RackData Logo Contest - $100

[beley]

(Admin code added by Palmer - 936472L)

Logo Contest - RackData Managed Business Hosting

Contest Ends Tuesday, June 24, 2003
I've extended the deadline a few days since we've been getting some good entries towards the end...
I may extend the contest further if needed or end it sooner if I find "the one."

I am in the process of starting a new managed business hosting provider and need a professional logo and image for the company. The logo will set the standard for business cards and print materials, the website and the overall image of the company. It needs to be sleek, professional, and a little techy.

I'd like at least 2 different color schemes for the logos just to get a feel for how they look in different circumstances. They will be on shirts, in print, on the Internet, and hopefully a few billboards.

Company Name: RackData

Company Tagline: Managed Business Hosting

Company Slogan: None yet, but you're welcome to be creative and come up with one!

Color Scheme: I like the following colors (not neccessarily together):
Blues: 003366, 003399, 336699
Reds: cc0000, 990000
White, Black
I'm also open to other suggestions. If you have an idea that you think is great and it doesn't have any of the above colors, I still want to see it!

Fonts: I like Myriad Bold Condensed, Trechubet, and other sans serif fonts that appear a little techie. I'm open to suggestions though. It has to be legal though... if it's a freeware font I must have the right to use it on my logo. Please check the copyright before designing.

I want the logo to have a two or three dimensional object - a very simple object. I would like it to be a server, rack server, or something similar. I want it to be simple enough to be printed very small and still be discernable. One or two colors, not much detail. I really like the new RedHat 8,9 icons (almost a cartoon look) if you wanted to incorporate something like that it would be great.

The design has to be in vector, EPS, as it will be used on everything from print materials to signage.

The winner of this contest has a good change of being hired to do buttons or maybe even the entire website layout (just the design, not coding). I simply don't have time as I've got way too many projects on my plate as it is.

Things I DON'T want:

Swooshes - As mentioned in another design contest - they're cliche now that they've been used on literally millions of logos.

A logo that doesn't mean anything... I don't want a logo that has a random design or shape. If it doesn't mean anything why have it on a logo?

Thanks, if you have any questions please just let me know. I look forward to seeing all the great entries!

I just noticed that I did not specify the final file format and specs. I will need either the Illustrator or fully editable EPS file with any fonts included.

[V + E + R + T]

What do you think about this entry?

I used a simple and clean approach as well as using Myriad Bold Condensed. :)

The askew rack at the top highlighted in blue symbolizes RackData's premier and pinnacle placement in the hosting industry.

If you perhaps come up with a tagline in the future, let me know, and I'll include it in the logo.

[beley]

I like it... good job.

I want to be sure not to get too close to www.rackspace.com (although I like their logo). I don't think this entry is too close... just wanted to mention it since it's similar.

[Raja]

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

[Raja]

http://24.192.15.159/4fun/rackdata2.gif

[beley]

Nice entries ondarox... I particularly like the second entry. Keep up the good work guys! :)

[Raja]

http://24.192.15.159/4fun/rackdata3.gif

[geiger]

Here you go, Brandon.

[ejlain]

Here are a few ideas.

- Ed

[ElKootcho]

Here's a couple entries...

[beley]

Jason, I like the entry but the more I look at it the more they don't look like rack servers to me. I want it to be relevant... i.e. either rack servers, or something with data.

ejlain, number 2 and 3 look good - they are clearly racks of servers yet shown from a new angle I've not seen before. I like that.

ElKootcho - I like your second entry as well. The first looks a little... well... scattered. I don't want RackData to appear disorganized or anything and that's the first impression I got.

All in all, you guys are doing a great job! I've been admiring your work for a while now and knew I would get very professional entries if I posted a contest here.

[geiger]

I'll revise in a bit

[jmberra22]

Here are some ideas...

[jmberra22]

Here is another idea, same graphic, different placement...any feedback is greatly appreciated. :D

[Raja]

http://24.192.15.159/4fun/rackdata2.jpg

[jmberra22]

I tried to focus on movement in this one, instead of stacking...

[ElKootcho]

Another

[TwistedNewMedia]

Heres my entry.

[beley]

I want to thank everyone for their entries. I just got out of the hospital... had a motorcycle wreck on Monday. I'm pretty banged up... broken collar bone & several broken bones in my knee. I'm out of commission for a while. I'll continue following up and will follow up with the entries soon. I've only got one hand to type with so it's a little slow. If you have any ideas though I'd love to see some more entries.

Remember - no swooshes and please make the logo have some relevance to rack server, data or both. Thanks!! :sick:

[ElKootcho]

another entry

[Palmer]

Real sympathetic Kootch :D

Hey Brandon take you time healing. You'll be in our thoughts. Here's hoping you have some really nice nurses :brow:

[geiger]

Sorry to hear about it, Brandon. Hang in there.

[ElKootcho]

Oops. I broke one of the rules!
* ...you should follow the thread, not just reply without knowing what's going on.
I didn't read the above post before I posted. Hope you're up and around soon. Take care.

[beley]

Thank you all for your entries... you are all very talented designers.
i have narrowed down the current entries to a few that we all like. These are not final and I hope to see more entries now that you have an idea of what I'm looking for.

The entries I chose all have some relevancy to our name... which is very important to us. Please sumbit a few more entries if you guys have time. Thanks:D

[Raja]

http://24.192.15.159/4fun/rackdata4.gif

[beley]

ondarox, i like the last design but can't figure out what it's supposed to be (of couse i am on pain meds :) ). If you could explain it to me I'd appreciate it. How does it relate to data, rack servers, etc.? Thanks!

[sparkie]

FYI Designers! The two middle blue/black logos that Brandon posted above look *very* similar to a logo for an existing internet company called "Cornerstone Technology Group". I think they're a nationwide company and I wouldn't want anyone to get in trouble for unknowingly infringing on their trademark/copyright!

Brandon: Hang tight there friend, and take your time to get well again. Orders from Dr. Sparkie! Don't worry about us, we'll still be here when you get back ;)

[Palmer]

Originally posted by Sparkie@Jun 16 2003, 08:49 PM
FYI Designers! The two middle blue/black logos that Brandon posted above look *very* similar to a logo for an existing internet company called "Cornerstone Technology Group". I think they're a nationwide company and I wouldn't want anyone to get in trouble for unknowingly infringing on their trademark/copyright!
Yep...
http://www.cornertech.net/

[ElKootcho]

Similar but maybe different enough. It's the contest holder's call, I think.

[sparkie]

Eh..I'm not trying to get anyone in trouble.. if anything I just wanted to warn you ahead of time! But yes, it's Brandon's call.

And on that note, here's my entry :)

[FTIGraphix]

a few options

http://www.ftigraphix.com/images/rackdata.gif

[FTIGraphix]

another option

http://www.ftigraphix.com/images/rackdata2.gif

[martincrumlish]

here's my entry.....

the cubes are stacked to give a different slant on the rack concept.

Let me know what you think

[Juvanescence]

Kerazy...

Slightly different idea behind the rack in this concept.

[Tyler]

My first go. A simplified version of Apple's XServe RAID.

[Tyler]

And a few variations.

[beley]

I really like the 3D entries. I'd like to see a few more simple 3D designs that look like racks or rack servers. I may extend the competition a day or so if need be. I'll check in a few times tonight and tomorrow to see.

Thanks guys!

[beley]

I'd also like to add that although I like the pictures of the X-Serve, I don't want to imply in any way that we host on Apple, or risk violating any kind of copyright. Thanks though :D

[Tyler]

A quick note that the RAID is only the stacking system. There are all sorts of stacking systems for all sorts of servers. The depicted server has been stripped of its identity. I just used the horizontal layout of RAID. No need to be wary of big mean apples! :lol2: :D

[CriaturaCreativa]

Well, this is my first entry at all in the site, i'm new here :)

Here i sent you some logos i made for your company.
I gathered the idea of the stacackable and scalable system that offers racks, concept i used in an abastract manner to ilustrate the solutions your company offers.

