you, but these are not really what i am after. If i use the star at all, i'd want it to be a more refined sparkle, and Im still quite keen to see it incorporated with an 'F' to be a stand alone graphic, as in my example.

Im really keen to see some new designs, some different approaches more along the lines of the Poppen, liana, Squarepeg, pyramid etc examples I offered.

[OffbeatDesign]

Welcome back to Design Outpost!

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments1.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments2.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments3.gif

[Lelby]

Thanks offbeat, it's going to take a pretty special design to live up to your last one (which by the way I will continue to use on my children's site)

Version 1 is interesting, but i find the letters a little hard to read, and while 2 and 3 are clever, I feel the graphic looks too much like a 'p' and gets confusing.

ETA - the colours are really nice, and i like the clean lines - although I'm still keen to see the scripty 'f' combined iwth a star/symbol as in my stand alone example above. I realise I have to go one way or the other, and Im leaning towards this crips clean style, but i'd like to see the 'f/star' graphic even if just to eliminate it.

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v2

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v3

[Lelby]

Thanks Jennifer, that's sort of what I am considering, although I want the 'f' to actually form the letters, as well as stand alone, so it is the first letter of the word, and not an additional f in front of the word (or behind). Im not keen on the font for that f, have you got anything else that might work? And do you think the font would work with the entire word in the same font?

[BlueCherryGraphics]

Yes; I'll look and see what I can do.

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments4.gif

[Lelby]

Thanks Jeff, that is the idea I am after, im just not sure it will work. That font looks messy to me, as does the one in the example I posted earlier, and loses that classic effect I am going for. I realise it is indulging me when i might go back to your earlier style of design, but do you think it is possible to get a strong 'F' that can stand alone with the star attached, and still have it be a fairly classy and gentle type of font? I have to admit I searched fonts for ages today and found very little. I found a sort of brushed 'F' that looked very funky, differernt to what I am describing here I guess, much more edgy but the point is that I am open to suggestions. I also tried mixing the first letter in a different font with mixed results. I'd still like to pursue this line for a bit if I can, but with a more refined font and the f a little stronger. At this point, I'm much more drawn to the clean geometric lines of your previous design.

Thanks again for your work :)

[OffbeatDesign]

No problem. Here are some cleaner options.

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments5.gif

[Lelby]

Thanks Jeff, that's given me a good visual. It's not working for me as is. Final revision of this idea....can we try a couple of things here:
- The f and star from v. 4 with a simpler font (not scripty) with the 'f' the first letter, and larger than the others
- the f and star from v.4 separate to a simpler font below (as in the poppen example I gave earlier)
- as above, separate, but a totally different looking F, without the script...not sure what though, sorry - i have had a great deal of trouble finding an interesting looking F!
That will give me a total visual to know if this is the way I want to go. At the moment, im still more leaning towards the last few samples I posted (poppen, liana, squarepeg etc etc ) Thank you.

[BlueCherryGraphics]

This is a different direction w/ the "F", but can still be used as a standalone icon.

v4

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v5

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v6

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments6.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments7.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments8.gif

[Lelby]

Thank you, I really like both of these ideas.

Jennifer, that works really well as a concept. Im not keen on the font - I find the F a little harsh and the letters a little too rounded, but I think it could suit many other fonts. Can the inside line of the 'f' be made to match the star, so that it is the star rather than the letter, if that makes sense. I think the colours of the text should stay grey/white as the background to the site will be in the blue colour, but im not too fussed iwth the colours at this point. The gradient looks nice behind the star.

Jeff, thanks, that's exactly what I was referring to. Im not totally sold on that particular 'f' but I can get a good visual and it definitely shows me how it could look.

Im pretty satisfied that either of those would work ok with the use of the star, and am not discounting either, but would really like to see some other designs without the star at all, completely different to those. There is something about the stark simplicity in some of the samples I offered that really appeals to me for this new direction we are moving in.

Thanks for going through that process with me, it was really helpful.

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v7 colors can be changed; I just left it as is for now

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v8

[BlueCherryGraphics]

v9

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments9.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments10.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments11.gif

[Lelby]

Jennifer - thankyou, again, those visuals give me an idea of what the logo can look like with that design. I'm keen to see some totally different ideas before reworking any of them.

Jeff, thanks, Im finding them a little similar to the others. I'd like to see something really quite different, maybe even something like the Vanni images, with symbol and the words all written along a line/gradient of some sort, and something a little more abstract.

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments12.jpg

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments13.gif

[Taldo]

:)

[Lelby]

Thanks Jeff, but that isn't really working for me, it's very similar to the first ever logo I had and would like to move in a different direction.

Thanks for joining in Carol. That's more the direction I am looking at. I'm not totally sold on it, it just looks a little unsophisticated, but would like to see some variations. Perhaps altered to the blue/grey colours? I'm sorry I can't be more specific, with this new direction Im really hoping to see what designers come up with. I'm quite prepared to be taken by something completely off track, off colour, off the brief.....so I appreciate you throwing something different into the mix.

[LutFi]

Version # 5

[LutFi]

Version # 6

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments14.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments15.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments16.gif

[Lelby]

LutFi, those are both very nice, simple designs, but perhaps too much so? They don't jump out at me im afraid.

Jess, version 14 is a little too corporate and harsh, 15 i don't like, 16 is interesting! I'm thinking on that one.

I'm not convinced that using the F is the way to go, im sorry Im not more help. I am looking at things and trying to get ideas. Please feel free to throw anything into the mix, I would never have originally picked my last logo graphic, and I love it! A play on any of the letters, a symbol, a font, im still open to any suggestions.

[Taldo]

figments of life:)

[Lelby]

Thanks Carol, but I really want to stear away from the previous brand image, and anything that looks too child orientated.

I am feeling that a fresh approach is needed. I appreciate the work of the designers so far to flesh out some ideas I had. This was part of my intention in embarking on this process, and I have those to refer back to now. But I also recognise that my own ideas are limited and I was keen to let designers take their own approach. I feel that there is an underlying conceptual base missing, and the designs are simply flowing from things I have mentioned, without taking me in any new directions.

