ChristianWriters.com - $100

[Rebecca]

(Admin code added by 2Square - 8013740R)


Hi everyone,

We're about to redesign our site and need a new logo. I've seen the incredible work you've all done here, and figure you are the right people for the job. ;)

To make things as clear as possible, I've broken things down into sections. I hope this is helpful, and will get us moving in the right direction from the start. Please let me know if you have any questions or need clarification on any points.

Name of Site: christianwriters.com

Site Description: A community for writers of the Christian faith. Site offers an ezine, discussion forums, writers' workshops, critique groups and links to other resources.

What we're looking for:

Since the site is for writers, we need something upbeat and creative, yet polished and professional. I tend to gravitate towards clean and simple designs that look good on the web as well as on printed media. I'd also like something eye-catching and easily recognizable. Something that conveys the idea of writing, especially Christian writers, is ideal. This could be something as simple as the flow, or as obvious as actual icons. If including both ideas (Christians and writers) is too busy, I would prefer to emphasize writers.

What we'd like to avoid:

We'd definitely like to stay away from the feeling of "churchy" or stuffy. I also would like to avoid the cartoonish and clip art looks. There is a similar site to ours which uses a pen graphic to draw a line over the text, so I would like to avoid that idea as well.

Color Scheme:

The site's current color scheme is primarily blue, with green and yellow accents. That is something I like, but I'm also entirely open to other color schemes. The colors and style do not have to match the current site; rather, I am willing to change the site to match the right logo. The only qualifier I'll add is that our site contains large amounts of text, so I'd prefer bold to loud. Hopefully that makes sense.

Formats:

Ideally, we would like the layered artwork in either PhotoShop or Paint Shop Pro. If this is not possible, we will settle for a transparent PSD and a vector version.

Additional Information:

I have posted our current logo here for your reference. It is a logo I like, however I feel that the emblem and text are too disconnected. I would like something that integrates the site name better into the logo.

<img src='http://christianwriters.com/images2/template/logo.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

The only text that should appear on the new logo is christianwriters.com. Please do not include the subtext.


Again, if you have any questions or clarification, please just let me know.

Thanks, everyone! I look forward to seeing your entries! :D

Rebecca

ChristianWriters.com (http://ChristianWriters.com)

[AlexKogan]

Hi, Rebecca :)

I have a question which might look like it's not logo related at all, but it is: what is the difference between a "normal" writer and a christian one?

That is, where does the christianity comes in? What makes me say "I'm a christian writer" or "no, I am not"? I'm asking this (among other reasons) due to the fact that the "About Us" page on the site does not have ANY christian message in it :)

To know the answer to the questions would help greatly (at least, in my case) to understand what the direction I'm going to chose when making the logo will be :)

Thanks in advance!

[Rebecca]

Hi Alex,

That's a good question! :) In my eyes, a Christian writer is someone who has accepted Christ as their savior, and who writes from a perspective adhering to traditional Judeo-Christian morals and standards. Although the topics we write about vary greatly, the viewpoint remains consistently in line with these beliefs. In short, I suppose it boils down to motivation and world view.

Maybe it's time for me to update the "About Us" page? I took a look, and it is terribly vague! hehe.. ;)

Anyway, thank you for the question, and please let me know if I can help with anything else. :D

Rebecca

[AlexKogan]

So, I suppose I was right thinking of Clive S. Lewis as an example :) Thanks a lot, Rebecca, that's clarified things. To tell you the truth, religion-oriented designs are pretty difficult to produce. Too many traditions and symbols, too long the history, too small is the probability of doing something both original and satisfying the needs :D Well, let's start working, then :D

Cheers! ;)

[CBaker14]

I feel you Alex, have been trying to be original with something over 3000 years old...kinda hard...:) I suppose I just tried going with a religious symbol...

Let me know what you think...

Chris

[Rebecca]

Alex - Exactly! C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and more recent authors like Jerry B. Jenkins and Frank E. Peretti are all good examples. ;)

Chris - Thanks for submitting this so quickly! :D While I do like the symbol, this is more rigid than the look we're going for. Is there any way to loosen it up a bit? I've included a few ideas below that will hopefully give a better idea of what I mean.


I'm not necessarily looking for something that screams, "Christian." We can also go with the theme "writers." My priority lies in something simple, creative and catchy. Something more ambiguous works just as well, as long as it has the right feel.

One thing I would really like to see is an icon that can stand alone, and is unique enough to easily be recognizable as a symbol of our site. To see what I mean, I've picked out a few logos off this site which have the same this feature and the type of flowing look that I'm going for.


2square's "Do IT Fluid" idea (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3483&st=60) - I love the feeling of this logo. I also like the way it is chopped so multiple colors can be used.

