[Project Complete] Niche Marketing Firm needs new Logo

[FranklyCin]

(Admin code added by Michael - L353650D $100)


Hi all,

We're in need of a new look and it all starts with a logo.

Our company is a niche consulting firm offering advice, education and marketing support to fine jewelry designers. We teach them how to market their work. We are currently revamping our website to be a subscription website for them -- an educational community where they can find everything they need to know to run their business.

Our new logo needs to be:
dynamic
attractive to designers -- more hip than corporate
simple to run in b/w as in color (website will be in color, printed materials might be just b/w or 1 or 2 color at most) We partner with other corp's on certain projects and thus our logo appears on sign boards, flyers, etc. It needs to be able to work in a variety of formats and uses.

it should NOT contain jewelry images (we sell information not jewelry) but if it could symbolize business empowerment, enlightenment, being the center hub of their universe, connecting them to the rest of the business world, linking them to the industry/their customers/the editors/the trade shows, etc..... we've tried for so long to come up with a "symbol" that represents what we do and well, we can't. Hopefully you can.

Colors preferred:
We're gravitating towards lime green (pantone 389 or something like it) with a blue/grey like pantone 7459. I've also seen this kind of blue/grey (html 465E66) with a bright orange (like html FF7005) that looks good too. Both attract my eye whenever I see them on another site or printed piece.

Please feel free to go somewhere else if the inspiration strikes you -- I'm looking for a cool, dynamic look that designers and corporate wonks would instantly recognize as "design oriented."

We're going by Jeweler's Resource even though our full name is Jeweler's Resource Bureau.


To see what we currently do visit our site (which will be redone shortly and possibly with a template created by one of you!) at www.jewelersresource.com.

My clients are members/clients of: www.ijdg.org, www.cdgjewelers.com, www.snagmetalsmith.com -- so these orgs are partly my competition for designers' membership dollars.

Thank you for your enthusiasm and talent for this project -- looking forward to seeing entries this week. Will close the contest by Aug. 10th.

Best regards,
Cindy Edelstein

[samoyloff]

Cindy,

I know you said no jewelry, but look at this conept, it is definitely about connecting people, and still can be attractive for jewelers.

Please let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Alexander.

http://www.samoyloff.com/jr.gif

[Just J]

Just a quick idea I had...

:)

[FranklyCin]

Sorry, Alexander, but I really cannot use a jewelry image.

With jewelers as clients they can get attached to the visual as it relates to THEIR work. It will be too distracting.

I'm not sure I understand the other graphic -- is it like atoms connecting?

Not really resonating with me.

It does show me the color combo and I think I need to take the orange off the table as the dominent color... I have a trade show client that we use orange as a branded color and this looks too related.

Sorry to steer you in the wrong color direction.

Jason, I'm concerned that the gradient background won't work for multiple uses and I don't quite understand the icon.

I was hoping for more emphasis on the typestyle rather than on an icon. Or just more integration between the two.

These first 2 designs use rather plain text with a dependency on the icon.

Thanks for taking us on though!
~ Cindy

[Just J]

Originally posted by FranklyCin
Jason, I'm concerned that the gradient background won't work for multiple uses and I don't quite understand the icon.

I was hoping for more emphasis on the typestyle rather than on an icon. Or just more integration between the two.

These first 2 designs use rather plain text with a dependency on the icon.

Just for reference...
The gradient background is just that and has nothing to do with the logo itself. The icon is a combination "J" and "R" (with sharp edges like a diamond).
I thought that when you said
we've tried for so long to come up with a "symbol" that represents what we do and well, we can't. Hopefully you can.
that you wanted focus on an icon in the design.
Thaks for the fast feedback!!!! :D

[FranklyCin]

Originally posted by Jason
Just for reference...
The gradient background is just that and has nothing to do with the logo itself. The icon is a combination "J" and "R" (with sharp edges like a diamond).
I thought that when you said

that you wanted focus on an icon in the design.
Thaks for the fast feedback!!!! :D



You're right Jason, I contradicted myself there!
I would like the type and the "symbol" to be equally important.
But if the symbol isn't totally integrated with the type, then presumably the type should be able to stand alone (like when my logo is used on someone else's literature or on a seminar sign with other sponsors, etc.) and still carry through the brand.

