$115 Prize - Computer/IT Service Business Logo

[ITMatrix]

(Admin code added by Palmer - 8647612)

Hi Everyone,

Am in the process of starting my own Computer/IT Service business. I came across this site while browsing for ideas and I have seen some seriously incredible logos.

My business will specialise is servicing the small business with services they thought were only available to the larger corporations with large price tags.

Company name: ITMatrix
Slogan: Corporate Solutions for the Small Business

I would like to logo to have a corporate/professional look and feel.

Other names that I considered to give you an idea of what I have been thinking are ITAdvantage, ITDynamics, ITServ and ITEssentials.

The logo needs to be universal, something I can use on our vehicles, business cards, letter heads, clothing etc. I would also like to have a Icon associated with the logo that I can use separately if required.

I'm not passionate about the colors used, but I would like the logo to stand out, especially on the vehicles. I was thinking of Orange... and anything that you think goes with it. The vehicles will be silver.

Thankyou all in advance.

[Palmer]

Just to clarify, is the deadline April 3rd or March 4th?

Thanks :)

[Mowling]

Hello...here is a concept to get things started...let me know of any revisions you would like.

thanks,
Matt

[ITMatrix]

The End Date it the 4th March

Thanks ;)

[graphxguy]

Can you possibly upload an image of the truck so we can see what the silver color looks like? It would be very helpful so we can choose an appropriate color to design with and be sure that it's going to show up well.

Thanks.

[graphxguy]

Here's my entry. I'll also be submitting some more concepts.

Looking forward to your comments and suggestions.

Thanks.

[Goodhaus]

ITMatrix, please review and notify of changes, Thank you :)

[dbenton25]

Hi ITMatrix,

Here's my concept for your logo. Corporate, but distinct and sharp. The "x" forms a matrix and provides a way to visually connect the name of the company with the logo. (A common strategy designers use to make a company's name and logo more memorable).

Please let me know if you think I'm headed in the right direction. I'll be happy to make any changes you'd like to see.

Thank you,

-Dave B)

[graphxguy]

Here's another idea.

Looking forward to your comments and suggestions.

Thanks.

[ITMatrix]

Thanks everyone, There have really been some great ideas (and this is only kicking thing off) :tup:

Well, Lets get started;

Mowling:
I really like the look of the business name and slogan. I'm not to sure how keen I am on the actual Icon... Could you work on the Icon a little more? What I would prefer is if you just use one instance on the Icon, maybe just keep the Icon as part of business name like you have done with the "M" and remove the larger Icon. Could you perhaps do 4 variations for me:
1. The icon with a circle around it in the name and the "atrix" in lower case.
2. The icon with a circle around it in the name and the "atrix" in upper case.
3. The icon without the circle and the "atrix" in lower case.
4. The icon without the circle and the "atrix" in uppercase case.

graphxguy:
I will try get some images on the vehicle when I get home from work tonight and post them tomorrow.

I would say I'm leaning more to your 2nd posting, where the Icon is the dot in the "I". I still trying to decide whether I like the font or not though ... it looks very "Star Warsy". I do like the orange version. Can you please give me 2 more variations:
1. The design in your 2nd posting with a different font ... maybe something with sharper edges.
2. The 2nd design option again, but change the icon with the icon from your 1st posting and the business name and slogan to match.

G)(G:
I think the business name gets lost in the logo a bit. I would prefer the Business name to really stand out. I like the orange you have used, that is the orange I have in mind. The font is also a bit dated I think, I would say stay with the font that has the digital feeling to it, remove the background, place some more emphasis on the name and could you incorporate an icon of some sorts? a icon that is part of the name but as dbenton25 said, something to form a connection with the business...



dbenton25:
I really like your concept and the fonts you have chosen, I especially like the way you have emphasised the IT and the way you have put them together. I don't think there is much I would change. Could you keep the IT in black, and use a strong orange for the matrix. Just for curiosity though, could you reduce the size on the "matrix" extent the arm of the "T" to cross over the top on the "matrix" to the "X".

