Select Consultants - Prize: $100

[Big_Money_Max]

Friends, (Admin code added by Palmer - C7983721)

It will be difficult to give a great deal of guidance to start this project. I'll say what I can and then see what comes of it...I'll be involved every step of the way and check in frequently.

Select Consultants is a Conn. firm that sponsors private investment funds. These are basically mutual funds for high-net worth people and institutions. These type of funds can and do invest in lots of different markets and in many exotic financial instruments.

When searching on Google for information on such firms, you might use terms like "managed investments," "Hedge Funds," "Commodity Trading Advisor.

The clientele is conservative, and they rely on the firm for its pedigree (the founders are very established Wall Street types) and its trustworthiness. Any logo should convey a sense of unimpeachable integrity (whatever that means in terms of a logo...guess it means no clowns in rainbow wigs? hehe).

You can think in rough terms of of this company moving in some of the same circles as Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, Citigroup et al.

Here is a company that's in something like our space, just to give you an idea (do NOT give me a logo like theirs tho!!!! :)) http://www.managedinvestments.com

Our firm has been using a simple text logo in an elegant font. Verrrry boring.

While you might think the new logo must be boring, no! One of the partners suggested that the logo somehow incorporate his love for golf. He suggested (not sure how this would translate into a logo) but a guy hitting a golf ball at a southern golf resort. It's kind of his vision of the perfect day, and he wanted to reflect it in his company.

Colors should be pretty conservative, and no spacey fonts. Emphasize your design efforts on the Select part, as there are many Select companies, so the "Consultants" part might be changed (and I must reserve the right to change the logo in this and in any other way that may be called for in the future!)

I design in Illustrator 10, and I need an editable file as the product of our contest. I don't much care for PShop, but if you're a design god and want to use it, don't let me hold you back. The logo will go on envelopes, documents and "pitch books" (you send them to prospective clients). Much less important will be any web precense, although that's not out of the question.

It's a blank palatte to design a logo for a firm that is legendary in its own right. Note that there is no tagline. That's typical of this kind of firm.

Logos that I like in general:

http://www.activevoice.com/

alcatel

I kinda like: http://myinstrument.com/

palm

In the financial realm, I like Merrill Lynch's. Dunno how this will guide you!

[Dan]

I had a bit of an idea and this is what I came up with -

[mhq]

what is the deadline for the contest?

[Juvanescence]

Clean and professional.

[Big_Money_Max]

Originally posted by mhq@Apr 10 2003, 04:51 AM
what is the deadline for the contest?
Good morning, all. Let's set the deadline as two weeks from yesterday: 23 Apr.

[Big_Money_Max]

Reflections on our first two submissions.

Dan, thanks for your intriguing design, but I'm afraid it doesn't quite speak to me. I think you're going for an abstraction of a golf club? I think the symbology for this one may come from the financial sector - without limitation: bulls, bears, a trendline (chart deal with a line tracking the stock market), euro sign, dollar sign, yen symbol, etc. If that can somehow be married to the golf fantasy, super.

J-Design: Interesting, but I think it's rather "new economy" for this firm. Think guys (and gals for that matter) who have worked on Wall St. for 30+ years. They drive big Mercedeses and probably belong to the country club (I, on the other hand, ride the bus ;) ).

[SideFX]

ok my first entries

[Big_Money_Max]

Side: Very Interesting. I'm intrigued by both the orbs and the golf club face.

I wonder if you could make the orbs more "golfball realistic." By this I mean add dimples or something so that I can tell they're golfballs, yet they remain iconic.

The cursive scripts aren't my favorite.

To All: Perhaps we shouldn't include the word "Consultants" at all. Perhaps the logos should just focus on SELECT which is the most important part of the logo. There is also a Select Funds, Select Administrators etc.

Thanks a lot. :tup:

[john]

Here are a few designs. I decided to stick with times new roman as the font as it has a corporate feel and i think it shows integrity and longetivity.

[Raja]

:unsure: <img src='http://www.webfellaz.com/4fun/select2.gif[/img]

[Big_Money_Max]

John, thanks for the submissions, but the graphics aren't particularly evocative of anything I associate with this firm. They make me think more of tennis balls. I do like the conservative choice of font.