Thanks for jumping in! Cindy

[Just J]

Got it, thanks! :D

[samoyloff]

Cindy,

Here's another concept. Three jewelers holding their hands in a diamond-like shape.

Alex.

http://www.samoyloff.com/jr2.gif

[Just J]

Here is another shot. I went for simple and to the "point" this time.

[FranklyCin]

Thanks guys.......

Jason your design is simple and elegant, but strikes me as too simple for what I want to say to the world.

I want a logo that really catches your eye -- that you'd recognize in any format or size. As I mentioned, my logo will be used in so many formats and I want to build a strong visual identity. I want my potential clients to have a strong emotional reaction/connection to our identity -- they already feel that way about our work.

I really appreciate your talents here -- I know this is a bigger challenge than some other logos that have an obvious visual tie-in (I see some previous projects here that have kids/animals/motorcycles in their business ID) but I'm sure there is a wealth of talent here.......

and competitive spirit!!! Thanks, this is a challenge for sure........ Cindy

[FranklyCin]

Alex,
I think your 2nd try was more unique but still not as strong a statement as I want to make.... the 3 jewelers in the shape of a diamond is very clever (and I like that you put it in the word).


Can you try to take more liberty with the type -- create new font or use a more fanciful type with manipulated sizes, leading, bigger drop caps or hangers -- or something like that.......


Also - please forgo the orange......let's go back to lime.

Thanks -- I know this is a challenge...Cindy

[samoyloff]

Cindy,

Can you please show me a font that is similar to what you're looking for in your logo?

Thanks,
Alexander.

[FranklyCin]

Alex,
I'd like to see creative use of negative space, mix of fonts (serif and sans), letters entwined, oversized caps....... that kind of type design.

I like the mix of fonts -- big fat sans with a more elegant serif.
I've liked the font Matrix Book Script (by emigre) for so very long and have had trouble using it on my mac OS 10 for some reason...... so if you want a precise suggestion there it is! Like all the Matrix versions, frankly. also Bernhard Modern, adobe Garamond.

Plus an extended chunky sans serif like futura extra bold or Franklin Gothic Heavy.


If you want to work with our full name -- Jeweler's Resource Bureau and it's initials JRB please feel free to try that too.....

[FranklyCin]

if this helps in spurring your creative juices......
our tag lines/catch phrases are:

Improving Your Business with Information and Insight®
and
the designer’s source for connection, information and business growth

Hope more folks are enticed by our dilemma!!!
Thanks, Cindy

[shnickerdoodle studios]

Here's one from me.

Looking forward to your thoughts.

Thanks,
Deanna

[Aaron]

This doesn't exactly follow the brief, but I like the way it turned out.

Any thoughts?

[xjeria]

Hi, here´s my design. I hope it works for you. Any feedback is very welcome!!

Xjeria

[Tyler]

Here is another.

http://24.87.106.228/hostedlogos/jewelersresource1.png

[Tyler]

Oh and this one too!:D

http://24.87.106.228/hostedlogos/jewelersresource2.png

[FranklyCin]

Thanks everyone!!

We really appreciate your work -- I have to run out to a conference but will post specific feedback later today.


For those yet to design:

Please forget about the orange -- as I said earlier, I cannot go with it because of a branding conflict.

Thanks - Cindy

[FranklyCin]

Sorry for the delay. Here's my feedback:

Xjeria, this has come closest to our desired "feel." At this point, however, the icon (with its internal initials) isn't quite there yet as an instantly recognizable symbol.

I like the orange boxed logo better than the grey one because I prefer that J. I'm wondering if the image on the J is a glowing gem? I'd rather it be a radiating sun -- something that implies illumination (like we illuminate their businesses). And if the boxed icon has a script J, shouldn't the name also be spelled out in the same font, just on one word? And I wonder if the Jeweler's Resource could have more style (rather than a nondescript Times-type font) so that when it's used alone it would have more identity.