General:
Just a thought. Could someone submit an option where the "T" in iT and maTrix is common? I have attached a simple image of what I mean.

Keep up the excellent work.

[Raja]

hi

[Raja]

trying to get IT to morph into M here...

[ITMatrix]

Hey Raja, I'm really buying into your ideas ... I like both postings but leaning toward the 1st posting more. They are simple, effective and give that professional image.

I like your idea of trying to morph the IT into the M, could play around with that idea a little more. I like the font in the business name, but feel like I am loosing the "IT". Don't change anything in the business name but try build some emphasis for the IT into the icon and make it more solid.

[Mowling]

Hello...here are the revisions...let me know of anymore you would like.

thanks,
M@

[graphxguy]

2. The 2nd design option again, but change the icon with the icon from your 1st posting and the business name and slogan to match.

I'm sorry but I'm a little confused. Could you please clarify what you want? It sounds like you want a the first icon to go with whatever font changes I make on the second design. Is that right?

Thanks.

[Goodhaus]

ITMatrix, please let me know if this revision is heading in the right direction and any changes. :)

[ITMatrix]

Mowling:

I think stay with everything in uppercase. I also prefer the options with the solid line through the middle. I'm still not sure about the "M" Icon. Could you give me a few more options with variations to the "M" in matrix and maybe make the IT bolder.

[ITMatrix]

graphxguy:

Umm, if you could use the icon from your 1st posting to replace the icon in the 2nd posting and then work something into the business name that will work with this Icon.

Let me try explain another way... I would like you to stay with the concept of your 2nd posting. The characteristics that I like are:
1. The larger font used,
2. The Icon forming a dot in the "I"
3. The "IT" font variation to the "matrix"

So in general if you could give me the 2 variations:
1. Your 2nd posting with a change to the font in "matrix"
2. Your 2nd posting again with the icon change and the full business name change with the font to fit in with the Icon.

I think I might even be confusing myself now so I'll stop there... if you are still puzzled let me know attach some sketches for you.

[ITMatrix]

G)(G

I like the Icon, but I think we need to do a full 180 degree on the Font. I don't know if the digital thing is working, could you try find a font that is more corporate looking. I would like to portray a corporate and professional image to the logo. Could you also shorten the vertical length on the "T" to be slightly lower than the matrix. It might also be interesting if the left arm of the "T" extend to the end of the matrix giving the logo more of a square formal shape. Then finally could you move the slogan to a single line under the logo, I would also like the length of the slogan to match the length of the Icon and logo combination.

[Mowling]

Hello...here are some new variated concepts. The first obiviously...the Icon at top is forming an "M". The second concept the blocked images forms the letters ITM in an ambiguous way...and the last concept is using a unique-looking font instead of having an iconic logo. Let me know of any revisions.

thanks,
M@

[Tonya]

<img src='http://www.frobo.com/graphic_work/itmatrix/itmatrix1.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[dbenton25]

Matt-

Nice designs! What's the name of the font of the very last submission you made? It's very cool.

-Dave

[Raja]

hi again, something more in-depth, memorable...needs some polishing up though

[Raja]

dubbya

soultions, should be a new word :)

[Mowling]

<!--QuoteBegin-dbenton25+Feb 19 2004, 09:12 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (dbenton25 @ Feb 19 2004, 09:12 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Matt-

Nice designs! What's the name of the font of the very last submission you made? It's very cool.

-Dave [/b][/quote]
Thanks Dave! The font on the last submission is Oeiller Regular...I purchased it from T26.com (http://www.t26.com)

[graphxguy]

Revision set #1.......

[graphxguy]

....and revision set #2.

Looking forward to your comments and feedback.

Thanks.

[dbenton25]

Thx Matt!

[MUTE DESIGN]

Something Different....Stands out from the normal IT designs......
Anthony
MUTE DESIGN
:tup:

[MUTE DESIGN]

On Letterhead... :D

[Goodhaus]

ITMATRIX, here are the changes you requested. Please review and notify of any changes.