I am looking for something generic, classy, corportate even (maybe) but with an underlying heart. I want to branch out from babies and children and want the brand to be something that can be used to encompass all areas of my photography without alienating anyone. I have previously put together a collage of colours/inspirations/patterns/logos/samples of my images that I was using to get a 'feel' for the new brand. I am including it here in case it sparks any fresh approaches, things i may have missed (for instance, a friend this evening suggested that those circles be used in a way that can represent connections, family, corporate...perhaps even incorporated into the 'g' letter.)

I don't feel the emphasis has to be on the 'f' at all. I'd rather see a graphic that emanates naturally from the wording.

The colours you see here are just things I put together and an overall 'feel' emerged (please overlook the red in the photograph, that is not intended to be a colour suggestion, just an indication of how my work can vary from the classic black and white children's stuff). I do want to use the blue/white/charcoal/grey tones, but I think a slight slight accent colour is also needed somewhere, to prevent it looking too feminine. I'd also be happy to go with completely different colours if someone thought that something else was emerging for them. You guys are the experts, I'd be happy to follow your leaad for a while.

I look forward to your ideas, and thanks again.

[Lelby]

Can anyone please advise if they are intending to submit any new ideas for this competition? I have signage waiting to be printed for a festival and given that I am nearly a day ahead of most of you, I need to know if I have to look elsewhere.

[davegk]

here's a concept using a more abstract letter 'f' with twinkling...

[Lelby]

Thanks David, I do like that, but i'd really like to start moving away from the 'f' and the star to explore some of the other ideas from my last post.

[glyphica]

a couple more from me :)

[glyphica]

;)

[Taldo]

represents "connections" as you mentioned with a slight reference to the camera lens...

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments17.gif

[Lelby]

Thanks for the new designs!

Glyphica - your version 12 is very nice and along the clean lines I am looking for, but I find the use of block capitals too harsh and imposing.

Carols, same with your version 3, both have classic appeal, but unfortunately that looks too much like the Olympic Games symbol to be associated with anything else.

Jeff - the circles/bubbles are not really what I am looking for Im sorry - although I would be interested to see a more simple design with just two circles forming a more chunky 'g', maybe even a third added on to form a link?

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments18.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments19.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments19b.gif

[Lelby]

Thanks Jeff, but the first thing that jumped out at me was that it appears like an '8'. Could the cirlces be more like 3d links, and the bottom one angled a little?

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments20.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments21.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments22.gif

[Lelby]

Thanks for the revisions Jeff. 19b and 20 are not right for me, but Im still thinking on 21. Something about it appeals to me. My main concern is that it would not be able to be blue, as the background to my site/cards etc is blue, and Im not sure how it would look in another colour.

Version 22 is nice, but I was more meaning proper 3d chain links, id be concerned that the 'g' looks too much like rings in that version. Perhaps the font could be a more heavy one also?

I'd still like to see more designs. Has anyone got any suggestions for an accent colour that could be incorporated, along the lines of what I was outlining in my post #49?

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments23.gif

[Lelby]

Thanks Jeff, but yes, I think it loses something when transferred on to a darker background, and becomes too busy.

[Taldo]

:)

[Lelby]

Thanks Carol, something about that is very striking. I'm not keen on the veiwfinder, but I don't think it loses anything to lose that! I originally didn't think I wanted block caps, but that does look quite classy like that. I do find it looks a little like a diamond ring, which i'd like to avoid.

I'm not sure if I can explain this idea properly, but Im still thinking I would like to incorporate the graphic as part of the lettering. Do you think there is anyway of incorporating that circle you showed me, with the chain/link idea I was discussing earlier - for the letter 'g'...so that the circle was the top part of the 'g' and there was another one, with the star, smaller, forming the tail.

let me know if you don't think this will work. I realise it will mean using lower case but I've been struggling to see how I could work on the chain idea, and still give it a classic look.

ETA - perhaps the cirlce and star could form a capital G, with an opening and the star where the little return is? Just an idea.

I'm just trying to find a way to make the cirle fit the lettering. If not then I wonder if it could be behind the letters, rather than so separate? Please don't feel you have to try either of these things, i'd happily take your word for it if you think they won't work.

[Lelby]

Glyphica - I keep coming back to your version 2...i really do like the idea. Im wondering if i could see a couple of revisions? Im coming around to the idea of using block caps, but can I see one where the lettering is slightly less tall but more lengthened, and another where the F is bigger than the other letters? Thank you.

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments24.gif

[Lelby]

Thanks Jeff, but it's not quite what Im getting at. Im having trouble explaining it, but Im meaning more of a 3 dimensional type of chain link for the 'g', with a second link forming the tail and angling upwards, so it curls around like the 'g'. Im sort of picturing some sort of gradient in the lettering to give it more dimension and a 'sheen'.

It's just an idea, may not work anyway so say if you think it's not worth it.

[Taldo]

Couldn't really get the circles to work on the tail of the "g" ..
Here is another idea:)

[Lelby]

Thanks Carol, but I still feel it looks like a diamond ring, and I still prefer a graphic that is integrated into the lettering if possible...the g itself, rather than around it.

Can anyone let me know if they are intending to submit a design for this project? It's actually the 12th where I live and I need to make some decisions re signage by later today.

[Lelby]

Designers, I have increased the project prize to $400 and extended the deadline until Friday the 14th. I really hope to see some fresh approaches and ideas. I'd also love for some other designers to join in. As I mentioned in a previous post, I am rebranding, beginning with this logo, and I am quite prepared to be suprised and take it in a direction other than what I was planning.

I am looking through logos and ideas now and I am drawn to those that have gradients/reflections/3 dimensional aspects that appear to have a 'sheen'. i would still like to see that g as 3d links. Carol's v. 6 has a little of that striking appearance I am after. Glyphica's v. 2 has the simplicity and classic appearance, but I still feel it is a little too simple.

I have attached some other designs that have appealed to me. I absolutely love the Lust logo, the slight reflection and the way the s is used in a manner that makes it stand alone. This is by far my fave. I include the others as examples of the 3d links/chain idea that i like, and the gradients. Thanks.

