Another Pet Sit Logo (with a twist) $125

[Memphis]

(Admin code added by Palmer - 807211T)

Hi everyone!

Yes, I'm another petsitter. :rolleyes:

I want to start by saying how incredibly talented all of you are. The work I have seen on this forum is fantastic and all of you have my utmost respect. :notworthy:

I have been struggling trying to formulate some kind of description of what I want, and truthfully, I am not totally set on anything but am open to suggestions. However, in order to give you guys a direction and enough information to get started, here goes:

I am just starting my company, and I am targeting the downtown area of Memphis, TN. I would like to have my logo do that in some way. In fact, although I like many of the animals you guys have created, I don't necessarily have to have animals in the logo. For example, a friend suggested a leash flowing like the river (Memphis is built on the Mississippi River) with my name sort of riding the crest of the 'river'. Oh yea, River City Pet Watch is the name of my company.

I lean more towards simple, elegant designs. As far as colors, I like the black, white, grey designs with another color, like red, pink or blue. I'm open, though. The logo will be used on business cards, letterhead, flyers, print ads, website (in the process of being built), etc.

In order for you to create a logo that ties in with downtown Memphis, I guess I need to give you a description of the city ~

Downtown Memphis is built on the bluffs of the Mississippi River and has been experiencing an ongoing renaissance for the last 20 years. We have many different neighborhoods including an art district with converted warehouses, a very upscale island community, several ritzy neighborhoods overlooking the river and many highrise condos and apartments. Some major identifiers of downtown include the river, our bridge, trolley cars, horse drawn carriages, and the skyline. Here is a link to some pictures (http://community.webshots.com/album/58371772qXtSQW) if you are interested. Or, these (http://community.webshots.com/album/64619438oLvpkz).

Whew! Hope I didn't bore you to tears. Let me know if you need more information. Otherwise, I guess the only thing left to say is...

Let the Contest Begin! :clap:

[Bill]

Here's a start...

[Memphis]

Bill ~

Thanks for the effort and for getting things started. I know I said simple, but I'm looking for something a little more stylized. I'm trying to find some examples and will post as soon as I have something.

[Memphis]

Bill,

Could you try a different font? Maybe not so thick and a different color. Navy blue? What about adding something to the design? Maybe I do need a couple of pets, but still with the "river." Or maybe a leash or collar. I like westiswest's idea here (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=1142) with the red collar hanging off a letter.

I really like the round logo designs that I have seen you do. I'm looking now for links to post.

Here are some other designs I have seen that I like:

markbeaudry's designs for Burnham Lawns (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=1685&hl=burnham%20lawns&st=15).

JulieT's designs in Stay at Home Cats and Trendy Tails (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=1474&hl=trendy+tails).

cre8or's siamese kittie in the Stay at Home Cats (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=854&st=30)contest. Actually, I love all of Kimber's "slinky" cats.

Designers ~ If there's a secret to drumming up interest in a contest, will you tell me? Please? :look:

[Michael]

Hi Memphis

I think because you have a deadline of the 20th Dec you will find that designers will be concentrating on the other contests which have a shorter deadline.

Don't worry I'm sure you will have many designers submitting soon ;)


Michael :)

[Memphis]

Michael ~

Thanks! I thought that might be it, but I wanted to give everyone plenty of time since it is right around the holidays. I'll be patient.

[Bill]

Here's a new idea...

[Memphis]

Bill ~

Clever, but reminds me a little of, ummm, "creatures from the black lagoon." Might make potential clients think I am going to toss their fur-kids in the river for a little swim. ;)

[Memphis]

Any other ideas?

[Memphis]

Just letting you know I'm still out here. :)

[Bill]

Here's another idea...

[annia]

I am not sure if this is what you were thinking about but I gave it a try :)

[Mark]

Here's an idea for you. :)

[Memphis]

:woot: OMG! Participants! I am so excited and I like them all!!!

Bill and Mark, very, very clever!

Annia, I like the style and colors!

I will have a little time tomorrow to look over them and show them to the familly. I'll get back with you all tomorrow or Friday.

Thanks so much, and have a happy Thanksgiving. Ummm...you Americans have a happy Thanksgiving. Everyone else have a good day!

kristyn

Thanks again!!

[Memphis]

I've changed my avatar in honor of Bill's last design. :P

It's Sun Studio, if you can't tell.

kristyn
AKA Memphis
Home of the Blues and Birthplace of Rock n' Roll

[Memphis]

Hi everyone. I'm back. Ok, here goes....