[Flava]

My entry

<img src='http://www.flavabox.com/it.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[ITMatrix]

Hi Everyone, Thanks for all the responses. The ideas have all been really great. What I though I would do at this stage is post the designs that have appealed to me most with comments on them. These designs have not been posted in any particular order or preference, but I have been chosen these to show you the type of logo I am looking for. These logos all have the following in common, the designs all have a Icon that I can use independently of the logo, they have that corporate/professional image to them and the logos would fit into a "block" of some sort.

Comments to the other designers that have not been included:

dynagirl:
I know in one of my postings I recommended the use of using a common T, but after seeing some of the other designs I'm not sure if it stands up to the other concepts used.

mute designs:
It's nice to see someone trying something totally different, but I don't think it is for me. It gives the impression of a computer retail shop. My business will be offering ITservices only and will not be involved with retial, this is also one of the main reasons why I avoided the word "computer" in my business name.

G)(G:
As I posted to dynagirl, I know I recommended the common T, but in relation to the designs posted I thing I prefer a the "block" look to the logo and separate wording. I do still like your icon you have used, although I have had many comments saying the icon looks like a "four leaf clover", would you be able to segment the icon/matrix into more segments? and then use the format "icon"ITMATRIX with the slogan as a line underneath.

Flava,
One of my biggest concerns is the size of the icon. There is too much emphasis on the icon compared to the business name. If the Icon was on top the business name I would like it to fit the length of the business name (as you have done), but if you increased the size on the name, you would need to increase the size of the icon and have the same problem. Maybe using a shorter Icon, more emphasis on the business name. I would also like to see the slogan incorporated into the design.

Thankyou for everyone's efforts to date...

[ITMatrix]

As previously promised, I have posted a image of the vehicle that will be used for the business.

:blink: But please note :blink: , I would prefer if you could place your designs on a white background. I am predominantly looking for a design to use on letter heads, business cards, advertising etc. If I need to change the colours slightly to suite advertising on the car then I can do so separately. But the concept needs to work on white paper first.

[graphxguy]

Here are the revisions. Sorry it took a while. I thought I had posted them already. :blink:

Looking forward to your comments and suggestions.

Thanks.

[Raja]

here's something with a smaller mark... I T M

[ITMatrix]

graphxguy:
Thankyou for you last postings, they look great. However, :P (there's always one...) could you please do me one more favour. A colleague of mine made a comment which I think could work quite nicely. Could you place the icon behind then "m"? The final Icon will be you original icon with a M overlay.

Raja:
Not sure if that is working either. I think it might be best to keep your 1st posting :tup: . Could you please send me you 1st posting on a white background. I would also like to see this posting in three colour variations:
1. Deep blue logo
2. Red Logo
3. Original Orange logo

Thanks again

[beatz]

Hi,

here is a suggestion - feedback appreciated :)

Thanks,

Frank

[graphxguy]

Here are the revisions you requested.......I think. :huh:

I'm not sure if this is what you had in mind.

Looking forward to your comments and suggestions.

Thanks.

[Raja]

here are some, I feel, improvements to the symmetry of the logo.

[ITMatrix]

beatz:

Thanks for joining in on the competition and welcome. The concepts you have used look good, I'm just not sure about the light bulb... makes the company look like an electrical contractor type company.

Out of the options presented I would say the 2 on the right.

The top right is good, but feel the Icon (ITM) is too large for the business name. If you were to put a slogan on the logo I would place it underneath the ITMATRIX but it would then be too small to read.

The bottom right would be my preferred option as the icon forms that block that I like. In this option:
1. Could you loose the light bulb,
2. Move the slogan to the bottom and try a different font. I'm not saying I don't like the font, would just like to see a variation with the same feel.
3. Make the business name larger.
4. Post 2 variations.
4a. Using a charcoal (slightly darker than the grey you are using)icon, red business name and black slogan
4b. Using a red icon, charcoal business name and black slogan.

[ITMatrix]

graphxguy:

That looks great, the top option is exactly what I was looking for :D . Just a few changes;
1. Could you make the icon smaller so that it doesn't overlap the T and A so much, but still large enough to circle the M
2. Change the shading from top left (brighter) to bottom right (darker). At the moment the darker shading on the lower left blends to much with the black T.
3. Change the slogan to "Corporate Solutions for the Small Business" the "the" was missing.

