PetPal - yes, yet ANOTHER pet care logo! $150

[velospeed]

(Admin code added by Palmer - JN7041048)

Prize: $100
Deadline" 22-Dec (EXTENDED UNTIL 06-JAN-04)
Usage: web, print, promo material
Notes: 2 colors; legible @ 120 pixels width; no gradients

Hello everyone;

I have been been lurking here for several weeks and am very impressed at your skills.

PetPal is the name of my pet care business in Boston, MA. The current URL is www.thepetpal.com (http://www.thepetpal.com) and that's where you can see the current logo - which has served its purpose but is just too amateur (and potentially infringing on someone's copyright of the dog):

<img src='http://thepetpal.com/images/thepetpal_logo.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

PetPal is now ready for a more professional logo...

To get the ball rolling, I will start simple. I would like a crisp, clean text-based logo (PetPal) that includes some type of icon or pet-related artwork and the domain name (thepetpal.com) listed as well. (underneath?) If you'd rather create the logo with "the" and ".com" included as I initially did, please also include a similar "PetPal" only version in case I change the URL down the road.

The logo will be used for the website, business cards and marketing collateral. It should still be intelligible when reduced to 120 pixels and also adapt well to B&W art for newsprint. No gradients please, I plan to have this log embroidered as well.

I am not committed to any specific color scheme but I would like to keep it to two colors. For what it's worth, I have always felt that red and black are the most effective logo colors although I welcome any color ideas.

I have compiled several logos, mostly from contests on this site, that I feel are very effective for one reason or another. If nothing more, looking at these should help you get a feel for my tastes and preferences. They can be seen at thepetpal.com/contest (http://www.thepetpal.com/contest)

If your idea incorporates an image of a cat or dog, I would love it if you could base it on my own dog or cat, their pics are also found at thepetpal.com/contest (http://www.thepetpal.com/contest)

As far as a tagline goes, I don't think I will incorporate one into the logo b/c I'm not yet sure what I'm going to use. I've been using "your pet's 2nd best friend" but will most likely discontinue that one. I have thought about "dependable pet care when you're not there" but it's not perfect so I'm open to your ideas if you have any.

I will do my best to provide plenty of feedback and answer questions as fast as possible.

I am looking forward to your ideas!
-Alain

[KellyB]

Hi Alain,

Firstly can I just say you have really cute pets!!

Secondly, here is my first idea for your logo...

<img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/petpal1.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[rlevant]

:D Hey! That looks like his dog ;)

[Bill]

Here are some to consider...

[velospeed]

Hi Kelly;

<img src='http://www.thepetpal.com/images/ideas/petpal1_120.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

This is a great start... I am glad that I included pictures of Tyson and Kina (my cat) because I love how you've incorporated Tyson. (yes, thay are cute, 'eh?)

I tested the logo at 120p width and felt that Tyson was too much of it. If I chose to pursue your idea, I would want to reduce the relative size of Tyson (as I've done above) and perhaps seek more detail in his snout too. I am not too fond of the star tag; undecided on incorporating color into the dog art.

This is definitely what I consider a "crisp and clean" idea... thanks for setting the bar high! I will try to maintain a preference ranking as the ideas continue to roll in.

-Alain

[velospeed]

Hi Bill;

Thanks for the ideas... I like the art in the first (#1) & third (#3). #2's art is not symmetrical enough and I don't like the font in #4.

I think the URL would need to be larger in all of them which might also have a balancing effect w/ the art on the other end of the logo.

#3 is my favorite, I'd love to see a modification w/ Tyson at 3/4 or straight on instead of profiled. (I've always loved the flop to his ears!)

The art in #1 is cool and it reminds me of the art in the Creature Comforts logo here (http://thepetpal.com/contest/logos4.htm); I LOVE how the cat is merged into the dog.

I would also love to see an idea w/ Tyson and Kina touching noses similar to the art in the 1st Pawfessional logo on the ideas page (http://thepetpal.com/contest/logos4.htm).

OK, I need to study for one more final exam so my feedback will be limited until 6:00pm tomorrow (Monday).

Thanks!!!
-Alain

[Palmer]

Bill, I think that's the same font used by Kelly.

[velospeed]

yeah, font looks almost identical but there's a difference in the 'a'
between the two, I prefer Kelly's.

-Alain

[KellyB]

Good luck with your exam!

Here are a few revisions for you...

2. <img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/petpal2.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

3. <img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/petpal3.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

4. <img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/petpal4.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

5. <img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/petpal5.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

and with noses touching...

6. <img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/petpal6.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

7. <img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/petpal7.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Chocolate]

Hi! My entry for this cool contest:

[Mark]

Here's my submission! :D

[VisualSense]

Here's a couple designs.... :)
-Diane

[VisualSense]

One other design...
- Diane

[VisualSense]

and one more variation...
-Diane

[nvoke]

more ideas...
enjoy,

[Chocolate]

Hi! Just for your notice, I'm out of station right now for 3 days and will return to D.O. on 21st. Happy holidays everyone! :rolleyes:

[velospeed]

Hello Kelly

Thanks for the quick revisions; sorry for the delay, I underestimated how much catch-up I'd have to do after 2 weeks of law school finals exams.

Here are my thoughts:

2. this is an improvement although the addition you made to the snout still needs some work b/c it doesn't look natural (although I like it better than what you did to the snout in #4 & #5)

3. don't really care for that look for the cat...

4. see comments above

5. this might be an option if changes are made to the snout but I don't like it enough to ask for the changes yet

6. I like the concept but the dog pose does not seem natural and I don't like the "floating heads"; they need to be anchored somehow. I also prefer a 3/4 or straight-on shot of the dog rather than the profile. I definitely prefer this cat art over the front view.

7. see comments for #6

Overall, I think #5 is my favorite but it would need work to be final.

[velospeed]

Hi Sunil;

Thanks for the submission. I like the idea of the squares and the contrast of red and block is good, although I think ".com" might look better in red?

I would like this idea better if the art better resembled my dog and cat as commented to Kelly; they look a bit too generic.

-Alain

[velospeed]

Hi Mark;

Thanks for the submission; I think this is my favorite so far!

I definitely like your separation of "the" and ".com"

The dog holding the 'l' is very cute; I would love to see some varioation in the dog art.

thanks,
-Alain

[velospeed]

Hello Diane;

Thanks for submitting your ideas.

In your first post, I like the top idea... it is clean and legible, although I am not very fond of the animal art (especially the dog). I might also prefer contrast between pet & pal. The design aspects of the lower one are very cool but not what I'm seeking for with PetPal.

I'm not very fond of the 2nd and 3rd posts... the art is a bit "halloween-ish" and the font is not my style.

thanks!
-Alain

[velospeed]

Hello Piece of Mind;

Thanks for your idea. While my girlfriend liked this idea, I am not too crazy about it. I'm not a fan of the hand-written font and the animal art is not my style either. Please remember, I am seeking something that is 2 color and adapts well to embroidery too.

thanks!
-Alain

[KellyB]

Hi There,

Thanks for the feedback - its great that you have it in different posts..much easier to understand :)

Heres an edit on idea 5 - I redrew your dog (I didnt notice the difference in the examples before until you pointed them out - weird!!)

<img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/petpal8.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

I have another idea, but Its 1:45am here, so id best get to bed and have a go in the morning :)

Thanks

[KellyB]

ok 2 new ideas for you... and now I really am going to bed :D I get so addicted to these things :)

9. <img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/petpal9.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

10. <img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/petpal10.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Mark]

Here's a couple more ideas...

[velospeed]

Hi Mark;

Thanks for the revision. On quick glance, I think I prefer the original style you went with b/c it has a more "friendly, smiley" feel which I think goes well w/ the name. I do like the underline... lines in logos are always good!

-Alain

[velospeed]

Hi Kelly;

Thanks for the revisions... I hope you got a good night's rest!

#9 - I like the cat! Could you tighten up the body trace-line to a finer point? (does that Q even make sense?)

#10 - I like the paws! I would like more than just paws in the logo... can you add anything?

I do not care for the fonts you've chosen... have a look at my "favorite logos" and you'll notice there are few w/ upper case fonts. If you revise, I'd love to see different fonts in there too. (both name and URL)

[KellyB]

Hi :)

A few alterations with respect to the line thickness of the cat and also fonts...

11. <img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/petpal11.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

12. <img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/petpal12.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

13. <img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/petpal13.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[velospeed]

GREAT improvements - thanks!!! Exactly what I was looking for on the cat and the font in 11 & 12 is excelent.

I'm zooming in on #12... could you make the paw prints track horizontally... like walking towards the URL? (maybe 30% of the width for paws and 70% for the url?) how does the cat look in red? (if bad, just say so)

After that, I wonder how it would look w/ the cat reduced and the dog (a light version) next to her? Too crowded?

thanks Kelly!
-Alain

[AlexKogan]

At last I'm back to business! :D

Here's my submission.

[Virgil]

Hello Alain :) ,

Here are my first submissions. I used an old idea of mine (subscribed in an earlier contest) and tried to design a logo to fit the dimension you gave us. Tyson is designed as vector(no gradients but some grey to be close to the picture). Please feel free to comment and request changes. I'll be happy to make them for you.

Best regards,
Gilles.

[Virgil]

Website :)

[velospeed]

Hi Alex,

Thanks for submitting your ideas! The cat/dog blend is neat, very creative. But there's something about it the art that's not sitting right with me, I just don't know what it is. Maybe it's the brush stroke style? I wish I could give specific feedback beyond that but I've thought about it for a few hours now and can't really express in words what I don't like about it.

