New logo for The Outdoor Man

[Paverchic]

(Admin code added by Palmer - 5844149)

After 15 years in business, its time to update the logo for my husband's company. His is a small grounds maintenance business primarily focused on servicing residential customers. Mowing is the mainstay however he also provides snowplowing for commercial accounts and fall leaf clean-ups and mulching, pruning and other yard services. The strong point of the business is the personal service and communication provided to the clients. He has limited the geographical area of service so the means of advertising is very local in scope. Small newspapers and newsletters are the primary means of advertising. We'd like for this logo to go on trucks, print ads, business cards, stationery and small yard signs. I'll try to get the current logo up so you can see where he's 'coming from'. The trucks are white and the paper stock has been cream recycle with the small flecks. I still like that type of paper, maybe in a slightly different color.
Lets run this contest for a week and see where we are. I'm looking forward to seeing what this talented bunch creates.
Oh, yes, (nearly forgot) the prize is $90. :rolleyes:

[jmberra22]

:D Do you have any colors in mind?

[imageconstrux]

Cool - glad to see this contest up and running!!

Here is the old logo:

[Paverchic]

For colors, we are definitely looking for green(s). Other additional colors could be cream, tan, brown. If you wish to add blue or some other color, we will consider it.
Also, the demographics here dictate a fairly conservative look, but not boring.

[Dan]

How about one of these, the style is very simple with pale colors,

Awaiting your feedback,

[Paverchic]

Thanks for getting this started Dan!
The muted colors are an interesting direction which bears consideration since many of the new clients are women.
Of the three designs, I like the middle one the best. Please no more chainsaws -- we don't do large tree removal.
The font is appropriate.
The Outdoor Man, himself, will be looking at these this evening so we'll have more comments then.
Keep up the good work and we're eager to see more.
Also, thanks Jeff for posting the old logo for me.

[Tyler]

Tried to incorperate leaf, tree, snow, and grass. Not sure the snow fits ;)

[Paverchic]

Here is a link to a site with good pictures of shrubs and trees. This particular photo shows a type of foliage that I like. I'm suggesting that this may be a useful resource for the designers working on landscape and horticulture-related contests. http://www.monrovia.com/PlantInf.nsf/ab770...33;OpenDocument (http://www.monrovia.com/PlantInf.nsf/ab770f9a19d06de0882568dd008031f8/9d0f896472279bd688256aef006cd4d8!OpenDocument)

For my contest, remember that this is a service business so we don't want that message to get lost.

[ejlain]

Hi Paverchic.
Here are a few ideas for you to review.

Thanks

- Ed

[Taldo]

Let me know what you think about this...

[CriaturaCreativa]

Hi there!

Trying to tie the tipography with the yard-service you mentioned, all using a synthetic image.
I generated a typographic gag with the "OO" of Door, using a gardener scissors, wich denotes the service that your husband gives, in a simple way. I can add some leafs, but i think that is direct, simple, and not obvious.

Hope u like it!


Eduardo

[Taldo]

Here is a revision to mine. Thanks for the advice, Ed!

[Paverchic]

RadicalSEED - Hmmm, doesn't really hit me. And, you're right, the snow doesn't work with the other elements.

Ed - We like # 2 and #4. Could the man be tan or brown which might mean that the name would be all green or incorporate the secondary color for "Man"?
The tag line that we've been using is: [I]Year-Round Grounds Maintenance. This distinguishes our company from the summer-only student mower guys. But might consider a different catchy tag line. You are definitely projecting the service aspect of the company which is a high priority.

CreaturaCreativa - nice idea however the scissors are a bit too delicate for the Outdoor Man--he's a more rugged guy.
Here is a link to Felco hand pruners which are widely used as well as other tools. http://www2.yardiac.com/list_categories.as...4978111982&id=4 (http://www2.yardiac.com/list_categories.asp?tgs=1624806:649079&cart_id=662769:794978111982&id=4)

Taldo - That might be useful on a newsletter or for an ad. I don't think that the season symbolism works as a logo because it could suggest a line of rugged men's clothing which is a question I sometimes get already!

Keep up the good work! I'd love to see more ideas!

[ejlain]

Here are the changes.