[abby]

Project Update: The project deposit has been raised to $400 and the deadline is extended to Nov 14th.

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments25.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments26.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments27.gif

[Lelby]

Thanks for the new versions Jeff, but i just feel they lack the polish of the samples I have posted above.

it might help if I can see future designs with the blue backing as this is how it will be presented finally. I mentioned in a previous post that I would be keen to use a slight accent colour to break up the grey/blue/white, and make it less feminine. I'm open to designer's suggestions on that. BTW, i like the extra bit of colour in there! Thanks.

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments28.gif

[Lelby]

Jeff, I really want to avoid the use of the star. I just think it makes it all look much less sophisticated. The reflection doesn't work for me, the word photography seems to get in the way and make it look too busy. I kinda like the way it has been done on the lust logo, where it's unusual and classy, but not too busy. I guess I can always add a reflection later on individual bits and pieces if I just focus for now on getting the lettering/font and graphic down.

[OffbeatDesign]

one more

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments29.gif

[xpressions]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/nemagazine/figmentsphoto.png

[Taldo]

:)

[Lelby]

Thanks for the new designs.

Offbeat, I am not into the font used on version 29. I put those samples up because as a whole, the page represents the overall feel of what I am after, but I dont think that any of them would be exactly right for my logo, and I don't want to try to make mine similar to any.

Xpressions, thanks for joining in. I just don't feel that your version 1 offers me a strong enough stand alone graphic, and at this stage I'd still like to try for a text based graphic.

Carol, I like your version 7, but again, I don't think it's quite capturing the look I am after. Your previous version was much closer I think. The circle didn't quite work out, but I think the overall impression was nice.

Glyphica, any variations on your version?

[Taldo]

:)

[davegk]

here's an idea...

[Lelby]

Carol, I find that a little too busy and not edgy enough.

David - That's an intersting design. It has the right feel, but I do think that the reflection just doesn't work, with the word photography so much lower. I'd still like to find one textual graphic that could work for me, even something as simple as the i in the liana logo I posted way back on page one.

[xpressions]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/nemagazine/figmentsphoto2.png

[Lelby]

Expressions, Im not liking that font Im sorry.

I'm happy to have just one letter as a graphic, and the rest of the letters in a different font..not sure how it would look?

[davegk]

another...

[davegk]

one more...

[Lelby]

Great designs David - love them both! Im feeling v.3 is a little busy and a little harsh.

V.4 is hot! It's very striking in those colours, but I'd really like to see it in versions of blue/grey/white, and any other colour you care to thow in that might suit it. Thank you!

ETA - just another consideration, although I don't want to make it the main one, my signage on my building is VERY long and narrow.....9 metres long, but only 1 metre tall. Most other collatoral it doesn't matter, so im not getting hung up on this, but im wondering how I could incorporate that into a long sign, any ideas?

Just pulled a suggestion I had posted...decided it wasn't the right direction...sorry for the confusion to anyone who saw it!

[davegk]

almost done brainstorming...

[davegk]

variation...

[davegk]

cleaner version of #3 (without shadow)

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments30.gif

[davegk]

version 4 with color

[davegk]

again...

[Lelby]

Thanks David, I am LOVING these designs, exactly the direction I wanted to head. I do really need to see them in my colours as I think that they are very striking in black and white.

Ok, my faves are definitely versions 4 and 5. I am thinking that I will use either a blue or dark grey background, but not like the blue you have used in v's 4.1 and 4.2, more like the blue used in posts 66 and 68 (ive included my inspiration colour samples somewhere in this thread! so feel free to interpret).

I'd prefer to see the lettering in dark grey/white/black, and the backgrounds in both grey or that blue.

A designer friend i spoke to suggested using a contrasting accent colour to break up the feminine softness of the powder blue/grey/white, but Im thinking that might actually detract from the simpicity of your designs. What do you think? Perhaps just a darker grey is the key.

I like the overall feel of the font used in v.5, but not mad keeen on that font in particular. Is there a slightly softer one that still has that modern feel?

Really loving these, thanks again.

That was the original plan anyway, always open to change. The colour grey you've included is very similar to my current website background

ETA - sorry Jeff, that design came in between me posting my reply. It's a little too much like a logo design I had a long time ago. I'm jsut not as keen on it.

[davegk]

Thanks for the feedback...i should have time to work up some revisions for you tomorrow.

[Lelby]

Thanks David, that will be great. And I realise my feedback is a little all over the place, so I will try to make that more straighforward tonight.

[giant]

here's my try...
thank you :)

[skyvee]

Hello!:)

[skyvee]

Thanks!:)

[Lelby]

Ok, hopefully I can make this make sense.

Firstly, thanks for the submissions Giant and Skyvee, they are both very sweet, but I really would like to stick to something more classic and timeless.

David, I've had a good look at your designs and would like to see some revisions of v.5 if I can. My concern is that it might be a little too strong/harsh for my 'look' and that to change it will diminish it's impact. Still, i'd like to try. Can I see it with the following revisions:
A blue background, the font and box in white, and the word photography in grey.
- Can i see one version with your chosen font in lower case, but wtih a capital F to match that in the box, and the word photography alongside the g and pulled to the end of the word? I just feel it is stretched too thin and too far in v.5.
- Can I see another version, in a different font(s) to see if it still suits a softer, more classic font (plain though).
- Can the F in the box be made a little longer in the 'arms' so it reaches up into the box a little more?
- Lastly, I tend to prefer the use of lower case in the title, but I think the first letter needs to match the shape of the F in the box. Do you think it would look any good with a lower case 'f' inside the square? Or totally lose all impact?

I have attached a very bad very rushed visual of what I mean..please forgive the terrible attempt - it's all out of proportion i know! I am not suggesting I want the logo to look more like this! Just including it for ou to get an idea of general layout. Feel free to interpret any of this in a way that you think best suits your design.

thanks again.

I'm still happy to look at other designs/ideas until the end of the day. I'm still trying to find that balance between something corporate, and something with a bit of heart, without being to cutesy!