I do like the closed circle in #1 & #2 best but would probably prefer a beefier font. I'd love to see more ideas...

thanks,
-Alain

[KellyB]

Just to let you know I'll be working on my alterations in the morning (as its nearly 1am here again :) :)

[velospeed]

Hi Gilles;

Thanks for joining in the creativity!

Isn't Tyson (my dog) just adorable? Gosh, look at him...

I think that the dog art (w/ Tyson) is too "photo-like," it looks more like a pendant than a logo. (w/ all due respect) I like your choice of font although I still prefer the one that Kelly used in her version #12. The URL in all caps seems too difficult to read to me so I'd probably prefer lowercase there.

I like the use of the paws in the version on the right, although they seem to blend in a bit much... feels crowded. The dog and cat art is cute but too cute for me; it feels feminine.

Overall, the tag concept is interesting, although I don't think that red and black works best with this design. The red and black stripes are probably contributing to the "crowded" feeling I sense from the design. Maybe it would be cleaner as one big red stripe? Or some other color combinations?

I hope my feedback helps. I have worked w/ designers before and given plenty of feedback, but it's always been on behalf of a client's project.

Ownership of the deliverables adds a whole new dimension to the process; please tell me if I am overdoing it!

thanks,
-Alain

[velospeed]

Gilles;
The website - albeit totally amateur WYSIWYG - reflects my tastes for simple, effective communication by design.

When I look at a logo, I want there to be no more than 2 or 3 focal points. If a non-designer looks at a logo and sees more than 2 or 3 elements, it's too much... b/c a really creative mind will likely identify 5 or 6 elements in the exact same logo. That leads to distraction.

Does this make sense?
-Alain

[velospeed]

Kelly

Thanks for the update. You have submitted some great stuff so far and I look forward to any improvements or additional ideas you have!

cheers,
-Alain

[velospeed]

c'mon guys!

whatcha' got?

-Alain

[Virgil]

Hello Alain,

Here are a few changes to my initial posts. I tried to make them less crowded, you have some versions to think about. I kept the "paw" concept, I think it draws the attention.
Feel free to make suggestions, I want to help you to find what you are looking for.

Best regards,
Gilles.

[Virgil]

Who's that dog? :)

[velospeed]

Hello Gilles;

Thanks so much for the updates... I really appreciate your dedication. First of all, I love this dog above! I don't know who he is but he's cute. I would love to use that idea in a flyer or advertisement!

Turning to the logo ideas, I like the white paws inside the boundaries of the letters best. Could you shift the paws down a few pixels to center them vertically? I would also prefer to see the URL in a stronger font. (or bold?)

I prefer the cat the Kelly has designed. I'm not sure what the protocol is amongst designers here but if things can be shared, I'd love to see her cat w/ your final logo in the 4:19am post. I like that version best but think it needs something simple in the upper left, perhaps above the pet like you did w/ your other ideas. Maybe an icon or my dog's face?

I'm glad to see more ideas, I love this project!

thanks!
-Alain

[Virgil]

Hello :)

Here are few more ideas, some icons, Tyson :)

[velospeed]

Hi Gilles;

Thanks for the revisions! I like the direction you're heading w/ the last three ideas... I would like to see something a bit less abstract though. Maybe somewhere between what you did in #2 and what you did in #3?

What do you think about a cat jumping from the first P towards the right?

I don't care for the 'pic' of Tyson (see earlier comments) but the cat art is cool. It's a bit hard to see w/ all the stripes and blots and stuff so I think a simpler outline would be better, especially since the logo needs to be visible at 120pixels as well.

The adjustment to the paws is exactly what I was after... thanks!

Great work!
-Alain

[velospeed]

designers,

if you're considering an idea for the PetPal logo, please take a look at logos I really like as well as some I've created:

www.thepetpal.com/contest (http://www.thepetpal.com/contest)

hopefully it helps!

Anyone want to take a stab at something based simply on the current logo?

Mark & Kelly, I hope I didn't scare you away!

thanks,
-Alain

ps - Gilles, who is that dog holding the logo?

[velospeed]

Gilles,

The more I look at your #3, the more I like the style. It reminds me of the art work used by the "Life is Good" brand... which I think is great! (see http://thepetpal.com/contest/logos3.htm )

Could you use that as a basis for designing (w/ a bit more definition) a jumping cat or a dog? Maybe a dog chasing a cat?!?!?!?! :-)

-Alain

[Virgil]

ps - Gilles, who is that dog holding the logo?

Well Alain, we should find a name for that dog. I think is "myPetPAL" who welcomes us with wide open arms :) and needs a hug also :D Tell you the truth, I like it too. I think it ads some mystery (although I'm not sure mystery is good in this logo :( )

I'll try to tweak the designs and I'll post the result soon :)

Best regards,
Gilles.

[velospeed]

merci bien!

[KellyB]

Hi there..

Sorry for the delay in getting these to you... It was my boyfriend's 21st birthday yesterday so we celebrated in style :)

Here are a few revisions... I did try the cat and dog in red, but I felt it was too much hence why I've tried the red stripes which works rather well :)

I hope these are to your liking!! :)

14. <img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/petpal14.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

15. <img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/petpal15.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

16. <img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/petpal16.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

17. <img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/petpal17.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Virgil]

Hello Alain,

Here are some revisions, and some new concepts :)

[KellyB]

Gilles..

What fonts that? Cheers :)

[Virgil]

*edit*

[velospeed]

wow. cool!

OK, Kelly... excellent work!

The only adjustment I'd like is to make the URL font a lil' stronger.

I think you've dialed these in good.

thanks!
-Alain

ps - Happy B'day to your man!

[KellyB]

Hi Gilles... no no you havent done anything wrong lol :) I just wanted to know cos its a nice font :D

Alain - I'll just make that quick change for you now... is there any of the logos in particular that you'd like me to change, or all 4 ?

Thanks

[velospeed]

Gilles;

Nice job too!

I'll go down the line w/ comments...

#1 - don't like the dog, too cartoony

#2 - sorta' like the dog, but not a whole lot as it is. maybe you can play with it?

#3 - nice! now we're on to something here... can you make that dog less like a terrier and more like a retriever or generic dog? can you make it less pointed and jagged, maybe smoother?

#4 - dog or cat, I don't like it. sorry. :-(

#5 - this version of the cat is an improvement but still not what I am after. it doesdn't feel balanced w/ the dominance of black in the center.

Could you change the URL to keep petpal the same color? I would like the contrast limited to "the" and "petpal" to emphasize the inclusion of "the" in the URL.

Thanks!!!
-Alain

[KellyB]

Hi Alain :)

Decided just to do one to show the the font weight difference..

<img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/petpal18.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[velospeed]

Kelly;

Let's work w/ #16 for now... I think that is my favorite flavor at the moment. (fyi, I may eventually ask for a lil' adjustment to the snout and a lil' lightening around the eyes but it's fine for now)

thanks!
-Alain

[velospeed]

Thanks Kelly.

Just what I was looking for; that's fine for now.

Did you brand my cat w/ the Nike logo on her face????

:-)

[KellyB]

Hi Alain

Heres number 16 edited too :lol:

<img src='http://www.c1vision.com/sitepoint/petpal19.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

LOL re: the nike logo - I totally didnt notice that - I can change the facial branding a bit if you like :) hehe

[Virgil]

Ok Kelly,

I got it now..The font is called "SWIS"(there's a big family :) )

Gilles.

[velospeed]

thanks for #16
actually, I've always preferred Nike over adidas. :-)

we can leave it like that for now... maybe Nike will come after us!
-Alain

[KellyB]

Hi Gilles (Sorry for the offtopic!!)

Thanks for the font name.. hopefully I can use it for something in the future :)

Alain - If Nike came after us for that wee tick I would be extremely impressed!! lol

[velospeed]

Gilles;

You just touched on something that I had not even realized at first... running. (maybe it's all the talk about Nike?)

Anyway... one of the things that differentiates me from other pet sitters (although not yet mentioned in my website) is that I often run w/ the dogs. I'm not yet sure whether this would be a "selling point" for PetPal or not, but if so, the logo is a great way to express it!

Can you run with that? :-)
-Alain

[Virgil]

edit

[Palmer]

<!--QuoteBegin-velospeed+Dec 20 2003, 01:03 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (velospeed @ Dec 20 2003, 01:03 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I prefer the cat the Kelly has designed. I'm not sure what the protocol is amongst designers here but if things can be shared, I'd love to see her cat w/ your final logo in the 4:19am post. [/b][/quote]
It's not a team effort, it is an individual competition, so using other designers ideas would be an infraction of the rules.

Sorry.

[KellyB]

Hi Palmer,

If both files were in illustrator (mine is) , would it be against the rules for Alain to buy both and add my cat to the other logo?

Just wondering :)

[Virgil]

edit

[velospeed]

Hi Gilles;

Nice dog! OK, I do like it but (as always) there are some issues. First of all, that is more the kind of dog I'd like to see in your "running dog" version. (smooth, more generic "lab-like") Clean and crisp! If you can't do a version of this dog running, maybe reduce him a bit and launch him from between the p & e? I don't like that half of him is hidden behind the e.

I also don't like the "com" so maybe the frisbee by itself will look better. The frisbee is a good opportunity to give the logo some lines... I usually like lines in logos!

I am out for the evening so I can provide more feedback tomorrow.

thanks!
-Alain

[Virgil]

OK Alain,

I'm out for the evening too, been a busy but cool Saturday B)

Gilles.

[Palmer]

<!--QuoteBegin-KellyB+Dec 20 2003, 08:25 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (KellyB @ Dec 20 2003, 08:25 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Hi Palmer,

If both files were in illustrator (mine is) , would it be against the rules for Alain to buy both and add my cat to the other logo?

Just wondering :) [/b][/quote]
Yes he can offer 2 first place prizes for the same amount and combine the 2. We just had that happen in the Downwind sailing logo.

