Stay At Home Cats needs a new logo - Prize $100

[Cats4Karen]

(Admin code added by Palmer - 57763E)

Yes, it's yet another pet sitter needing a logo. I hope y'all haven't exhausted your obviously great creativity on those who beat me here. I've seen a lot of really good designs and have high hopes. The logo I'm currently using is just adapted clip art, so I'm ready to go with a pro now. Here are some guidelines to get you going, but if you need clarification of anything, just let me know.

Let's make it a two-week contest. That makes the deadline July 2

I'm a cats-only pet sitter, so the design obviously should feature one or more cats but no other animals.

In case it would be useful, you can check out my website for more info and insight into me and my business: http://www.stayathomecats.com

I'd like to be able to use this logo on business cards, letterhead, brochures and other marketing collateral, my website, plus T-shirts/polo shirts, etc. I don't have magnetic car signs in my immediate future, but that's a possibility.

To give you some feel for the emotional side of things, here are some descriptors...:
For how I want my kitties to feel: cozy, safe, happy, content, comfortable
For how I want my clients to feel: confident, secure, worry-free
For me: friendly, knowledgeable, professional, reliable, caring

Colors: My favorite color is green, and I find I tend to prefer pastels in other things, but I'm really open on this one. There may be some design rule about needing stronger colors. I haven't decided yet about two-color vs more, so I'd like to see both kinds of designs. Is it possible to have the same design adaptable to do both?

My clients tend to be somewhat upscale (although I don't want a design that makes me come across as stuffy or elitist), they spoil their cats, and, if this makes sense, a lot of them are really homebodies who just happen to travel and need cat sitting while they're gone (so I can continue spoiling the kitties and looking after the home). So the emotional ideas I mentioned (comfort, security, contentment) are a big part of things.

Other designs I've seen that tend to appeal more to me have been elegant and classy rather than cartoony. I like the line art and calligraphy looks, but I don't want anything too abstract. But again, I'm ready to be persuaded.

The tag line I've been using informally is too long for a logo, but maybe it'll give you some ideas: Your cat can stay at home, even when you can't.

I think probably something more like "Professional Cat Sitting" or "In-Home Cat Sitting" or something along those lines might be better for a tag line. Because my business name doesn't specifically mention cat sitting, including that in a tag line would be good.

Does all this make sense? Let me know if I need to explain things better.

Thanks in advance for your contributions!

Karen
Stay At Home Cats

[Cats4Karen]

I'm sorry--newby here. I meant to include the prize amount up front in the description so you'd see it easily: $75.

Thanks,

Karen
Stay At Home Cats

[Palmer]

I fixed it. Thanks for the contest.

[sparkie]

Here's my entry. I chose purple since it is a "royal" color..and don't all cats want to be treated like royalty? :)

[Cats4Karen]

Thanks for getting things rolling, Sparkie. It's a good start. I'll be able to give you more feedback after I see some other designs.

Karen

[cre8or]

Hi Karen,
Here's my initial design for your logo. (In a variety of colours).
Please advise.
Thanks,
-Kimber

PS. Sorry I forgot your tagline, I'll include it in the next round, after I receive feedback.

[Cats4Karen]

Thanks, Sparkie and Kimber, for getting things going. I was afraid I wasn't going to get any designs :unsure:

I think both designs are fine but haven't really grabbed me yet. I guess I was thinking of something fancier or more complex. I'm sorry--I know that's awfully vague. Kimber's Egyptian cats for Coddled Cats were among the first designs I saw and I really liked them.

I'd like a good balance between the picture and the company name and tag line. The first design is more text than picture.

The windows in Kimber's design give me some ideas though--how about a cozy cat curled up on the sofa or something, looking out a window (as if the "parents" are leaving on a trip, but Kitty doesn't have to--don't include people in the design, though). I want to convey comfort, coziness, contentment. It wouldn't have to be that exact idea, but maybe that'll get some ideas going.

For taglines, whichever looks better with a given design--my original, like Sparkie used, or some variation of "Professional Cat Sitting" or something like that. Whatever the tagline, I think it does need to specifically mention cats.

Thanks for your contributions so far. I appreciate it! I'm looking forward to seeing more.

