Looking for a logo - $100

[mzgonzo]

(Admin code added by Palmer - 3702601)

Hello to all you fabulous designers!!!!

I am looking for an original logo for my pet sitting service. (I was once a designer and left the building screaming one day....never to return) Anyway, now I have no time to do anything but run after, and sometimes away, from puppies. I need your help!

The name of my service is Happy Tails 2 You. I need an attention grabbing logo that would be suitable for a variety of media. I would like to update the look of my business cards as well as have shirts made (embroidered as well as screened.) the logo would also be used on a future website, as well as brochures, etc.

I am not set on any one design format. I do like many of the cutesy designs I have seen as well as some of the more realistic ones. I have a few ideas, but would like to begin by seeing what you come up with and build from there.

I mainly care for dogs and cats.

All submissions are greatly appreciated.

[KelliShaver]

Here's one idea. I think this would lend itself pretty well to t-shirts and the like.

[Bill]

Here are a couple ideas....

[MUTE DESIGN]

First One...
-Anthony

[mzgonzo]

Thanks so much for the fast responses!

A few comments:

Kelli: I think it's really cute how you have the dog kickin' up his heels a little. I'd like you to keep that idea going. Do you have any other ideas to use as the dog and cat? Maybe not only the shape, but so that they have a little personality as well? maybe the dog leaning on the cat? I was thinking an emphasis on the tails themselves and the word tails in my name might be worth trying. I would like a font that is easier to read as well.

Bill: I really like how the Dog has his butt stickin up in the air like that. Can you try this with another dog design? For some reason I'm not crazy about the face. Please include a cat in your design as well. I would like the type to have a little more pizzazz too. Maybe do something cool with the word tails.

Anthony: Your design is very cute. Can you try another dog and add a cat? To me, it kinda has a sci-fi feel to it. Not sure if I want to go that route, but the feel of it may change with a new dog. I like how you have the size of tails different than the rest of the name.

Thanks Again Everyone!

[MUTE DESIGN]

Hows This? :D
-Anthony

[mzgonzo]

Anthony,

Is the "crazy" happy doggy an original of yours or is it stock? Why do I think I've seen it somewhere before?

[MUTE DESIGN]

Its a custom graphic done by a vector artist I work with. His name is Tim Weir. Im sure it is used other places, but not in any logo's. Its off his cartoon CD.
-Anthony

[mzgonzo]

Hi Anthony,

Thanks for your response. The only reason I was asking was that I didn't know if the image could be manipulated or not.

I like the thought of using this cute dog, but I thought of showing the dog kinda in "phases." At first he's kinda bored (to left of logo), then he's really happy kinda bouncy on the Happy Tails 2 You Logo type, then after the logo (to the right) he's sitting there content.

Does this make ANY sense to you? Probably clear as mud, right?

I also got some feedback on the type. I like the version you are using, but others have told me that it's kinda hard to read. I don't want anything really boxy, but do you have anything still playful, but more readable. If you could keep the type you're using, but also come up with another couple of options, it would be great.

I also really do need a kitty in there somewhere. Maybe laying on top of the professional pet sitting and watching the puppy or crawling out of the type somewhere?

Thanks Again!

[mzgonzo]

I was just thinkin that another possibility for my logo would be to do something that's a play on Happy Trails to you.....maybe something westerny with a cat and a dog? It would be cool if they were interacting in some way.

Personally, I'm sure there are many cats out there that would like to hang a dog by the nearest tree...but that's not really what I'm going for, fyi! :lol2:

Any submissions are greatly appreciated!

mzgonzo
Happy Tails 2 You

[mzgonzo]

Jon,

I am so sorry......I thought I did post a reply, but either it didn't go thru or, as always, I got distracted and ran to the phone!

Thank you for submitting your logo. Yours was actually my husbands favorite. I liked it very much, but felt it was a little more formal looking than I wanted to go. I would like something with a little more playful type.

Do you have any other doggies to try? I also need a kitty in there somewhere too. What if they were in a house? Or a window peaking out?

Or, now that I have become a little more specific, perhaps you'll come up with a different idea?