[Virgil]

edit

[velospeed]

Hi Gilles;

Thanks for the updates. The dog in #1 looks a bit awkward, #2 is an improvement but that dog is a bit too furry to tell it's a dog at first glance. (or when reduced) The dog in #3 looks better now; even though he's a bit small, I prefer that he's not partiall hidden behind the logo.

The shadows might work for the website logo but I'll keep it shadow free for print. Can you do something w/ the black letters so that the shadow looks more like a shadow rather thank making 'pal' seem blurry?

thanks!
-Alain

[KellyB]

Hi Alain,

Are there any other changes you'd like me to make?

Thanks

[Virgil]

edit

[Virgil]

Resized to match the website :)

[Virgil]

2nd :D

[velospeed]

Hi Kelly;

I think your entries are dialed in pretty good so I am not requesting any changes unless I decide to go with one of them.

I am still hoping to see more ideas... I was really expecting more from other designers but maybe everyone is busy w/ the holiday?
-Alain

[velospeed]

Hi Gilles;

Thanks for the revisions. The jumping dog size is good... but it's not growing on me as I hoped. I prefer the running dog idea but that dog is still not exactly what I'm after. I will look for illustrations of dogs to give you a better idea of what I am seeking. (perhaps something sleeker)

thanks!
-Alain

[MUTE DESIGN]

Hi,
Here is my concept, better late then never :D Its kind of a "dog tag" theme with a cute mascot. I can make it any color combo you like.
Thanks!
-Anthony

[MUTE DESIGN]

One more with the ever present paw print... :D
-Anthony

[Virgil]

edit

[Chocolate]

Hi! I have one more idea here. It is developed on the concept of a man shaking hands with a dog, in other words, 'being its pal'. :

[velospeed]

Hello Anthony;

Thanks for your ideas!

Your first idea is neat but that dog is lil' tough" for PetPal; it's cute but I want a look that's a bit friendlier.

I like the paw in the second idea (a paw is almost automatic in this logo).

I think the surrounding design is a bit strong in both ideas - too many lines and edges. I'd prefer something smooth and curvy over the ratchet look. PetPal (both the name and URL) look better in lowercase, in my humble opinion.

I've seen you do some really great work Anthony, I'm glad that you're taking a shot at a logo for PetPal.

thanks!
-Alain

[velospeed]

Hello Gilles.

Great concept. I agree... this definitley expresses "pals" and has a happy go-lucky look which would work well. However, my concern is that the animals you've got here don't really look like pets. If you could make them look more like a dog and cat I think it would work great. As is, they look a bit more like farm animals. Are they your originals?

What do you think, would you be able to make those guys look more like pets?

-Alain

[velospeed]

Hi Sunil;

The "shaking hands" concept is great, thanks for adding your idea!

Do you think you'd be able to show this concept in a different style? This looks more like an illustration in a book than a logo... I'd like to see it simpler and cleaner. Could you take another stab at it?

Thanks!
-Alain

[Virgil]

edit

[velospeed]

Palmer (or whoever else would have a say in this):

I'm concerned that the holidays might be a limiting factor in the number of artists submitting ideas for this logo, or the number of ideas submitted by the artists already involved.

Would I be black-listed if I extended the deadline? I really wanted to have biz cards ready as leave-behinds for all the xmas business this week. But I don't want to do that at the expense of rushing and settling on a logo from only limited entries.

There are some great ideas on the table, however I haven't yet seen a design that made me say "now that's what I'm after!" Who knows, I might not ever get that but is one week enough to know for sure?

Thoughts?
-Alain

[Michael]

Alain you are more than welcome to extend the deadline, rest assured you will not be blacklisted.

Hope that helps :)


Michael

[velospeed]

Thanks Palmer. Let's see what the rest of the day brings... I will most likely extend the contest to at least tomorrow. Gotta' find out how fast I can get the biz cards printed. If they can't be printed in a day, I will probably extend the contest into next week.

thanks,
-Alain

[velospeed]

Thanks Gilles.

Don't worry about the deadline, I'm more concerned about getting what I want than hitting the deadline. I'm not answering to anyone but myself on this project!!!!

thanks,
-Alain

[Virgil]

edit

[velospeed]

HEY!!!

Now that's MUCH better. The dog looks a lil' retarded but at least he doesn't look like a giant mouse anymore! he cat looks better too. Can you show me a few different versions of them?

Now Gilles, here's where I need your professional opinion. If I go with some cartoony characters in the logo, there's a very high liklihood that I will want those same characters elsewhere (perhaps in different stances, a face-only shot, different angles...etc) for the website, advertising or marketing collateral. Cartoony characters in the logo become more than the logo, they become your brand's mascot. If that's the case, I need someone that can reproduce them. Since you're not the original artist, I wonder how difficult this will be.

How are your cartoon illustration skills? Would you be comfortable saying that it would be easy to get (either from you or another artist) derivative works based on cartoony characters in the logo?

thanks!
-Alain

[velospeed]

Gilles, BTW

Would you be able to have those guys dancing on top of the 'e'? I think it would require one of the feet (pasw?) to be angled a bit.

While you're at it, can you change the .com to black?

thanks!
-Alain

[Virgil]

Hello Alain,

Workin' on your request and writing the answers. I think we could give it a shot together in illustrating those guys further.

Gilles :tup:

[Michael]

<!--QuoteBegin-velospeed+Dec 22 2003, 07:29 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (velospeed @ Dec 22 2003, 07:29 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Thanks Palmer. [/b][/quote]
:huh: :(

[Virgil]

edit

[MUTE DESIGN]

Another Crack at it... :tup:
Anthony

[beatz]

Hi,

I know I'm late but better late than never ;) ...

Feedback is appreciated.

Thanks,

Frank

<img src='http://flyservers.registerfly.com/members4/logodesign.tv/images/pp1.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[velospeed]

Thanks Michael (aka Palmer!)

Sorry!!!!

[AlexKogan]

yoohooo, Frank, this one's good! :tup:

[velospeed]

Hi Gilles;

Thanks, I'm glad you're up for it! I was hoping for a lil' more change to the dog... his ears are kinda goofy and his mouth is funny too. Would you be able to do a few versions of both of their faces (and just post those images sans logo) for review?

thanks!
-Alain

[velospeed]

Anthony;

Wow, now that's cool!!! Darn, you guys are really good... dependable and St. Bernard go perfect together. I love the symbolism!

Can you remove the shadow, reduce to 2 (or 3?) color and play w/ the font a bit? I don't really like the outlined letters and the tagline is tough to read... but I really like this idea. (I have a St. Bernard that I walk twice daily too!)

thanks!
-Alain

[Palmer]

<!--QuoteBegin-velospeed+Dec 22 2003, 03:41 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (velospeed @ Dec 22 2003, 03:41 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Thanks Michael (aka Palmer!)

Sorry!!!! [/b][/quote]
Hehehe, maybe he should change his avatar :)

[Virgil]

edit

[dbenton25]

Hi Alain,

Here's what I've had time to do this afternoon. I read through your thread here and took a long look at all the great submissions so far, and decided to take a slightly different stylistic approach. Generally, my feeling about logos is that the design should embody the core concept of the business as succinctly as possible. It's more of a guideline than a rule, but from the feedback you've been giving, I think it might be what you're trying to achieve. Of course I could be totally wrong! :lol:

I left out the actual pet that most folks are including and went instead, for sort of an Iconic simplicity. My goal was to literally say "pet pal" with the graphic symbol. There are only two designs below, one fairly realistic, the other more stylized. I gave you a few color palette choices as well. I know you prefer red and black, but conceptually, I kind of like the earthy brown color in design #4 as it tends to impart a more human, natural feel.

Anyway, thanks again for the invite. :D And please don't hesitate to ask for any modifications or changes.

BTW, these designs will work very well in black and white and they reduce quite well also.

[velospeed]

Hi Frank;

wow.

OK, your ideas are really striking a chord with me. Very, very, very nice! (yes, better late than never) Thank you very much.

The design concept is exactly what I'm after... you have iconic art (sorry if these terms don't make sense, it's my own vocab!) w/ pets, there's a paw and the name and URL look great!

I would like to see a more traditional paw (ie, not a triangular base, but rounded). As it is, the base almost looks like a street sign. The toes could probably be reduced a bit and maybe not be perfect ovals.

I LOVE what you've done w/ "the" b/c it stands out but not too much and can easily be removed if need be.

I would rather have the URL in all caps b/c otherwise it perpetuates the misconception that URLs are case sensitive. I feel the URL is better suited to being in the same font w/ color contrast to distinguish 'the' and/or '.com' from petpal.

My biggest request is that I would love to see some variations of the dog/cat over the paw. The cat is a bit... hidden. The dog seems rigid, maybe b/c he's got a cat on his back? :-) Do you have other art you could stick in there? I wouldalso love to see either my dog's face or my cat on that paw!

If I had to end the contest at this very moment and pick a winner, I'd probably choose your last idea.

thanks!
-Alain

[velospeed]

Hi Gilles;

I agree, this dog is an improvement but there are two issues: :unsure:

1. this is the doggy face that didn't sit so well w/ me on your tag idea... I couldn't put my finger on it then but I think it's that the dog feels feminine and cat-like.

2. this dog is a completely different style from the cat. one is almost silly and cartoony (cat) and the other is a soft and cute face on a silly cartoony body (dog.) while I thought the original dog face was goofy and retarded looking, I'd probably take it over this one.

Would you try again?

Their position is perfect. I love how you've put them on the e, that's great. Is there a way to make the bottom of their paws look more like paws and less like socks?

I definitely like the dancing pets idea... if we can tweak it just right.

thanks!
-Alain

[velospeed]

David.