And again, we've got to lose the orange.

Deanna, your logos are surely inventive but the look is not consistent with the type of image we want to project. The fonts are too casual or kitchy. The JR is a good attempt at an icon but it looks more like a boot than anything related to our business. Again, not our image. Thank you, though, for entering our contest.

Aaron, you're right! Your entry doesn't fit our brief and I, too, do like the way it turned out. It would be great if we had our own ball team, brewed our own beer or marketed a sports-oriented product.

I like it and appreciate that you used the font I liked. Maybe the best thing about it was how you got the whole name tightly integrated into one graphic element. Nice work. Alas, it's just not our image.


RadicalSEED: Your first logo is very nice; the typeface you chose is nicely stylized but I don't resonate with it. I think perhaps it's too "old" for us -- it has a dated 1950's look about it. The crown is something I personally like but for my business, I think it implies the wrong message for us. But again, I think it's a clever design.

Your second design just isn't us at all -- the JR has some clever aspects to it but it does not really have an integrated look about it. The orange circle, for example, doesn't seem connected to anything, and the lower part of the J at first glance sorta looks like it is a shadow. On second glance, it becomes apparant that it is not a shadow but it doesn't really come across as a J, either. So rather than having an instantly recognizable image, we end up with one that causes some confusion. As it happens, the tie is not a good visual for my company. Ties usually denote men and maleness (as well as, admittedly, business) but this company is headed by a woman and many of our clients are women. Thanks for trying our contest -- I hope you would like to try again.


Overall, I have to say that we are very pleased with the entries that have been submitted. Having tried to put together a logo on my own, I know that it takes inspiration and the evolution of an idea. That's why I know we can come up with something here as we have several appraoches that can be developed. Of course, I am open to new ideas, too. Everyone wants to have something as instantly recognizable as McDonald's golden arches or Nike's Swish or Coca-Cola's logo and a collaborative approach like this one might be just the ticket to get us there. I appreciate your work and know our company image is a tricky one, so I am really glad to have this much talent tackling our dilemma!

PLEASE KEEP TRYING _ I know someone in this group is going to create the logo of my dreams. I am extending the contest to August 15th so you guys can at least have a weekend off without grappling with our challenge every day.

~ Cindy

[bogglins]

hi.. my first entry...

[Fabian]

Hello Cindy

Sometime's simple black and white speaks a thousand word,just like a simple black evening gown or a black tux.Style and class was what i was trying to capture in this design.

Your comments are most welcomed
Fabian

[FranklyCin]

Bogglins: Your design has the mood we've wanted. I'm concerned that the shape behind the jr resembles a lemon (not a good business association, huh?!). I'm not loving the typeface either --- but the overall look and mood is more in line with what we're looking for.

I hope you try another design for us.

Fabian: I appreciate your thought process here... I think the typeface isn't the best for your chosen application. The lowercase e and s get very muddy on the black background (I've had this problem with a recent font, as well). And the interlocking circles have nothing to do with our name -- I'm guessing you chose them because they're rings?? Not sure but either way, they don't really work. Thanks for jumping in though....

~ Cindy

[carlos(esparza)]

here is a little something i've cooked up for you, please do let me know what you think.

-carlos

[nvoke]

my go at it, let me know what you think,
thanks and njoy
amanda :)

[FranklyCin]

CARLOS: You've hit on the perfect color scheme!!!! I love it.
And I think your idea of the "sound waves" resonating off the resource does seem to indicate radiating energy.

And we mean to radiate knowledge....so, I think you're on to something here. The font is bit too quirky on the J and the W.
Perhaps if Jeweler's was in a compatible, but different font? and a bit larger than the other word?

And the radiating circles -- it's a bit faint and I'm not sure it will work in b/w. My logo will have to appear in b/w sometimes (in an ad, on a flyer, etc). Maybe if there's more radiating waves from the o? Something we'd consider if it were further developed.

Again, LOVE THE COLORS!!

AMANDA: I like your concept of a key with a a radiating "sun" behind it.... seems to indicate we've got the key to their illumination/enlightenment?!?! I like it and would like to see it more dominent or more tied together with our business name.

