Fat Guy Pillows! Awesome!$150 for simple, fun logo *Project Over*

[JamesAZ]

(Admin code added by 2Square - M718235B)

Edit (4/4/04):
Click here to read client feedback:
http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showt...indpost&p=66597 (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3557&view=findpost&p=66597)


Project:
Fat Guy Pillows logo

Prize:
$150 - and the fun of working on this project!

Deadline:
Wednesday, 4/15/04 Updated!

Website:
http://www.fatguypillows.com
(currently in line for professional redesign)

Overview:
Fat Guy Pillows (my client) has a great product (huge, comfy floor pillows!), but their current website isn't as professional as they'd like. They want to kick it up a notch, and let people know that they're here to stay.

Logo purpose:
They want a logo that will form the foundation of their corporate identity. The site design, business collateral, etc., will all be based around the logo.

Workflow:
Right now there are no solid ideas for the logo. FGP is wide open to suggestions and ideas, so BE CREATIVE! Have fun with this project! As we start to see the comps and pick which ones seem to fit best, we'll be providing ample feedback on design directions.

Concepts:
Clean, friendly, fun, whimsical, playful, pleasant, comfortable, trustworthy, family-oriented, high quality, MARKET LEADER (down with bean bags!)

Ideas:
Want to emphasize an image more than the words, so some sort of stylized "fat guy" and something involving a big pillow (see "The Floor" on the website for photos) would be most appropriate. Like I said, though, we're definitely open to suggestions.

Formats:
EPS and web-ready.

Conclusion:
This is intended to be a fun project. You'll know how well you're doing well by how much fun you're having designing the logo! We're easy to work with, and we'll treat you professionally, so there's nothing to worry about there. I've seen some great work on this site, and I expect to see some especially good examples in this thread. I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

[Aaron]

With a company name like that, you can be sure there will be lots of interest! ;)

[MOZ]

HEY THAT'S ME!

WHEN YOUR 500+LBS...YOU KNOW I'm ALL OVER THIS ONE :tup:

MOZ

[splunking]

With a company name like that, you can be sure there will be lots of interest!

I was thinking the SAME thing :D
Great way to attract interest right off the bat! :tup:

[JamesAZ]

If anyone needs any more information or guidance, by the way, just let me know and I'll be happy to provide it.

[CBaker14]

I'll give it a go...post something tomorrow..:)

Chris

[Christian]

Quick draft! Thoughts? :D

[Christian]

Another quick draft! :D

[MOZ]

HEY CHRISTIANSANFIEL!

You got a camera in my house :lol:

Looks good, can't wait to see the finals!

MOZ

[Chocolate]

My concept for Fatguy!

[Bill]

Here's my entry...

[JamesAZ]

ChristianSanfiel:
I like the ideas. Can you play around with them a bit and show me some variations?

Chocolate:
Not sure what it is exactly, but this one doesn't do much for me.

Pennyln:
I like the style of the drawing, but I'm not sure about the specific layout of it. Seems more like a drawing than a logo. Perhaps something simpler and more stylized? Also, we want to avoid having too-specific of a face on the "fat guy." We just want to conjure the idea of a fat guy.

Everyone:
I like the Bigha logo (http://www.bigha.com). Simple and bold. I'd prefer something along those lines, rather than an ornate illustration.

[Aaron]

;) I'll have something new soon.

[JamesAZ]

Arthouse:
I like it. The image seems a bit cryptic, though. If it weren't for the name, I'd have no idea what I was looking at. Any way to make it more obviously a fat guy?

Everyone:
I think we're looking for something that's clever fun rather than silly fun, if that makes sense. We're looking for lighthearted rather than wacky.

[Christian]

Here's the direction it's going in. :D Thoughts?




* :lol: Thanks Moz!

[Mowling]

Hello...here is a concept...let me know of any revisions that you would like.

thanks,
Matt

[JamesAZ]

Mowling:
Nice work. I like the illustration style, though the guy looks a bit scary. Kind of like an evil circus director or something. I could see something like this, but maybe with some different colors. Could we try bald head, tropical shirt and shorts, something more lighthearted like that. :-)

[Christian]

Any comments for me? :unsure: :D

[JamesAZ]

ChristianSanfiel:
Sorry, didn't mean to overlook yours! I like the pillow and the idea of the sumo guy, but the colors, fonts, circle, etc., don't do much for me. I think some more experimentation might bring out some great ideas, though. (Also, where are the sumo guy's arms?) :rolleyes:

[Tonya]

<img src='http://www.frobo.com/graphic_work/fatguy/fatguy1.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[JamesAZ]

dynagirl:
Love the idea. Puts an emphasis on relaxation and pleasure. I don't much care for the color scheme (too safe) or the font.

everyone:
While I definitely want the logo to emphasize a fat guy, let's try to avoid having a "fat font" (rounded) as well. The text should be secondary to the image, rather than dominating it. (Though I really liked Mowling's typography -- bold, but not rounded)

[Aaron]

Something else...

