[Project Complete] MittenTopRentals.com -Prize $160

[MittenTopBrandon]

(Admin code added by Demex - V335741U)

Hello, my name is Brandon from MittenTopRentals.com which is still in the building stage. This will be a new website specializing in finding apartments, homes, and condos in Northwest Michigan. The website will allow property owners to post their available rentals for a fee. Their information will be on a database where potential renters can view up to 5 pictures of a property and a description. I want to express the simplicity of this system where you can stay home and list/find a rental (without driving around posting ads or looking in newspapers and not knowing what you might find or where you are going).

The logo should convey the idea that MittenTopRentals.com is a solution to the home rental process in Northwest Michigan. I don't want logos that are too playful because I'm trying to build an image of stability (yet, not all uptight either... boy, I'm a pain.) I'm looking for a little action in the logo too - perhaps a mouse and cord wrapping around the logo. (but that's just a suggestion)

What you should know:
This logo needs to be in a format suitable for print (stationary, business cards), web, and apparel. Most promotional products will be dark blue and I believe the website background will be dark blue.
I don't want a logo that has a swoosh or little balls in it. Instead, I'm looking to really build on a brand identity. Perhaps a house, pine tree, or a mitten used in some way might be a good start. (The reason that MittenTopRentals is called that is because Michigan looks like a mitten. I'm concentrating on the area between Traverse City to Mackinac City.) I want to make sure that people will understand this is for home rentals and not cars, furniture, etc.

The font should be clear and not too bold since the entire MittenTopRentals.com should be used. Sorry about the length of that!! A slight space between Mitten Top and Rentals may be necessary for clarity.... I would rather have those three words next to each other rather than on top of one another. Also, MittenTop should be emphasized (rather than Mitten TopRentals).

Lastly, I'm looking for a logo that doesn't look like something you would never wear if it were on a shirt or hat. That's all I want to say right now because I'm open to about anything.

Deadline: May 12 (or earlier if I see something I really like).

[MittenTopBrandon]

I should also mention that this area is mostly small cities and towns strung together.... so no cityscapes or highrise buildings can be used. Instead, this area is jam packed with lakes and cottages. That's a bit what I'm going for but my target will also want normal apartments and homes. So, that's just something to think about. An animal in the logo such as a bear/raccoon/squirrel might also be good (yet, we still need an home theme). I'm going for a reflection of that stereotype of "up north" living.
Thanks everyone.

[ElKootcho]

Ok, fine, I'll post first! :lol: My design features a cozy home for your clients to snuggle up in. Let me know what you think. The design is all vector art, easily modified and resized.

[MittenTopBrandon]

ElKootcho- Very well done! This is definately a huge step in the right direction. I can see that you are feeling the vibe I'm trying to send with the "up north" feel. I particularly like the symmetry of the design and the way the "MittenTopRentals.com" text looks. Making the "Top" a different color is great and the font is good.

I would be interested to see what some alternate colors would look like in place of the yellow - or perhaps a pine tree on each side of the house to cut down on some of the yellow to give more of a "backwoods" feel... mmm...I'm almost a bit hesitant to say that because I think the yellow does work pretty well in making the logo jump out at you. I like the dark green in the logo on the little hill. Anyhow, nice work ElKootcho! I'll be checking back to see what others are up to. :D

[ElKootcho]

Originally posted by MittenTopBrandon@May 1 2003, 01:01 PM
I would be interested to see what some alternate colors would look like in place of the yellow -
I'll work up some color variations soon. I was going for bright since you said it was going on dark blue.

[ElKootcho]

Here's the original yellow version with a few evergreens around the homes perimeter and an orange version as well.

[MittenTopBrandon]

ElKootcho - Thank you for the changes... I like the orange/blue variation. I've gotta ponder your entry a bit to ...
:unsure:
I'm pumped to see entries from the other designers. :cooldude:

[MittenTopBrandon]

I thought I would post so I wouldn't get lost among all the newer contests! Wow. :blink: Nice job designers!