[davegk]

ok, variations coming....
here's version 1...

[davegk]

#2...

[davegk]

#3...

[davegk]

#4...

[davegk]

#5...

[davegk]

and finally #6...
let me know if any of these hit the spot, or if you want me to modify them some more

[Lelby]

Hi David, thanks for the revisions. I'm sorry, I should have mentioned that I don't really like block capitals with this design for me - so versions 6.5 and 6.3 are out...I prefer your original if I'm going to go with block caps.

I also don't like the 'times' type font used in 6.1, 2 and 6. Although I do like the overall effect of it, I'd prefer something a little cleaner and modern.

That really only leaves the font in 6.4, and I find that a little too plain, the letters a little too small and spaced too far apart.

I realise that I can make changes once I choose a design, but just to nut out whether it works for me, can I see a few more?

I find it easier to go through them version by version;

v. 6.1 Love the flowy f, but not the text font..prefer something a little more modern and refined looking. Would like to see a version with new font and perhaps a more abstract, but still soft, f (does it need to match the font used in the text?)

v6.2 same as above for the font used in the text. Preferred the f more abstract and hitting intot he edges of the box more (realise this is difficult with a lower case letter)

v 6.4 - find the font a little too plain looking and the letters a little small and spaced too far apart. Would prefer to see something a little more refined, perhaps along the lines of my sample. Am sorry to have wasted your time, your F looks better, but thank you for doing that for me. Would like the word photography in different font, something a little flatter and more modern? Spaced a little further apart and slightly lighter grey.

v 6.6 - would like to see different font here, but the box/f left the same. I find the word 'photography' here too fine and narrow....i've used it before and the letters get lots on business cards.


- I'd still like to see your original font, or something similar to that - that modern look, but in lower case with the capital f - I just realised that the font may only come in block caps...if so, no prob!

Thanks David. Im sorry for all the revisions, but although i have seen so many of these designs, I've yet to hit upon the combination that just says 'that's it'.

I really appreciate your time.

[giant]

Here's from me again... :)
and Thank You.

[giant]

here's from me again... :)

[giant]

one more...
thank you :)

[Lelby]

Thanks for your versions Dewa. I find v.2 a little too geometrical and v's.3 and 4 are lacking that clean look that Im after.

[Rongie]

Hi, Here's my contribution.
I hope you'd see an 'F' on the paper form :)

Thanks.

[Lelby]

Hi Rongen, thanks for joining in. That's nice, has a very soft feel to it which I like, but the graphic is unfortunately not what I am after.

[Rongie]

Thanks for your comments. Here's another idea on the icon that is also consistent to the type treatment.

[davegk]

you are correct, the original font I used it only capital letters.

a few variations coming..

#7.1...

[davegk]

7.2...

[davegk]

7.3...

[davegk]

7.4...

[xpressions]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/nemagazine/figmentsphoto3.png

[AGDesignworks]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/FiveDoorSVT/Design%20Outpost/Figments_V1.jpg

[Lelby]

Rongen, Im not really loving that font, and the F looks a little stange to me.

Thanks for the revisions David, that really helped to straighten things out and get a visual. I'd probably lean towards 7.4 but still not keen on the font. No doubt that is something that can be worked out in final revisions if I chose the design. Or is is just as easy for me to choose and purchase my own font? I don't get the fonts with the designs do I ? The colour is not quite right, but this is something i can alter when I decide on the right colour is that correct?

Xpressions - that's not really the look Im going for I'm sorry

AG I'm not really into that circle - doesn't really seem abstract enough, I've really been searching for some sort of letter graphic that could be used as a symbol within the lettering, the use of the letter F was really a last resort.

[Lelby]

I have extended the deadline for this project until Wednesday November 19th as I couldn't finalise it in time and have had to go ahead with signage using the old logo

I'd like to see some more designs, and also to return to my original idea and flesh that out a little more - the sample I offered orignally, with the script style 'f' and the star on the end.

Offbeat provided several versions of this (v's 5 6 7 8), and none really worked for me because in each, the 'f' was too plain/small. This is also the case with the sample I posted...the f is too narrow and doesn't curve enough top and bottom. I'd hoped to find a f where the top and tail were both curled, but the tail curled to the left, rather than to the right (as it did in Taldo's v. 2 ), and then came back up through the f to dot the i. I think the star also put me off, and am now thinking I would like to see that as a simple dot on the tail of the f, clearly a part of the graphic, but used to dot the 'i' in figments.

Having said all of that, I have searched fonts for hours and found nothing like this. All seem to have the tail curving to the right, which to me just looks like a 'b'!

I would be happy to see the f rendered as an abstract graphic rather than an existing font as long as it was recogniseable against the word. I'm open to interpretations of this, and feel that I didn't fully explore it and I would like to before making a final decision.

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments31.gif

[glyphica]

:)

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments32.gif

[davegk]

yes, if you like the basic design, we can always modify the text/colors in the revision process.

[Lelby]

Thanks for the extra submissions.

Jeff, I prefer v.32 with the plain font and the 'f' being different. I'm just not totally sold on the f lettering...I think they just all look too much like we have just used a different font for the 'f', rather than having a graphic quality. I like v.32b, where the f looks more painted, and the dot on the i like a daub.....but am still looking for a much loopier f.

Glyphica, i like the font you have chosen also, and the f is along the lines, but again, is just too narrow and not really loopy enough.

Would it be possible to do future desigs in white font with blue background, or a simple grey font? I find the pale blue font a little insipid. I am tossing up keeping the dark grey background i currently use, or switching to a soft blue, but the font would not be blue. I would happily alter the colours to suit the brand identity I build so feel free to offer any suggestions.

I have attached a logo I came across that gives the general idea of what I am talking about, and the Poppen sample from page one is also similar to this. I had hoped to find an 'f' that has a loop like this at the bottom (and preferably one at the top) and crosses over to dot the i.

Still open to any other ideas at this point.

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments33.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments34.gif

[Lelby]

Thanks Jeff, but I'm really sure I want the f to curl back the other way, so the tail comes down and curves around to the left and back up to dot the i, and not around to the right, which appears like a handwritten b to me.