Wow again. These are really good! Thanks for lending your skills to my endeavor!

Iconic simplicity!!!!! Now THAT is what I have been seeking... I could not have said it better myself. Thank you for identifying it for me!

I prefer the "wet paint" hand over the other stylized one you used. It reminds me of a dot-com logo that I loved, although I can't remember which it was right now. Anyway, I like it A LOT!

That said, I think the other hand does communicate the message better, perhaps b/c it looks more like a hand that's about to shake another hand as opposed to a wet paint sign? Now I am stumped...

The color variation is actually a breath of fresh air and the blue/black is sitting well w/ me. To be honest, version #4 is my least favorite as far as colors go. It's probably a toss-up between the red/black and blue/black. (while the grey would be the newsprint version)

The font... I don't like having different fonts for PetPal so I like the latter versions better. However, I am not a fan of all caps and wonder if you could show it a few different ways w/ other fonts? (of course, I could always play w/ fonts once I have the Adobe files too)

Thanks so much for these ideas. The choice of a winner has definitely gotten a lot harder this afternoon! I would really love to see revisions on these. Very nice!

thanks!
-Alain

[velospeed]

Iconic simplicity....

I would love to see a handshake incorporated w/ a paw print. I'm not sure exactly how but you guys are far more creative than I so it's up to you!

Iconic simplicity! :tup:
-Alain

ps - I will be out for the next few hours taking care of pets but will return to review ideas this evening. Thanks for all your input!

[MUTE DESIGN]

Glad you like it, I will re-pst with 2/3 colors and some font choices. It wont be until later tonight, I'm going into a sales meeting at 2:30.
Thanks,
Anthony :tup:

[Virgil]

edit

[velospeed]

Gang,

I am sorry if this frustrates anyone...

The deadline for this logo contest is extended. Am I allowed to say indefinitely? Maybe until tomorrow or maybe until early next week? I am going to relax my own sense of urgency which stemmed primarily from the desire to leave biz cards behind for the lagre number of vacation clients I have this week. I can always mail the biz cards...

In all fairness, I will try to identify my top 3 choices (so far) this evening and post that here.

Thanks everyone!
-Alain

[velospeed]

Gilles.

wow, big file! can you crop the pets out and only post that? I suppose you made it so large b/c the paws won't appear otherwise? anyway, I like the paws now - thanks! (sorry, didn't realize that it'll probably be too small to show once reduced to normal use size)

I like this doggy better. The cat needs a lil' work to match the dog and also to get rid of her fur that looks like a sharp tooth in the dog's mouth! (see that?)

also, please remove the stripes from their standing legs. does it seem like there's a line missing for the cat's upper leg or is that just noticeable when enlarged?

would you be able to add dalmation-like spots to the dog? and how about kina-like stripes to the cat? (Kina is my cat, see photos at thepetpal.com/contest (http://thepetpal.com/contest))

[velospeed]

Gilles,
edit, I see you've already reduced the image size.
:-)
-Alain

[Mark]

Here's how my original design might look like on business card and letterhead.

[dbenton25]

Hi Alain,

Here is the design with the changes you requested. I've also included a slightly new concept with your dog's silouhette in the hand. The concept is supposed to represent the meeting of man and pet. I played with the idea of two hands shaking with a paw print overlayed, but it seemed to confuse the message. I think just a paw and hand better communicate the relationship between man and pet. In the "wet paint" hand, I angled the fingers to better represent a hand reaching out to shake. I also kinda like that it looks like a hand and paw high-fiving! :lol:

[Virgil]

*edit*

[Virgil]

*edit*

[Virgil]

*edit*

[Virgil]

*edit*

[Virgil]

edit

[MUTE DESIGN]

Hi,
Here is a new version...It really gives the logo personality! We took a vote in the office and this was the winner hands down! Its set as 4 color but I can change it to 3 if needed.
Thanks,
Anthony

[MUTE DESIGN]

On ID Pack.....
-Anthony

[beatz]

Hi Alain,

glad you like my designs; here come (almost all of) the revisions you requested.

Changes:

- more "natural" paw
- 3 new arrangements of cat & dog.
- 1-3 in dry (1st column) and shadowed (2nd column).
- 4-6 all shadowed and with big (1st column) and smaller (2nd column) paw.

Notes/Recommendations:

I very rarely do that, but in this specific case I'd really recommend to more or less (except maybe for the cat&dog arrangement) stick with the version you said was your favorite in my last post rather than these new versions.

Why ?

- As for the paw: Although the initial paw might look like a "street sign" :D on first sight, the roundness and the triangle are a good contrast to the more lively/natural pet drawings; but there is a more important reason in my opinion: You bet a lot of your potential competition is already using "natural" paws in their logo so to have a more stylisized/abstract paw in *your* logo might help you to shape your logo identity because it's NOT just another natural paw.

- As for webaddress all in capitals: Tried it and it looks kind of not so good.All lowercase looks ok so if you like I will post revisions later with lowercase webaddy.
But again I'd recommend to stick with the addy the way I did it in the first post because it really adds to the CI (corporate identity) in this case a lot plus I personally think most people nowadays know there is no difference in lower/uppercase when it comes to typing in a webaddress.Actually to have the webaddy the way I did it is a main part of the whole layout idea.

OF COURSE I will gladly provide more revisions following your suggestions if you like - above is just meant as a personal recommendation; as said I rarely do these kind of recommendations at all anyway but in this case I felt less (changes) is more but then again it's your choice anyway. :)

Wow that must have been my longest DO post ever :D

Feedback is appreciated.

Thanks,

Frank

<img src='http://flyservers.registerfly.com/members4/logodesign.tv/images/pp2.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[beatz]

3 more (mix of old and new paw) :) :

<img src='http://flyservers.registerfly.com/members4/logodesign.tv/images/pp3.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[velospeed]

Hello Mark

Glad you're back (or still here)!!!

Your initial idea remains my girlfriend's favorite despite all the great work that's come in since then. She's got a lot of pull in this!

I have been hoping that you would play around w/ the dog a bit because he just seemed a lil funny looking to me. It may be as simple as some minor changes to his face... not sure? Could you maybe have him waving or, better yet, giving the "thumbs up"sign? Again, I would love to see any variations of that idea; it would really help.

I love what you've done w/ the stationary and biz card. Very cool!

thanks!
-Alain

[velospeed]

Hi David.

Aaaah, I like these a whole lot. Thanks for the revisions... you're really making this exciting!

First of all, I like how you've changed the fingers in the"wet paint" hand; it looks more friendly now. I have been staring at your ideas for hours and they really feel like the most professional submittals to me.

I like the fonts you're using for petpal; could you keep the same strength between pet & pal in #2 & #4? (that font feels slightly better) I see you've switched the URL to all caps, perhaps b/c of the change from all caps to lowercase in PetPal? I prefer lowercase for the URL the way you originally presented it. :D (although I like it streteched too) Could you go with the lowercase font you've used in the URL of #1 & #3?

Actually, I'm not too worried about the fonts b/c that's a very simple change... it's the art I am really after. Iconic simplicity! The hand does that perfectly; I think it's so cool.

So, I am having a very difficult time choosing between the stylized hand and the wet paint hand. I love them both but seem to keep asking myself "maybe the hand is too big?" Or too strong? (the stylized one) Can you play around with it some more? Can you try reducing the hand and shifting it around a bit? Maybe outline the hand (in the stylized version) and have the paw a solid color within? I can't even decide between the dog and the paw but am leaning ever so slightly in favor of the paw because the connection is a tiny bit stronger than the dog.

I can do some of position variations myself (photoshop) but think some more tweaking by the pro (you!) might help me decide on one hand over the other.

Now, one more thing I wanted to mention. Mary, my girlfriend, had a very interesting suggestion fot the logo this evening. A cupped hand holding a pet... what do you think of that? Think: care and safety. (this hand theme is really growing on me!) If you wanted to pursue that idea, can you digitize my cat or is that a no-no since someone else has already done something like that? I am also quite fond of some other animal art that has been used in other ideas on the site... particularly the dog/cat submitted by Raja and the cat submitted by Sparkie here: http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showt...topic=692&st=75 (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=692&st=75)

Your designs are great, thanks David!
-Alain

[velospeed]

Hi Gilles;

Sorry, I probably missed you before you've left for the mountains. I hope you're enjoying your vacation.

Very creative combination of the two paws! It's very cute... but probably too cute for PetPal.

I prefer the dancing pets... and probably your 2nd last version before the spots and stripes that I requested. Thanks for doing it but it doesn't look as good as I hoped. So I'm sticking w the version from this afternoon which have a very unique appeal to me. I also remain interested in your very first "running dog" idea.

Thanks so much for all your ideas, I really appreciate it. I will decide on something soon and hope that everyone feels I picked a good one, regardless of its source.

thanks!
-Alain

[Virgil]

OK Alain,

Thanks for feedback :) I'll keep the two paws design close though, maybe use it to another logo, who knows?

Best regards and Happy Holidays,
Gilles.

[velospeed]

Hey Anthony;

Thanks for making the changes. OK, I like how you've enlarged the dog and brought PetPal up. But I do not like the font choice. I agree that it goes well w/ the dog and color combo you've chosen but I actually prefer the font and color you used in the earlier version. I'm on the fence about the "sign" that petpal is enclosed in. Maybe a box would work?

Can you revert back to a cleaner font and also reduce to two and three colors versions? (does it look bad when the color is removed?)

That St. Bernard... he's awesome!

Thanks!
-Alain

[velospeed]

Hi Frank;

Thanks for the changes, these are very very nice.

I really appreciate all the feedback you've given me about the recommendation. I hear you about the paw design and am reconsidering the triangular version but still prefer the more traditional paw.

Forgive me on the earlier "all-caps" request for the URL, I meant all lowecase (duh!)... I have consistently mentioned that I am not a fan of caps at all. I much prefer lowercase. So we can leave the URL as is for now...

Moving on to the pets... the new dog is an improvement over the earlier one although he still appears quite rigid. The cat, naah; I don't like that one either. Got any more? I have seen several others used here in DO, can you recycle if I point one out?

I prefer #4-#6 right now, the paw is cool. I love the PetPal part of your idea as well as the concept of something over the paw, but these animals are not doing it for me.

I would love to elaborate but I am falling asleep at the computer so must stop for now. Sorry. :(

Thanks!
-Alain

[velospeed]

Hi Gilles;

Yeah, I think that 2-paws idea will go well w/ someone that's not as "corporate-minded" about their logo as I am. Gawd, I can't believe I just said I'm corporate-minded; shoot me now!

Merry Christmas Gilles! (PC only means Providence College to me)
-Alain

[Chocolate]

Hi Alain! Two revisions of my earlier design on the lines you suggested are here:

[KellyB]

Just to let you know I'm travelling today to get to my mother in law's to be...

so I wont be around much - I'll check the post as often as I can :)

But any changes will have to be done when I get back as I wont have access to illustrator or any of my files (I'm back on the 29th December :)

Thanks!!

[velospeed]

Thanks Sunil. I prefer the round icon over the black square but it's still not doing much for me. I don't think the dog/man handshake is strong enough... but as always, I welcome any other ideas!

thanks,
-Alain

[velospeed]

Hi Kelly;

You're engaged? Congrats!

Thanks for the update... no revisions are needed to your designs, you did an awesome job with them and they are definitely in the running.

thanks,
-Alain

[Mark]

Hi Alain,

I've redone the face and adjusted him a bit. He seems a lot more friendlier and happier as he's now looking at the name. :)

Cheers
Mark

[velospeed]

Mark

YES! I love it!!!!!!! Very fun yet simple and clean.

Is he a Mark Beaudry original? (ie, would you be able to create derivative illustrations down the road if need be once I get a real website created?)

If I choose this design, I would like you to try and make the thumbs-up a bit more obvious. I would also like to see a few different font & color ideas but the illustration is GREAT!!!!

Thanks!
-Alain

[Mark]

Yes it is a Mark Beaudry original! :D Created from my head and my heart. :) NOT from a book or a clipart CD. :tdown:

[dbenton25]

Hi Alain,

Okay, I've made some textual adjustments, played with the layout and introduced one new concept. I would highly recommend using capital "P's" in the main text. Please see my reasoning below for an explanation.

Thanks Alain, :D

[Raja]

hi

[velospeed]

Hello David;

Thanks for the revisions. I appreciate the diagrams, it's very helpful. You are exaclty right about the capital Ps... but the reality is that:
1. I don't like the look of both Ps in caps, regardless of how it lends itself to the URL placement
2. the URL will not always be included with the logo

Have you tried it w/ just the first P capitalized? That would work great w/ the dog-hand b/c of the open space. (but I understand it still creates the same URL problem underneath) How about losing the URL and just placing 'the' above Pet and '.com' below pal?

I was also hoping to see the stylized hand outlined (reverse color) and/or reduced w/ different placement. Did you try these ideas and nix them or are more forthcoming?

I have been wondering how the hand would look flat/horizontal. Can you try it that way too? (w/ the paw angled) Pointing down just doesn't feel right although it certainly does make more sense than pointing up.

Finally, I do see the kitty but think it's too messy. I guess two hands are not always better than one! (almost looks like a magician's logo!)

Thanks so so so much for your help!
-Alain

[velospeed]

Raja!

FINALLY, the cat inside the dog - thank-you!

I have liked (loved) that concept since the moment I saw it over 2 months ago.

So this could be my favorite so far... :tup: here's some tweaks I'd like to see:

1. remove "professional pet care" - there's really nothing 'professional' about walking dogs and feeding cats, in my humble opinion. it's just a fun way to make a living! if you include a tagline, try "dependable care... when you're not there"

2. can you add some other simple design element? maybe a paw (paw tracks?) or some line(s)? until I see otherwise, I feel like another stylish element would make it complete.

3. can you show me some font variations?

4. I like the blue/orange combo... but the dog does look kinda' funny in orange. red/black would probably work here and possibly blue/grey as well. green/yellow makes me sick... reminds me of our arch-rivals in high-school!

5. can you touch-up the faces a bit? the dog's is a bit stretched and the cat's is big and not pointed enough.

Thanks for doing this, your first try is as close (if not closer) to what I've been after as anything else submitted to date.

cheers,
-Alain

[velospeed]

has everyone given up or are you all on vacation?

[Palmer]

They've all given up. I don't see what else they would have to do this time of year :)

[dbenton25]

Hi Alain,

Okay, I tried the hand with outlines instead of a fill and decided not to post it as it really looked bad. The thickness of the stroke got messed up between the thin space between the fingers.

Below please find the following:

1. This is a much more modified version of the "cat in dog" graphic you posted on your site. I tried to incorporate as many pets as possible while still keeping it iconic. You don't want to leave bird owners out! My African gray parrot got jealous! :lol:

2. Here's the original stylized hand with the text changes you requested. I think this works well, but I'm kind of liking number 1 now. :o

3. The cupped hand you requested.

Let me know what you think. :D

[dbenton25]

Bigger versions so you can see the details better... :)

[velospeed]

Hello David;

Thanks for adding your revisions! Thanks for trying the hand in an outline mode; I really appreciate the effort. Although I initially preferred the "wet-paint" hand, this stylized version is really growing on me. While the hand is not as "fun" as some of the other ideas, it looks professional and I really like the message it communicates.

First of all, I really like having 'the' on top and '.com' underneath... what do you think? It looks very clean with petpal in lowercase. I am almost certain that I will have it as either petpal or Petpal in the logo, and not PetPal as I've been using it. The double CAP doesn't look right to me.

#1 - OK, I really like the german shepard image but don't care for the terrier and cat inside it. It feels crowded and I prefer the cat image (or something similar) that is used in the version I posted on my site. Can you modify it? At the risk of offending your parrot, I would only include a bird if there's just one cat inside a dog. No more than 3 pets total! :D

#2 - Actually, I was hoping for something more like this... or with the hand facing the other way. What do you think?
<img src='http://www.thepetpal.com/images/ideas/benton2_jaf.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

#3 - When I envisioned a cupped hand, I was thinking more of a profile from the side w/ a dog/cat on top of it (as in being held). Sorta' the position of the hand in the United Way logo, but obviously different enough to avoid confusion! <img src='http://www.unitedwayjc.org/images/uwlogo.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

I'd still love to see the #3 idea if it can be done w/out much effort. But I'd really like to zero in on perfecting the #1 idea and get a clean version of the #2 idea b/c I am havng a bunch of mktg. choose their favorites on Tuesday.

Iconic simplicity... nice.

Thanks!
-Alain

[ElKootcho]

Be careful, these two entries look a bit similar to me.

OK, I really like the german shepard image but don't care for the terrier and cat inside it. It feels crowded and I prefer the cat image (or something similar) that is used in the version I posted on my site. Can you modify it?

I believe the logo posted on thepetpal.com is one of Raja's previous entries and should not be copied.

[dbenton25]

Hi Alain,

I found these logos while surfing Google's image search. :o I don't know who copied who first, but I just can't bring myself to create another look alike logo. :sick: It is a great icon, and it's completely understandable why you like it so much, but at this point it's been so overused and abused that I think it's worth trying to come up with something a bit more unique.
So... with that in mind take a look at my next post. :D

[velospeed]

Thanks.

What a bummer... but I'm looking forward to your next post!
-Alain

[dbenton25]

#1. I think that by changing the type of dog as well as varying the poses a bit, I was able to come up with something that stands apart from the crowd. I got to keep my bird as well :P

#2. I slight variation on number one. The dog's tail is "out" here, but I'm not sure the cat profile works as well in this one. :unsure:

#3. The changes you requested to the paw/hand design.

Oh and by the way, I definitely think the text design is working well this way. Good call! :tup: Sorry I didn't have time to do the cupped hand version. I'm kind of skeptical about how it will look anyway... Tiny dog, gigantic hand :blink:

Good luck with you focus group. And let me know it goes.

[velospeed]

Thanks David!

I like the dog and agree w/ your comments; the 1st looks better b/c it doesn't disrupt the cat's profile. I also like that it's an original...

I really like the hand too; the paw is probably pointing to 10, could you angle it to point to 11? Please also round out the space between the thumb and pointer finger to see if it looks better; it's a bit uneven right now. I'd also like a version w/ the fingers pointing the left.

Thanks so much; time to get some final opinions now!
-Alain

[dbenton25]

Ahhh... Clip art. That expalins it. :lol2:

[dbenton25]

Alain,

Here are the changes you requested with a cool palette color choice as well.

[Bill]

Here's a late entry...

[velospeed]

Thanks David, looks good. (well, I don't really care for that shade of blue but I will play around w/ colors once th design is chosen)

Can you give me the hand the other way too please?

thanks!
-Alain

[dbenton25]

Whoops,

Forgot to give you the "hand pointing left" design.

[velospeed]

Thanks Bill - better late than never!

I had really been hoping to see something more from you 2 weeks ago based on your first entries... I liked them better than this one. (see comments from 14-Dec)

This one is too much a text logo and does not have the "iconic simplicity" I am seeking in the Petpal logo. :)

Thanks for having another go at it,
-Alain

[velospeed]

Happy New Year everyone!

I just wanted to update those of you that have submitted an idea for the Petpal logo or have followed this very creative progress.

I have been collecting opinions from various groups and am also getting feedback via a webform (see below) where people can rate each design and comment on them as well.

I will be choosing the winning design early next week.
cheers,
-Alain

ps - I might request a minor modification to one of the designs during the weekend b/c I am getting a lot of the same feedback on it.


<img src='http://www.thepetpal.com/images/ideas/contest_screenshot.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[KellyB]

excellent :)

Let us know when you have decided :)

Hope you have had a great xmas and new year!

[dbenton25]

Thanks for the update Alain! Happy new year!

[velospeed]

By the way, here's a page with the 12 ideas that made it past the first cut and are being voted on for the winning design.
http://www.thepetpal.com/contest/logo_ideas.htm

I am starting a contest later today for a new logo for NHcondo.NET, my vacation property up in NH's White Mountains. If anyone wants to get a headstart, have a look at the site. I want to make a refrigerator magnet using the new logo.

thanks,
-Alain

[velospeed]

Mark Beaudry:

Lots of very positive feedback coming in on your design, however many people are saying they'd wish a cat was included as well. The consensus is that it might alienate some cat owners.

The decision has been narrowed down to 2 designs. A cat would make a great addition to your idea; would you be willing and able to modify it by Monday?

thanks,
-Alain

<img src='http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/uploads/post-4-1072202354.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Mark]

Sure. No problem. ;)

[Mark]

Here you go! :)

[hheine]

Mark: :tup:

[velospeed]

Mark;

Excellent - thanks!
-Alain

[velospeed]

Hi all;

Just wanted to update you with the feedback I'm getting on the logo designs in case anyone wants to modify further.

While the decision has not yet been made on which design wins, two clear leaders have emerged based on the large number of people that have looked at the ideas.

Mark Beaudry's design is in 1st place and two of David Benton's designs are very close behind in a dead-heat for 2nd place. Women usually prefer Mark's design, men usually prefer one of David's ideas (or Raja's, but see comments).

<img src='http://www.thepetpal.com/images/ideas/beaudry_small.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
David's hand design and Mark's design were tied until yesterday when Mark's was updated to include the cat. Since then, the overall rating on Mark's idea has gone up but there has been much feedback that the cat is "too curvy" or "cluttered." This can probably be resolved easily... it's obvious that people like it more now that a cat is included. Some have also said the font is not as good as the others. Personally, I feel that a simpler cat might work better... especially after reducing the logo to 150 pixels.


<img src='http://www.thepetpal.com/images/ideas/benton_hand_red_small.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
David's hand design has been popular but there has also been consistent feedback that it conveys "stop" or "no" or "a controlling hand" or that it looks more like a logo for a shelter than a pet-sitter. I can't think of any way to fix that; I think this "weakness" is a by-product of the design's strength. David, any thoughts?

<img src='http://www.thepetpal.com/images/ideas/benton_pets_small.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
David's design w/ the dog and cat (& bird) has been getting more popular over the last 24 hours. I haven't gotten any critical comments on it however (like the others) so it may be a come from behind winner. ???


<img src='http://www.thepetpal.com/images/ideas/raja_small.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
Also worth noting, many have expressed that they love Raja's dog/cat but that the logo looks like "a prescription drug logo" or "heartworm medication." I have been amazed at how many comments include mention of this. Some say it's the color scheme, others think it's the font that creates this association. Many think that the "professional pet care" looks very much like the scientific name often included under a drug's brand name. Raja, I think a variation of your logo would be very popular but time is now a big factor. I want to make a decision by Tuesday.

OK everyone, thanks for the great work you've all done. At this point, as great as the other designs are, it's becoming clear that the winning design should emerge from one of the designs shown above.

cheers,
-Alain

[KellyB]

Good Luck to whoever wins :)

[velospeed]

<img src='http://www.thepetpal.com/images/thepetpal_logo.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
By the way, I forgot to mention that the current logo - strangely enough - actually has more 1st place votes than any of the designs submitted.

Many comments have suggested just adding a cat to the current logo or asked why the logo is changing at all b/c it's the best idea. (except for the one lady that thought it was dangerous to portray a dog tangled in a leash... but she was also concerned that Mark's logo portrayed a cat playing w/ yarn. then she told me that her cat died from playing w/ yarn and choking on it so now I understand her concerns better)

I'm curious to know why nobody submitted a better version of the current logo? Unwilling due to lack of originality? Inability to locate similar artwork? Conflict w/ the DO protocol that each designer not submit a design similar to another DO designer's idea?

[Palmer]

<!--QuoteBegin-velospeed+Jan 4 2004, 04:20 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (velospeed @ Jan 4 2004, 04:20 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <img src='http://www.thepetpal.com/images/ideas/raja_small.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
Also worth noting, many have expressed that they love Raja's dog/cat but that the logo looks like "a prescription drug logo" or "heartworm medication." I have been amazed at how many comments include mention of this. Some say it's the color scheme, others think it's the font that creates this association. Many think that the "professional pet care" looks very much like the scientific name often included under a drug's brand name. Raja, I think a variation of your logo would be very popular but time is now a big factor. I want to make a decision by Tuesday. [/b][/quote]
They might be associating it with the Sentinel Logo (http://www.petwellness.com/dog_sent_home.asp). Not really close in my opinion but I guess if you work with pets all your life, certain logos stick in you mind :)

[velospeed]

That's a possiblity Palmer.. although many of these comments are coming from people that don't even have pets.

While I have your ear, I would like to increase the prize in this contest to $150 and include $25 for 2nd place. Is this possible? The work here is awesome and I really wish I could offer more. Can you change the thread subject to reflect the larger prize and deadline of 7-jan-03?

Let me know. If so, I'll send the money immediately.

thanks,
-Alain

[Palmer]

That would be nice. As long as there would be nothing expected to be delivered for the second place prize it would be a nice gesture.

You can pay the extra $75 through the "post a contest" page, just skip the part that says to post your contest on the forum. I'll know what the payment is for. I will edit your title and make an announcement when the payment has been received. Here is a link to that page...

http://www.designoutpost.com/post.htm

Thanks :)

[velospeed]

2nd place is for nothing more than to show my appreciation to the designers here.

The money has been sent... it came from Attacom.

thanks,
-Alain

[KellyB]

I dont think the existing logo was changed much cos of the copyright of the dalmation... plus we all want to show how much work we put in to win.. not just change something that already exists :)

Am very impressed by the prize money rise - there arent many people out there that would do that :) good on you :)

[Bill]

I'm sure the current logo's dalmation is a rip off of Disney's 101 Dalmations. That's why the designers stayed away from that. You don't want to mess with Disney.

[Mark]

Here's some adapts of my current logo. :)

Mark

[Palmer]

Payment received and title edited to reflect the new prize amount.

Thank you :)

[velospeed]

Hi Mark;

Thanks! I like the addition of the line; it's cool and makes the dog's placement more appropriate too. I love the paw in the .com, it's perfect.

The cat is simpler and cleaner, but it looks a bit lion-like. Any way you could make it a lil' cuter? The snout might be a bit strong and the tail might look better if it got narrower at the end. Or maybe you have a better idea?

Could you try a cat in a playful stance like this w/ the front legs stretched? (or maybe as one comment suggested, using the P as a scratch-post?)
<img src='http://www.thepetpal.com/images/ideas/cat_kitten.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

thanks!
-Alain

[velospeed]

<!--QuoteBegin-KellyB+Jan 4 2004, 03:48 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (KellyB @ Jan 4 2004, 03:48 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Am very impressed by the prize money rise - there arent many people out there that would do that :)&nbsp; good on you :)[/b][/quote]
:D thanks Kelly!

[dbenton25]

Am very impressed by the prize money rise - there arent many people out there that would do that&nbsp; good on you

I agree. Extremely cool of you Alain! B)

[Mark]

Here's some additional revisions. :)

[Raja]

I'm working the same concept as before, bit a little less prescribed this time :woot:

[KellyB]

Mark - I love the logo of the cat rubbing his bottom on the "P"!!!

Very playful :)

[velospeed]

Hi Mark;

Thanks for the revisions. The first one is definitely simpler which is what I was after, but there's something about it I don't like. I appreciate the effort but prefer the lion-looking cat over these. It may be the posture or the all white or perhaps the eyes. Not sure. :bash: I'm being picky and it's a difficult illustration but this cat doesn't sit well with me. I think giving it some color like the 2nd cat would be a good start but I don't know if that would be enough.

The second cat is definitely out. It has inspired too many blank stares and obsecene comments already. :o It'd be great if everyone looked at it like Kelly, but that's not what I'm getting back from people. The placement, however, fits well.

I really like what you've done w/ the paint stroke and wonder if you could somehow incorporate it (or some other style line) w/ the . in .com? It would allow both a long horizontal logo (like the bottom two) as well as a tighter logo when width-space is limited.

The dog is a big hit; almost everyone surveyed likes him a lot. :tup: Even if it's not their favorite logo, that one consistently ranks up there.

cheers,
-Alain

[velospeed]

Hi David;

As much as I love your hand design, I think I'm going to have to pass on it. This is a tough decision b/c it has been my favorite, but negative associations w/ the hand continues to roll in; people are just not getting the concept. It's a bummer but that's why I took it to the people in the first place.

On a brighter note, the dog/cat is very popular and the only negative feedback coming in is that the bird makes it noisy. (most prefer the non-bird version) We'll have to either ditch the bird (please, cover your African Gray's eyes) or reduce the size of it.