Karen

[cre8or]

Hi karen,
Here's a quick sketch I whipped off.
It's supposed to show 2 "spoiled" kitties, waving "Bye" to their parents, because they get to stay home.
And don't worry, they'll be good... "Trust Us".
They're supposed to look like they just can't wait to phone up the local pizza parlor and order an
Extra-Large, Triple Anchovy Pizza!
Let me know if this is moving in the right direction.
(Sometimes I just don't have the time to create "finished" art first-off, sorry)
If you like them, I'll clean 'em up for you.
Let em know.
Thanks,
Kimber

[Cats4Karen]

Sketches are fine for starters, Kimber. Thanks for any and all efforts!

The kitties are cute, but could we see something that pulls in the pet sitting concept a little more?

And I'm still undecided between cartoony/fun and classy/elegant, although I tend to lean toward the latter. I hope I'll get multiple examples from different styles and artists so I'll have a better idea of what will work better for me.

Thanks,
Karen

[sparkie]

Cat on a couch, as requested :) If you like this concept, I will add a border around the cat, so that it looks as if he is waving out the window to his "parents" who are looking in (and you would see the cat from their perspective).

I just wanted to sketch and scan this in real quick, and see if you like the direction I'm heading :)

[Cats4Karen]

Hey Sparkie:

Could you try the window effect so I can see if it's going to work?

I like the kitty lounging on the chair, although I'm not sure about the face. Maybe open the eyes? He certainly looks cozy and happy, though. And is it possible to try out a couple of different color combinations, both the chair and the cat?

Thanks a bunch!
Karen

[sparkie]

Hi Karen,

Sure, I can change the colors and add the window. Are you going to be using this logo in print as well? It will help me decide on making the colors more or less vibrant (since less is more when it comes to print!).

You mentioned you liked green..so I think I'll make the couch a green color. Any other particular colors you like?

Thanks,
Sherice

[Cats4Karen]

Hi Sherice:

Yes, I'll definitely need to use in print as well as on the web and as a transfer or embroidery on T-shirts, polo shirts, etc. You've got a point as far as the color goes. Whatever your best judgment!

As for colors, green is my favorite, either light or dark, but just not the more yellow-tinged greens. I like rich reds (maroon/wine shades, etc.--not bright red), pastels like peach and yellow, lighter shades of blue, I like teal a lot, rich browns...

As for the cat, either "real" colors like black and white, brown, tabby stripes, orange, etc., or cute colors that go with the design style (like Kimber's blue Egyptian cats).

"Stay At Home Cats" and the tag line can be an appropriate color, too--whatever you think. I'm not sure what kind of font I'm thinking of, so I'll see what you come up with.

Thanks!
Karen

[sparkie]

Something more like this, then? :)

[Cats4Karen]

Thanks for the latest, Sherice. I'm not sure the house works after all. If I didn't know what the siding or boards were, I'm not sure it would make sense. Do you have any other thoughts?

Karen

[Cats4Karen]

I'm hoping to get more design input, so I'm both extending my contest through July 13 and adding another $25 to the prize, making it a total of $100.

I hope some of you creative types can come up with some more of your great ideas for my cat sitting service.

Thanks for all your help.

Karen
Stay At Home Cats

[ElKootcho]

I'm sure you've been scanning the many other pet contests. Any of the logos there catching your eye?

[sparkie]

Hi Karen,

I can remove the shutters.. no problem.. just added those for embellishment :)

[Cats4Karen]

Here are some other contests I've looked at with designs that appealed to me (actually, a lot more appealed to me, but these grabbed me a bit more):

Pet Nanny:
sparkie, 6/16
2square 6/25
jmberra22 6/12

Coddled Cats:
JulieT 6/5 or 6/8
cre8or 6/5 or 6/8

Tail Waggers:
cre8or 6/5, both calligraphy one and the other

CitiPet
ElKootcho_03 6/2

Costello Landscape:
ElKootcho 5/25
JulieT 5/25

I know I've seen some by Ondarox before, but the images don't come up any more. Have they been removed or something? That's a shame--I remember there were some I really liked, but I can't recall enough detail to help.