Please don't quit! and again, my apologies!!!! Gotta run...there goes that phone again. :(

[Palmer]

Jon when I saw your portfolio, I thought these pet sitting contests would be perfect for you. I love your illustrations and that's what impressed me the most and prompted me to send an invitation. Great stuff :tup:

[ElKootcho]

<!--QuoteBegin-Palmer+Nov 6 2003, 02:07 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Palmer @ Nov 6 2003, 02:07 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Jon when I saw your portfolio, I thought these pet sitting contests would be perfect for you. I love your illustrations and that's what impressed me the most and prompted me to send an invitation. Great stuff :tup: [/b][/quote]
no pressure though.... <_<

[ElKootcho]

<!--QuoteBegin-disturbReality+Nov 6 2003, 02:37 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (disturbReality @ Nov 6 2003, 02:37 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I was wondering if the Happy Trails Western idea was open to anybody or if that was meant specifically for Anthony. I'd love to take a crack at it. [/b][/quote]
That idea is open to everybody since it was the contest holders recommendation.

[mzgonzo]

Jon,

Your Doggie and Kitty artwork is great!

I look forward to seeing the western version.

I'm gonna wait on my feedback til I see the next one.

[mzgonzo]

<!--QuoteBegin-pennyln+Nov 4 2003, 08:39 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (pennyln @ Nov 4 2003, 08:39 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Here are a couple ideas....[/b][/quote]
Bill,

Have I lost you? :blink:

Could you come up with another alternative for your type and have the doggie leaning on the Happy Tails 2 You somewhere? Perhaps if the type had some dimension? Not so blocky?

I have gotten some great feedback on your doggie, but I think what was buggin me about the face is that there appears to be a thick black outline running accross the bottom of the design to indicate where the floor is. It keeps distracting my attention.

any suggestions? could the dog be in the grass or leaning on something else? (that's why I suggested the leaning on the type thing) Perhaps you have a better solution?

Also, I do need a kitty....at least peakin out from somewhere.

Thanks again to everyone that's participating! Great Stuff! :tup:

[Hypnosis]

Hello everyone,
Here's a try ;)
Hyp!

[rlevant]

OMG

Did he say

an old west version??!!!

[mzgonzo]

<!--QuoteBegin-disturbReality+Nov 11 2003, 03:06 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (disturbReality @ Nov 11 2003, 03:06 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Howdy! I haven't forgotten about you - the old west version is coming up tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon. This was fun!

Jon :D[/b][/quote]
Thanks for letting me know! I can't wait to see it!

Yee-Haw! :cowboy:

[mzgonzo]

Anthony,

the dog you are using IS used in another logo......here it is.

http://www.apaws.org/states/mo.html

[Palmer]

They are similar but not identical...

[KellyB]

I prefer Anthony's!! :)

[Bill]

2 new ideas...

[mzgonzo]

<!--QuoteBegin-Palmer+Nov 11 2003, 05:45 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Palmer @ Nov 11 2003, 05:45 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->They are similar but not identical...[/b][/quote]
I agree that they are not identical.....I just could have sworn I had seen it somewhere before....not sure if it was on this other site or somewhere else. he's one busy little doggie! :wacko:

I prefer anthony's as well, btw

[MUTE DESIGN]

Thanks Kelly... I'll have a new version with the cowgirl cat finished soon....thanks!

[cre8or]

Hi there,
This little guy popped into my head when I read "Happy Tails 2 You".
He was inspired a little by Sam Elliot (http://www.filmworks.ab.ca/bigger_elliot.jpg) (I think it's the mustache)

[mzgonzo]

OMG!!!!!

You guys are THE BEST! What great ideas!

I have to sleep on these a little before responding. I am overwhelmed tonight! Fantastic!!!!!

:clap: HUGE Sam Elliot fan......how did you know!?!

[cre8or]

<!--QuoteBegin-mzgonzo+Nov 11 2003, 10:41 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (mzgonzo @ Nov 11 2003, 10:41 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->

:clap: HUGE Sam Elliot fan......how did you know!?! [/b][/quote]
Psychic, I guess...
:lol:

[rlevant]

:lol: :tup: :tup:

YES!!!

[Palmer]

They're topless! Jon, this is a public forum!

[cre8or]

<!--QuoteBegin-Palmer+Nov 12 2003, 01:04 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Palmer @ Nov 12 2003, 01:04 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> They're topless! Jon, this is a public forum! [/b][/quote]
Don't worry -- they're being modest.
The "naughty bits" are covered.
:lol:

[cre8or]

Better get those eyes checked.
:lol:

[Palmer]

:lol: :tup:

[mzgonzo]

Hi All!!!


