[Project Complete] Logo for Wedding Photographer - $300 - June 2nd

[NealJacob]

(Admin code added by Palmer - M6770635P)

Hello everyone:

Okay, what do I type here? ;)

I started a photography business in December 2003 called PhotosByNeal.com and had a logo designed (by someone who actually is a D.O. member). My business at the time was just to primarily focus on doing nature, scenics, archetectual, basically, anything not involving people or portraits. Well, my business model has changed when I was approached more than once and asked to do weddings. So, I am going to switch to wedding mode! My website (http://photosbyneal.com) (where you can also see the current logo) is going to be totally redesigned, so I would like a fresh new logo to go with it. I am changing the name of the business from PhotosByNeal.com to Neal Jacob Photography. The new logo doesn't have to be related in anyway to the old (although I do like the apature thing!). The domain will be NealJacob.com, maybe if you can work the domain name into the logo that would be nice because then when the logo is placed on prints people can see the site.

I would like the logo to be something that would be easily placed on products. I intend on getting shirts, and other items embroidered with the logo. Also, the logo will be watermarked on my prints. The logo can have as many colors as you feel necessary, but it can't be too busy, it must be something that can easily be converted to one color and/or all black. No gradients please.

I changed the name to Neal Jacob Photography because I have been told by many other photographers that it sounds more professional. They said that "PhotosByNeal" sounds like it is a hobby rather than a profession, so along those lines, I want the logo to scream "This guy is a professional!!!!" The logo does not have to convey wedding photography because I still intend on doing other types of photography (such as the nature and scenics).

I would like EPS files and if at all possible, I would like the logo to be converted to a TTF.

I am sorry to give you only till the 31st to do this project, but I started an advertising campaign (which started yesterday) under the old logo and I would like to switch it as soon as possible. I would be willing to extend the deadline if it is needed to get more submissions.

Thank you in advance! :) I'm looking forward to seeing what the D.O. members can do.

Ideas:

Do something with my initials N.J. or the initials of N.J.P. (Neal Jacob Photography).

Someone mentioned to me that the old logo might work with the N and J forming the "(" ")" around the apature. But I will leave this completely up to you. This can be fresh, with no connection to the old logo.


Business Name: Neal Jacob Photography
Business Type: Photography (weddings, nature, scenics)
Payment : $175
Deadline : May 31, 2005

[Mark]

:)

[NealJacob]

Nice Mark, but it doesn't have to focus specifically on wedding photography. I have other types of photography in my portfolio (mainly scenics). Also, something a little more colorful, more eye catching. I want to embroider the logo on clothing, like on a polo shirt or something like that. Also the logo will be used in print and advertising.

Thank you,
Neal
:)

[NealJacob]

Well, I've been looking at Mark's logo (since it's the only one up there right now :) ) and I can vizualize that on my website. I can even see it working on some marketing items (like at coffee mug). But, I can't see it working on items of clothing, like a polo shirt, or other collared shirt. I do like the formal look of the logo, but, I do want to let people know that I do other photography besides weddings.

Let's see some more ideas!

Who's in on this one?

[NealJacob]

Is anyone in on this?

I have some ideas, but I don't want to influence your design. I would like to see some of your ideas before I come forward with mine.

Thank you.
Neal

[skyvee]

Hi Neal! Here's my entry. :)

[NealJacob]

Skyvee:

Interesting concept. Especially what you did with the "J." Can you add my domain "NealJacob.com" to the logo?


Mark:

I must say that I do like the formality of your design. I do like the formal colors, I am just wondering how those colors would work best on an item of clothing (like a polo shirt).

Can you change the icon so that it doesn't necessarily reflect wedding photography? (yes, I know my post subject says "Wedding Photographer" but I guess I should have just said "Photographer") Maybe do something with my initials?

Look here (http://www.capturedbycarrie.com/logo1.html) for some ideas.

Looking forward to seeing more concepts!