The colors are a bit faint for me - I prefer a more powerful palette. Overall, a very nice entry and something we'd consider if it were taken further.

Thank you both -- your entries perked up my difficult day!
~~Cindy

[shnickerdoodle studios]

Here's another one from me...

Thanks,
Deanna

[FranklyCin]

Thanks Deanna..... can you tell me about the graphic you chose? All we can guess is either a bar graph or stylized skyline and neither have anything to do with our business so we must be missing something.

I appreciate your participation, though.

If we have a graphic it needs to represent what we do/who we are for our industry.

The difficult task is to conceptualize an information business that ties together an entire industry for the education of its designer sector:
i.e. the center hub of information, or
the generator of knowledge, or
the link , or the source, or the key, or the light or SOMETHING like that....

WHAT A CHALLENGE FOR YOU GUYS! Thanks for trying our compettion.... I know the perect logo is somewhere out there.
~Cindy

[carlos(esparza)]

woops, sorry about this.

[samoyloff]

Hello Cindy,

Here's one more concept from me. Please let me know what you think.

Thanks,
Alexander.

http://www.samoyloff.com/jr3.gif

[carlos(esparza)]

hello,

--i have here a black and white revised version of the logo, a couple different ideas in colour, and a very small black and white.

the slimness of the lines was a consideration of mine at first, but i did various tests of the gradient levels and soforrth, and it should be fine in most applications. the most difficult would be newspaper--i could show you a test of what that might look like (unmodified, as well as with a newspapar optimized design).

in any case, thank you for consideration . . .
-carlos

[xjeria]

hi, here is my try again.

Xjeria

[nvoke]

hey cindy,
thanks for feedback, yeah you grasped the concept except originally the radiating sun was in my mind a ring, but both concepts are fitting, i changed the muted colors to something a bit more bold, let me know if this is what you had in mind,
thanks again,
amanda :)

[Aaron]

Okay, no sports concepts this time. Shown is full version, reduced size black and white, and iconic treatment.

[FranklyCin]

Alexander: Thanks for the second try but it's just not us... the black type looks too heavy and hte font is too playful for us.


Xjeria - I prefer your first design -- I think that one (with the orange box) was closest to our wishes. We would have liked for you to tweak that one more, perhaps using the beautiful J in the name as well... somehow the JR in the box needed to be more integrally related to the spelled out name.

Carlos: Thanks for the redesign... I appreciate your time. The change of fonts for Jewelers has lost it's impact. While I had trouble with the other font's J, now it's all too light and too faint an image for me.

Nvoke: Thanks again -- your key idea is intriguing. I don't think the two fonts quite relate but I can see the potential of this concept.

Carlos and Nvoke: -- I know you guys are working on spec and I don't want you to spend more time than necessary. I get your concept and we can judge it based on that and perfect it later if needed. Both your designs are frontrunners for us...

Aaron: Thanks for trying again... It's fine. But I'm looking for something more unique, more complex. something that you can recognize as only us from 10 feet away.


We've got more time for our contest -- and I know you've all got more brilliance ... so please, keep trying!

Thanks,

[FranklyCin]

Also, Carlos, I had such a strong reaction to your first logo's 3 color bars (they just energized me) that I miss them in the subsequent message. I am not sure you meant them as logo but as a color guide and I know we can use those 3 colors as bars, dots or some sort of graphic element WITH the logo (particularly on a webpage) but their impact was really impressive.

We're trying to capture the 3Ds.....
dynamic
different
designer-attractive

Thanks to all who take up the challenge.
~ Cindy

[Paula23]

Hi,
Here are some designd for your review.
Thanks,Paula

[Paula23]

:)

[nvoke]

same idea, yet a bit different,
let me know your thoughts,
thanks and njoy,
amanda :)

[FranklyCin]

Amanda, thanks for the second one. I think your first attempt is better. The key in the second has less impact and it's message is more ambiguous. The flower petals also play too much importance and they mean nothing to our biz. I still think the font duo could be better -- the script is too light next to the other. Perhaps if it were larger than the other font - or it's last letter entwined or just came around the first letter in resource. I would really like to see more interplay with fonts and words.

Paula, I like your designs ... but the first try is too formal and the second is a bit too informal. I know that must make me sound so fickle but... that's my initial reaction. I like the "light rays" off the first rectangular logo (still trying to add a visual cue to our ephemeral services) but the font is not exactly right. Sorry.



WE WILL EXTEND OUR CONTEST TO AUGUST 27th -- MY BIRTHDAY -- IN HOPES BY THEN SOMEONE WILL HAVE THE BRAINSTORM I NEED!! I KNOW IT's OUT THERE!!!!!

Thank you all - we appreciate your time and talents.
~Cindy

[FranklyCin]

To repeat key mesages to help you create a dynamic, contemporary logo:

We're providing intellectual empowerment
enlightenment
we are the center hub
we are the source for everything you need to learn, know, use
building a community for designers to learn about business

graphic ideas that have yet to be put to good use (by my own lame attempts at a logo):
illumination
gears
links, connectors, etc.
power source


Our tag line is "Improving Your Business with Information & Insight"

[FranklyCin]

Just wondering ... is everyone on vacation this week or have I exhausted your good will???
~ Cindy

[nvoke]

cindy,
designers on vacation..no never...not us,

here's another design from me,
light buld and inside there sits a gem
let me know what you think,
thanks,
amanda :)

[FranklyCin]

Thanks Amanda...sorry you aren't on vacation on a beach somewhere!

The design is not quite right for us -- the icon is a good idea but a bit simplistic for us. I think the 2 fonts are not relating well enough. I don't have an idea how it can be worked differently -- but the type was a stumbling block for me with your first design, too. Sorry.

[nvoke]

:)

[Raja]

I will make an entry into this contest.

Can you please go this site http://www.goodlogo.com/top250/ and see if there are any logos in there that you feel have the look and feel your after? With that info, I can have a better chance of designing the right look.

Thanks

Raja

[Just J]

Before you give your answer to Raja, I've been sitting on this for about a week now. Since I am going away next week I didn't want to get into something that I may be away for the conclusion.
After you look throught some logo designs I may be able to pop in again (if you don't like this one).

[FranklyCin]

Thanks, Raja. Glad to have you take a crack at it.
Please read about our business a few messages up... we're searching for that illusive touchstone of a graphic that can communicate our business in a bold, design-oriented way.

We're hunting for more than just nice typography (I can choose a good font or two) we're looking for a design that integrates the words with a possible icon, perhaps manipulates type or combines letters or has them overlap or large drop cap that meets with another letter, effective use of negative space ........techniques I know that are done in illustrator which is a program I don't use.

I went to your bliss site and found AZ Fans, Envirogreen and Idea Bomb to be most enticing...... but none said "Aha, use this idea".

Thanks again for jumping in...... we've got our fingers crosssed.
Cindy

[FranklyCin]

Thanks Jason..... I appreciate that you're still there trying for us... this doesn't have the dynamic presence we're looking for. Sorry. Appreciate your time and talents.
~Cindy

[DesignGeneral]

Hi Cindy,

I'll have something for you :)

[DesignGeneral]

:cool:

[Just J]

Ok, two more but that's it... ;)

:lol:

[splunking]

I will try to get an entry in by this evening...

Thanks :D
- Cindy

[FranklyCin]

Cindy, visited your portfolio.... you've done some wonderful things. I have to commend you on the logo for Lorinda lee floral design. It's wonderful!!!!

It doesn't fit my company but what I like about it is the totally unique icon you created -- if you just saw the L and flowers you'd know where it came from.
I love the colors choice for her..... this logo enlivened me when I first saw it...it's that kind of emotional response I want to have for my own logo.

And I can see from your 4 steps that it took a while to get to that final logo -- I'm in awe. I know my company doesn't lend itself to such immediate imagry but I'm trying to evoke a similar kind of response in my customers..... enlightenment. Energy. Power.

Thanks for giving us a try......... ~ Cindy E.