Bill ~ This is a really sharp design! Question: Will it lose anything when it is shrunk down? Like on a business card? Also, I like how you ran "RiverCity" and "PetWatch" together, and I like the contrast between that and "Memphis, TN". I'm not sure I want "Memphis,TN" in the logo, though. What if you put "Pet Watch" in place of the city and state? Tell me if it is going to mess up the design, though. Thanks!

Annia ~ Thank you for submitting a design in my contast. I like number 3! Yours if very different from the guys, but it appeals to me in a different way. I'm wondering if you could define the animals a little more, and also, if you could lighten them up a bit. I'm looking forward to seeing the revision. Thank you.

Mark ~ This is so clever and playful. Not only did you give me the river, but you also gave me the bridge and a cute dog. Amazing! I see why you used grey instead of black, and you were probably trying to limit the number of colors in the design; however, I am wondering what it would look like with a tan, brown or rust in place of the grey. I would just like to see it in some different colors. Question: If the design has brown, blue and grey, would that be considered 2-color or 3-color? Thanks Mark.

Everyone else ~ Feel free to confuse me even further by submitting even more designs. <_<

[Memphis]

Just moving my contest up a little. :innocent:

[annia]

thanks for the feedback :) I will give you an edited version of the logo next week

[Bill]

Revised per your comments

[Mark]

Here's some color variations...

[Julie]

Here's a new design for you...feedback is very welcome, of course.

Julie

[Memphis]

Mark ~

I like that last design with the black in it. Would you show me that one with a navy blue or a blue like in your Burnham Lawns (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=1685&hl=burnham%20lawns&st=15) entry? Then one with a green in place of the grey (feel free to keep a touch of grey in there somewhere since it's "free"), and change the font of "Pet Watch" to the font in design "c" of your Burnham Lawns entry. In case you can't tell, I really like your Burnham Lawns design! :P

k

[Memphis]

Hi Julie!

Welcome to my contest. I'm very glad you're here! :)

I'm going to print your entry and take it with me while I go take care of some pups. I have to look at the designs for awhile before I can make comments. I'll get back to you, though.

Thanks again!

k

[Mark]

Hi kristyn,

Here's the color and font changes you requested, as well as I added another design for you. :)

[annia]

while working on the old logo a new variation came to my mind :blink:

[Mowling]

here is a concept

[Mowling]

hmmm...half a concept Aye?

[ElKootcho]

<img src='http://www.smallbusinessstyle.com/DesignOutpost/RiverCity_01.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Memphis]

OK you guys! I'm getting overwhelmed! :lol2:

I'm trying to formulate my responses and I keep getting more and more entries. :lol2:

Don't misunderstand - I'm not complaining. :)

Some comments coming shortly...

k

[Memphis]

:lol: That's my river, right?

[Mowling]

sorry...but El Kootcho thats great!

[Palmer]

No apologies needed. If you like something say it! Compliments are highly encouraged here :)

[AlexKogan]

hey, I'm with Mowling on this one!

Kootcho :tup: :notworthy:

[ElKootcho]

thanks guys!

[AlexKogan]

Just couldn't help it, sorry :D

// I'm not here, I'm having my lunch! :ph34r: //

:P

[Memphis]

Wow!!!

I cannot believe the quality of designs I am getting! All of the submissions have been wonderful and I am beginning to dread having to make a decision.

I have been showing the designs to family and friends, but it does me no good because every one of the designs has been someone's favorite!

Although I would like to just sit back and admire your work, I guess you would really like some feedback, so here goes:

Bill ~ Your design has been one of the top vote getters. Thank you very much for showing me how your design would look on a business card. Obviously, no problem there. I have been trying to narrow down what it is that I like and am thinking that I kind of lean more towards light-hearted. Just wondering, do you have any animals up your sleeve that could be kinda hanging off of the guitar, or peaking out? Maybe a little more playful? Just wondering.

Julie ~ I like this whimsical design! I like whimsy. :) Could you make a "hint" of the bridge out of the two half-circles (Behind the animals)? The bridge looks like this (http://community.webshots.com/photo/58371772/58372457tzZilp). I hope this makes sense.