So I'm not sure if you can say there's one style that consistently appeals to me. I'm still hoping for the lightning bolt that tells me I've found the right design!

And if you have suggestions for colors, etc., that will both look good in all the applications I'll want to use the logo and also not be super expensive to reproduce, I'm open to hearing them.

Thanks for everyone's input.

I'm going into a really busy week for cat sitting, so if I'm a bit slow in responding, it's just because I'm usually not at my computer till late evening.

Karen

[Palmer]

Originally posted by Cats4Karen@Jun 30 2003, 12:52 AM
I know I've seen some by Ondarox before, but the images don't come up any more. Have they been removed or something? That's a shame--I remember there were some I really liked, but I can't recall enough detail to help.
His server blew up or something. Here's a link to his former entries...
http://www.gospringdale.com/4fun/

[Julie]

Karen,

I know you've got some great designs already, but here are a few more to consider. I just revamped the coddled cats one since I wasn't sure how much you liked it, and I added a pillow for the last version--it's kind of fun.

Julie

[Cats4Karen]

Thanks for some great designs, Julie. I did like the version of the two top that you did for Coddled Cats. Of these two, I think I like 01 best. I'm not sure about the font, though (and don't forget a space between Home and Cats, and cap the A in At). I like the tag line underneath--it's easy to read. Could I see it in some other colors? Also, I don't know if it would make it too horizontal, but I think I'd like to see the business name either all on one line or divided so that "Stay At Home" is on one line and "Cats" underneath (might be centered or might be justified like you show in 01 and 02).

And the 03 design is appealing, too. I like the font but I worry that it might be hard to read in smaller sizes. Maybe something still "cute" and informal but easier to read?

Thanks a lot!

Karen

[Cats4Karen]

And I'll look at those previous entries from Ondrarox at the address Palmer gave. I took a quick look and saw how many there were, so I may not get through them tonight. I like looking at businesses other than pet sitters, too. If I see some other examples of styles I like, I'll post those to help y'all get your creative juices flowing.

Thanks a bunch to all who've been participating.

Karen
Stay At Home Cats

[Julie]

OK--Here you go. I don't think splitting up the name will work well, so I left it all on one line. I hope you don't mind :)

Julie

[Cats4Karen]

Nice work, Julie.

You're right about splitting up the name. One advantage of design 04 is that it's more compact even with the whole name on one line.

I still like both designs, so let's try this.

For 04, I like the font and the whole package. The middle tassle may have to go, though, because it butts up against the H. I think the red and black with gray is a nice combination, very clean and professional.

Let's also try 04 with a green pillow and tag line (same color as in 11).

Then let's try 11 with the two cats in shades of gray like 04, rather than solid black. Also, I think I like the fonts in 07 and 08 the best, so could I see those with the gray cat variation?

Will the tag line be readable when this scales down? Maybe it's just my old eyes :blink:

Thanks! This is looking good.

Karen

[cre8or]

Hello karen,
Here's another try at your logo, inspired by my own "Stay at Home" cat.
If you're not inclined to the colours, they can easily be changed.
Please advise.
-Kimber

[Julie]

Here you go. I also added one with a window behind it since I've been hoping to get a chance to put one in since I sent the first one off, but just hadn't had the time. Any suggestions on any of these?

Julie

[Liz]

Hi,

This was just something I was playing around with, based on your comments about a kitten lookin out of a window (what is it with cats and windows? I have to pry mine away all the time)

Its a more illustrative approach, so I'm not sure if its what you had in mind, but:

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

Thanks,
Liz.

[Cats4Karen]

Hi guys:

Thanks for continuing to come up with good ideas. Here are my comments on the latest:

Julie: I really like the new version with the window--I think it says it's 04t. There's something about that little addition that makes a big difference, and I think I like that red better than the green after all. I think that's my favorite of yours so far.

Kimber: The latest doesn't quite speak to me, although it's very nice. Thanks anyway. But back to the sketch you did before, do you have any thoughts on adding to that to bring out the pet sitting idea? The kitties are really cute, I just wanted a little something extra to get across the cat sitting aspect. So don't give up on it yet!

Liz: This one isn't quite what I had in mind, although it's also nice. Thanks for your efforts.