Arthouse's (second idea) here (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3385)

RADICALSeed (non-pixelated) and Raja's Firemint ideas here (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3385&st=30)

Eagle's Aktiom idea - bold, catchy, but simple (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/?showtopic=3581&st=15)


If you can think of anything else I can provide that would be useful, or if you have any more questions, please just let me know. :D

Thanks!

Rebecca

[CBaker14]

Here are a couple of different variations...Let me know what you think...

Chris

[muvment]

Here ya go:

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

[Rebecca]

Thank you both for your submissions! :D

Chris - The top one (with the pencil) is heading in the right direction. It's more colorful and upbeat, which is what we're going for. My only concern is that I get the feel of "school," rather than creative writing. Is it possible to loosen it up a bit, or maybe go more abstract?

Muvment - This is definitely on the right track. It's simple, yet I love the slight feeling of movement I get from the letters and quill. The cross shadow is also very clever! Is it possible to see this in a couple different color combinations?



To all: I'd also be interested in seeing some variations that focus more on just the "feel" of spirituality or flow of writing, and not necessarily the symbols of either. Since this is a difficult concept to explain, I've linked a couple examples below. I'd love to see what you can come up with using something more abstract.

Inservica Systems logo (http://www.logodesign.com/images/animated_logos.gif)

Beliefnet logo (http://images.beliefnet.com/imgs/bnet_logo_134x33.gif)


I also know such a long name (ChristianWriters.com) can be more difficult to work with, so please feel free to play around with the sizes, place one word above the other, etc.

Thanks for all your hard work! I look forward to seeing the next round! :D

Rebecca

[muvment]

Certainly:

<img src='http://www.muvment.com/christian-var1.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

<img src='http://www.muvment.com/christian-var2.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

<img src='http://www.muvment.com/christian-var3.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

<img src='http://www.muvment.com/christian-var4.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

<img src='http://www.muvment.com/christian-var5.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Rebecca]

Thanks, Muvment, they look great! :D I especially like the top version (just the blue) and the bottom (with the blue/orange). Very nice! :tup:


Is anyone interested in trying out the other concept I mentioned in my last post?

Thanks! :)
Rebecca

[CBaker14]

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

Chris

[Rebecca]

Thanks, Chris. I look forward to seeing it! :)

Rebecca

[beatz]

Hi,

here are some suggestions - note the cross within the quill in the second concept, pretty clever, uh ? :D

Feedback is appreciated.

Thanks,

Frank

[beatz]

Slight variation on the bottom one..

[CBaker14]

here is a small change...

Chris

[Rebecca]

Beatz - I appreciate you jumping in here! ;) The entries you posted are all excellent ideas, and the cross within the quill is very clever! :D I think what we're looking for though is much more simple and streamlined. I loved the logo you did (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/uploads/post-4-1080582455.gif) for firemint. Maybe something more along those lines stylistically?

Chris - Thanks for the revision! :D I do like the cross you added. Very nice! :) To be honest, I think it's the font that's bothering me. While it is upbeat, I'm also looking for something with a more sophisticated feel. Maybe a different font using the cross as an accent somewhere?



I appreciate all the hard work you guys have put into this! :D Seeing your entries has really helped me pinpoint the look we're going for. I'd like to try something with just the name and some sort of flourish, arc, embellishment, etc. that gives the fluid, creative feel of spirituality or writing rather than focusing on the actual symbols. In other words, something much more abstract.

Can't wait to see what you come up with! :D

Rebecca

[p_karetko]

well, I am not sure if I should place any comments above my version of the logo. It seems to be understandable :) As for the colour, if you wish, we could experiment. Best wishes,
Piotr

<img src='http://pkaretko.webpark.pl/write.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[beatz]

Someone asked for streamlined..? :)

Here you are.

[CBaker14]

here is a different font and cross placement...
Let me know what you think...

Chris

[Rebecca]

Wow, these are looking great! I really love them all. Thanks again for all your hard work! :tup:

Piotr - Very creative! Would you mind doing a version with the quill scaled down a bit and to the left of the words?

Beatz - The contrast in word size looks fantastic! I'm very impressed. Is there a way to also see a version with the quill to the left of the words and with the gradient in medium blue/green?

Chris - This revision is much closer to what we're looking for. Thank you so much!


Rebecca

[p_karetko]

So, here`s what I`ve done recently. I have added the second colour which is violet do differ the mark and typography, and to make it more readable, at once. I have tested the logo layot suggested by you, and tried to see how it looks when sized down dramtically, as well as put horizontally.
Good, don`t you think?
All the best!