:)
-Alain

[velospeed]

Raja;

I am almost fearful of the anticipation. :unsure:

I know what you're capable of b/c your designs are among the best I've ever seen. Please don't turn this competition upside down at the very last minute... give us what you've got.

thanks!
-Alain

[Mark]

Ok. I think the main problem with the cat is that it was an afterthought and therefore did not jive with the rest of the logo. So what I've done is try to match the style of the dog as close as possible while retaining the look of a cat. Now we have a happy dog and a very content cat that are thrilled to be apart of PetPal! :D

Cheers,
mark

[KellyB]

A couple more ideas for you...

[KellyB]

and one more...

[velospeed]

Mark;

:tup: Yaaaay - much better!

I think this cat is what everyone's been looking for; it's certainly what I was seeking. I am now comfortable narrowing the final decision down between this and David's dog/cat/bird design.

I would like to see the cat smaller than the dog but I'll leave it up to you to determine whether that means increasing the dog or shrinking the cat. The cat's face still looks a bit doggy-like, can you try reducing the snout? How about eyeballs?

I like the line but would still like to see you modify as I commented yesterday. The .com is sorta' hanging down there by itself. If it's somehow connected to the line, it would probably be a good perch for the dog.

thanks!
-Alain

[velospeed]

Hi Kelly;

Thanks for the additional ideas. I prefer the earlier rendition that you made of Tyson but honestly don't have it in me to try and tweak this idea into a final version. I've gotten such a great response to both Mark's design and David's design that I am really looking forward to making the final decision from amongst those two.

Your designs w/ Tyson and Kina are definitely the sentimental favorites, hands down. :wub:

thanks!
-Alain

[ElKootcho]

Women usually prefer Mark's design, men usually prefer one of David's ideas (or Raja's

One way to narrow this down is to simply take a look at your client demographics and figure out who you're trying to cater to. Does most of your work come through men or women? (of course if it's close to 50/50 that won't help much! :blink: )

[Mark]

Hi Alain,

I'm glad you like the last version. I'll be happy to make the last modifications once I'm declared the winner. :D

[dbenton25]

Hi Alain,

This concept just came to me while I was washing dishes (and thinking about your competition). I was trying to figure out how to balance the human/animal equation without using the "stop" hand and without cluttering the image with too many animals. I think it's important to have a human element in your logo since your business is all about you relationships with owners and their pets. If it's iconic simplicity you are after, I think this design says it with the smallest amount visual vocabulary. I hope I/'m not throwing a wrench into the machine at this point... I know you are trying to make a decision. Anyway, I thought it was worth showing you this. If you like the concept, but want to see some tweaks, just let me know.

Thank you Alain, B)

BTW... If you give me a profile photo of yourself, I can place you in there instead. :yes:

[KellyB]

no worries :) just thought I'd give it a go in some spare time I had :)

[velospeed]

'scuse me Mark? :huh:

Please realize that I'm going to attempt those changes myself b/c I want the final decision (which is being made by the 50+ people who have already voted) to be based on what I want, not what I'll settle for.

-Alain

[velospeed]

Hi David;

Thank you very much, I am flattered that Petpal was on your mind while doing the dishes!

I appreciate the additional idea but I think it would lead to more "why no cat?" issues. Besides, putting my profile in there would surely lead to Petpal's demise!

I like your other idea with the dog and cat much better and it's been very popular with everyone so let's stick with it.

thanks!
-Alain

[Mark]

:)

[dbenton25]

Okay... just thought I'd let you see it. B)

[velospeed]

Thanks Mark. I updated the site w/ the following version this AM. <img src='http://www.thepetpal.com/images/ideas/petpal_beaudry_jaf_300.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
(sorry, didn't see your post until noon)

The feedback I've gotten back so far is that it looks like a cat now although he does not look very happy. :sean: I'll update it w/ your version, maybe the cat will feel a lil' happier to everyone.

thanks!
-Alain

#1: <img src='http://www.thepetpal.com/images/ideas/petpal_beaudry_6jan.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' /> #2: <img src='http://www.thepetpal.com/images/ideas/petpal_beaudry_7jan.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Mark]

After seeing your version. I noticed that the snout on my cat may be still a little too large. I've revise it and now I think it looks much better. :D

[dbenton25]

Hi Alain,

I'm really glad you pushed me on this one. After visualizing this concept over and over in my head, I think I have come up with the solution. By softening the curves of the hand and giving it a gentle cupped gesture, I think it far more effectively expresses the relationship between person and pet. I've added just a tiny bit of perspective to the pet paw as well. I think all together, it makes a more natural, expressive and appropriate logo for you. And yay! you get your cupped hand! :woot: I think this logo works better than all my other designs for you put together. Of course that's just my opinion... :innocent: Let me know what you think. :D

[velospeed]

David;

Thank you. It looks excellent and the initial feedback is very positive. :tup:

Personally, I agree with you... this version is your best. The hand is kinda' stretched, please reduce its width to 85% of current.

Also, can you show it in the following web-ready colors?
gray #999999
purple #9966CC
blue #6666FF
green #339999
(this logo won't be caught red-handed anymore) :geek:

That should be all we need to polish this one up and put it out for vote.

Unfortunately, my schedule has gone crazy over the last 48 hours so the final decision on the logo will have to wait until next week.

Thanks for giving it one more go!
-Alain

[velospeed]

David

ps: I'm not sure whether I like the perspective on the paw b/c it looks disproportionate. I'd appreciate seeing the original paw or a less rounded bottom part to it. (the trianglular section)

thanks!
-Alain

[dbenton25]

Hi Alain,

I spent a long time getting the original to look "good", so I've actually tried your suggestions previously.

In example number one below I made the changes you requested. I think the hand is too squashed and the paw looks unaturally stuck on the side.

In example 2 I've tried to make a comprimise with the changes you requested. The designer in me has to insist that the paw match the perspective of the hand in order to look "right".

Let me know if you agree that example two looks better and I'll make those color choices for you.

Thank you, B)

[dbenton25]

It just occured to me you meant this kind of reduction in width. :wacko:

[velospeed]

Hi David;

That last one is it... why'd you only go down to 90%? (intentional?) I prefer the paw better that way. (as you like it)

I'd love to see color options!

thanks,
-Alain

[dbenton25]

I tried 85% but it looked stubby... I'll get you those color choices. B)

[dbenton25]

Hi Alain,

Here are the color choices you requested. Keep in mind that the color choices you requested are web specific and, if you like one, we'll have to find a PANTONE color for print that matches it closely.

Thank you, B)

[velospeed]

Hi David;

Thanks for the color options; they look great. I saw them yesterday and have been collecting feedback since. I thought I'd posted that I will make the decision next week but I must not have hit submit.

Yeah, I gave you the color numbers b/c I couldn't think of a better way to get the exact shades that I had on my screen. I am out of town at the moment so have fresh eyes looking at everything, which is great.

thanks!
-Alain

[velospeed]

Hi guys;

I wanted to drop a quick note to let you know that my silence is not from lack of interest on the logo. It's more from indecision b/c all the feedback that that came in (a whole lot) has created a conundrum.

OK, so classes started last week so maybe that also has something to do with it too. :unsure: I will let you know how we plan to proceed soon. Sorry for the delays.

cheers,
-Alain

[Palmer]

<!--QuoteBegin-velospeed+Jan 21 2004, 07:41 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (velospeed @ Jan 21 2004, 07:41 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Hi guys;

I wanted to drop a quick note to let you know that my silence is not from lack of interest on the logo. It's more from indecision b/c all the feedback that that came in (a whole lot) has created a conundrum. [/b][/quote]
Been there, done that, don't want to go back :)

[dbenton25]

It's more from indecision b/c all the feedback that that came in

Here's a small morsel of humble advice... :rolleyes: Just make sure that you choose the logo YOU want. It's great to get other people's opinions, but your logo is YOUR logo and no matter what design you choose, you'll never please everybody. :blink: The bottom line is that if you feel that a particular design represents you and your company well, then go for it; Because when it comes to YOUR logo, nobody else's opinion is as important as YOURS. :D

Just my 2 cents... I feel your pain.:bash: You have a ton of great submissions to choose from, so good luck and godspeed!

-Dave

[Mark]

Here... I'll make it easier on you. :lol:

[velospeed]

:tup: :tup: :tup:

I love it!

Mark - ironically enough, your cartoon represents exactly what is going on with that logo! The cat IS killing the dog! Actually, he's killing me too.

That design is the favorite design, hands-down. For each person that prefers one of the other ideas, there's at least 2 that prefer your design (without the noose). That part of the decision is simple; the public wants "fun," not "corporate." However, a majority of the feedback includes criticism on your logo, saying that the cat does not appear happy or funny like the dog. Many are also saying that your design feels crowded b/c of the cat. But EVERYONE loves the dog!

I too felt that the cat was not as "cute" as the dog and that it (especiallythe face) made the logo feel a bit crowded. So I removed the cat again and went back to the polls. And you all know what happened next.... EVERYONE starts screaming "why no cat?????!!!" They had more rage than Howard Dean after the Iowa caucuses! Then the dog/cat design from David Benton became the most popular yet that design is my least favorite of the three. (sorry David :( )

That cat is a two-headed monster, he must be stopped!

So... what to do from here? I either choose one of the less popular designs that do not have much (if any) negative association or I beg Mark to go back to the drawing board and make the cat as cute as the dog. Mark, I'm not too proud too beg. :-) Your earlier design where the cat was peeking up from behind Petpal would've been great had the cat looked less like a lion. But from there, you went with the white cat that was on top of Petpal; it also could've worked but the "style" was just too much of a contrast from the dog.

Mark - I will understand if you need to move on; that's just the way things go sometimes. The other designs are awesome too and I will not feel that I am settling, but rather that I am making the decision on my own. But if you can relate to the feedback that has come in and think you have it in you to give us a happy cat, please do it b/c I think we would be so much closer to world peace with that logo.