[Tonya]

I've got some brighter, more playful colors here and different fonts.


<img src='http://www.frobo.com/graphic_work/fatguy/fatguy2.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[MOZ]

<!--QuoteBegin-JamesAZ+Mar 25 2004, 09:15 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (JamesAZ @ Mar 25 2004, 09:15 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Could we try bald head, tropical shirt and shorts, something more lighthearted like that. :-) [/b][/quote]
HEY JAMES

WILL THIS HELP :tup:

[JamesAZ]

arthouse:
It's a nice illustration, but it looks a bit too "sleepy." These are furniture pillows (to be used something like beanbags) rather than sleeping pillows.

dynagirl:
I like these. Not so fond of the typography, but the logo looks good. The colors seem a bit harsh -- I like the red, but could we try a less intense shade/hue?

MOZ:
Now we're talking! That's the kind of jolly goodness that we're looking for. ;-)

[Just J]

Sorry, I had to do it (NOT AN ENTRY)...
How about a sleeping MOZ? :tup:
(please don't don't take any offense MOZ ;) )

[MOZ]

No Offense taken!
I placed the pics up there for the illustrators to go wild!

I GIVE PERMISSION TO ANY DO DESIGNER TO ILLUSTRATE MY IMAGE
FOR ANY CONTEST...C'MON GUYS MAKE ME FAMOUS!

MOZ

[Aaron]

C'mon MOZ, you're already famous!

Here's a few concepts with the same character.

[Fabian]

Hello James,thanks for the invite......sorry for taking so long to get here :)

Inspiration : The one..the only.....the great man MOZ :notworthy:

All the best buddy :tup:

Cheers
Fabian

[Tonya]

<img src='http://www.frobo.com/graphic_work/fatguy/fatguy3.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Chocolate]

My try again! :

[Mowling]

Hello...here is a revision...more friendly character. Let me know of any changes.

Thanks,
Matt

[Mowling]

...here is a grayscale and Blk/wht version...for such applications.

[muvment]

Heheh Matt, your fat guy cracks me up.

[JamesAZ]

arthouse:
I like the character and the illustration style, but none of them is quite grabbing me as being "the one."

creativemeasures:
Not too shabby. :-)

dynagirl
Closer. I like the pillow guy. Could I see what he'd look like with eyes, to indicate that they're not sleeping pillows?

Chocolate:
Not quite what we're looking for. :-)

Mowling:
I like it! His expression still seems a bit "evil" to me, though. Not sure what it is about it. I think it's in the closed eye and the smirk. Also, could I see what some hair might look like?

Everyone:
We're looking for a logo that, to some extent, can stand by itself. Most of what I've seen here seems to be relying on the text to explain it. I'd like to see more logos that can stand by themselves as representing the concept of "Fat Guy Pillows." Also, I'd like to get away from complex illustrations and back to the idea of a simple logo -- something that is still distinguishable at smaller sizes.

Thanks everyone! Good work so far, but nothing has quite grabbed me yet.

[MOZ]

HERE COMES DA FAT MAN!

You know I had to get in on this one!
Here's a simple iconic sample

Lots can be done...color,outline & such

please let me know what you think. Also if you want me to remove the pics of me just let me know :tup:

MOZ

[AlexKogan]

Just had this idea, thought you might like it :) It's somewhat raw, though. Need some polishing.

[Aaron]

Alex - cool.

Another variation I hadn't submitted before.

[Tonya]

<!--QuoteBegin-JamesAZ+Mar 27 2004, 10:31 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (JamesAZ @ Mar 27 2004, 10:31 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> dynagirl
Closer. I like the pillow guy. Could I see what he'd look like with eyes, to indicate that they're not sleeping pillows? [/b][/quote]
<img src='http://www.frobo.com/graphic_work/fatguy/fatguy4.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

I was hesitant about adding eyes originally because I thought it might make it a little too smiley-face-like. But I think the one with glasses is pretty fun. I included the version without eyes as a comparison.

If the eyes don't work for you, I do think the message of this being a lounging pillow rather than a sleeping pillow is conveyed through the size of the pillow in relation to the fat guy, the smile, and the way he's got his arms propped under his head.

[Liz]

Hi James -

Here's an entry from me.