[ITMatrix]

Raja:

I think we are back on track now, I really like this :D . Could you try the following;
1. Change the vertical lines so that they increase in thickness from left to right.
2. Decrease the gap between the icon and business name to be the same as the gap between the business name and slogan.
2. I have attached a scan of what I think could work. If you have a look at the attached image you will see that I've tried to continue the loop/circle behind the business name, but not beyond the square. Could you apply this Consept to the design? I like this because it brings the business name and icon together. You might have some better ideas on how to improve on the Consept, but the way I would see it working is to bring in a slightly lighter shade (of the logo colour) and use that to create the loop. You can use the red Icon for now.

[Raja]

hmm, wasn't sure what colour to make the extended swoop you illustrated...

[ITMatrix]

Raja:

Thanks Raja, that looks great could you;
1. Use red in the extended swoop and
2. Change the vertical lines in the icon so that they increase in thickness from left to right.

[Tonya]

<img src='http://www.frobo.com/graphic_work/itmatrix/itmatrix2.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[ITMatrix]

dynagirl:

This is nice, I like the B option. Can you however, try a different font. I prefer the square fonts. I also like the fonts for IT and Matrix to be different. Maybe a solid black for the IT and then a blue matrix.

Thanks, I think you have something that could work

[ITMatrix]

Well, well, there we have it, we are in the final days of the competition. The competition end date is this Thursday the 4th March. I will allow up until and including the whole of Thursday for final submissions. I will post the winner on Friday.

Thanks to everyone who has participated so far, It's also not to late to submit a option, dynagirl just submitted a very competitive entry.

I would also like to know if Mowling and dbenton25 are going submit any new variations? I did post some feedback "Feb 22 2004, 05:31 PM" on page 3, but have not had any reply postings from you on these.

As the competition stands there are 5 postings that I will be selecting a winner on. These entries are from (and in no particular order):
Mowling
dbenton25
dynagirl
graphxguy
raja

Final round :box: DING!

[DesignGeneral]

I'm in too :) I'll be back soon with my entry...

[Michael]

<!--QuoteBegin-DesignGeneral+Mar 1 2004, 07:38 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (DesignGeneral @ Mar 1 2004, 07:38 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I'm in too :) I'll be back soon with my entry... [/b][/quote]
It's just down to the finalists now ;) which are:

Mowling
dbenton25
dynagirl
graphxguy
raja


Sorry DG, there are plenty of other contests for you to get your teeth in ;)

[DesignGeneral]

I got it.

Thanks for pointing me this. :)

[graphxguy]

2square & ITMatrix:

Thanks to everyone who has participated so far, It's also not to late to submit a option, dynagirl just submitted a very competitive entry.

It appears that the contest is still open to new submissions/ideas. I think he was just letting us know, as of right now, who the front runners are. Maybe ITMatrix can provide a clarification on this.

Thanks.

[Michael]

Thanks Steven didn't see that :rolleyes: we shall wait for the CH to clarify this ;)

[graphxguy]

ITMatrix:

Just realized that I didn't post my revisions either.

I must say that the logo seems to have lost some of its impact with the icon being moved behind the "M". And my professional advice is to make it more noticeable. I didn't really mean for it to be the dot in the "I" in my first post of the design. I just didn't want it to be centered on the logo anywhere.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. I feel I would be doing you a disservice if I did not offer this type of critique of the design.

Looking forward to your comments and suggestions.

Thanks.

[dbenton25]

Hi ITMatrix,

Sorry it took so long to post the revsions you requested. I've been ridiculously busy lately.

Let me know what you think and if you'd like to see any other revisions.

Thank you,

-Dave B)

[Eagle]

*
Here's my concept :)

[ITMatrix]

graphxguy is quite right. I haven't narrowed this list down to "finalists" only, the competition is still open to all :lol2: . The list is my preference that I would select a winner from, from postings already submitted.

However, the new entries will not have much room to move :huh: , if they can interpret/create a competitive design from my existing comments, I will consider them. BUT my comments to new postings will be limited as I am now looking for final submissions...

[Raja]

hey, according to your revisions

[ITMatrix]

graphxguy:

Thanks graphxguy, these designs are great... No more changes needed :tup:

[ITMatrix]

dbenton25:

Thanks dbenton25, thought we lost you for a while, Option 1 is the design we like :tup: ; for you final submissions could you please:
1. Place the design on a white background
2. Submit a option if a dark red
3. Submit an option in deep blue

[ITMatrix]

Eagle:

Not sure if this is what we will be looking for but thanks for a crack at it anyway

[ITMatrix]

Raja:

The design is looking great, just need a few more changes :D :
1. Could you please submit the design in deep blue
2. We like the changes made to the vertical line by increasing in thickness, could you further this by increasing the line spacing incrementally e.g. || | | |
3. The shadow effect on the icon (from light to dark) is perfect. Could you repeat this, but in reverse for the lower half of the loop (from dark to light) and in addition could you fade the second half of the loop in as you did on your previous posting with the blue loop. No change to the name.

[ITMatrix]

Question:

Will it be possible to get the final design in a psd file (adobe photoshop) format?

[Raja]

<!--QuoteBegin-ITMatrix+Mar 1 2004, 08:35 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (ITMatrix @ Mar 1 2004, 08:35 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Question:

Will it be possible to get the final design in a psd file (adobe photoshop) format? [/b][/quote]
I currently have this logo in vector PSD format, so yes, from me


My final revisions for now

edit* Of course I'll revise spelling :lol:

[dbenton25]

Hi ITMatrix,

Here are the changes you requested. I'll be happy to make any other revisions you'd like to see.

Thank you,

-Dave B)

[Tonya]

<img src='http://www.frobo.com/graphic_work/itmatrix/itmatrix3.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />


<img src='http://www.frobo.com/graphic_work/itmatrix/car3.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Mark]

Here's my entry. :)

[ITMatrix]

Hello Designers;

Well, we have been debating over the entries received so far and we have hit a bit of a hurdle :wacko:. There are two entries that have really appealed to us. We have also played with a few ideas and have found a way to integrate the two entries into a single logo that we be a perfect fit :tup: .

:help: However :help: , I'm not sure of the rules or how to approach this one so I am asking for your opinion / guidance. Our options to you is, would it be possible for us to choose two winners and then have the winners share the prize money 50/50? :blush:

[dbenton25]

ITMtatrix... You should probably just tell us which 2 entries you're considering since it will be up to the individual artist to decide. I've shared contest winnings before, so it's cool with me.

[ITMatrix]

Thanks dbenton25;

The two entries that are being considered are ...

dbenton25 and Raja

This was after much discussion, as all entries are excellent. These two entries however have that edge and strong characteristics for integration.

So on that note, :rolleyes: would our offer be considered?

[dbenton25]

What do you say to a little collaboration Raja? :ph34r: :ninja:

[ITMatrix]

markbeaudry:

Sorry for not replying to you posting. I think you posting does have a lot of potential and could have been considered with some changes. However, due to the timing of the competition we need to make a decision based on the designs as they have been published.

[ITMatrix]

Some more information to Raja and dbenton25;

If you are OK with our proposal, we would like to use the designs in the in the following ways:

1. dbenton25's design would be used just as it is for the design on the vehicles and marketing information.

2. We would like to integrate Raja's icon and slogan and use debenton25's ITMATRIX to replace Raja's ITMATRIX. This works quite nicely as the X is highlighted by the loop in Rajas icon. This would then be our corporate logo for business cards and letter heads.

If you are OK with this, then all we would require is the PSD files for both designs as you have submitted them.

[Raja]

<!--QuoteBegin-dbenton25+Mar 3 2004, 12:34 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (dbenton25 @ Mar 3 2004, 12:34 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> What do you say to a little collaboration Raja? :ph34r: :ninja: [/b][/quote]
sure

[AlexKogan]

Question to the Contest Holder: are the winners declared? :) Do I move the contest to the Revisions Forum so that other designers don't enter it?