:help: Don't do it for me or Petpal, do it for all of us... help save the world!

thanks!
-Alain

[Mark]

Wow! Well said! I couldn't agree with you more. I don't know what it is but I can't seem to get the cat right. I think it's because 1. I'm not a cat person and 2. The cat is an after thought. Even if I do the cat purrfect I think it will still make the logo too busy. But... not is all lost... I think I have a way to get the cat in there that might make everyone happy. Give me a little time and I will show you what's up my sleeve. And, if that does'nt work, I'll put that noose around my neck! :lol:

[designmarket]

too too funny! go CAT :D

[velospeed]

Mark;

Thanks for your willingness to perfect the cat!

Take your time rolling up the sleeves... I am going to NH for the weekend so will have limited Internet access anyhow.

cheers!
-Alain

[Mark]

Alain if you're still around, here's one of the ideas that I had in mind. I did it quickly so if you like the idea, I can tweak the cat's face up a bit.

Obviously the dog is showing off a pic of his buddy the cat, but who knows, the way it's going, maybe somebody may think the dog is eating the cat?? :blink: :lol:

[ElKootcho]

Do cats ever really look happy? :P

[designmarket]

That dog is eating that cat.. the cat is not happy..call the RSPCA now! :huh:

[velospeed]

Hi Mark;

Thanks for posting so fast but I was already out the door. It's a good try but sorry, I don't really like it. Cat's have 9 lives, right? Hopefully we haven't used up all of them b/c I've gotta' keep the cat people happy too.

Thanks!
-Alain

[velospeed]

Mark;

There are greeting cards that have "happy cats" on them... I'm going hunting for them later today and will scan and post them on Monday (assuming I find some).

Until then, maybe this will help...

<img src='http://www.empowerment.com/pets/happy%20cat.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

There's something about your dog that makes him look so fun and happy yet remain so clean and simple. That's what we need for a cat, even if just showing a face. Then, in my opinion, the logo can have both pets yet not feel crowded. I'll find something to use as additional reference.

Cheers!
-Alain

[Mark]

Here you go! One happy cat!!! :D

[rlevant]

:tup:

[hheine]

:tup: Way to go Mark ! Perfect !

[rlevant]

Though if you had the HAPPY_ cat_ hang the dog

THAT would be really perfect :D
:tup:

[velospeed]

Mark;

Thank you very much for this new cat. I wish I could agree with the others here but that cat isn't doing it for me either. :crying: I really think you can nail this b/c you did it w/ the dog. So I'll try to point out what feels right and what does not feel right...

I saw several "happy cat" illustrations on greeting cards and cat treats last night and a common element was the small triangular nose and line coming straight down from it. You've done that on this cat's face which is a great start. But I think the way you have it rounding out into a wide snout is making it feel less like a cat and more like a lion/tiger. Cats have a small nose and snout and bigger eyes and ears... I seem to prefer illustrations that reflect this more. The same goes for the overall width and shape of the cat's head. I would rather see a smaller, more traditional looking head w/ proportionately larger ears.

For example, look at Kina below... see how a cat's ears are usually about 1/2 the size of their head? OK, maybe Kina's ears are a bit oversized but hopefully you can see what I mean! The key elements are triangular ears w/ lines from a small triangular nose up to larger, angled eyes. You had some of this on an earlier cat.

I do not think the cat's body is helping us here; it's distracting. The arms are 3x the length of the dog's arms and the legs/paws just look funny on him.

I really enjoyed your earlier cat that was peering out from behind "Petpal" and had his paws on the letters. The face was just a little off but close enough that it could work w/ some adjustment. I think that cat was the best mix of fun and simplicity without crowding the logo. Can you play with that cat some more?


thanks!
-Alain

<img src='http://thepetpal.com/images/petpics/kina_condo.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[designmarket]

If I may :) -- but seriously does the dog really look like a *dog*.. shouldn't cat be as fun as dog?

[Palmer]

Alain, maybe you should decide which one you like the best and choose that one. Isn't it your business? We are already at the longest thread with the most pages and the most entries in the history of this site.

This is not a demand, just a request :)

Thanks

[rlevant]

Oh man I just looked through this thread

WOWSA


http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/upload...-1073496721.gif (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/uploads/post-4-1073496721.gif)

http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/upload...-1074868719.gif (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/uploads/post-4-1074868719.gif)

http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/upload...-1074977334.gif (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/uploads/post-4-1074977334.gif)


Of Mark's I'd personally take one of these



Well you know which *I* would take :lol:

[Mark]

Hi Alain, here's my last "kick at the cat" so to speak. After this, I'm all pussied out! Hope you like it. :)

Mark

[rlevant]

OH WOW


purrrrrrrrrrrrr

[velospeed]

Thank Palmer. :stupid: Yes, it is my business and I have decided which logo I would like best... I just can't seem to get the right cat worked into it. I loved cats until this project.

It's not easy to keep telling someone that you don't like what they've created and it's even harder asking them to please try again. I would not have asked unless it was important enough to me and I though it was also within reach.

Anyway, I'll wrap it up for you.
-Alain

[velospeed]

Mark:

:D Thank you! :D

-Alain

[designmarket]

From an outside point of view.. I really really feel that the cat and dog on the logo here (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/uploads/post-4-1073496721.gif) are really nicely balanced and integrated in the logo and that the style (sort of not too realistic) for both animals is spot on..

The logo has a holistic and fun look

Hope that helps... :)

[rlevant]

I am not clear did Mark win? which entry was picked?

[Palmer]

Thanks Alain, I didn't mean to make it sound like I was asking you to settle for something you weren't happy with. It appeared as if you were being influenced heavily by the opinions of others.

I think it's great that you are getting other opinions but what I was getting at is don't let their opinions influence you to make a decision you are not happy with. It sounded like you were getting frustrated and I was trying to help remind you that it is your business and the decision on which design is chosen should be mostly yours.

Didn't mean to come down as being heavy handed. :(

[velospeed]

Hello Mark;

Your work here has been outta' sight but most certainly not outta' mind. I have decided that I like your Petpal dog too much to bail on him just b/c the cat is not as cute. My buddy equates that to ignoring a beautiful woman in a bar simply b/c her girlfriend is not as attractive. :huh:

I really hope that you have some patience left b/c I'd like to use your logo if we can make a few changes.

I had preferred the cat peeking from behind Petpal but the last one you did looked kinda' "alien-ish." So instead, I think the cat you did below feels like the best one to pursue b/c the changes are simple. I am hoping you can can clean up the face a bit. Maybe some smoother lines in the ears and a change to the eyes. (what? got me. just something a lil' different) Additionally, the hind/tail area feels very crowded and noisy so I'd like to see smoother lines and a narrower tail too. The top paw is OK but the bottom one needs to either be more defined or more obstructed. It would also be great if we could see the paw pad(s).

I would also prefer the cat be a lil' smaller than the dog... maybe 80% of what it is now? I'd rather not have the cat cover too much of the text.

thanks!
-Alain

<img src='http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/uploads/post-4-1073172383.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Mark]

Here you go Alain...

Happy Friday the "Lucky" Thirteenth! :D

[Palmer]

That has got to be the winner. Great job with the kitty cat. :tup:

[AlexKogan]

Mark, it's your turn to crack me up :lol: :lol: :lol:
LOVE the kitty :tup: :lol: :clap:

[annia]

Adoreable kitty kat :D

[KellyB]

I want a kitten!!!!

:tup: Mark!

[velospeed]

Mark

VERY NICE! :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup:

We are 99% there... the face is PERFECT.

Will post more tomorrow.

THANKS!
-Alain

[velospeed]

Hi Mark;

We've all been celebrating here today... everyone loves the cat and is thrilled that Petpal will be represented by our feline friends now too!

So for starters, our decision has been made and Mark's design will be the new logo. David Benton's design (the cupped hand) takes a VERY close 2nd place. Palmer, please award the 2nd place prize to David w/ my sincere appreciation. David, thanks so much for your efforts on the logo; I know how much time you put into it and I really appreciate your perseverance. I would like to use your dog/cat/bird design for another project and will contact you personally to discuss it further.

Now for this logo, there are a few minor things I'd like to do before finalizing it for use. Mark, if you'd prefer to do this via email, that's fine... just let me know. These are the changes:
-cat's bum is kinda big, please make it a lil' smaller (less pronounced line too)
-cat's tail is kinda stubby, please make it narrower and possibly longer
-please make the ball a bit smaller, it blends w/ the cat and doesn't appear round
-any way to incorporate the cool red line you used earlier?

Also, you used some other fonts on 3-Jan that I think were easier to read (esp. your version 4). Can you show this logo w/ some other fonts? (if that saves you time, don't worry about changing the angled "l") Also, I'm very fond of the fonts in #1, #7 & #8 here (http://www.thepetpal.com/contest/logo_ideas_explained.htm) if that helps.

Mark, if any of this requires too much time, please let me know and I can try to do it myself. We are so very happy about the cat's face, thanks so much for giving it one more go!

cheers,
-Alain

[dbenton25]

Yay!!! Finally a winner! Congrats Mark, you really deserve it. And thank you Alain, I have no problem with second place. I'm glad you got exactly what you wanted.

Woohoo! :party:

[AlexKogan]

Mark, David :clap: :clap: :party: :drink: :D
twas somethin'! :lol:

(hey, Mark, I simply cannot look at this nasty cat without laughing out loud! :lol: )

[velospeed]

Mark;

You have forever cured my fear of the number 13; it is now my LUCKY NUMBER!

Thanks,
-Alain

[Mark]

Thanks everyone and congrats David on your second place finish!

Alain I will have these changes for you shortly. Please PM me your email so I can send them direct to you.

Cheers
Mark