[skyvee]

Thanks for the feedback, Neal! Revision coming up shortly. :)

[skyvee]

:)

[skyvee]

:)

[skyvee]

:)

[NealJacob]

Wow Skyvee, you've been working overtime! :)

I think I want to concentrate on doing something with my initials, just the "NJ" Can you come up with some concepts for that?

[NealJacob]

As soon as Palmer reads his e-mail, I am sure he'll update this thread, but I have decided to up the ante to $300 and extend the deadline to Saturday, June 4 in hopes it will wake up some more designers. I have been reading through the other posts here on D.O. and am very impressed with the work I am seeing here on D.O. I would really like for some of the other top-notch designers here at D.O. to weigh in on my project. I want to project a professional image with my logo, and it is only fair that I pay a price worthy of professional work.

I have decided that I would really like to concentrate on using my initials in the logo. Maybe some of these (http://www.capturedbycarrie.com/logos.html) will help to inspire you. Be sure to include "Neal Jacob Photography" and my domain "NealJacob.com" in the design.

Also, if you could do this as a TTF file, please be sure to mention that in your post.

Thank you and I am really looking forward to seeing what the professionals here at Design Outpost can do!

[Michael]

I can confirm that the funds have been deposited. Project title edited.


:)

[Just J]

I'll try to work on something for you tonight/tomorrow.

One question, any reason for the TTF (True Type Font) file?

[NealJacob]

One question, any reason for the TTF (True Type Font) file?

I was just thinking about this before I read your reply. I guess because it would just be easier to stick the logo in a document where needed. My heart won't be broken if it is not possible to do a TTF, so please don't let that determine whether or not you submit a design.

[eziey]

:)

[Mark]

wedding and landscape :)

[skyvee]

:)

[NealJacob]

Okay, now we're getting somewhere! :) These are great! I wish I could choose all of them!

eziey: I like the design, can you do some additional concepts of the "dot" (rising sun) above the "j")?

Mark: I like the bow tie thing, that definately says "wedding" without implying that I only do weddings. Keep the ideas coming.

skyvee: each submission is better than the last... keep them coming!

All of these are great. I can't wait to see what the other D.O. designers can do. These last three submissions are going to make it hard for me to pick a winner and that's what I wanted out of this competition.

This weekend is a holiday here in the US, so I may not be able to reply right away (although I should be around on Monday). Keep them coming, and I'll get back to you when I can.

Thank you,
Neal

And THANK YOU to those that serve(d) both US and our allies!

[NealJacob]

:)

eziey:

Can you do something with lining up the word PHOTOGRAPHY with the "B" in JACOB? I like the wrap-around line around "PHOTOGRAPHY" and I realize that you are trying to make that line up, but then the word PHOTOGRAPHY looks out of place.

Also, the bottom left part of the wrap-around doesn't line up exactly with the top part (on the left, near the "J").

Thank you,
Neal

[skyvee]

another one. :)

[Fabian]

Hi

Here's a dynamic morph of the "N" and "j"

Looking forward to your comments
Fabian

[eziey]

Okay, now we're getting somewhere! :) These are great! I wish I could choose all of them!

eziey: I like the design, can you do some additional concepts of the "dot" (rising sun) above the "j")?




It is not a rising sun actually. It is what you see in the middle focus window of camera when you want to take a picture.:)

[eziey]

:)

[NealJacob]

Hi

Here's a dynamic morph of the "N" and "j"

Looking forward to your comments
Fabian


Fabian,

Can you please clean up the cursive text so that all the letters flow as one stroke? It looks a little choppy.

Make the word "PHOTOGRAPHY" stand out a little more, maybe a bigger point size?

Please add the domain NealJacob.com to the logo.

Thank you. I'm looking forward to seeing your revisions.

-Neal

[NealJacob]

:)

eziey:

Can you take "eziey 4" and make the "NJP" all the same color? Perhaps the same color as the domain.

Also try some different colors other than the burgandy and gold.

Can you drop the "www" from the domain name?