I figured I would comment on Ondarox's post of the elephant (both squatting and standing on his back legs) and his(or her?) Silvertime logos (the 3rd one down) with the waves under the "silvertime" ... cool stuff. :cooldude:

I'm digging some of the other logos that have been not quite so cartoon-like. I prefer graphics that look more "real" if that makes sense. I don't discourage entries though if you have already started something. Just try your best and I'll give you feedback.

Okay... have a nice night!
-Brandon :nerd:

[Raja]

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

[Zoe]

Rox: what is the yellow thing behind the house?

[Palmer]

That's Michigan. It's a state :D

[MittenTopBrandon]

Demex - the yellow thing is the state of Michigan in the US. I'm guessing that Ondarox added it to the house to make it look like a chimney (and a plume of smoke).... very clever. However, I don't think that it is really the overall look I'm going for in a logo. I like the idea of the house on top of the text, but this logo just isn't really "it". It's kind of elegant for me and my operation. :cooldude:

I think ElKootcho has the right idea in his logo with the text part (it sticks out nicely). The way it jumps out and is very obvious is something I'm looking for. I'm going to wait to see a few more logos before I ask anyone of revisions of any sort. Thank you all for your ideas. Ondarox, I hope you would like to submit something else because I enjoy much of your work. :tup:

-Brandon
:nerd:

[Zoe]

Demex - the yellow thing is the state of Michigan in the US.

Ah... i c ... I should have taken more notice in my geography classes. :(

[MittenTopBrandon]

To help with direction, you all might want to take a look at this logo for Smart Choice:
http://www.lunarmedia.net/logoportfolio14.htm

I like the look of the house (maybe with the addition of a garage). I think the plume of smoke gives it a little "action". I thought that the house looks nice how it's parked between the words, but if it were higher and a sidewalk leading to the door broke the words up - that would look good too. I don't really care for the font in that logo... I guess I like real smooth simple fonts (I'll give examples when I find some on this site). I hope that helps maybe a little!
Good Luck!
-Brandon :cooldude:

(Contest Deadline: May 12)

[sparkie]

How about this? Northernly and it incorporates the state, the house, and the wildlife :)

[ElKootcho]

Here's another...

[TwistedNewMedia]

Here is my entry...

[MittenTopBrandon]

Thanks folks for your latest entries.
I'll comment now since I've looked at the last 3 logos for a few hours now...

Sparkie- Your logo is pretty good, but I see some problems with the "A" being the house. Although it's creative, I think the house might make the logo hard to read. (Were sort of slow up here ;) .) I think if you were to revise this logo I would make the house more prominent and the state smaller or gone completely. The allusion to the "mitten" is so common up here that it doesn't really need much explaining so I'm okay if it's not there (unless it's really working for the logo). The deer inside the mitten is pretty cool but with any changes to the other things I've mentioned, I don't know where to put it ?!. :(

ElKootcho- Thank you for posting a variation of the prior logo. I'm open to any other experimentation you would like to do to the font or house ...

Ubergerlgeek- I'm sorry... this isn't really working for me. I'm not real happy with the font or graphics.

For anyone else posting I'm not sure if I mentioned that the ".com" part of my logo should be prominent... just as large as the "mittentoprentals" part.
Will Mike from the Engine 911 contest post? :lol:

Thank you!
-Brandon

[Palmer]

Originally posted by MittenTopBrandon@May 9 2003, 12:45 AM
Will Mike from the Engine 911 contest post? :lol:
He's one of those eccentric, misunderstood artist types. He only makes rare appearances when the mood strikes him. He's very unpredictable. :)

[Mike]

I plan to make an entry...

[ElKootcho]

Feeling patriotic today

[MittenTopBrandon]

Mmmm... another goodie in my ElKootcho basket. Thanks!