Rox, the Select formed by the golfball is very good. Don't change the colors a bit! I might like to see a treatment that fills out the golf balls a bit more. If you felt inspired, you might see what happened if you also included a few of the universal financial symbols: $ EUR pound etc. Consult one of the big financial sites like clearstation.com for some more (we do a lot more than currency so $, EUR etc might be misleading).

Rox, I think the golf guy appears too literal. The level of abstraction of the golfball design discussed above is great. The other designs are barks up the wrong tree, perhaps.

[TwistedNewMedia]

I should have an entry in tommrow

[Radu]

Greetings,
here are my entries.

-Ruairi

[Big_Money_Max]

Uber - thanks. Looking forward to it.

Ruari- thanks for the submit. I'm not sure I "get" these, although they're handsomely done, no doubt. Neither the symbols nor the colors get me worked up. Keep 'em coming, please. :)

Just as a recap, my impression is that the golfball, golf club, golf inconography might be a great motif here, as would international financial symbols. Yen, Euro, Dollar etc.

[SideFX]

Ill have updates to mine probably sometime this weekend if not on monday

-Jeremy

[Huhhso]

Hi Here is my entry for your contest
Thanks!

[TwistedNewMedia]

Hows this?

[Palmer]

Another to consider. If you're wondering where the golf stuff is. The S and the circle are the cup and the triangle is the flag. I'm also a golf pro btw ;)

[Dan]

A couple of other entries -

[Big_Money_Max]

Guys,

Thank you all for your entries. I'm going to be super busy until this afternoon, so I will give my impressions and feedback as soon as I can: this is shaping up to be a great contest.

Warm rgds,

Max

[chelle]

B)

[Radu]

:rolleyes:

[Raja]

:rip: <img src='http://www.webfellaz.com/4fun/select3.gif[/img]

[Big_Money_Max]

Guys,

Sorry for the delay in the reply. I've been busy with work, which is better than having no work at all I can tell you!

Huhso: your submissions strike me as being a little bit less serious - more on a fun note - than a firm like this one might be able to use. Interesting foray into financial symbols tho.

Uber: I like the font and the tans. However, a dude playing golf is too overt. Use of golf symols is cool, but if you have a guy swinging the club, I'm pretty sure it tells clients that the money managers are on the links when they should managing money. It's the difference between tapping someone on the shoulder and smacking them in the face.

Palmer: hmmm. Nice use of golf, but for reasons I can't articulate too well, the logo just doesn't have ooomph for me. (Do I sound like Randy Jackson, from "America Idol?")

Chelle: Strong. I like. I will see if we have any comments/suggestions and post some followup.

Ruari: Very good, but I can't see the top one too well. Could you please blow it up? I think the actual golf ball picture isn't apropos, as per above comments, but if you had a stylized one, that would be a compelling design (the second one).

Rox: Delightful, no doubt, but I liked the twisted golf ball from your first assay. Would you please pursue my comments regarding that design?

Thanks everyone!

$$$Max

[ElKootcho]

Originally posted by Big_Money_Max@Apr 16 2003, 10:30 AM
(Do I sound like Randy Jackson, from "America Idol?")
Yeah, dog. You made it your own. :tup:

[sdollen]

Originally posted by Big_Money_Max@Apr 9 2003, 09:35 PM
One of the partners suggested that the logo somehow incorporate his love for golf. &nbsp;He suggested (not sure how this would translate into a logo) but a guy hitting a golf ball at a southern golf resort. &nbsp;It's kind of his vision of the perfect day, and he wanted to reflect it in his company.



Being a retirement advisor for a Retirement Trust fund, a former investment advisor, and working with money managers who wine & dine us to try and persuade us to use their services, I don't think it's a huge surprise to anyone that they don't do any real work and spend their day on the golf course!

:innocent:

Hey, some of my best friends are money managers.... honest!!!

Seriously though - I wonder if you can use a scene of like the 18th hole from Augusta or some well known golf course and incorporate that into the logo.... the tie in is that golf is a game of strategy, positioning and knowing the right tool (club) to use to get the job done...all the same things which are key in investing (money management).

Thought I'd through that out there for the designers :) I'll go back to my corner now.