I'd like the top loop to be a little more ballooned than that also.

I searched for hours yesterday and all of the 'f's i found were like the one you posted. i really thought it would be a lot easier. Thanks for varying the colour for me. That does look more striking. I'll work on the colour palette over the next day or so.

[glyphica]

:)

[Taldo]

:)

[Lelby]

Thanks Glyphica, that is roughly the general shape, but it lacks finesse I feel. I do like a casual more modern look, but still polished.

Carol, that's a great colour you have chosen, i like it a lot. And the f is along the right lines....but a little too busy and fancy maybe?

Perhaps the letter f is just not suited to this type of logo? What do you think? I'm happy to look at other options..

[skyvee]

Another try. Thanks!:)

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments35.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments35b.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments36.gif

[giant]

Here's from me again... :)

[giant]

one more... :)
and Thank You.

[Lelby]

Thank you all for the revisions and submissions.

Skyvee - that's nice, simple...I feel it lacks something, but no real idea what to add to give it some life. Can I see it on a blue background instead? And maybe the 'igments' letters just a little smaller compared to the f?

Jeff, v.35 doesn't really have the look I am after, and I'd like to avoid the font used in 36. Thanks for your continued submissions!

Giant - I really like your versions! I'm feeling that v.6 is a little too 'leaf' shaped, but I like the general idea. I'd be using this against a blue backround, so the font and logo would need to be some shade of white/grey/? am open to a third colour...I'd love to see the box from v.5 turned front on, so a square over the text instead of a diamond, in the colours mentioned, and with a cleaner, simpler font, spaced a little futher apart. Thanks!

[skyvee]

Thanks for the feedback, Lelby!:) As requested...:)

[LutFi]

Version # 7

[xpressions]

Thank you for the feedback. Here is another concept:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/nemagazine/figmentsphoto4.png

[Lelby]

Nice revisions Skyvee, thank you. I like that better, with the blue background.

Lutfi - I find that a little too simple.

Xpressions - that I love, it has the exact right look, but i can't see it working for me with signage etc. My sign is 10m x 1 m, so very very long and narrow, and i think the business name would get lost in that logo. The overall impression of it is great though, and i love that long flowy f through the lettering.

[abby]

Project Update: The project deadline has been extened to Nov 19th.

[xpressions]

Thank you for the feedback. Here is a variation using the same "f":

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/nemagazine/figmentsphoto5.png

[Taldo]

:)

[giant]

Here's from me again... :)

[giant]

again... :)
and Thank You.

[Lelby]

Thanks Dewa. I really like this design. But it is hard for me to visualise it when it is a long way from the colours I wish to use. I'm aiming for a very sophisticated, calm sort of feel. I prefer the background blue used in posts 139 and 150 as examples. Then the word figments in white, and photography in the grey. The graphic would be white/grey and....something else? not sure about that, but will leave it up to you if you'd like to sumbit a revision. I'd also like to see a cleaner font, spaced further apart, im not keen on that one. Something with very clean lines and a modern look. The 'photography' can be stretched from beside the g if the tail is in the way, it doesn't need to span the bottom of the word figments. Thanks again

Carol, the use of parenthesis tends to be a bit overdone in our industry so Im trying to avoid that.

Expressions, still like that f but just feel that signage won't work for me i'm afraid. Thanks.

[giant]

Here's from me again... :)
and Thank You.

[giant]

one more... :)
and Thank You.

[Lelby]

Thanks Dewa, i am definitely liking this design, but i'm afraid it's just too hard to imagine it when the colours are so different to mine. I need the 'tan' you have used to be a real grey colour, and the blue to be much more blue than green, as in the previous posts i mentioned. Would it help if I posted some sample colours.

[giant]

do you mean the background on the logo or the logo in white background? and which version do you mean?
Thank You.

[Lelby]

I'd like to see it as you have done it...logo in white on the blue background, but just a diffferent blue, and a grey colour where you have used the tan

[giant]

just change the backgruond colors?

[Lelby]

The background to a colour similar to that used in posts 139 and 150, and the grey/brown in the logo and word 'photography' to be more solid grey - less of that brown tone. thanks :) Sorry...just saw your revised post...i mean v.8.1....and the blue, both in the background, and in the logo should be different, as should the grey, if that makes sense?!

[giant]

Here's from me again... :)
do you mean like this?
Thank You.

[Lelby]

Thanks Dewa, yes i did mean like that, except with the grey in the logo in both versions, against the blue also, and perhaps the grey a little lighter. So the word figments and the top part of the logo are the same colour and the word phtography and the bottom part are the same colour. It doesn't matter though, that gives me a rough idea to go on. Thank you - it looks really nice.

[giant]

Here's from me again... :)
and Thank You.

[giant]

Sorry, for the misunderstood...
Here's the revision...
Thank You.

[giant]

one more... :)
and Thank You.

[xpressions]

:)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/nemagazine/figmentsphoto6.png

[xpressions]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/nemagazine/figmentsphoto7.png

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments37.gif

[glyphica]

:)

[Lelby]

Thanks Xpressions, but I really just can't see that 'f' working in the signage, it just doesn't sound out enough to me.

Jeff, v.37 is interesting, but perhaps a little too 'harsh' looking?

Gyphica, I do like the general design of the handwritten f with the plain font, but for some reason none of them really jump out at me. I think it's because the f looks out of place...could some further graphics some how be incorporated? Some ideas I had:

-The f swooping up and ending with a dot next to it, which dots the i

-Same as above, but a star on the end, above the i, not a dot.....some previous versions of this didn't work for me and i think it was because the star looked a bit tacked on. I think it needs to be either a small hand drawn star (sort of scrawly like that) or a loosely constructed one, not too formal looking.

- I'm really more looking to get the handwritten feel to the 'f' to flow into the letters more...could it trail off into a series of dots? or stretch out to cross the t?...not sure how a solid line would look, but I'm sure something more creative can be found.

I also find that the last two versions with this type of f have generally the right shape, but the f looks a little childlike.