[ITMatrix]

Then it that case (I know it's early) but yes, we can declare the competition over ...

The winners are :tup: Raja and dbenton25 :tup: ;

Thanks to everyone who entered. I was (and still am) very impressed with the output/results from this forum. I will be visiting again to host some more competitions and will most definitely recommend this site to others.

Cheers

[ITMatrix]

Raja and dbenton25;

Do I contact you offline for the files or how does it work from here?

[dbenton25]

B) ITMatrix,

Just click on my name "dbenton25" (top left of this message) and shoot me an email. I'll respond to your email and attach the PSD file.

Thank you,

-Dave

[Palmer]

So just to clarify what went on here, Raja and David are splitting the $115?

*note to other contest holders, this is not how things work around here. Please do not make this offer in your contest.

[Raja]

<!--QuoteBegin-Palmer+Mar 8 2004, 02:09 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Palmer @ Mar 8 2004, 02:09 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> So just to clarify what went on here, Raja and David are splitting the $115?

*note to other contest holders, this is not how things work around here. Please do not make this offer in your contest. [/b][/quote]
I understand, Palmer. I was a bit confused about this one. There should be only one winning logo for a contest and that winner should be awarded the full prize amount. :unsure:

[Palmer]

Well I'm not real sure what to do now. It looks to me like the 2 of you agreed to split the total amount, so you and David, 2 of the best logo designers in the world, who normally get paid hundreds of dollars for a logo, just agreed to get paid $57.50 a piece for your work. <_<

Is that correct?

Looks like I need to go back to reading every post. The winner was announced 3/3 and this was never moved to the revisions forum, I was never notified of who won, and on top of that you guys agreed to something that was clearly not in your best interest and something we have severely frowned upon in the past (splitting the money). :rolleyes:

There's not much I can do about it now. I'll pay the 2 of you $57.50 each since that is what you agreed to do.

[dbenton25]

I wasn't aware that this was a problem... I've worked in team environments before and I kind of like collaborating with other artists (especially ones as talented as Raja). Just for the record, the money is great, don't get me wrong, but for me, the true value of DO lies in the many opportunities to sharpen our design skills and meet potential new clients.

Sorry for the misunderstanding Palmer.

-Dave

[Palmer]

I don't mind collaboration as long as the designers get paid the full amount each. As I've said in the past, this is not a team effort. The designers enter under the understanding that if they put forth their best effort they will get whatever amount is posted as the "prize"

This cannot be a precedent. I'm looking out for the best interetst of the designer. What if another client likes the tree from designer A, the text from designer B and the grass from designer C? See? It doesn't work well does it?

We have had projects in the past that have had this same situation but the way it was handled was the client added more money to the cause and the designers were paid what they deserved, not half of what was offered.

[ITMatrix]

Sorry Guys for the confusion :huh: ;

If you would like us to reconsider and choose a winner then we are happy to do that ...

We can select a winner as per the conditions of the forum. We will only use the design we have chosen as our logo and discard the use of the second design.

ITMatrix

[Palmer]

That would be up to the Raja and David. Guys, what say you?

[Raja]

That would depend on who the winner is :lol:

Actually uncertain of what to do myself. To keep the integrity of this site, maybe, if ITMatrix still want to combine both logos, they could up the prize and then do the split?

As a designer, considering the efforts and multiple revisions made in this contest, it becomes a situation where you say something was better then nothing :blink:

Dave?

[dbenton25]

Like I said, I'm happy with how things worked out. Generally, if the client is satisfied, so am I. Now that I have a firmer grasp of the rules
however, I won't be making this mistake again.

As a designer, considering the efforts and multiple revisions made in this contest, it becomes a situation where you say something was better then nothing*

Totally agreed! :)

[ITMatrix]

I am happy with the outcome of the results. I posted the question to see what the options were.

In all honesty, there is one design of preference, but the integration of the two designs is a perfect fit.

Thanks again to everyone - from one extremely :D HAPPY :D customer.