[Raja]

http://www.webfellaz.com/4fun/select4.gif :squint:

[beetle]

That last one 'Rox makes me feel queasy looking at it :sick:

It's like some funky stereogram :blink:

"It's not a schooner, it's a sailboat."

</idle comments>

[Big_Money_Max]

Originally posted by sdollen@Apr 16 2003, 01:22 PM
Seriously though - I wonder if you can use a scene of like the 18th hole from Augusta or some well known golf course and incorporate that into the logo.... the tie in is that golf is a game of strategy, positioning and knowing the right tool (club) to use to get the job done...all the same things which are key in investing (money management).

Thought I'd through that out there for the designers :) I'll go back to my corner now.
This is remarkably like something one of the partners said.

If anyone is inspired by it, I think it's a great angle.

[Big_Money_Max]

Rox - that looks like a disco ball.

[motiveX]

Originally posted by Big_Money_Max@Apr 16 2003, 03:36 PM
Rox - that looks like a disco ball.
Looks like a golf ball to me, and I play 36 holes a day partner...

*says in cowboy voice*

:cowboy:

[Palmer]

The 18th at Augusta is very non-memorable in my opinion. A few off the top of my head. The 17th at TPC sawgrass, the 18th at Harbour Town, maybe the 12th at Augusta. Those are memorable. :)

[Radu]

This is a quite stylized golf ball :)

[sdollen]

how about the 17th at St. Andrews?

[Dan]

Big_Money_Max, any comments on my latest entry ?

[TwistedNewMedia]

Alright, hows this?

[Palmer]

Originally posted by sdollen@Apr 16 2003, 05:57 PM
how about the 17th at St. Andrews?
The road hole looks the same as every other hole other than that building you have to hit over and the wall. Links style courses are very flat and no trees. There isn't a lot of topographical differences to make one hole unique from another.

Ok, enough about golf, we're probably putting people to sleep. Sorry Max :)

[mhq]

heres mine

[Big_Money_Max]

Originally posted by Dan@Apr 16 2003, 05:55 PM
Big_Money_Max, any comments on my latest entry ?
My apologies, Dan, for neglecting to comment:

1st design - the golf stick guy is too literal, I feel.
2nd design - good, some things to like, but I don't love. It lacks visual impact for me. This is a multi-billion $$ company and IMHO that design is somehow not conveying that.

Keep 'em coming, please!

[Big_Money_Max]

Originally posted by Palmer@Apr 16 2003, 07:21 PM
Originally posted by sdollen@Apr 16 2003, 05:57 PM
how about the 17th at St. Andrews?
The road hole looks the same as every other hole other than that building you have to hit over and the wall. Links style courses are very flat and no trees. There isn't a lot of topographical differences to make one hole unique from another.

Ok, enough about golf, we're probably putting people to sleep. Sorry Max :)
Yeah - less with the talkin' and more with the mousin'B) B)

Who's going to put these cool ideas into practice? Sounds like we've identified some good candidates.

However, I'd note that the partner specified a "Southern (US) golf course."

I'm pretty sure he's never played St. Andrews.

[Big_Money_Max]

Here are my comments on the newest contribution. First of all, thanks for the designs.

1) Uber: I've seen your good stuff in other contests so I know you're hardcore. This logo is nice but isn't my favorite. Being honest, it kind of reminds me of a bowling ball dreaming of other bowling balls. (I guess it's what bowling balls do while they're waiting to be rolled...maybe the large bowling ball is a guy bowling ball, and the smaller bowling balls are three lady bowling balls he's got his eye on...but I digress :) ).

2) Ruari: I think we've gone TOO stylized, and you've lost some of the original attractiveness of the design. I still think the basic layout with the interlocking rings, is effective.

3) Mh - I don't think such a 2003 logo is a great fit with a fairly conservative firm. It'd be good for another firm. The font is too spacey for one thing. (edit: changed "2002" to 2003. Sounds like I was dissin'. Didn't mean to. Just forgot what year it was there for a second. I need some of what Rox is drinkin'!).

Keep 'em coming, peeps! Thanks.

[ElKootcho]

Throwing my hat into the ring. It seems you have enough golf themed logos so I went another more corporate, progressive route.