Glyphica - I still like your v.2 by the way, is it possible to see it in a different font? In white or grey, on the blue background...and more the blue of the last few posts, rather than the bright blue you have used?

I wondered if a capital style f which still has the sweeping tail might work....much like below, although please not I do NOT like the gothic style lettering with that angles etc on top....just the general shape, and again, just a suggestion :)

[glyphica]

:) I totally missed the feedback regarding v2... I'm sorry! Also, I'm reworking the 'f' I will post something tomorrow :)

[glyphica]

:)

[glyphica]

;)

[Lelby]

Thanks Glyphica, I do prefer those fonts, but still find the overall design is not what I am looking for.

I'm sorry this is taking so long, but I hope to have it wrapped up soon. While I am leaning towards a couple of designs, I still haven't given up on the idea of a graphical f. While I am looking for simplicity, I feel what i have seen is perhaps too simple, lacking in distinction - I'd like to explore it a little further than just altering the font of the f in front of the word. I would like it to appear a personal signature, a stamp..something that makes it stand out.

It doesn't have to have the star attached, or even included, I'm open to any ideas. And given that the designs Im leaning towards are more corporate looking, I could easily be swayed this way. I'm just waiting for one that really 'grabs' me.

[xpressions]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/nemagazine/figmentsphoto8.png

[Lelby]

Thanks Xpressions, but I really want the f to be a graphic, and have that quality, as a stand alone, rather than just a different font.

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments38.gif

[shnickerdoodle studios]

:)

[xpressions]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/nemagazine/figmentsphoto9.png

[Lelby]

Thanks Jeff, but that v.38 is still just a font f...it lacks any representation to me.

Deanna - that really is heading back down the path I have come from.

I've posted this information before in dribs and drabs, but I fear it's getting lost in the thread so I've put it together again. Its just some samples of some logos I have noticed, along with my own palette of colours/ideas/images that I am using as an inspiration. The two parts of logos to the right - the star and the j/star are just included as samples of the type of star I would like if it is used at all - either something personal and handdrawn, or more of a glow...a sparkle.

I really want something classic, timeless, clean, simple, but with an underlying heart, and I think that is what is missing in most of the logos i am seeing...the heart part! It doesn't have to be the star, but if it is incorporated, it would need to be in a way that gives the logo sparkle and shine, an element of spunk or cheekiness, but not reduces it to gaudy or immature. Carol's v.5 had the right feel, but I felt it looked like a diamond ring and I don't want to head solely down the wedding photography path.

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments38b.gif

[Taldo]

:)

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments39.gif

[xpressions]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/nemagazine/figmentsphoto109.png

[Lelby]

Xpressions v.10 still lacks that warmth to me. I want to keep the lettering in lower case to avoid that harsh feel.

Carol, that's very sweet, and more the visual I am looking for, but I do feel a heart is way too feminine for the general audience.


Sorry Jeff, that just insn't doing anything for me. I feel the star just looks 'stuck on' and the font is too scripty.

[shnickerdoodle studios]

:d

[Lelby]

Sorry, more time to look at these more carefully now and offer more constructive feedback.

Carol, I really do love the look of your version 11. Your placed the star perfectly anhd it's very classic and simple, yet makes use of a nice graphic. As I said, I'd just be concerned that it would be too feminine for the general audience.

Offbeat, I prefer your version 38b to 39, with the plainer font. I'm more keen on the lower case 'handwritten' style f that other designers showed yesterday, than the scripty font. I'd love to see that incorporated with the handdrawn star in the J example on the list I showed. Otherwise, would the star you have used suit better as the cross on the T? It would mean using a font similar to that in v. 38b, but with less rounded lettering, and a t that fell in the middle rather than off to one side.

Xpressions - i do like the design of your v.10 - I am not sold on the use of the script/star at all, and love the modern simplicity of your design. But feel that the graphic lacks meaning for our business, or more, that it doesn't really give us a graphic to work with for identification and watermarking etc, and the use of block capitals seems a little harsh.

Deanna - Im sorry, but that doesn't really work for me, there are other similar designs that seem to work a little better. Thanks anyway :)

[Lelby]

Davegk - is it possible to see your version 7.4 slightly modified. I'm not feeling it stands out enough from the background and would like to see it with a blue more the colour of PMS 8201 U. The font also needs to be different, with a normal g, simple, classic letters - not too fine, but not shaped at all, the way those letters are. (i'm not explaining that very well am i?)

I like the design, but I have just kept wondering if it might be a little harsh for what I am after. I considered maybe filling the 'f' with something faded inside it, but wondered if perhaps the use of a different font might and colour might just do it?

[Rongie]

another try. Simply elegant.

[giant]

Here's from me again... :)
and Thank You.

[giant]

one more... :)
and Thank You.

[glyphica]

:)

[glyphica]

;)

[Lelby]

Thanks Rongen, but that's not working for me.

Giant - v.9 and v.10 are nice concepts, but appear a little too 'fish-like' for me. I prefer your previous design, which I am still thinking on.

Glyphica - v.10 is very sweet and very simple. I'd be a little concerned now that it is too much like the 'j' example I offered - although I had the idea before seeing that, I don't want it to be the same as anyone elses. I'm thinking on how to make it appear different. The f does seem a bit like a j to me...I still feel the f/star combination needs to be more of a graphic...maybe a more three dimensional effect? The letteriing appearing more rounded with gradients/shading? I don't expect you to atttempt this, just let me know what you think, if it's not possible then we will drop that avenue.

[xpressions]

Thank you for the feedback. Here is another concept:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/nemagazine/figmentsphoto11.png

[xpressions]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y185/nemagazine/figmentsphoto12.png

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments40.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments41.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments41b.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments42.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments43.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments43b.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments43c.gif

[OffbeatDesign]

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments43d.gif

[Lelby]

Wow, thanks Jeff for all your hard work. That lot are very hard to choose between...i love them all.

Can you just clarify for me what I get in the files? Is the blue colour irrelevant since the logo is white, and I can alter the colour of that anyway right?

And I don't get font...i get outlines, so I get the logo as it, but if I want to use it for anything in a different shape, i use my own fonts is that right?

I'm just trying to work out if it's necessary to play with the blue colour - but I'm thinking not...can you just confirm (I like the blue you have chosen by the way!)

[Taldo]

:)

[OffbeatDesign]

Thanks! You get all the standard file formats for print and screen use (EPS, PDF, JPEG, PSD...). All files are fully editable, so you will be able to change colors. You'll get files in color and black and white as well. If there's anything specific you want/need, that can be included as well.

[Lelby]

Thanks for that info Jeff. Can I ask for ONE more revision? I'm really leaning towards your design 41b, but would really love to see it with slightly flattened letters (so a little less rounded), and a lower case f.

And thanks Carol, that's a lovely design. I'm not sure the leaf has significance for me, but the overall effect is very nice.

Davegk - Before making a final decision I'd still very much like to see your design 7.4 in a colour more like PMS 8201U and with a cleaner, plainer font.

Thanks everyone. I really really appreciate your perserverance!

[OffbeatDesign]

Let me know if this is what you wanted to see. Thanks.

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk146/offbeatdesign/Figments44.gif

[Lelby]

xpressions..im so sorry, I just realised I didn't offer feedback on your designs! I have no idea how I missed them, i guess I just scrolled my screen down from where it was when I got up this morning! I like the concept in your v.11 moreso than 12. I do find the e a bit strange, out of place and i'd prefer the star to be more twinkling, not so twiggy, but the general feel of it is perfect for what I am after.

Offbeat, looking at 41b/44, im finding it a little messy/confused looking in the bw...could the diagonal crosses to the star be slightly lighter, or something?

Carol, i have to say your heart shaped M is my fave so far, but I just can't see a love heart working for the general commercial work i want to do. The look of it is perfect though. I've no ideas, but thought i'd let you know in case you have any ideas for revising that general concept.

[OffbeatDesign]

Yes. It can be done in a lighter gray, but we're not allowed to show that here. I can supply you with grayscale as well as pure black and white. The other reason it looks messy is because it's being shown very small at screen (low) resolution.

[Lelby]

Thanks Jeff, I do prefer the lower case f, so that's all good, but think the letters need to be finer, as in v.41b. Im more talking about either a different font, or that same font, but he letters not as tall and rounded....so squished downward to give it a more modern feel. I think it's fine to leave it and then if I select that design would it be ok to ask you to show it to me in a few different fonts? I think i have enough of a visual to know it can work...thank you :)

[Lelby]

Yep, I'm with you. Thanks, that answers my qu, and solves that problem. I do like how the star seems a little more separated from the top of the t here...is it just my imagination? the thickness of the font? the top of the t just seems a bit more distanced.

[OffbeatDesign]

No problem. Wasn't sure what you meant by "flattened". If selected I'll show you a bunch of different font options. The star is more separated because of the font thickness.

[davegk]

working on revision...will post shortly

[davegk]

here's a version using the original font (which I modified and handmade a lowercase version of the lettering since it's an all-caps font)...

[davegk]

and a simpler font...

[davegk]

and a version where I rounded the corners of the graphic to give it a softer feel, which I think goes well with the name...

[Lelby]

Thanks David. I think that colour missed the 'U' on the end! I just took the colour from previous posts, which were blue. Either way, i can get an idea of how it looks against a darker background. I like the simple font in the second version best I think.

[Lelby]

Expressions, just checking if you saw my feedback re your previous v.11. I'd really like to see some revisions of this concept, with the e maybe straight on, so that it wasn't so much like an o, and the star a little softer, more a sparkle or glow

I wondered, if the e hits into the m when it is straightened, could the concept be applied to the g instead, with the same sort of swirly shaped letter suggesting the movement down through the tail? Just a thought.

I'm really struggling with this, and appreciate the help of all the designers. I have been really looking at my branding and trying to match the logo's to it, but so far, while many have the right 'feel' they just don't seem to nail what I am after. That's not to say I am not going to select one of them with some possible revisions, but more that nothing has so far really jumped out at me and I'd still love to see some fresh approaches. Thanks.

[davegk]

The color used was 8201U (as requested), however you can't ultimately judge the colors by what you see on your monitor because they will look different printed. The only way to get an exact color is to look at a pantone book (you can find them at your local printer or copy store) and select the PMS number you like, but keep in mind there's no way to perfectly match the printed color with onscreen colors, especially since it will look different depending on the monitor used to view.

You mention that you're trying to match your logo to your current branding. Generally, this is a backwards approach to designing marketing materials as the logo itself should represent your business and other materials should then be designed to match the look and feel of the logo. Perhaps you can post images of the branding you are using so we can show you what the logo would actually look like on them.

Also, I'm a little confused because you had extremely positive feedback for a couple of my earlier designs and I spent a fair amount of time designing revisions, under the impression that you were pretty close to selecting a final design. Now you are basically asking to start over. Please realize that the designers working on these contests are not paid anything for their time and that $400 is relatively very inexpensive for a custom logo design.

Thanks,
David

[Lelby]

Thanks for that info David. I was taking the colour codes from previous designs (Carols v.10, xpressions v's 10 and 11) which although very small on the screen, I read as 8201U. I may have read them incorrectly.

I am not yet designing any marketing collatoral, so I have nothing to post but my old stuff. I not trying to match a logo to my current marketing materials, and I do appreciate they should stem from the logo itself, I am more trying to get the logo to match the image of my business, the concept, the unique things I offer to clients...the colours/textures/products that I incorporate. This is pretty much encapsulated in a sample I have posted a few times in the thread.

Yes, one of your earlier designs is one of the one's I am currently considering, but as I have mentioned, I am just considering if it may be a little too harsh. I do appreciate that you have invested time in them, and I would have expected to have made a choice by now. I realise $400 is relatively inexpensive, although it currently translates to $700AU which is a lot of money to invest to walk away with something I am not happy with, and possibly won't use. I have since discovered that at that exchange rate I could have worked one on one with a designer in Oz, so lesson learned (eta - I do understand our crappy exchange rate is not your problem, and I am really working on finalising this!) I am hoping, since it is taking so long, that designers who no longer wish to compete simply don't.

Also, I should clarify that I am not asking to start afresh, although, yes, since nothing has jumped out at me, I would consider new ideas. I'm more sitting down with four of the designs and thinking on ways of modifying them to suit the image I am after. Trying to look at them afresh, I guess.

[davegk]

Thanks for clarifying. Please let me know if there are any specific changes you'd like to see to any of my designs, including version 4, which you initially had a strong reaction to and then not much was done with it after.

[xpressions]

Yes, thank you for the feedback. I am away from computer until tomorrow at which time I can work on revisions. Regards,

[Lelby]

Ok, i have sort of decided on a design. It is not final, and I would like to play around with the idea, but I'm thinking it's best to choose the designer and work on it from there, than to have other designers submitting work.

I'd like to go with Glyphica's v.7, with some redesigns if that's ok?

Thanks to all of the designers who worked so hard on the competition. I really appreciate all of the hard work, and the designs were so different that it was hard to really narrow it down. Particular thanks to Jeff, David and Dewa who presented revisions of concepts that I was considering, along with Glyphica's.

Glyphica, I liked your concept from the start, but was not sure of the font or use of block caps. The revision you presented in lower case didn't work for me because the font did nothing for it, but last night I played around with the idea using different fonts. My collection is very limited, but I have pasted the samples below. I really like the first one, with the letters being a little more stretched, but the f looks out of place. Can I see it in different fonts?

I'm not sure whether it is because it was cut and paste as low res, but your 'e' looks like it is not totally straight, it's sort of shaped. I like it looking like this, so perhaps the E could be in that same font? I'll leave it up to you, but I like the idea of that being more distinctive.

Does colour matter? If the logo was provided in white/grey then I am presuming I can just add my own colour background later?

Will the E be a separate graphic, so I can alter fonts and the use of it down the track?

Lastly, I was playing with the idea of adding some graphic...maybe just using the E as a lighter background or somehow making it a watermark. I will leave that up to you. I like the simplicity of the logo so I don't want to take away from that and will follow your direction.

Thanks again to everyone who took part.

[glyphica]

Thanks for choosing my design! :) I will post revisions shortly :) I can for sure give you the 'e' as a separate graphic and for the color, I can provide it however you would like. If I give it to you in white then, yes, you can put whatever background you want behind it :)

[glyphica]

Here are some variations on font :) Let me know what you think...

[glyphica]

.

[glyphica]

..

[glyphica]

...

[glyphica]

:)

[Lelby]

Thanks Glyphica! I'm not so keen on the fonts for v's 11 and 12. I prefer the slightly stretched/flattened font than those rounded taller letters, although perhaps v.14 is a little too stretched?

V.13, I like the shapes of the letters, but not the g. I really want to make the e the feature and the other letters quite simple. What are the chances of being able to replace the g in that font?

To be honest, my fave so far is the Sansumi font that i used in the first sample, but I am not happy with the f in that one. Do you think I'd just be able to replace that letter and use the font? Are there any other fonts that have that same sort of 'width' in the lettering without looking too stretched? I think because the bars of the e are so long, it suits a more wide font.

Thanks for the revisions. I'm sorry I don't have it more nailed just yet, but it's definitely on the right track.

[glyphica]

Hi Lelby! :) Okay, here is another round of fonts. #16 a-d is all with Sansumi font but with the font tweaked or replaced. Version #17 are other fonts I could find. Let me know what you think :yes:

[glyphica]

:)

[Lelby]

Hey Glyphica, thanks very much, they look great. I like all of them in fact, but I am happy to go with v.16a. Can I just see a couple of tweaks of it....firstly, 'photography' spread out larger across the bottom, more like in version 17, and also, I've noticed that your 'E' is slightly wider than in the original version. Am I able to get it just slightly less wide.....a tiny tiny adjustment - not as narrow as the earlier one. It fits the font wider but it seems just a tad overpowering.

And that's it!

One final question...is the E provided as one graphic, or three separate lines? I just wondered about down the track if i wanted to alter fonts or make them bold for signage etc, would I be able to make the E bigger?

Thanks again, it looks great.

[glyphica]

how's this? :)

For the 'E' it's 3 lines right now, but I can convert it to one shape if you'd like?

[Lelby]

Thank you, it's perfect! I love it.

Is it possible to have it as both three lines, and one graphic? I can see there may be times when I might want to alter the sizes of the lines, but most often i would just want it as one graphic.

If that's too much trouble, then just leave it as three lines, that would be great :)

Thanks again.

ETA - glyphica, if it's not to late, sorry...can I have the letters in photography spaced a little closer so the lettering can be larger? I like it lined up with the M, so it doesn't have to reach all the way to the g.....sorry..I meant to ask this before but was only really concentrating on the figments word. If it's too late, no problem, I can alter that myself - it would just be handy to have a vector of it in the correct format.

[BlueCherryGraphics]

Congratulations Stephanie.

This project is being moved to the Revisions forum.

Client, you can access that forum here:

http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=15

However, you must be logged in to do so.

Once your project is complete and you have received the final files, please post a note in the thread confirming receipt of the files so the thread can be archived.

Thanks!

[glyphica]

sure, no problem :) how's this? :D

[Lelby]

Thanks Glyphica, if I could just have it done a little more like the sample I posted, so that the lettering is more stretched/flattened, not as rounded. And perhaps a little darker as I will be using the colour background in my post, which is a bit darker than yours, and the text will be grey.

That will be perfect. I'm happy to just receive the files - no need for another proof, it looks great!

[Lelby]

Hi Glyphica, sorry for the pressure, the time difference makes things hard, but I have some printing material due today, has to be to the printer within the next three hours, otherwise I will need to put the old logo on it.

Is there any chance of having the files by then? Even just the 'e' file so I can add it to the font myself?

[glyphica]

I'm packaging them up right now and I will have them to you within the next hour :yes:

Thanks!
Stephanie

[glyphica]

Final files have been sent to client via private message :)

[Lelby]

Files all received and are perfect, thanks again :)

[BlueCherryGraphics]

PROJECT UPDATE: moved to archives