Pet Stripping? I'm not touching that one with a 10 foot pole! Haha. :blush:

Okay, here's some feedback:

First, I just want to say how wonderful these submissions have been. If I had to decide tomorrow, I'd be in trouble. Thankfully, I don't have to. :rolleyes:

Hypnosis: Thanks for your submission. Your design is very cute. However, it's just not what I'm going for. I do really like how you curved the type, but the characters just aren't really me. Sorry!

Bill: I like both of your designs, but the 2nd design is my favorite of the two! I really like it alot. This will definetally be one of my finalists. I would like to explore possibly using a different type. I DO like what you are using, but was hoping to see some other possibilities, perhaps something a little more rounded? A little more playful? I'm not sure how it would look, but what if the top of the type (where the animals are sitting) could be gray instead of black. The type might need to also be outlined in gray to accomplish this. I was just thinkin that it might soften it up a bit. I still want the type to pop, but would like to toy with the idea of not having so much hard black in the design.

cre8or: I LOVE LOVE LOVE the doggie. we have been callin him sam elliot. don't change a thing on him. However, I REALLY need a cat in my logo. Perhaps something will pop into your head that would be a perfect little counterpart to sam? The cat could be smaller than sam...actually, I think it would be better that way. Lookin forward to see what you come up with. Maybe a clint eastwood snoozin with his hat partially pulled down over his face? :lol:

Jon: You are a riot! What can I say? Your illustrations are wonderful and I appreciate all your efforts. The doggie is really wonderful. I like the 2nd version better with the background taken out. I don't think it was needed anyway, as your artwork speaks for itself. I'd really like to make the type more of an active part of the logo. Lose the circle as well. As much as I like what you have, I think a cleaner type may be better. Any other suggestions? Please save this type version as I may go back to it. Haven't really decided. I wonder if there's a way to make my type more of a part of the logo? maybe the dog leaning on one side and the cat on the other? (just thinkin out loud) Also, I hate to do this to you, but, while I REALLY like the dog......I'm not so crazy about the kitty.....(poor kitty!) Maybe the cat could be more fluffy with a big fluffy tail?

That's all I got right now! Thanks again to all. You guys are THE BEST!

[Hypnosis]

No problem mate, hope you find wot ur looking for + there some extremely good talents serving you already(I really mean it). Thanx for for you comment and hope to see you soon.
Hyp! ;)

[rlevant]

What about Annie Oakley?

Or Dale Rogers?


Better yet

Sitting Bull Dog?


or for a canada company--a Mountie cat?

Wyatt Earp?

:)

[cre8or]

Here's a second try with "Cat" Eastwood.
Now, I know that smoking is usually frowned upon nowadays,
but what's Clint Eastwood without a cigar?
So, I gave Cat a "cigarello". ;)

Please advise.

[mzgonzo]

Hello All!

cre8tor: Thanks so much for adding cat eastwood. Unfortunately, I am just not crazy about him (sorry clint, nothing personal!) I still absolutely LOVE Sam, but want to come up with another alternative for kitty.

To ALL those participating in my contest, please see the file I have attached for some cat ideas I like. Maybe these will inspire an idea for my cat.

The first cat is a copyrighted image of a cat playing the guitar. Just thought it was cute.

Second image.....I really like the idea of the cat peaking out from the cowboy hat, but I would like a much happier looking cat.....more animated.

The 3rd image is a poster and the fat cat on the left has always cracked me up! maybe a fat cat would be cool

All for now....hope this helps give some direction.

[cre8or]

Okay...
Another idea:
We still have Sam Elliot




but who's that big ol' Persian with him?

Why that's Hoss Catright! ;)





(You do remember Bonanza... don't you?)

[mzgonzo]

Hi cre8tor!

I was always a little joe fan myself. :wub:

can you make the cat smaller? I'd like sam to be the main character. kitty is his sidekick.

can you also put the cat on the other side of sam? I'd like to still be able to see sam's tail. I'd like to be able to see the cat's tail as well. you may need to flip him. kitty's tail should be wagging.

also, on the kitty, can you add a bandana and make his face a little more descriptive. maybe, so I can actully see his eyes? sam's personality is so obvious because of the little details of the design. I'd like kitty to have some more character. perhaps seeing his eyes will do this. or perhaps you can think of something that will add some more personality to him.