I'm going to look everything over with friends in the next few days so try to submit anything you have by Monday afternoon so that I can review it. I will probably post the winning entry late Monday night (EST time) - perhaps Tues. morning if I just can't decide! Thank you all. ;)
-Brandon

[sparkie]

I meant to post this yesterday! <_<

[Raja]

http://24.192.15.159/4fun/mitten2.gif

[MittenTopBrandon]

Sparkie & Ondarox - Thank you for both your submissions. I will try to get back a little later to give feedback after I meet with some friends to show them the recent entries. ;)

-Brandon
:nerd:

[Mike]

OK, I had a few hours of free time so I whipped this up :D

[MittenTopBrandon]

I LOVE IT! TRIPPY! :tup: :D :cooldude:

[Mike]

Thanks :woot:

Take that ElKootcho :P Rox, ya got nuffin on me ;)

[Victoria]

You should sell your work! :o It's another masterpiece!! :notworthy:

[Raja]

Originally posted by naramation@May 10 2003, 12:55 PM
Thanks :woot:

Take that ElKootcho :P Rox, ya got nuffin on me ;)
top that!
<img src='http://24.192.15.159/4fun/mitten-f.gif[/img]

[MittenTopBrandon]

I'm speechless! :notworthy:

[Victoria]

Woah! :o :notworthy:

[ElKootcho]

I love that cat (or whatever that is) in the top right. :wub:

[MittenTopBrandon]

Hi! Okay, we have been talking a bit about the logos submitted thus far and have seen some major potential in ElKootcho's logo with the house contained in the orange circle and his circular logo with the "for rent" sign in the middle. We think the colors are working well in each of these logos and feel that the logos jump out at us. Ondarox's latest logo is a possible contender too, but the .com should be bigger and the house part of the logo should be a little more obvious for our purposes.
Sparkie, I'm sorry but the gang didn't care for the revision (plus the .com is small.)

The two special submissions - being naramation's and ondarox's struck a nice chord with us as well. We especially liked the pincher-like hand that is holding up the gorgeous house in Mike's logo. Ondarox's cats were two of the best we have ever seen. The one on the upper right is amazing... it's a wonder it can even get around with that enormous head. It must rely on being real cool. :cool2:

Okay - If anyone else would like to submit a logo you still have time. I know that what I need in my logo is sort of tough to create... :blink:
Good Luck and Happy Mother's Day.
-Brandon
:pirate:

[MittenTopBrandon]

ElKootcho- We have a little request. Could you take the inner circle of #6 (so that would be the house, flag colors, and "for rent" sign) and place it on top of the fonts of # 1 and # 5 ? This would look fundamentally like the #5 logo...

The "inner circle" of #6 would need a little white band around it like the circle in #5.

Also... if you could make the house in #6 have a bit more of a roof overhang -it would look better to us. Not necessarily lower, but a little more out to the right and left - just a hair - so that it's not so steep.

Play with it and see what you can come up with if you can.... Thank you!!!
-Brandon
:nerd:

Perhaps a stick figure cat would do the trick? (j/k) :tup:

[MittenTopBrandon]

Okay, it's not too late.. !!! :help: Logos can still be turned in for another 8 hours... it's 1pm in Michigan right now.
Good luck!

:bang:

- Brandon
P.S.- The winner will probably be announced tomorrow afternoon since I will be away this evening.

[ElKootcho]

Here's the new look based on your request. I widened the roof just a smidge. Let me know if you have any other modifications.

[MittenTopBrandon]

Thank you ElKootcho - I appreciate the alterations. :)

[MittenTopBrandon]

PLEASE NOTE: Contest EXTENDED!!!!

I've extended the contest to this Friday. I will also be increasing the
prize to $160 (as soon as I receive the instructions from Palmer). ;)

I'm not totally sold on the designs that I have received as of yet. While I think that there are certainly contenders in that group - I would just like to see a few more designs to solidify my thoughts. If I end up choosing one of the originals then that's great for them right?

For others, this gives you time and extra incentive for drafting and submitting a logo for this contest if you would like. Thank you!

-Brandon

:nerd:

[Palmer]

P.M. sent ;)

[Palmer]

Ok guys, payment has been received making this the highest prize amount ever for a logo. It is now $160 Woohoo! :woot:

[ElKootcho]

Here's something very simple, and only two colors.