[ElKootcho]

And here's the same with a golf ball texture.

[Palmer]

Nifty. Actually if you were to see the inside of a 2-piece golfball, it looks very similar. :)

[Big_Money_Max]

Originally posted by ElKootcho@Apr 21 2003, 11:20 PM
And here's the same with a golf ball texture.
I like this one. I am submitting it to be looked at by the team. You can never have too many golf-themed logos. Even if you're, say, a plumbing company. Give 'em a golfball, I say.

The frontrunners so far, in no particular order of preference, are:

rox - twisted golfball S
Chelle - stylised golfball...thing
side - the two circles with the golfclub heel on them
ruari - realistic golfball with interlocking "s"'s (wasn't my choice, but the team liked it)
kootcho - golfball

Of these, I think side and rox could modify their designs to my earlier comments.

Everyone's been doing great, and the door is still open! Keep 'em coming. I'd say the two themes that haven't been explored are the picture of the golf course and the financial symbols.

Thanks.

Max

[TwistedNewMedia]

Here are a few more examples :)

[Big_Money_Max]

Originally posted by ubergerlgeek@Apr 22 2003, 12:53 PM
Here are a few more examples :)
Oooh - I like the middle one! I'll add that to the list.

I was hoping for a second installment in the whole bowling bowl saga...haha. ;)

[Big_Money_Max]

UPDATE[B][SIZE=14]!!!

Sorry, peeples, but I have to extend the deadline on this contest for one week.:(

My guys are basically swamped with a big deal, and told me that the logo wasn't at the top of their list for the next several days.

Can you imagine??? What could be more important than having a great logo...? Well I can't imagine.

Please keep the designs coming and thanks for all the great ones! Max

PS: Here's a guy who always maintains a positive attitude!

http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com

[Raja]

http://24.192.15.159/4fun/select7.gif

[Big_Money_Max]

Originally posted by ondarox@Apr 22 2003, 02:53 PM
http://24.192.15.159/4fun/select7.gif
Hmmm...Rox. Interesting.

Too gleeful, perhaps, for an investment firm.

Outstanding logo for, say, a preteen golf site or a special education program. I like it tho - definitely the winnah in some other contest. :tup:

[Raja]

:lol:

[ElKootcho]

Where does the real business get done? The 19th hole! :tup:

[TwistedNewMedia]

19th? ..... :blink:

[ElKootcho]

Originally posted by ubergerlgeek@Apr 23 2003, 08:32 PM
19th? ..... :blink:
Yep. The 19th is after you've finished your round of golf (18 holes) and head to the bar to discuss the round and, of course...business. (all the golfers out there understand :tup: )

[Palmer]

Yep :drink:

[Mike]

Originally posted by ubergerlgeek@Apr 23 2003, 09:32 PM
19th? ..... :blink:
Those poor caddies... :sick: :o

[Big_Money_Max]

Kootcho - it's pretty neat.

I think conceptually it's cool. We'd have to get a slightly more...what's the thing I'm looking for?...I want to say 'professional' but that has ugly undertones. I think 'staid' or 'conservative' might be it.

For instance, a waving, graceful flag with a more subtle '19.' Conservative font. We can have our 19th hole joke, but the logo needs to be pretty conservative.

(I fully approve of the 19th hole allusions, btw. Rumor has it that OnDaRox can be found practicing his 'game' there most evenings. :) )

My associates are still occupied and haven't had a chance to review. I'm fully enjoying however.

Again, I wanted to remind that it's much better to work on a logo that says "Select" rather than "Select Consultants" for the reasons I discussed in an earlier post.

Ok! You've worked hard enough. Everyone have a :drink: on me. I imagine Guiness is acceptable?

[ElKootcho]

Here's one emphasizing "Select"

[Big_Money_Max]

<charo voice>Kootchie kootchie koooo!!!...AIYAIYAIYA </charo voice> (Ummm for any of you youngsters who don't know, Charo was this...I dunno, Hispanic lady...who went around saying "Kootchie kootchie koooo!!!...aiyiyyiyiyi" So you see, I was being quite clever.)

Good stuff! Minor quibble: I think you've altered this logo so that the icon now resembles a dude in a steel hat whose head is a golf ball.

Does anyone else see what I mean? I loved this icon before, but I think it's been changed subtly so that it's quite anthropomorphic. Resembles a golfball warrior.

I think the golfball needs to be bigger relative to the steel cover. This look vaguely reminds me of Symantec - not saying you "bit" it at all just trying to make a point - and I think their orientation of the vertical lines is slightly more attractive.

If you understand what I'm saying, then please revise. If you need me to be clearer, please let me know (also let me know if I am the only one :unsure: who believes he's looking at a golf-ball headed bike rider.

Thanks for the submit. The Force is strong with this one.

[Big_Money_Max]

I came across this on the web today and wanted to inspire you all with an example of some really outstanding webdesign:

http://www.tinypinocchio.com/

"...My name is Tiny Pinocchio but my Mommy calls me "NOKI." I am a Yorkshire Terrier and I am trying to beat the Guinness Book of World records for the smallest dog in the world."

Now THERE is talent! The dog's got the lime green...he's got the Frontpage buttons...he comes at ya with some Flash (for some reason)...he's got a picture frame around his little photo (that's been saved as a jpg at least five successive times). That dog only weighs 16oz, but his website's worth its weight in gold!

:sick:

...hope everyone enjoyed. :D

[ElKootcho]

Originally posted by Big_Money_Max@Apr 25 2003, 03:25 AM
Good stuff! Minor quibble: I think you've altered this logo so that the icon now resembles a dude in a steel hat whose head is a golf ball.
Gotcha. I didn't see that before but now that you point it out, that's all I can see! (The power of suggestion is strong in you) I'll make the suggested changes and repost tonight.

[ElKootcho]

Originally posted by Big_Money_Max@Apr 25 2003, 06:49 AM
I came across this on the web today and wanted to inspire you all with an example of some really outstanding webdesign:
http://www.tinypinocchio.com/
You see, this is why I'm not a web designer. How can I expect to compete with something like that? Maybe I need to go back to school and rethink my chosen profession.

[ElKootcho]

Originally posted by Big_Money_Max@Apr 25 2003, 03:25 AM
If you understand what I'm saying, then please revise.
B)

[Big_Money_Max]

Originally posted by ElKootcho@Apr 25 2003, 01:30 PM
Originally posted by Big_Money_Max@Apr 25 2003, 03:25 AM
If you understand what I'm saying, then please revise.
B)
That looks dope, yo. I am showing it to my colleagues with the other superb efforts mentioned already as soon as my guys see some daylight.

Are you sure that guy will print out in B+W? Maybe we're getting ahead of ourselves, but somebody had mentioned that might be an issue. I'm not a rasterman (heck, I hardly listen to reggae at all these days - haha) so I'm not sure about it.

Reminder that the contest closes...when the heck? Well in several days.

[Mike]

It should look fine B+W. Would be cheap to do in colour since it only had blue and black. :)

[ElKootcho]

Originally posted by Big_Money_Max@Apr 25 2003, 12:18 PM
Are you sure that guy will print out in B+W?
Here it is in grayscale and pure black&white

[Raja]

http://24.192.15.159/4fun/select8.gif

[Big_Money_Max]

The second two are fly. I really like the golfcourse one, except that the little golfer dude looks like an ant or a tootsie roll ( <homer> ummmmmm toootsie roll ants....*Droool* </homer> ) at that resolution. Maybe you can stamp some grass over him so that he's removed?

Niz-ice.

[Big_Money_Max]

Friends,

We were debating all weekend.

While there were many awesome entries, we have decided to go with ondarox's "Split S Golfball" (from all the way back on page 1, IIRC_.

He is the winner of this contest, but some of you may hear from us later on. We may have some work for you based on your strong performance.

I want to thank all of you who participated: there were about a dozen designs that really captured our attention, making this a difficult decision.

:tup: :tup: :tup:

I had a lot of fun! Big$$ Max

[Palmer]

Congrats OnDaRox :notworthy:

Max, not sure if you saw this but you may be interested in the reseller program...
http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/index....T&f=14&t=547&s= (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/index.php?act=ST&f=14&t=547&s=)

Take care and thanks for the contest. :)