I used the myriad font to keep you out of copyright problems ;), and i've tried to make the typography interact a little more with the ilustrated part of the logo.

Excuse my english, i'm from Buenos Aires, Argentina :)

Hope you like my work


Eduardo

[Palmer]

Very nice first entry Eduardo :tup: Thanks for participating. Your english is just fine :)

[beley]

Great work Eduardo, that simple 3D look is what I was hoping for. There's still time for a few more entries... :)

[beley]

martincrumlish, I really like your idea... any way you could make them skinny racks instead of cubes? Or maybe two cabinets instead?

[ElKootcho]

3D racks

[CriaturaCreativa]

Originally posted by Palmer@Jun 21 2003, 06:29 AM
Very nice first entry Eduardo :tup: Thanks for participating. Your english is just fine :)
tnx Palmer, i'll try to do my best !!!

:D

[CriaturaCreativa]

Originally posted by beley@Jun 21 2003, 07:53 AM
Great work Eduardo, that simple 3D look is what I was hoping for. There's still time for a few more entries... :)
Please tell me if there is one of the three ones that you like more (personally i think the third one is the best) so i can tweak or re elaborate it a bit.

Tnx

Eduardo

[ElKootcho]

something different

[Tyler]

One more variation on the server and also a new concept. :D

[FTIGraphix]

Another Idea

http://www.ftigraphix.com/images/rackdata3.gif

[FTIGraphix]

Some new ideas.

http://www.ftigraphix.com/images/rackdata4.gif

[martincrumlish]

I will make some changes to my entry and upload it shortly...

[CriaturaCreativa]

Here i reworked a bit the original simple 3d Work.
Also i worked with different typographic situations for you to choose.
Added some gradients on the racks to make them see more "realistic" since they keep their abstract concept, and turned them 90º in some cases.

Hope u like it


Eduardo

[martincrumlish]

I made some changes to my entry....

[Raja]

late

[Raja]

oops

[CriaturaCreativa]

A few more variations over the same concept...

-Tried some gradients in two different directions.
-Changed the blue color for another tint of blue.
-Some versions are more simple than the others....

Hope you like my work


Eduardo

[beley]

Great entries everyone! The latest entries are so good, I'm extending the deadline for a few days until Tuesday...

ondarox, I really like your last entry, because it reminds me of racks but is made up of the "R" - very unique!! Great work! :D

[Taldo]

What do you think about this?

[Tyler]

Removed the racked/cubed "D" and spiced up the text on top one.

[beley]

Wow, all the entries are excellent. I'm going to be reviewing them, and deciding which one is the winner. I'll put it up to an internal vote first, then make the final decision myself so give me a day or two to have the final results.

Also, if the winner doesn't mind, I may have some simple color/design changes or final tweaks. Of course, if you include the original Illustrator file as requested I could just make the changes myslef.

Thanks again, and I'll be getting back shortly! Thanks to everyone who spent time on this contest... this is definately my source for outsourcing design projects!! :D

[beley]

Well, we have picked a winner. V.E.R.T. - congratulations! We had really liked the entry to begin with and everyone thinks it's just classic, clean and professional. Thanks for everyone's hard work...

I don't really know what to do now... I guess Palmer will pay you and I'll get the file in email??

[Palmer]

Yep, that's how it works Brandon. I'll pay him and he'll figure out that he won and contact you :)

Thanks for the contest.

Congrats V + E + R + T :tup:

Here is the winning entry
<img src='http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/uploads/post-4-1055081311.gif[/img]

[V + E + R + T]

Thank you for choosing my entry, I thorougly enjoyed working on the logo. I will contact you asap.