[Raja]

http://24.192.15.159/4fun/mitten3.gif

[MittenTopBrandon]

ElKootcho-
Mmmm. Entry #9 isn't working for me. I think I have enjoyed # 5,6,7 the best. I'm not sure what to tell you about alterations or anything since these are very high on my list.

Ondarox - I've been trying to write this reply, but I keep erasing it because I'm just not sure what to say. I have to ask around a little on this one...
Here's what I'm thinking at this point:
Could you alter the color so it could work on a dark blue background?
I don't know yet whether the color of the critter is going to work. On one hand it is striking and interesting, on the other it isn't like anything we see up here and that might confuse people (but is that a good thing?)
Another Thought:
The two colors below the text (green and yellow) are giving a bit of the impression of a Zip Lock sandwich bag box... Maybe it's just that shade of yellow that is the culprit... maybe an orange color... it's probably one of the only colors that will show up.
Let me talk to some people to get a fresh perspective. :D

I didn't want to sound like a downer... that's a very nice logo Ondarox!
:tup:

[Liz]

Hi.

Thought I'd toss my hat into the ring with a quick entry.

http://clients.snapfire.com/mittentop.gif

Thanks for your consideration,
Liz.

[MittenTopBrandon]

Rabbitdog- I like the concept of your logo. I'll try to give you some more direction a little later after I can look at it for a while and get some feedback from my friends ... thank you for entering the contest.
-B
:nerd:

[Raja]

http://24.192.15.159/4fun/MITTEN4.GIF

[MittenTopBrandon]

Ondarox- I'm feeling the vibe with that last submission... I like both the "mitten top" and tag line fonts and the two shades of blue dividing the logo.
I'm not really keen on the house at this point. I've been so picky on this because I'm trying to get the image of an "all-American" idea of the home. (Universal to all ages. A little modern, yet old school.) Something familiar and welcoming (and maybe stereotypical?) I'm open to the use of an apartment shape too... (tall and skinny) .. I gave a link a while back showing an example of what sort of house idea I'm into.. that may help.
Thanks for the revise of the squirrel logo... actually I liked that one, but I dig the most recent one a bit more. Thanks Ondarox!
:tup:
-Brandon
:nerd:

P.S.- I'm diligently working on a tagline... :blink:

[ElKootcho]

Sticking with my original font which will read well even at small sizes and a clean uncluttered style that will be easy to recognize even if embroidered on shirts, hats, etc. (Although personally, my original logo with the tress added is still my favorite.)

[MittenTopBrandon]

Elkootcho-
I like the new submissions. :D The little plume of smoke is giving #11 a bit of the slight "action" I enjoy in logos. Glad you stuck with the font... that's never been a question in my mind. I enjoy the larger fonts (especially for my logo where it might be hard to read or remembered if it's a skinny font.)

Kootch - Some comments on that #1 submission house have been that it comes off a little "spooky"... I think that might be because of the few darker areas on it and the roof angles. I've preferred the straighter more "real" looking homes in designs....

It's going to be hard to choose between my favorites on Friday. If any CONTEST HOLDERS would like to Private Message me with their favorite logo before Friday please do!!! I will certainly return the favor. Thanks ya'll.

-Brandon
:nerd:

[ElKootcho]

A new house on my original type treatment. Still designed for your dark blue background.

[MittenTopBrandon]

ElKootcho - That last image is very good! :tup:
How many colors are in that image Kootch? (if it were put on paper?? do print shops count shades of a color as a new color? )

Okay, I'll keep checking in... tomorrow is the big day! (This will be a very tough decision...!!!)

Thank you all for participating in this contest. Having my logo created here has been a very nice experience.

-Brandon
:pirate:

[ElKootcho]

Originally posted by MittenTopBrandon@May 15 2003, 05:49 AM
How many colors are in that image Kootch? (if it were put on paper?? do print shops count shades of a color as a new color? )
Most print shops would count this as 3 colors: The Orange, Blue, and Green are PMS colors so tints don't count seperately. The White would drop out and become whatever your paper color is. Make sure you talk with your printer first to make sure they print using PMS inks. Some Kinkos-type shops don't use spot-colors and print everything 4-color.