Thank you,
Neal

[NealJacob]

another one. :)

skyvee:

Can you make the N and J in concept 6 the same font? The "N" just doesn't look right next to the "J" because of the two different fonts.

Thank you,
Neal

[Fabian]

ok :)

[eziey]

:)

[NealJacob]

ok :)

fabian:

In Fabian 2, can you clean up the cursive "c" in "Jacob?" It looks more like an "e" than a "c."

Also, can you make the word "photography" stand out more, a little larger.

Thank you,
Neal

[NealJacob]

:)

eziey:

Thank you :)

[Mark]

:)

[Carl]

...

[Just J]

To avoid getting too close to any of the other deigners concepts, I decided to mix it up a little. ;)

[Fabian]

:)

[NealJacob]

These are all great!

BTW, I found out from someone that I am advertising with that the deadline for new art is 6/6, so I may have to end the contest prior to 6/4. I will give advanced warning if I need to do that.

eziey: RE: Msg# 30: Very nice. Can I also see a version of the same concept with the word PHOTOGRAPHY lined up exactly underneath "NEAL JACOB?" Have the "P" under the "N" and the "Y" under the "B." I would like to see what it looks like lined up.

Mark: (Msg# 33): That doesn't quite do what I am looking for. I can't tell what those initials are supposed to be. Keep going. :)

Carl (Msg# 34): Doesn't quite grab me. Also, the one color version doesn't allow you to see the "J"

Jason (Msg# 35): Well that does mix it up! :) Can you add my domain to the logo?

Fabian (Msg# 36): I like that, nice and clean and you can see the word "PHOTOGRAPHY" better, except the smaller, black version makes the text harder to read.

skyvee (Msg# 19): Can I see I version of concept 5 with the aperture dotting the "J"?

General question to all: Is it easy to change the colors? If I chose your design, but needed the elements of the logo to be a different color for some reason (i.e. background, or paper or product it was printed on) how easy would it be to change the color? I currently have PhotoShop Elements 3, Paint Shop Pro 9, but I am planning on purchasing PhotoShop CS2. Would any of those programs work, or would I need something like Illustrator?

Thank you,
Neal

[DesignGeneral]

Hi Neal,

I'm working on something for you :)

Cheers,

Adrian

[Mark]

These are all great!

Mark: (Msg# 33): That doesn't quite do what I am looking for. I can't tell what those initials are supposed to be. Keep going. :)

Thank you,
Neal

Look carefully and you will see njp

[DesignGeneral]

Hi Neal,

Here we go :)

nJP and heart made from 3 J's arranged in a creative way.

If you want to stick with 1 color for the logo I suggest to use black. When you need to place logo on a background you can use a white version of the logo if the background is darker and the black version if the background is lighter.

If you want to use 2 colors then the heart can be easy pointed out like I showed in the image attached.

I'm looking forward to your thoughts.

Regarding the color changes. I'll provide both illustrator files, .ai, .eps, .pdf and photoshop file .psd. If you buy the Photoshop CS2 you should be able to play easy with colors.

Cheers,

Adrian

[NealJacob]

Look carefully and you will see njp

I know it's "NJP" But would someone looking at it for the first time know? Let me see if I can get someone to look at it with "fresh eyes."

[NealJacob]

Hi Neal,

Here we go :)

nJP and heart made from 3 J's arranged in a creative way.

I'm looking forward to your thoughts.



Adrian:

The heart concept is nice. No revisions needed at this time.

Thank you,
Neal

[Mark]

I know it's "NJP" But would someone looking at it for the first time know? Let me see if I can get someone to look at it with "fresh eyes."

That's irrelevent. Would someone know off the bat that not only is the Honda logo an "H" which you can clearly see, but it is also the top view of a car? Not many people see that.

[skyvee]

skyvee (Msg# 19): Can I see I version of concept 5 with the aperture dotting the "J"?

Here it is. :)

[Just J]

Jason (Msg# 35): Well that does mix it up! :) Can you add my domain to the logo?