Thanks.
-Ed

[CriaturaCreativa]

I'll be updating my entry today (wednesday), i'm reworking some ideas!

later

Eduardo

[Paverchic]

Dan, How about a couple of tree boughs with gardening/pruning tools arranged on them, over the logo.

Ed, Can we try other colors?

Still looking for more ideas.

I'd like to make a decision by weeks end.

[CriaturaCreativa]

Here goes a new idea.

Hope u like it


Eduardo

[ejlain]

Hi, some different colors and 2 new ideas.

- Ed

[cos]

Wow Lanelle,

That would be really hard for me to decide.

Great designs!!!!

[Paverchic]

Eduardo -- Sorry, a little too cartoony for my taste.
Not sure what else to further suggest.

[Paverchic]

Now that I've had a chance to get some rest after a really grueling week, I'm ready to give more feedback on these neat designs. Yes Cos, this isn't going to be easy to decide!

Dan: I'm still hoping that you will make another submission or two. We liked the look of the earlier ones.

ejlain: I'm intrigued with your design of the tools in the midst of the lettering. I'm just curious how it would look with a slightly more formal font. We still also like the clever one with the wheelbarrow. I love the wheel/O design. We are wondering if the bag could be replaced with stylized flowers or a leafy shrub (I put up a link to some I like)? The little man is also nice but we'd like him better without the spade in that position (ouch!). Maybe some grass under him. Not sure if the wheelbarrow or other tools can be fit in.

Another idea that we had would be to create an evergreen tree profile with the tag line and place it in a wheelbarrow. Maybe, maybe not?

I am also hoping that a few more designers will decide to weigh in on this so we will extend this contest until July 5th. Happy Fourth guys and gals!!

Thanks everyone and keep up the great work!!

[Dan]

Yes, I will be making a few more submissions shortly, I've been away for a couple of days.


Regards,

[Dan]

Here are some more variations,

Your feedback is greatly appreciated,


Regards,

-Daniel

[ejlain]

The little man is also nice but we'd like him better without the spade in that position (ouch!)

Yikes, didn't even notice that. I don't even WANT to know where he keeps his rake!! :lol2:

Here are a few revisions besides the "shovel-ectomy".

Thanks.

- Ed

[Raja]

hi!

[Paverchic]

Hi there,
Thanks for the new entries everyone! I think we may be getting a little closer to a suitable logo.

Dan, Thanks for the new designs. The little guy (we have dubbed him Amish Andy) looks a bit like the real Outdoor Man but he needs a Nextel on his belt (j/k). Actually we'd like to see him holding somthing different. The tree design is interesting. Could you rearrange the elements a little? And maybe put something (like a shrub or flowering plant in a pot) in the wheelbarrow? Also the tag line should be:
Year-round Grounds Maintenance or Professional Grounds Maintenance.

Ed, You keep giving me more to think about. We definitely like the look of the font and tools in the one with the tools between the letters. I also like the improvements that you have made to the wheelbarrow although there are still a few technical tweaks needed for the shrub. Could you also change the small bag for either flowers or a mound of dirt? (We are not allowed to use black garbage bags for yard debris here--don't ask). And yes the little guy looks a little more comfortable now. Since he looks very traditional, could we try a different font?

Raja, Thanks for weighing in here. I like the overall composition of your entry. The font is nice. Could we try a couple of changes to the man? The Outdoor Man does not wear tight pants :(
and color needs to be more conservative--maybe darker? Also, the tool should be a shovel unless there are leaves on the ground --then a rake I suppose.

I notice that no one has done anything connected to mowing grass. Maybe that's been overdone here already, but it does contribute a lot to the bottom line $$.

I am looking forward to seeing some revisions and I'm getting really eager to make a final decision.

Thanks again,

[ElKootcho]

simple, upscale

[Paverchic]

Elkootcho, I like it, I like! Of course I'll have to see what 'da Man says ;)

[Paverchic]

Elkootcho,
Can you add the tag line somewhere: Professional Grounds Maintenance ?