It's like anything else, don't just dump the file on the printer and hope for the best. Discuss it with them first. Use their PMS swatch book to verify the colors. Because this is all done via the internet, I can't show you my PMS book and tell you "This is the color orange that I used". My idea of a pleasant orange may be different than yours. Don't forget that you're looking at these on-screen and the color will be different when it hits paper. After all, computer moniters are light-emitting devices showing RGB colors. Plus, I can guarantee that color on your monitor does not look the same as on my monitor. Your business cards and stationary are light-reflective with PMS or CMYK ink. They will not look the same. Different print shops will have different technical requirements and if modification need to be made, I'm sure that whichever designer you choose will be happy to help. This of course goes for any logo you wind up choosing.

I don't know about screen printing, i.e. t-shirts. Check with your screen printer.

[ElKootcho]

Another piece of advice: If it was me, I'd take all the logos I'm interested in and print them out at the smallest size that I would be likely to use it. Keep in mind of course that if you pull them off the web, you will be printing low resolution so they will look fuzzy but it should give you a decent idea if the design will work for your intended application. I don't want you to be stuck with a logo that may look good while big and on your screen but gets too complicated or hard to read on a small business card. Maybe the design works and maybe it doesn't. It might be close and just needs to be simplified. If a particular logo is a bit iffy, ask the designer to send you a higher rez version so you can really see the detail. You get the idea.

The point is, think of your uses and decide if your favorite logo(s) works in all those places. If that means one needs to be reworked before you officially select it, than ask for changes to be made. If the above talks you out of somebody's logo (even mine!) then what can I say except "oh well". I'd rather see a satisfied client. Pick a logo that works, that you'll be happy with, that your clients will remember and identify with, that defines who your company is. Everyone here wants you to be happy with your selection. Why? So you tell your friends and come back for more when your company starts handling property for the rest of Michigan too!

[ElKootcho]

Sorry everyone. I brought my professor hat to work today! :blink:

[ClayEvoy]

Wow Elkootcho, :woot:

If I wasn't already floored with everyone's professionalism on this site I am NOW.

I don't doubt that this site is going to take of in the next while. Word travels fast.

Clayton
Cityscape Security :tup: :woot:

sorry to type this in your contest Brandon, wanted to publicly praise Elkootcho though :D

[Mike]

Yeah, where is that soapbox emoticon... ;)

Good work Kootch :P

[MittenTopBrandon]

ElKootcho... :clap:

ClayEvoy ... :furious: .. just kidding!.. :lol2: :cooldude:

[Raja]

http://24.192.15.159/4fun/mitten5.gif

[MittenTopBrandon]

Okay, it appears that everyone who wanted to enter has done so.... the Contest is now closed.

I'll post the winner later today. :D

-B
:nerd:

[ElKootcho]

Originally posted by naramation@May 15 2003, 11:52 AM
Yeah, where is that soapbox emoticon... ;)
sorry! :wee:

[MittenTopBrandon]

Hello all,

Thank you for submitting some very fine logos in my contest. I had a tough time choosing between designs, but ultimately ElKootcho won me over with his last logo #12!!- being the new house with a green roof using his original font and layout. (of course, I have a couple tiny modifications...)

Congratulations ElKootcho! :tup:

This has been a great experience and I am eager to find something else for you all to design!! :lol:

:notworthy: :notworthy:

Sincerely,
Mitten Top Brandon
:nerd:

[Palmer]

ElKootcho is on a serious roll :wee: Way to go :clap:

Thanks Brandon, it was fun. Especially the diversion (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/index.php?s=&act=ST&f=4&t=550&st=15) somewhere in the middle of the contest :D

Best of luck with MittenTop, feel free to make a visit to the testimonials forum (http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/index.php?s=&act=SF&f=19) if you want to :)

[MittenTopBrandon]

Palmer.. thanks... I'll definately leave some nice remarks. Best of luck with this site too. ( You won't need it... :D )

I bet ElKootcho is liking that little "diversion"... ;)

-Brandon