I'd also like to fool around with color a little. this doesn't have to be a 2 color logo, but we can always address this later.

thanks, as always, for your attention. now I can't get the bonanza theme outta my head....make is stop! :bash:

[mzgonzo]

cre8tor,

I must be losin my mind. please forget what I said about them changing positions.... for now. But make sam bigger and the cat much smaller.

all other feedback still applies.

[mzgonzo]

Hello All,

I haven't heard from a few of you in a while......just checkin to make sure you haven't given up on me!

What am I thinkin....yer probably all off whatchin Bonanza reruns! ;)

[mzgonzo]

Jon,

Thanks for letting me know! I appreciate it. I know how crazy the holidays can be.

To you and everyone else interested in my contest......I'm gonna extend the deadline. I'm not sure how to get the deadline date off the title of my contest, so I'm gonna go try to figure that out now.

Hope you all had a great Holiday.

Looking forward to seeing some more ideas.

[cre8or]

I've just been trying to get my ducks in a row...
:)

[mzgonzo]

Helllloooooo........

Is anyone out there anymore? I have been waiting (patiently :whistle2: :crying: -_- ) for some more posts to my contest.

I have obviously extended my deadline, just can't fugure out how to get the Dec 4th date off the title of my contest, that is, if I can even do that.

Anyway, still waiting. btw, Bill.....what ever happened to you? I really liked your design, but had asked you to do some experimenting with the type and color.

Cre8tor....you must have lots of ducks! are they all in a row yet? I really liked how Bill had the cat peaking out from behind the dog in his design....do you think you might try something like this with Sam Elliot?

DisturbReality.....still looking forward to seeing some updates.

Would flowers help?

:flowers:

[mzgonzo]

Oh....I forgot to ask....are there any others out there who would like to take a crack at my contest??????

[Bill]

Revised designs...

[mzgonzo]

Bill,

I do recall writing to you how much I liked your design and how it would definitely be one of my finalists. (please see prior posts) I don't think I have asked you for much revision on YOUR design, except for perhaps color and maybe a font alternative.

Sorry that $100 doesn't seem like much to you and that you have decided to back out.

:(

[mzgonzo]

Bill....

you're back?

;)

[mzgonzo]

Ok Bill! I am very excited about your latest revisions. I think a few minor adjustments and we may be there! :tup:

I would like to see 2 versions.

On BOTH versions, keep the Gray and Red type, but outline the whole thing in black instead of gray. I think it will pop more.

Please do version "A" just like you have the top design now, but use the dog's shadow like it is in the bottom design. That is GREAT! Also, add Pet Sitting Service underneath in smaller sized type.

Version B: Please use the bottom design, but could you have the dog's tail going into where the Y and the T meet? The tail could actually be sticking out above the type in back, but I don't want it running across my name. His tails is skinny enough that it should fit perfectly in there and still see some white around it's edges, so it doesn't get lost. I also really like how the type is arched. Please add pet sitting service to this as well on the bottom, but I think it may need to be arched under, so the logo looks like a circle with the the pets in the middle of it.

Thanks again Bill! Awesome! Glad yer back in! It was the flowers, right? :blush:

[Bill]

Here ya go!

[mzgonzo]

Bill,

Great!

Design # 1 looks wonderful.

Design # 2: Please try one more thing. Use the "Pet Sitting Service" from design 1. (upper and lower) and don't arch it up. Keep it straight across and centered. Also, dog's tails shouldn't cover the type. Try sending it to the back or I'd need to to squeek IN BETWEEN where the Y and the T meet. There is a small space. If this looks really terrible, try shortening the tail.

I also need the wag lines back on design # 2.

Oh...one more tiny thing I just noticed. On design 2 the Happy Tails 2 You looks a little too close to the kitty's ear. Can you just move it up a tiny bit please.

We are so close!

Thanks!

[Bill]

Here ya go...

[mzgonzo]

Hi All!!!!

In an effort to save the rest of you from wasting valuable time, I am declaring a winner.

Congrats Bill! Looks like the top design is the one. I still need a little minor tweeking, but I think we can handle that privately.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to all those who participated.

Just an additional note to cre8tor.....I sure hope Sam Elliot finds a home. I really love him! Perhaps I can contact you in the future about using him on a website?

Thanks again to all! :tup:

Rita (mzgonzo)