General question to all: Is it easy to change the colors? If I chose your design, but needed the elements of the logo to be a different color for some reason (i.e. background, or paper or product it was printed on) how easy would it be to change the color? I currently have PhotoShop Elements 3, Paint Shop Pro 9, but I am planning on purchasing PhotoShop CS2. Would any of those programs work, or would I need something like Illustrator?

Here is a version with your domain. :)

If you are planning on purchasing Photoshop, changing If you are planning on purchasing Photoshop, changing colors will be relatively easy for you for different uses.
What we are doing for you is choosing colors for your "corporate colors", but if you have any color changes in mind, feel free to ask. Color changes are the easy part. ;)
colors will be realatively easy for you for different uses.
What we are doing for you is choosing colors for your "corporate colors", but if you have any color changes in mind, feel free to ask. Color changes are the easy part. ;)

*EDIT - Just as an FYI, I wanted to put focus on the "N" but include the other letters as well.

[DesignGeneral]

Hi Neal,

Here is another variation :)

Now you can see the initials, 2 hearts and a camera objective or an image between the hearts.

Cheers,

Adrian

[eziey]

:)

[NealJacob]

skyvee (Msg# 19): Can I see I version of concept 5 with the aperture dotting the "J"?

Here it is. :)


skyvee: someone I showed this to (your first one, withot the aperture ring) asked if the logo can be made more "photography" oriented, and said, "...make the dot an aperture... or maybe make the "J" look like a cable release..."

[NealJacob]

Because of advertising deadlines I need to change my deadline for the logo. I will accept submissions through June 2nd.

I would like to thank everyone for entering, all the submissions are of high quality and make it a hard choice, but so far the entries by skyvee, eziey, Fabian, and Jason are under consideration.

I'll announce the winner on Friday morning. (BTW, I am in the US, EDT).

[samoyloff]

http://samoyloff.com/0506nj01.gif

[DesignGeneral]

Hi Neal,

I'll try to have another concept for you. I guess you don't like the heart idea.

Adrian

[pixelsystem]

http://www.pixelsystem.com/do/ps_njp_r_1.jpg

[NealJacob]

samoyloff: (RE: Msg 50): You spelled my name wrong.

[NealJacob]

Hi Neal,

I'll try to have another concept for you. I guess you don't like the heart idea.

Adrian


Hi Adrian,

Sorry, but the heart idea really didn't do anything for me. Please do try another concept. I have not made a final decision yet and I really don't want to do that until after I have reviewed all submissions. Remember, I have changed the deadline to June 2.

-Neal

[NealJacob]

:)

skyvee (Msg #19): Can I please see "Neal Jacob Photography" the same size as the "dot"?

Thank you,
Neal

[NealJacob]

:)

Fabian (RE: Msg. #36): Can I please see "PHOTOGRAPHY" so it stands out a little more? Maybe make the font a larger point size?

Thank you,
Neal

[NealJacob]

:)

eziey (Msg. #47): Thank you for the revisions! :)


samoyloff and pixelsystem: Thank you for you submissions, I will review them and let you know if I need any changes. Please add my domain name, NealJacob.com (case does not matter).

[NealJacob]

skyvee (Msg #19): Can I please see "Neal Jacob Photography" the same size as the "dot"?

Thank you,
Neal


Another thought: Can you get the dot over the "J" part of the "N"? (Where the 'Y' in PHOTOGRAPHY currently sits)

Thank you,
Neal

[skyvee]

Hi Neal! Here are the revisions. :)

[samoyloff]

http://samoyloff.com/0506nj02.gif

[NealJacob]

skyvee (Msg. #59): Thank you, no further revisions needed at this time. But if you have time, put the dot back (instead of the aperture).

Fabian (Msg. #36): I have been told that the icon portion of your design makes people think of a "warped Nike logo" or of something that belongs on a set of golf clubs. Please try some other concepts.