<img src='http://pkaretko.webpark.pl/writers_2.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Rebecca]

Piotr - It looks great! I especially like the bottom version. Thanks for posting it! :D

Rebecca

[Rebecca]

One week is left on this contest. Anyone else interested? Again, please don't feel limited to writing or Christian symbols here. Something that gives the creative feel of spirituality or writing works just as well. Abstract is fine, as long as it's simple and streamlined. :)


Raja, Eagle, Arthouse, Cadii, Blackspot ... I know you guys are especially good at the look I'm going for. I'm hoping to see your entries, too! ;)

some examples:
Inservica Systems logo (http://www.logodesign.com/images/animated_logos.gif)
Beliefnet logo (http://images.beliefnet.com/imgs/bnet_logo_134x33.gif)

Thanks! :D
Rebecca

[p_karetko]

Hello,

Here are two more of my proposals, not that serious looking like the last one, but who knows, maybe you`ll like them.

The first one. I began from the christian symbol fish, then water, and an easily drawn pencil line... and here`is the result

<img src='http://pkaretko.webpark.pl/christ_3.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />


The second. Well. It is as good as it looks, nothing more to tell :)

<img src='http://pkaretko.webpark.pl/christ_4.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Aaron]

Well Rebecca, if you're going to call me out, I'll have to bring it! :)

Subtle, sophisticated, and symbolic.

[Rebecca]

Thanks so much for the new entries! I continue to be impressed by the quality of work here. You guys are fantastic! :D

Piotr - I love the fluid, friendly feel of the top logo, but it somehow seems too simple. Is there any way to make it more distinctive or bolden it up a bit?

Arthouse - Hey, thanks for jumping in, it's great to see you here! :tup: Overall this logo gives me a clean, crisp feeling, which I love. However, I think on this one we're aiming at something a bit more informal; something still crisp and professional, but with an edge of color and a feeling of movement that gives the impression of writing or spirituality. So far Muvment and Beatz have hit the nail on the head, so we're looking for different concepts within this same type of feel.

Again, I don't want anyone to feel confined to using writing or Christian symbols. We're looking more for the fluid impression of writing or spirituality above all else. Feel free to play with the words, the letters CW, or any abstract arcs, shapes, flourishes, swirls, etc. that convey this emotion.

I just realized that out of the examples I posted before, one links to an animated graphic rotating through several logos. Doh! Sorry about that. :rolleyes: Here they are again, this time in a more useable format. ;)

Thanks for all your hard work! :D
Rebecca

<img src='http://christianwriters.com/inservica.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

<img src='http://images.beliefnet.com/imgs/bnet_logo_134x33.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[fogelks]

Heavenly inspiration took over for the makings of this work.

I hope you like.

[Aaron]

Is this headed in a more fun direction?

[Carl]

Rebecca,

I will be jumping in. Easter week is very busy for me, so I will try to get something by this weekend.

Carl...

[Rebecca]

Fogelks - I do like, thank you! :) I love how you played with the CW. Is there a way to scale it down and make it a bit more streamlined?

Arthouse - Thanks for the prompt revision! :) Both versions were met very favorably, however the consensus is to go with the first version. We all think the parenthesis and brackets idea is very clever, and love the sleek style. It is very balanced and pleasing to the eye. Somehow though, we'd like to give it a bit more "pop." Is it possible to play with the background of the fish or tweak the color to add a lively edge?

Cadii - I appreciate anything you're willing to kick in, and look forward to seeing it! :D

Rebecca

[Aaron]

I'll modify what I've got and submit over the weekend. Thanks for the feedback!

Have a good Easter...

[Rebecca]

Thank you, Arthouse. I hope you have a wonderful weekend also. :)

Rebecca

[muvment]

I switched up the font for you just to give you another option with a bit more impact:

<img src='http://www.muvment.com/christian-newfont.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[fogelks]

I customized this revision to provide more flow, if that is what you meant by "streamline." I scaled the "CW" down, along with the spiritual star. The slant accentuates the cross, "T." This logo you get a little of everything: lettering, symbolism, and spirit (just in time for the holiday ;) ).




:tup: Pre-Happy Easter :tup:

[Rebecca]

Thanks for the revisions. :) They look great!

Fogelks, happy pre-Easter to you, too! lol! ;)

Rebecca

[Aaron]

One more before the weekend... ;)

[Rebecca]

Thanks, Arthouse! :D


This contest ends Wednesday night, so there are three more days to go. Anyone else care to enter?

Rebecca

[beatz]

Hi again,

here are some revisions - quill to the left, blue/green and on darker background.

I'll be happy to provide more revisions - just let me know :)

Thanks,

Frank

[Carl]

Rebecca,

I know this is a little out there, but I wanted to convey writing without using the standard motifs.