[Mark]

Wow!:eek: I've never seen sooo many excellent designs for a contest with this prize amount before! Excellent job everyone!!! :tup:

[splunking]

Wow! I'm flattered! I'm sure I'll fall short of your expectations!

Here is my first attempt. Let me know if I'm headed in the right direction. I have a few more ideas. This current idea came from your description where you said you wanted to portray "center hub, linking, enlightenment, and empowerment".

Thanks for your time, I look forward to your comments.
- Cindy G.

[CreativeETC]

here's our entry...:)

[FranklyCin]

Mark,
When I first started my contest I didn't know the full context of this community - so I didn't know that my prize money wasn't enough to garner top participation.

Thanks for your entry. You have definitely created something that integrates the letters as I've asked - except that the first e has an overemphasis that might make people wonder if it has special meaning. We'll consider it.

Cindy - nice concept but I don't quite get a sense of center of enlightenment yet.

[DesignGeneral]

Hi Cindy,

Any feedback on my entry ?

Thanks :)

[FranklyCin]

Design General,

Thanks for the entry. What I like is that it takes an inconic approach, that is, it has an icon that is integrated into the design and the name.

However, the J, for example, is not really recognizable as a J. You have to know the name to figure out what letter it is. The R gives the impression of a person laying back on a box. That's not relevant to anything we do. Taken together, the J and R make up something of an icon but as a stand-alone, it isn't recognizable as a JR and wouldn't work as a symbol for Jewelers Resource. The black and white version just highlights the problem with the abstract J. You have to figure out that the logo says jewelers -- it's not instantly readable.

Overall, I have to say how impressed I am that so many designers took on our task. We at Jewelers Resource have been looking forward to doing this for some time and while it may seem that I am too fussy or picky, a logo is a vital part of a company identity and it just has to fit well. Again, thanks for your efforts and talents.

~Cindy

[FranklyCin]

CreativeETC - Wow, you are a very talented illustrator. I see that you were trying to use my icon ideas of radiating and gears ... I'm concerned that the illustration is way overpowering the name of the company and a stretch for someone to get the connection to radiating sun rays and half a gear and us as a source for information. The visual won't make sense to someone who hasn't heard my explanation.

[Tonya]

I've got a design coming shortly.

[splunking]

Okay here is another shot...

Thanks,
Cindy G.

[splunking]

::attachment removed::

[Tonya]

http://home.comcast.net/~tonyagoodnow/graphic_work/jewelers/jewelers1.gif

[FranklyCin]

Cindy G.
thanks for these two... your first one is very nice... I'd like it in bolder colors and more than 3 light rays if we went with it. But please don't put any more time into it - we can judge it as an entry knowing it would need tweaking. I know you're working on spec and I'd hate for you to invest more time. The second one is just not us (do you see an elephant in the JR?!??!!?) but I like your type choice -- it's fun.

Tonya: thanks for entering. This logo is not our image at all (and I wonder about having an arrow going down for a consulting company -- what message does that convey?) it puts me in the mind of a sports company. Sorry.

[splunking]

...do you see an elephant in the JR?!??!!?)

:oops:

Lol, I didn't even see it like that... I was just worried that first one was too corporate and not hip enough.

Thank you for your feedback. I'll wait for your decision.

:D
Cindy

[Raja]

I have to admit this thread was too long to read, here's a shot anyway...

[dbenton25]

Hi Cindy,

I took some time trying to merge the JRB letterforms while taking into account the nature of hues you seem to be partial to. I used Adobe Garamond (small caps) for the actual company name and tried to compose a visually pleasing motif. If you like the idea but would like to see any tweaks or changes please don't hesitate to ask. Any feedback you'd be willing to supply would be most appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to review my submision. I hope you like what you see, and I'd be glad to work on the identity design further until you are satisfied with the design.

Thank you again and I look forward to hearing back from you.

-Dave

[Michael]

Client will be posting an update shortly.

[FranklyCin]

Hello and thank you all who have given us a try -- we have decided to go with Splunking's JR logo.
Thank you.
Jeweler's Resource