Everybody: Please feel free to try some other ideas on me. I'm certainly not decided yet, and I'm still open to lots of suggestions, so keep 'em coming.

And have a happy and safe Fourth!

Karen

[Julie]

Just some tweaks to see if I can fine-tune it a little.

[Julie]

And here's the T-shirt and business card shot :)

[Cats4Karen]

The biz card looks really nice, Julie. The T-shirt, too. Thanks--I usually do better if I can actually see something applied like this.

Looking at the last set you did, I think the puffier pillow looks really nice. So I think 04d is the package I like best so far of what you've done.

One more week to go, guys!

Karen

[cre8or]

Hi Karen,
Here's another idea for you to ponder: Stretching Siamese

[cre8or]

And another one... same style: Backwards Glance

[cre8or]

And a different one: Sleepy Time
Please let me know if any of these ones may suit you.
Thanks,
-Kimber

[sparkie]

I just have to say "awwwww" to that last one :) Nice job, Kimber!

[cre8or]

A sampling of my last 3 designs on Tshirts.

[Cats4Karen]

Hi Kimber:

Thanks for your latest--they're all great. I think I like Backward Glance best, although the font doesn't do much for me, and I'd prefer all words start with caps. I'll give you more feedback later when I've had time to think about it some more.

Thanks!
Karen

[Cats4Karen]

We're down to the last few days, and it's getting tough. I already have seen a lot to like in every single one of the designs that have been presented. And now I'm of two minds (at least) regarding the professional/serious logo vs the cute/colorful mascot split.

Of the cute mascot designs that I've already seen, I'd like to do some tweaking. Would you approach colors, etc., differently, if this were to be used primarily as a silkscreen on a shirt or on a website (vs printed on paper)?:

Sherice/Sparkie's last one with the waving cat--Let's go back to the colors you had originally (purple chair, yellow cat), but open the eyes like in the revision. Leave out the shutters and border like in the purple one. Add the business name as in the revision, but use "Professional Cat Sitting" as the tag line.

Kimber/cre8or's sketch of the two spoiled kitties from June 22 has been growing on me a lot. I'd like to see it done up in color with the business name and "Professional Cat Sitting" below.

And I'm open to more cute mascot designs, but these two are the ones I like best at the moment.

And for the professional/serious versions, how about...:

Kimber, can you try a couple of different fonts for the Stretching Siamese and the Backward Glance designs you just submitted, so I can see how they look? Cap each initial letter, and add the "Professional Cat Sitting" tag line. These two designs are also very appealing.

Julie, about the only final tweak I'd give to your 04d would be to see if you could add a little space between the pillow and the text. Once the pillow became fatter, it moved things a little too close.

And those are the lead candidates for the professional look.

That being said, there's still time for more designs if anyone has anything. Go ahead--make it even harder for me to make a decision. :)

Thanks,
Karen

[FTIGraphix]

What is your respected opinion on the following depictions?

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

[FTIGraphix]

http://www.ftigraphix.com/images/stayhomecats2.gif

[Cats4Karen]

FTIGraphix:

The first one is nice. I like the way their tails curl together. The colors could maybe be a little bolder? I like the font for "Cats" (what I think of as a Celtic font?), but I'm not as sure about the other font.

The second one is cute but not quite what I'm looking for. Thanks anyway.

Thanks for your submission! I'll add it to my decision pile.

Karen

[Julie]

Here's the one you liked with better text placement.

[Julie]

ta-da!

[FTIGraphix]

A couple more versions...

http://www.ftigraphix.com/images/stayhomecats3.gif

[FTIGraphix]

http://www.ftigraphix.com/images/stayhomecats4.gif

[cre8or]

Originally posted by Cats4Karen@Jul 9 2003, 12:33 AM
...Kimber/cre8or's sketch of the two spoiled kitties from June 22 has been growing on me a lot. I'd like to see it done up in color with the business name and "Professional Cat Sitting" below.

And for the professional/serious versions, how about...:

Kimber, can you try a couple of different fonts for the Stretching Siamese and the Backward Glance designs you just submitted, so I can see how they look? Cap each initial letter, and add the "Professional Cat Sitting" tag line. These two designs are also very appealing.


I'll fix those fonts up tonight (Thurs.), and try to get the Spoiled Kitties finished and posted.
I'll be setting up my new system Friday night, but I'll try and keep in touch,
in case you'd like to see any changes.
-Kimber

[ElKootcho]

Originally posted by cre8or@Jul 10 2003, 09:10 AM
I'll be setting up my new system Friday night...
stop bragging! :rolleyes: :lol:

[cre8or]

Hi Karen,
Here's some new cats... well not exactly new,
it's Backwards Glance, different colours, different text.
(If you don't like the colours -- changing them is a snap)
Stretching Siamese is also making a reapperance.
Different colours, and a Dynamic Duo.
Please advise.

(Oh... the spoiled kitties will be here, if you can wait a bit for them.
If you cannot wait, I totally understand).

[cre8or]

Stretching Siamese II
New colours, new text.

[cre8or]

The Dynamic Duo

[Cats4Karen]

Kimber, these all look great. It's getting tougher to decide! I can wait for the spoiled kitties, too. I'm anxious to see how they look.

FTIGraphix, I think the one I like best has the white background and Celtic font both above and below the kitties. I'd prefer the initial letters be capped, though, and I'd like "Professional Cat Sitting" underneath somewhere. But it's very cute.

Thanks again, everyone, for making it hard on me. I have so many good designs to choose from. That's a nice problem to have.

Karen

[ElKootcho]

I like that backwards glance cat :tup:

[FTIGraphix]

Here's a revised version...three colors used.

http://www.ftigraphix.com/images/stayhomecats5.gif

[Cats4Karen]

The paw prints are a nice touch. I like it!

Karen

[FTIGraphix]

Thanks, any revision/color changes you'd like to see?

[Cats4Karen]

I'd change the tag line a little. Change "Pet" to "Cat" and leave out the hyphens. The colors are fine--they contrast well with the yellow moon.

Thanks,
Karen

[FTIGraphix]

http://www.ftigraphix.com/images/stayhomecats6.gif

[Cats4Karen]

Any final input? I'm still waiting to hear from Kimber.

I hope to be able to make a decision this evening.

Karen

[cre8or]

Hi Karen,
Sorry for holding things up.
Here are the spoiled kitties.
The colours are easily changed -- this is a 2-colour setup.

If you should choose any of my designs,
I'd be happy to work with you to make it "purrfect". ;)

Thank you.

[Cats4Karen]

Hi all:

Once again, thanks to all the designers who submitted logos for me. There were lots of great ones, and the decision has been tough.

All of you provided designs that were professional, attractive, and exciting, and I think I would have done well with absolutely any of them. It was actually a very close decision, so those of you who weren't selected should still be proud of your work. :tup:

Toward the end of the contest, I began to lean toward the idea of awarding two first prizes, one for a logo (for my business cards, brochures, other printed materials, and website) and one for a mascot (for T-shirts and other fun items).

That's what I decided to do, so I'll be adding another $100 to the pot.

The design I selected for the logo is JulieT's 04d sans shadow. When I saw the first rendition of this with the window arch, I felt that "Oh!" I was hoping to get when I saw "the one." Subsequent edits have honed in on what I think is a very elegant, professional design.

The design I selected for the mascots is Kimber/Cre8or's final version of the spoiled kitties. Even in sketch form, I thought they were very cute, but once I started considering the mascot idea for a second design, they began to grow on me. I think I'll have some tweaking ideas, which I'll discuss offline with Kimber, but I can already picture the shirts I want to make.

Julie and Kimber, I'll connect with you tomorrow.

Once again, thanks to all for participating. I've already told others of this great find--and they're not even all pet sitters, so maybe you'll get some variety.

Karen Draper
Stay At Home Cats

[Palmer]

Congrats Julie and Kimber :tup: (just a note that the extra $100 was received, so you can release the files)

Thanks Karen, glad we could help. :)

[cre8or]

Thank you Karen.
And Congratulations, Julie.

I'll PM you with me email addy, Karen, so you can forward me your changes.

[Julie]

Ditto, Kimber :tup: !

Thanks, Karen--you'll see I've also PM'ed my address.