Carl...

[Rebecca]

Frank - You read my mind! lol! I was just going to ask if you'd mind posting some variations exactly like the ones you did. Thank you! :tup:

Carl - Very cool concept! I love it! :D What would it look like to make the mark within the (wax?) more prominent, and possibly add a dash more color?

Thanks guys, these are incredible. I appreciate all your hard work!

Rebecca

[p_karetko]

Hello,

I have created the logo which should fit the best , out of all designs I have done for christian writers so far. This one does not present cross, or any christian symbol literally. I thought it might a great idea to treat writing feather as a wing which refers to a great deal of positive and accurate associations as freedom, freshness, openness, creativity etc., and further to the angel symbol... But to be close to writing, and to make it important, the feather`s ending is out of the bounding box, and is black as if in ink... I hope the colours look nice to you. I have also tried to place the logtype on dark background, where it looks as well as on the bright , doesn`t it ??? the font is my beloved meta which is italic to give it a feel of the scritpt a little...

All the best to You,
Piotr

Take a look. Even when very small, to my surprise, it looks verrry well!

<img src='http://pkaretko.webpark.pl/christian_5.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

...and the dark background

<img src='http://pkaretko.webpark.pl/christian_6.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Rebecca]

Piotr - Wow, that is incredible! :D I love the more abstract with the little icon. Way to go! :tup:

Rebecca

[p_karetko]

To tell you the truth I love it too. I especially like its suble look...
Tell me : do you want to see it in some other colour variations?

Wishes,
Piotr

[Rebecca]

Piotr - The current site is in blue (#003399) and green (#009900), so if you wanted to to a variation with those colors, that would be great! :D We also use a bright yellow for an accent color, if that is helpful.

Thanks! :)

Rebecca

[JaysonC]

here's an idea for you. I wanted to give you that abstract icon you had mentioned.

Is it an ink splotch? is it an abstract feather? Provides you with a nice mark for your company.

:tup:

[muvment]

<img src='http://www.muvment.com/christianwriters-bcard.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[p_karetko]

Yes, that is fine. And no matter if the logo wins, it is one of my personal favourites :)
Wishes,
Piotr

<img src='http://pkaretko.webpark.pl/christian_7.gif' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[JaysonC]

added some blue text for you

[Rebecca]

Fuse, Piotr, Muvment - These are all incredible! Thank you so much! :D

This is going to be an impossible decision to make! lol! The quality of work here has blown me away. I'll let the contest run through tomorrow (Wednesday) night, in case anyone else wants to squeeze in. All I can say right now is.. wow! :tup:

Rebecca

[Rebecca]

Muvment - Is it possible to see a version of your logo on a dark background also?

Thanks! :)

Rebecca

[muvment]

<img src='http://www.muvment.com/christianwriters-dark.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[p_karetko]

Hello Rebecca,

I have made a quick approach to the identity matter. I wanted to see how the logo would work when applied to other media. Well, to me it looks really cool. How about you?
P.

The cards, and paper... ( see those gentle shapes in the background. they give it a nice and fresh look )

<img src='http://pkaretko.webpark.pl/christian_a.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

...Annual report... ( this is my favourite one! )

<img src='http://pkaretko.webpark.pl/christian_b.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />


... or advertising billboard... ( needs a slogan, but even now looking nice , isn`t it?)

<img src='http://pkaretko.webpark.pl/christian_c.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />

[Carl]

Rebecca,

Here is the logo with a more prominent symbol.

I also added color to the text.

Carl...

[Rebecca]

Muvment, Carl, Piotr - Thanks for the quick responses! They all look fantastic! :D

Rebecca

[Rebecca]

Good morning,

Just a quick note to say that this contest is closed. The entries were all fantastic, and I'm truly unable to decide a final winner on my own. That said, I'm taking these entries around today to get a vote. I expect to post the winner later today.

Thanks! :D

Rebecca

[Rebecca]

Hello everyone,

The votes are in, and the majority have chosen Muvment's design. Congratulations, Muvment! :D

I want to thank all of you who participated in our contest. The entries are all outstanding, and picking a winner was very difficult. I truly appreciate all your hard work and effort. The talent here at DesignOutpost.com continues to astound me, and I will definitely recommend it to friends and colleagues seeking graphics work.

Thanks so much, and have a wonderful weekend! :)

Rebecca

[JaysonC]

:tup: a killer logo muvment :tup:

[muvment]

Thank you very much! I'm glad I could help you out. I'll get your files together, Rebecca.

[Rebecca]

Note to Admins: I have received the files from Muvment, and everything is now finalized.

Thanks! :)

Rebecca

[muvment]

'Twas a pleasure, my lady. :)