Mark ~ Yeah! I love the blue, grey and black ones, and I love the black lab (looks like a lab to me ;) ). Also, thank you for giving me my very own "Burnham Lawns design"! The illustrated animals are very good; however, I'm wondering if you have any "whimsical" dogs or kitties in your arsenal. Or...maybe your beautiful dog and kittie in Trendy Tails (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=1474&st=30)? I don't know if you can do that, and I know they are illustrations, also, but I think they are beautiful.

Annia ~ I like it even more that the first one. It's a feminine design. Being a "girlie-girl", I think that's what I like about your entries. Let me look at it for a while longer before I give any feedback. ^_^

Mowling ~ *LOL* I thought it was my pc ~ kept waiting for the image to load.

Mowling and Elkootcho ~ Wow!! I'm kinda slow. I have to look at the designs for awhile before I can comment. I'll get back to you. Thanks!

Jon ~ That little guy is awfully cute. Kinda, um.... whimsical? ;)


Be back soon.

k

[Memphis]

Alex ~ :lol2: :lol:

I just got it! Yes, I'm slow.

k

[Palmer]

Don't feel bad. I just got it after you said you got it :)

[AlexKogan]

Oh, I should've put the typography on it <_<

:lol:

[Memphis]

I'm just here looking at the entries and thinking. B)

[Memphis]

<!--QuoteBegin-Palmer+Dec 3 2003, 10:04 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Palmer @ Dec 3 2003, 10:04 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Don't feel bad. I just got it after you said you got it :)[/b][/quote]


Thanks, Palmer. :P

[Mark]

Here's the one with the Trendy tails image.
Both of these illustrations have been created by me using photo reference only. They have yet to be purchased, so they're available to you if I'm chosen the winner. I do not use clipart in any of my designs.
As for the Burnham look, you don't have to worry about that because they did not choose mine as the winner either.
If you want to see the new image in one colour (blue) let me know.

Mark :)

[Memphis]

:) Very nice, Mark. OK, show me one color.

k

[Mark]

Here you go! :D

[annia]

I got another option for you :) My personal favourite so far! :D

[annia]

looks great on a t-shirt as well :P

[annia]

Its flexible too! :) tell me when you are sick of it..lol

[Virgil]

*edit*

[Memphis]

Hi everyone. Sorry I've taken so long getting back to you. I have been looking at the designs all weekend.

Mowling, thank you very much for submitting your entry. That is a good looking logo. I don't feel that it fits what I am looking for, but I do like it. It is very easy on the eyes.

El Kootcho, that really is a great logo. I can't really think of anything I would want you to change. Very nice. Thank you.

Annia, how cute! My favorite is the blue doggie. The font combinations I like the best are #2 and #3 of the dog set. Would you play around with the fonts a little? Oh, and just leave off the Memphis, TN. Don't change the design, though. I love it!

Mark, The gray and blue design is beautiful! :wub:
Ummm..... I have a big question to ask........
Do you think you could, or would you, draw me a Sheltie next to the kittie? Please tell me if I am asking too much - I have no idea. For me it would be an impossible task.

I'm attaching a picture of a "few" shelties, just in case. :innocent:

[Mark]

Here you go... I've also included a close-up so you can see my detail more closely.
:)
Mark

[dbenton25]

Hi Memphis!

Sorry to cut in so late on this, but I'm a new member here and I've been busy trying to play catch-up. :D I saw your conetest here with all these beautiful entries and I just had to have a go at it. If you like my design, but want to make any tweaks or changes, please feel free to ask. B)

Really great work in here, makes me proud to be a member!

[dbenton25]

Just wanted to post a reduced size version so you can see how it might appear on stationary or newspaper ads. :rolleyes:

[Memphis]

awhhhhh.... *catching my breath*

David, what a great sheltie pup! You really captured that sweet sheltie expression. :wizard:

Oh no! I must think...I'm getting sidetracked from my original intention of tying my identity to Memphis. Shelties are my weakness.

Be back.

[Memphis]

Gilles, I didn't forget you. Thanks for posting. I like the dog tag idea. Could you show me a different font for River City? Also, could you make the actual words Pet Watch flow? And maybe a darker blue? Thanks for the entry.

[annia]

here are some variations.. I changed the dog a bit too ^-^

[Memphis]

OK guys...I had a top 3 list, but now it's a top 4 list. Here are my favorites at this point (alphabetically ;) ):

1. Annia's doggie with the blue "swoosh" of a river/bridge

2. David's entry. I love it! I will have to look at it and get back to you with any comments.

3. El Kootcho's entry

4. Mark's "Burnham Lawn" style entries.

Mark ~ thank you for the Sheltie! Could you change it a little and have him just sitting next to the kittie? Or, just do away with the tail. What about tipping his ears? Shelties have almond shaped eyes and an unbelievably sweet expression. I hope I don't sound demanding. I really appreciate your work, and I absolutely love the design with the ****zhu and kittie, with or without the sheltie. Another question, on the grey scale animals, is it possible to add the cat's striking blue eyes back in? Thanks for all of your work. You are very talented!

[Memphis]

Annia, I like the other doggie better. Like those fonts, though.

[Memphis]

:)

[Memphis]

:)

[Mark]

Here you go :)

[Mark]

Here's another one with just the puppy.

[dbenton25]

Memphis,

Here's another shot trying to tie in the "River City" theme. Hope you like it! :D

[dbenton25]

Here's an idea for a t-shirt too. :rolleyes:

[Memphis]

David, I really wasn't hinting for you to add a city theme. :lol2: I love the original entry.

And Mark, Wow! I wasn't expecting you to draw one of the posted pictures! Sooo, you draw from site? :shifty:

I must run these past my consulting team. ;)

[Memphis]

Mark ~ Would you show me how any of your logos might look on a business card? You can use any of them.

David ~ Would you also show me how your first entry might look on a business card?

Thanks guys!

[Mark]

Here you go kristyn! This would be considered a two color business card (% screens of the blue and black)

[dbenton25]

Hi Kris,

Here's a concept for all your paper collateral. This would be considered a four color print job. :lol2: If it's important to you to have less than a four color logo, I could bring this down to 3 colors since it's mainly brown, blue and black. Could always just go grayscale on blue (2 color like Mark's) since you mentioned you tend to like that level of simplicity. Let me know what you think. :)

[Memphis]

Thanks guys. Both look great!

I am trying to wrap everything up by the 20th. I know I have kept this contest running a little too long.

OK David ~ Obviously you found my amatuerish atempt at a website.:blush: I'm sure you were thinking I could use a little design help there, too. :P Thanks for going all out for me. I love your design. Besides the Sheltie, I love the round style logo. In fact, I have liked the round designs and Mark's Burnham Lawns design since I first looked at DO. I am a little concerned about the colors, though. Printing would cost me a fortune. Here is a thought, what if you changed the orange kittie to a gray kittie and the sable sheltie to a blue-merle sheltie. Not greyscale, but maybe a blend of grey, black, blue and/or white. I'm just wondering if that would cut down on the number of colors. The other thing I am thinking is I could go greyscale on printed material and save the color version for special ads and the web. Just thinking out loud.

Mark ~ You know that I am crazy about your design! In your original design with the Shih Tzu (I found out the correct spelling so Palmer's software won't block my "dirty" word again :innocent: ), could you change the orange-brown color to a greyish brown or greyish-black color and change the bow to blue? I think the color of the Siamese blends with the blue of the logo, but the orange-brown in the Shih Tzu seems to clash. I like the greyscale w/ blue for print, but would like the color version for the web, etc. The colors in the cat are just too pretty not to show. In case you are wondering, I am trying to decide which dog to go with, but haven't decided against the sheltie you drew for me.

Thanks so much for everyone's hard work and submissions. I promise not to drag this out past the 20th. I really appreciate everything.

k

[Mark]

here you go :)

[Mark]

Ooops sorry, wrong one. Here you go again... ;)

[dbenton25]

Memphis,
I've got to take care of some other freelance work today, but I'll post your requested revisions soon. :)

[Memphis]

Looks good Mark.

No problem David. I can wait.

El Koocho, was wondering if you would show me your design on a business card?

Thanks,
k

[dbenton25]

Hi Memphis,

Below, I've given you three choices (3 color, 2 color and 1 color (grayscale)). Even though they appear to have more colors (the first two in particular), they are simply made up of many shades of the same colors. I've listed the Pantone color codes for your reference.

Oh, and by the way... I'd be more than happy to assist with your web site design! :P

[dbenton25]

Here are the color ones a bit larger so you can see the details. Since all the shapes are so simple, it would be easy to make signage, silk screen t-shirts, etc :)

[dbenton25]

BTW Memphis, I'll provide you with the color seperations that your printer/service provider will need. That should shave even more off the cost of your printing.