Jason (Msg. #35): I like this and so do many of those that I have shown this to, but I have had some people comment that it looks more like a backward 'N.' Also some people said that they saw the 'J' and the 'P' but they couldn't really see the 'N.'

pixelsystem (Msg. #52): I think this would work if I wasn't doing wedding photography. I am currently advertising my wedding photography services, but I also do other photography. Also, it was commented that this would work if I were doing studio work (I don't have a studio, yet.). Thank you.

samoyloff (Msg. #60): It took me a quite a few looks to realize that was supposed to be a profile of me holding a camera. So, do I have a cape on my back? Also, the 'J' (the portrait of me I suppose) looks more like an angel.

Thank you everyone, keep them coming. Last day for submissions is Thursday.

[samoyloff]

http://samoyloff.com/0506njp03.gif

[skyvee]

:)

[Grafissimo]

... hello ... playing with the three colors that compose the white light .... and the letters n and j which also can be read as 3 ...
comments welcome ... :cool:

[NealJacob]

REMINDER: Due to advertising deadlines I had to change my deadline for the logo to June 2. I will check my e-mail early Friday (June 3) morning. I usually check my e-mail about 3:30 AM (EDT). I will not accept new entries after I check my e-mail on Friday, June 3rd and I will post a message indicating that the contest is closed. So get those last minute entries in!

Thank you,
Neal

[NealJacob]

samoyloff and Grafissimo: Sorry, but your entries don't work for me. Keep trying (see my post regarding the deadline).

[shnickerdoodle studios]

One from me...

Thanks,
Deanna

[shnickerdoodle studios]

and a variation...

Deanna

[Fabian]

One more from me :)

[NealJacob]

skyvee: Can I please see Msg. #19 with other colors?

Deanna: Can I please see Msg. #67 & #68 just text alone, no icon. Also add my domain name.

Fabian: keep going. I like the text, but the icon isn't doing anything for me.

[skyvee]

Here are some color variations. :)

[shnickerdoodle studios]

Here are the revisions..

Thanks,
Deanna

[shnickerdoodle studios]

another variation...

Deanna

[Paula23]

Here's another one for you using a photo from your website as the design.

[Paula23]

Here is an abstract interpetation of another photograph...

[Paula23]

2 other approaches ...
Thanks,Paula

[DesignGeneral]

:)

[NealJacob]

Deanna: Thank you. No further revisions needed at this time.

Paula: Nice concepts, but you spelled my name wrong.

[DesignGeneral]

:)

[NealJacob]

I will be away from the computer for the rest of the evening and won't check e-mail until tomorrow morning. I am in the Eastern Time Zone. I don't know what time D.O. accepts as being the official end of a contest, but I will check my mail in the morning (usually around 3:30 AM EDT) and close the contest at that time.

Thank you,
Neal

[DesignGeneral]

Hi Neal,

Any feedback for my last two entries?

http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/showpost.php?p=153407&postcount=77

http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/showpost.php?p=153410&postcount=79

Thanks,
Adrian

[Paula23]

My sincere apologies for the misspelled name :blush:
I've revised my original posts to reflect the correct
name :)
Thanks,Paula

[NealJacob]

Okay, the contest is now officially closed.

This was a hard decision to make, they are all good, but I had to choose one.

The winner is: Deanna (Shnickerdoodle), concept 1a (Msg. #72). Congrats Deanna. Thank you everyone for entering and for your hard work. I have already recommended D.O. to others and I know of a few that are planning on checking you out.

EDIT: Deanna, can you please make my domain name in black text instead of gold? And "PHOTOGRAPHY" in white instead of gold. Thank you - Neal

Deanna: Because of an advertising deadline, if you can get me the files today that would be appreciated. I would like a EPS file of both the color and B&W version of the logo. I'll PM you with my contact information, or send me a link to download the files.

MODERATORS Please close this contest and pay Deanna.

[shnickerdoodle studios]

Wow! Thanks for choosing my design.. It was a tough competition...

Here are the changes and I will private message you a link to download the files...

Thanks,
Deanna

[NealJacob]

Deanna:

I have received the files.

Thank you,
Neal