[ejlain]

A few modifications.
Thanks
- Ed

[ElKootcho]

Originally posted by Paverchic@Jul 3 2003, 04:32 PM
Elkootcho,
Can you add the tag line somewhere: Professional Grounds Maintenance ?
As you wish :wizard:

[Paverchic]

Thanks guys. I'll post comments after 'da Man looks at them.
B) Oh the wizard is definitely cool! In fact I think he needs shades. I just keep wondering what else you have hidden away in that hermetically sealed Mason Jar of yours. And don't tell me Scotch!

[Paverchic]

ElKootcho,

I'm liking 02 and would like to see a couple of adjustments.

Could you move the tag line out a bit from the circle and lead the letters a bit so its more readable? I'm concerned that it will bleed together and look 'fuzzy'. Also, are the colors of green the same on all of these?

Ed,
I think we are liking the 'tools only' better than some of the others. Could you try the Felco pruners in place of the watering can?

[ElKootcho]

Originally posted by Paverchic@Jul 4 2003, 08:39 AM
ElKootcho,

I'm liking 02 and would like to see a couple of adjustments.

Could you move the tag line out a bit from the circle and lead the letters a bit so its more readable? I'm concerned that it will bleed together and look 'fuzzy'. Also, are the colors of green the same on all of these?
Hi! Yes, the color has been the same through all my logos. The tag line has been kerned out a bit (leading is the space between lines of text. kerning is the space between letters.) The design is vector art so it will scale cleanly and not get fuzzy (just small).

[ElKootcho]

Here's the logo saved as a pdf. Feel free to download and print to get a better (not low rez) idea.

[Paverchic]

Thanks, yes that is better. I printed it out but my sub-par printer didn't do it justice. So I'm having difficulty determining if we have enough contrast between the two shades of green.

[ElKootcho]

I've increased the contrast in this post. The previous post had the blades set to 75% of the bacground color.

This post has the blades sent to 60% of the background color.

[Paverchic]

Yes that's even better. I notice that you also outlined the white lettering. Now I'm curious about what a reverse would look like with the background light and the blades dark. Just a thought.

[ElKootcho]

Originally posted by Paverchic@Jul 4 2003, 01:01 PM
Yes that's even better. I notice that you also outlined the white lettering. Now I'm curious about what a reverse would look like with the background light and the blades dark. Just a thought.
Easy enough to find out :) I also added a shadow to "Outdoor" to help it stand out more.

[Paverchic]

Dan: Although we like the tree logo that you did, I was looking at the logo of a local nursery and they are using a nearly identical tree. I think we want to move away from a 'complete' tree. Foliage is fine.

Taldo: Any other entries?

Ed: We need to tweak some details to make things more 'horticulturally' correct. For example, the fork should have 4 prongs, not 3.

ElKootcho: I like the overall feeling of your logo and I'm just uncertain if it conveys enough but maybe so.

OK guys, in analyzing where this contest is going, my overall feeling is that I'm looking for a more sophisticated look than we have had in the past. A few of the entries have headed in that direction but I'm still not entirely convinced that we've arrived at the solution.

I am still looking for more ideas so anyone working on a last minute entry, please post it.

[Raja]

hi!

[ElKootcho]

!ih

[ElKootcho]

the same but different! :blink:

[Paverchic]

Raja,
Once again, a nice composition. I continue to like the way you've placed the words. The green circle is an element that works. Could you rework the man? He needs to be more experienced and conservative looking.....ok, ok.....'older' is maybe the best adjective. No shades and dark hair maybe?

[Raja]

how 'bout a pic of the outdoor man, that'd help demystify his persona. Right now I hold him in the ranks of the Yeti and Bigfoot, he is still a mystery

I need evidence

:squint:

[Palmer]

I think he looks like this guy... :tup:
<img src='http://www.designoutpost.com/forums/uploads/post-4-1056743389.jpg[/img]

[ElKootcho]

Originally posted by ondarox@Jul 5 2003, 11:09 AM
I need evidence
No one has actually seen the Outdoor Man but footprints have been found. Isn't that evidence enough? :unsure:

[Paverchic]

OK, fair enough! I'll hunt around for a photo that conveys a bit about his persona and the business. If I don't find the one I'm thinking of, I may have to break out the new digital camera.......... Meanwhile I have to go get some more work accomplished.
Oh, ElKootcho---can we move the rounded 'the' to the right and make it straight? I realize that may mean that the leaf has to move as well.