<img src='http://clients.snapfire.com/contests/fatguy.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

Thanks for your consideration

[JamesAZ]

Moz:
We're trying to get away from an emphasis on the text (see my previous comment) and this definitely emphasizes the text. :-)

Alex Kogan:
I like it. Clear, strong, fun. I don't know if it's quite right, but I'd love to see some additional ideas from you. Definitely one of the better ones so far.

arthouse:
I love the idea of showing the pillow in action, but it took me a minute to figure out the drawing. Kinda looked like a guy being eaten by a big red dog or something. :-) Could you perhaps try some variations?

dynagirl:
I wonder what the first one would look like with some pupils...

Liz:
I love the way you've conveyed the size of the pillow...the only problem I see is that the guy is, well, skinny. :-)

Everyone:
Come on folks, let's kick it up a notch! Let's see some action like in the FireMint thread!!!

[Mowling]

Hello...here is a revision...let me know of anymore you would like.

thanks,
Matt

[VisualSense]

here's one for consideration. This logo is currently designed full color (4 color process). Do you have a color limit for your printed pieces? Let me know if you'd like to see a 2 color version.
-Diane

[Liz]

He's back... and fatter than ever.

<img src='http://clients.snapfire.com/contests/fatguy2.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Carl]

James,

More of a stylized icon.

Carl...

[Paula23]

Here is my crack at it.
Thanks :)

[Tonya]

<!--QuoteBegin-JamesAZ+Mar 29 2004, 09:27 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (JamesAZ @ Mar 29 2004, 09:27 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> dynagirl:
I wonder what the first one would look like with some pupils... [/b][/quote]
Pupils...

<img src='http://www.frobo.com/graphic_work/fatguy/fatguy5.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[DesignGeneral]

working at it. I'll be back :)

[Tonya]

Here's a new perspective on my design.

<img src='http://www.frobo.com/graphic_work/fatguy/fatguy6.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Chocolate]

A REAL FAT-GUY here! Feedback please!

[Paula23]

Fat Guy option 2

[Aaron]

Chocolate, you beat me to the punch! ;)

Thanks,

[JamesAZ]

Everyone:
I'll get to the other responses later this morning, but for now, I just wanted to mention that I'd like to try something in a hippo and see what that looks like. :-)

[Aaron]

Tha's funny... originally I had mine sketched as a hippo but thought the rhino looked more "manly"... I don't know why :P I'll post mine as a hippo later this morning.

[Just J]

Did someone say hippo???

[Aaron]

;)

[Fabian]

James

Is this what you had in mind ?

Fabian

[Just J]

Sorry, I was running out the door when I posted my last post and the font was AWFUL. Here it is with a better font.

[AlexKogan]

Aaron, the rhino cracked me up :lol: :tup:

[Aaron]

Thanks Alex. I like the beer-gutted pillow, too. ;)

[Christian]

Another draft, different direction, thoughts? :D

[Chocolate]

Mr. Hippo from our National Park (http://www.indiawildliferesorts.com/national-parks/bannerghatta-national-park.html)here! ;)

[JamesAZ]

Everyone:
Sorry for the delay! I've been swamped these past couple of days, and haven't had a chance to provide feedback. Also, based on client requests, I've increased the duration of this contest.

Please read through all the comments, not just your own. I've noticed several people miss key points that I mentioned in previous comments. You're only hurting your own chances when you don't read the comments carefully. Thanks!

So without further ado, the feedback (hyperlinked for your convenience):

Mowling - Posted: Mar 29 2004, 09:35 PM (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3557&view=findpost&p=64859)
Definitely better. Thanks for the revisions! Not sure where to take this one from here, except to see what the client thinks about it.

VisualSense - Posted: Mar 29 2004, 10:00 PM (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3557&view=findpost&p=64866)
Wonderful illustration, but as I mentioned in past comments, we're trying to find a simple, classic logo, rather than a full-blown illustration with words on it.

Liz - Posted: Mar 29 2004, 10:03 PM (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3557&view=findpost&p=64868)
Much better. Could you try adjusting the pillow creases so it looks less like he's carrying a pencil and wearing elf shoes? :-)

cadii - Posted: Mar 29 2004, 10:35 PM (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3557&view=findpost&p=64872)
Definitely more along the lines of what we're looking for. Stylized and simple, but without being plain or drab. Not sure of the specific image (chess pawn in a speech bubble?), but I definitely like the approach.

Paula23 - Posted: Mar 30 2004, 12:25 AM (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3557&view=findpost&p=64889)
As I've indicated in previous comments, we're looking for something that doesn't rely on the name for meaning. With these, the words are central to the illustration.

dynagirl - Posted: Mar 30 2004, 01:04 AM (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3557&view=findpost&p=64900)
Ahh, much better. Not sure where else to take this one, except to see if the client likes it.

dynagirl - Posted: Mar 30 2004, 04:13 AM (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3557&view=findpost&p=64939)
I like this one. Definitely conveys the name without relying on the text.

Chocolate - Posted: Mar 30 2004, 08:25 AM (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3557&view=findpost&p=64989)
I like the idea of a "fat" animal, but this one just seems to be a bit crudely drawn. (I don't mean any offense, that's just how it looks to me.)

Paula23 - Posted: Mar 30 2004, 02:03 PM (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3557&view=findpost&p=65119)
Sorry, still a "no" on this one. Implies sleeping, which isn't what they're trying to promote.

arthouse - Posted: Mar 30 2004, 03:15 PM (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3557&view=findpost&p=65139)
This is the first really good logo I've seen in this competition so far. Not sure if the Rhino is the best animal to convey a jolly fatness, but I *love* the illustration style. This is the kind of logo I think we're looking for.

blackspot - Posted: Mar 31 2004, 08:40 AM (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3557&view=findpost&p=65371)
Not bad. Simple, well drawn...but where's the pillow? :-)

arthouse - Posted: Mar 31 2004, 09:49 AM (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3557&view=findpost&p=65396)
Love it. Great logo. Brilliant expression!

creativemeasures - Posted: Mar 31 2004, 11:18 AM (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3557&view=findpost&p=65417)
Not bad...but not sure it meets the standard set by the previous logo! ;-)

blackspot - Posted: Mar 31 2004, 11:28 AM (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3557&view=findpost&p=65420)
Definitely a better font, but there still doesn't seem to be a pillow...

ChristianSanfiel - Posted: Apr 1 2004, 03:42 AM (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3557&view=findpost&p=65670)
Not bad, but I'm not sure if the swirly egg on a pillow thing works for me.

Chocolate - Posted: Apr 1 2004, 08:29 AM (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3557&view=findpost&p=65696)
A good attempt, but looks like a sketch rather than a finished product.

[Just J]

Pillow! ;)

[JamesAZ]

blackspot - just in time (by about five seconds) to make the list I'm preparing for the client!

[Aaron]

Thanks for the feedback!

[Carl]

Hope it's not too late.

Carl...

[JamesAZ]

arthouse - Someone I showed it to mentioned that they liked your illustration, but they felt that the pillow part might not be emphasized enough. Could you show me an example with the pillow more prominent or visible? Also, another person mentioned that the hippo looked like it was "roaring" -- I thought he was just saying "Wazzzzzzuuuuuuupppp???" :-) Could you tweak that one a bit to make it more "fun" but not goofy -- probably just a minor tweak to make it just obviously a happy hippo. Also, any other animals you might want to try would be appreciated!

everyone - More feedback as I get it. Stay tuned.

[Chocolate]

A more stylized elephant:

[Aaron]

Here's a happier hippo.

My wife suggested a big, fat, pig, but I wasn't sure all the connotations that came a long with that were what you were looking for... but you're the boss, so let me know if you'd like to see something down that path in this specific look.

[Chocolate]

A more cartoonish Mr. Hippo:

[Christian]

Next draft, thoughts?

[AlexKogan]

Sunil :tup: :lol:

[cre8or]

Hi there, JamesAZ.
I'm kinda glad you've extended your deadline, 'cause this little guy kept rolling around in my head, so I thought I'd post him here.

Introducing... Mr. Fat Guy Pillow
;)

Please advise.
Kimber

[JamesAZ]

Everyone:
Here is the client feedback. Please read carefully!

The client has provided the following feedback: They'd like to see a fat pillow rather than a "fat guy" (animal, etc.) on a pillow. Something to emphasize the hugeness of the pillow.</li> They're not sure about using animals. Maybe a normal-sized guy on a huge pillow?</li> Arthouse - They've liked your illustration style the most so far. You're not a winner yet, but I just wanted to let you know that you've got a good shot, so please keep trying. In particular, they'd like to see something along the lines of your rhino/hippo image, but with a normal (maybe even slender) human figure instead of the animal. Something to emphasize the enormous pillow size.</li> Everyone - The show ain't over yet! The client has requested a new direction, so there's still time to shine! Let's see what you've got!</li>

[Tonya]

What about a smaller fat guy on the pillow? This way they get the "fat guy" (makes the name visually memorable) and they get an emphasis on how huge the pillow is.

<img src='http://www.frobo.com/graphic_work/fatguy/fatguy7.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Aaron]

I'll see what I can come up with...

[Chocolate]

The famous 'Thinking Man' seated on the Fatguy pillow! :

[Christian]

Next draft :D

[cre8or]

Thought I'd try a little brighter colouring.
And show him in B&W,
Please advise.
:)

[Aaron]

Okay James... I don't think I'm quite as good with people as I am with animals that look funny anyway. Let me know what you think!

[JamesAZ]

Everyone:

These are definitely much closer. The client has mentioned, though, that they don't want to create a false impression of the size of the pillow. Please check out the pillow sizes on the website, and use the largest ones as a guideline for sizing. (I know this is a bit different from what we've talked about before, but they just recently decided this.) Thanks!

[Christian]

Next go at it!

[Chocolate]

Modified design with adjusted pillow size and a new text arrangement:

[Aaron]

Sorry I missed the post requesting edits.. for some reason I'm not getting notification. How's this?

[MOZ]

Aaron I really like the look of your entry :tup:

Very clean!!!! The pillow colors could even be changed out with patterns for
really cool seasonal or themed ideas

:tup: :tup: :tup:
MOZ

[JamesAZ]

ChristianSanfiel:
Interesting design, but it's not very clear. It would become muddled at small sizes.

Chocolate:
Not quite what we're looking for. The thinker was a creative idea, but not sure about the drawing style.

arthouse:
I think that's probably pretty close the right size. I'll see what the client thinks.

MOZ:
Great idea about swapping out for seasons or themes! Mind if we use that? :-)

[Aaron]

Thanks MOZ and JamesAZ. Not as much fun as the rhino or the simpleton hippo, but I guess he gets the job done. ;)

The new look this and every season: Fat Guy Pillows

[MOZ]

Glad I could help!

[JamesAZ]

arthouse:
Could I see what it would look like with "pillows" emphasized more? (And I definitely loved the rhino and the hippo -- I'll have to keep you in mind for some future projects!)

Everyone:
This ain't over yet! The client wants to see stylized images of people on pillows. They like what they've seen, but want to see some alternatives. Can't be that hard! Get in there! Let's see what you've got! Take the prize!

[Christian]

Still working on the simpler guy and pillow but took a small detour just to see what your thoughts were on these drafts. F G and P and F G and P in the shape of a guy's body.

[muvment]

Indeed. Nicely done, Aaron!

[Aaron]

Thanks muvment.

Emphasize pillow, like this?

[JamesAZ]

Christian Sanfiel:
Good idea, but the I asked the client and they didn't go for it.

arthouse:
Yeah, like that. Or maybe switch fonts with "Fat Guy"? Maybe the same fonts?

[Christian]

;) It's alright, I'll submit one last entry soon.

[Aaron]

I made the fonts all the same on this version. I don't have that particular font from the previous post here at the home office... I'll post a revision in the morning with that one.

Thanks!

[Chocolate]

Fatguy in a different style:

[VisualSense]

here's another for consideration...
-Diane

[JamesAZ]

arthouse,

The client has ask to see the following modifications to your design. They feel that we're getting very close.


<img src='http://threering.info/images/fgp.png' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

I tuned this up a little.&nbsp; This is more the “look” we are hoping for.&nbsp; The guy in the picture needs to be leaning back on the pillow instead of sitting on it.&nbsp; I removed the little bulbs on the corner of the pillow. I am trying to show that the pillow has a pillow case in the area directly over the “A” in “FAT”.&nbsp; I tried to show that you “sink in” to this pillow when you sit on it.&nbsp; Our pillows are rectangular in shape rather than round.


If you can modify it to look more like their mockup, I think it'll be pretty close to a winner. :-)

[Aaron]

No problem... I'll put together the edits and post them in the morning.

Thanks for the direction!

[Christian]

That'll be all from me, ;) great job Aaron!

[Aaron]

Thanks Chris!

Any closer to what they'd like?

[JamesAZ]

arthouse - The client is reviewing it right now. I'll keep you posted. So far, they seem pretty happy with it.

One request I've had is to see it in a few different colors or color schemes. I know you did a batch of these before, but could you take another whack at it? Not necessarily seasonal schemes, they're just not sure they want to go with blue.

Thanks!

[Aaron]

;)

[JamesAZ]

Just got confirmation from the client that arthouse is the winner! Congratulations!

Give that man his money! :D


arthouse -- please send an e-mail with the source files and any versions you might have assembled to design@threering.net.

[Aaron]

I'll bundle the files together and PM you the download info. Any of the colors work better than any others for the client?

[JamesAZ]

I believe that the favorites were the green, orange, and red. A grayscale version might be helpful too.

Thanks for the great work!

[Aaron]

I'll package them together and send them off in a few minutes.

[Aaron]

Files made available for download.