[Memphis]

That was fast! Thanks for showing me the Pantone colors. Does the "u" stand for uncoated? Hey, was the orange kittie a blend of Pantone 499 by any chance?

I might take you up on your offer.

[dbenton25]

Memphis,

Yes, the U stands for uncoated. The original kitty was not a pantone color, but It certainly can be made from blends of 499 U. I tried it already and it looked good, but I kind of liked the contrast with the gray kitty better. Do you want to see a 499 U kitty?

[Memphis]

Thanks David. I'm going to print them out and look at them for awhile since you said you like the contrast.

Be back.

[dbenton25]

Memphis,

Since you're too bashful/polite to ask... :P

[dbenton25]

And one more idea for a 3 color logo... Notice the brown kitty, blue circle and black font. :D

[ElKootcho]

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

[Memphis]

OMG! Elkootcho that looks great!

[Memphis]

David ~ I did notice the brown kittie, blue w/ black font. :)

I like it!

I like the blue. I've decided that River City needs blue in it's logo.

I have to say that I love the way your logo looks on the printed collateral, also.



Aaaaaahhhhh!!! :eek: This is getting very difficult.

[annia]

<!--QuoteBegin-Memphis+Dec 18 2003, 11:29 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Memphis @ Dec 18 2003, 11:29 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> OMG! Elkootcho that looks great! [/b][/quote]
I agree!! :tup:

[dbenton25]

How about this then? It's only 2 colors... no black. I can adjust either of the colors if need be.

[Memphis]

David ~

That's still Pantone 499?!! How about this ~ use a darker/deeper blue and lighten up the brown again. :)

[Memphis]

Mark ~

Would you show me your logo on a biz card (or anything) using a strong right-alignment like ElKootcho and David used for their biz card examples?

I like that right-alignment so much I can't decide whether I like the logo or the alignment better.

Thanks,

k :wacko:

[Memphis]

ElKootcho ~

Is that three color or (crossing fingers) two color?

[ElKootcho]

right now it's 3. I'll show you 2 in a minute.

[Mark]

Because my logo is horizontal shaped, it is dificult to make a strong right alignment without reducing the size of the logo. Besides, I thought this was a logo design contest and not a stationery design contest. Don't let a good looking business card or letterhead make you believe that your getting a better logo. Let the logo in itself be the deciding factor. Don't forget, your logo can be on anything you want it to be on and just because it fits nicely on a business card doesn't necessarily mean it will fit nicely on a webpage, etc.

I'm not saying that you should pick my logo or that my logo is better than any of the others. All of the logos presented here are very good and I can see why you're having a tough time choosing. I just think that continuing to show the logo on different types of media is only complicating things more. Therefore I stand behind my presentation as it is now and will not be providing any more solutions.

Thank you for this opportunity to bid on this project and I hope you get the image you are looking for. Good luck to all contestants. :tup:

Best Regards,
Mark

[ElKootcho]

:wizard: 2 inks

<img src='http://www.smallbusinessstyle.com/DesignOutpost/RiverCity_Stationary2.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Memphis]

Mark ~ You've been heard.....probably would have gotten through with just the part about your particular logo not really being conducive to right alignment. ;)

[Memphis]

ElKootcho ~

That looks great. Thank you very much.

[Memphis]

................. and the winner is ........................... the :wizard: ........................ ElKootcho!

ElKootcho, I liked your design before, but was completely and totally blown away when I saw how it would look in print!

A huge thank you to all of the artists that submitted designs, and an extra special thank you to Mark Beaudry. It was very, very, very close!

Thanks again, and Merry Christmas everyone! I know, I know ~ I'm politically incorrect. :rolleyes:

kristyn

[Mark]

Congrats ElKootcho! :tup:

and a Merry Christmas (I don't care if it's politically incorrect) to you also Kristyn and have a wonderful new year! :D

[AlexKogan]

Kootcho :tup::tup: Great design! Very dynamic. :tup:

[ElKootcho]

thanks for the compliments everyone! :flowers:

[Memphis]

<!--QuoteBegin-markbeaudry+Dec 22 2003, 12:28 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (markbeaudry @ Dec 22 2003, 12:28 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->and a Merry Christmas (I don't care if it's politically incorrect) to you also Kristyn and have a wonderful new year! :D

[/b][/quote]


Thank you, Mark! :)