Maybe it will help to know that the business is located in the metro DC area. Upscale suburbs would describe it.

[ElKootcho]

Originally posted by Paverchic@Jul 5 2003, 01:42 PM
Oh, ElKootcho---can we move the rounded 'the' to the right and make it straight? I realize that may mean that the leaf has to move as well.
B)

[Paverchic]

The Outdoor Man says: He doesn't care for blue. The other colors or green are better.

[Raja]

:squint:

[ElKootcho]

both only 2 colors

[Paverchic]

Wow, what fast, responsive work! Both of those give me enough to understand how that idea would work. Any further tweaks on that can be done later.
ElKootcho, the second pruner logo has potential. We may want to try the image size at about 80%. I am thinking that if you have any other abstract, less representational ideas, I would like to see that. Also, can you post 05 and 06 side by side for a closer comparison?
Raja, the photo is coming...........

[Paverchic]

He really does exist.
Here's the Outdoor Man

[ElKootcho]

Originally posted by Paverchic@Jul 5 2003, 04:19 PM
Also, can you post 05 and 06 side by side for a closer comparison?
side by side

[Raja]

Originally posted by Paverchic@Jul 5 2003, 07:25 PM
He really does exist.
Here's the Outdoor Man
i think that picture is doctored, I need video

[Paverchic]

LOL, nope it's not doctored. What---you want a close up or one of him doing some other type of work? I've got this scanning action down pat!

[Raja]

use your new digi and tell him to make a logo pose

[Paverchic]

First I have to read the instructions for the new digi. Then, possibly charge up the batteries and load the software here........ It would be easier for me to have my artist daughter sketch him................

Seriously, what are you really looking for?

[Raja]

that's fine, I can work with that pic, if you still want a "character" logo

[ElKootcho]

something different

[Paverchic]

The goal for this logo has been to convey 'green' services. I'm not particularly for or against using a character. I do like the muted colorations being submitted.
#13 is nice looking.

A couple of designers have PM'd me that their final submissions are coming Sunday Morning so I'll take entries for a while today but I expect to make a decision by Sunday evening.

Thanks everyone for hanging in there and continuing to work on this. I know that I'm going to be very pleased with the outcome.

[Juvanescence]

A different stylistic approach to the services that you offer.

[Klaas Koopman]

wowo i just wanted to say i love this last logo, nice work! Very professionall look, could you show it to us maybe on a business card etc? i guess it would look great!

[Paverchic]

I like it too. Could you give us three circles instead of two?

[ElKootcho]

still only 2 colors

[Paverchic]

Yet another nice one from you ElKootcho! Now I'm trying to figure out what color T-shirts these would work with. Not white or black. Ideas?

[Klaas Koopman]

light blue!

[Juvanescence]

Three circles, you will just have to guess what im actually representing here..

[ElKootcho]

some examples. A little rough but you get the idea.

[Paverchic]

Choices, choices! Just for my clarification, is the lower left shirt a heathered grey? And I should have been more specific--I'm wondering how to make #13 work on a mid-tone shirt such as the grey or tan.

[ElKootcho]

Here's a tan example. The thing to keep in mind with shirts is that it's best to work with your screen printer for color selection. They would be able to show you inks that would work best on whichever shirt you wind up choosing. Obviously some color adjustments would be needed for different color shirts. But this at least gives you some idea of what can be done on different color stock.

[ElKootcho]

As you can see, different shirts require different color tweaks.

[Paverchic]

A Huge THANK YOU to all of the designers who have participated in helping us 'find' a new logo. Your creations have forced us to think anew about our business and focus on how to put forward a distinctive look in the face of much competition. Some of the designs were very appealing yet reminded us of other companies in the area. Thank you all for helping us to find that new look.

We have chosen ElKootcho #13 as our new logo and look forward to working with him to put the finishing touches on the file.

I will continue to recommend this method of developing graphic designs to other businesses.

:unsure: Does this mean I have to leave the Hideaway?

[Palmer]

No, I'll let you keep the key. :)

Congrats Kootch :tup: