[Project Complete] Logo for consultancy business - $180

[cancancan]

Admin code added by Abby - 4EH032818E499802V

Hi all You creative people!

Got this site recommended - so i'll try it out. I need a logo for a consultancy business and the corresponding website (which is not live, but I have attached a screen-dump of the work so far).

I need all Your creativity :yes: to figure out how to combine the name I-level with a symbol, line or ...? illustrating the transformation from one business level to another (se below).

Let me have your input - looking forward to see it!

Regards,
Claus


Design Outpost Creative Brief Worksheet

Project Summary:
What text should be included in the main part of the logo?
I-level, which is the name of the company

What type of product or service do you offer?
Consultancy

How long have you been in business?
This is a new company with a new concept

What do you hope to accomplish with your new identity?
I hope to be considered professional, serious and business oriented – but with both feet on the ground providing easy-to-understand-and-use solutions.

What are your long term goals?
To make a living from this business

When is the deadline for final entries before choosing a designer?
15th. march 2006

Audience Profile:
Please describe your existing audience
There is no one as the website isn’t live yet. But the future audience is expected to be: small business, retail/shops, e-shops, craftsmen with own business etc.

Who would you like to add to your audience?

Perception/Tone/Guidelines:
What type of logo would you like?
Stylistic, simple, Characteristic and strong

Do you have any colors in mind for your logo? (if so, why?)
Blue (dark) as a symbol of business and economics.

Do you have any specific images or icons in mind that you would definitely like to see incorporated into your logo?
Not really – I thought about an eye (as a wordplay and equivalent to the “I” in I-level) but I think maybe it will be too obvious and far-fetched.

Communication Strategy:
What attributes would you like your logo to reflect about your business?
It should definitely reflect moving from one level to another. Secondary that I-level and the client is communicating on the same level.

What is your tagline or slogan?
- counselling at eye level (Only in Danish it has special characters that cannot be typed on an American keyboard or viewed by English/American charset – Rådgivning I øjenhøjde)

What is the overall message you are trying to convey to your target audience?
Should be implicit in the above

Where will your new logo be used?
On my new website www.i-level.dk (not uploaded yet – as it has no logo on it;-). It will be used on my business card and letters as well.

Competitive Positioning:
Who are your competitors and what do you think about their logos?
www.holck-petersen.dk (boring and lack of symbolism) and www.connectia.dk (OK logo and symbolism – but too “round”)

List competitive URLs if possible

What sets you apart from your competitors?
I will operate more on the internet, I will focus on small businesses, I will be in dialogue with the clients costumers on the web.

Targeted Message:
State a single-minded word or phrase that will appropriately describe your company:
Counselling at eyelevel – moving from one level to another.

[Kassi]

Hello Claus,

Here are a couple of ideas to start things off.

I thought a lot about the icon, which can symbolize many things:

• The top circle and arch can abstractly symbolize the shape of an eye.
• The top circle and arch can also symbolize a person with arms outstretched.
• The squares symbolize stairs, moving from one level to the next, growth.
• The squares and circle can symbolize your company at the top among your competitors, or your clients reaching their goals as a result of your services.

[Kassi]

Looking forward to your comments.

Thanks!

Kassi :)

[cancancan]

Hi Kassi,
Thanks for Your initial input - I'm very pleased to see, that You spend time thinking of my thoughts regarding symbolism! It's very important to me.

I will now try my first comments on a fuzzy subject; look and feel ;) It's a bit difficult, since I'm not fluent in english.

I understand your thoughts on symbols - and the more I think of it, the more I like 'em - especially the "eye-thing". However;

1) my first overall impression was, it looks like a mermaid - I think its because of the formation of the squares... (I have a 5-year old girl watching "The Mermaid" nearly every day;-)

Could You think of another way to symbolize the levels?

2) It seems like it's designed in a "soft/blured tone"/ (maybe too much feather on blue/white?) - could You try to make a bit more "sharpness" in the expression?

3) I like version 1a the most - rectangulare before squared.

4) I'm not quite sure whether I prefer I-level and the symbol integrated or not - I have to see both to be able to compare.

5) I think You're right about the letters - it should be capitals - and I think I like the font;) - since I havent seen others.

6) Consulting won't be a part of the logo - I-level must be able to stand for it self.

7) A thought - would different colours on I and level work? I don't have the answer - that's why I ask :blush:

We have to figure out a way to build in the danish tagline with special characters. I'm not sure whether this can be read internationally or not... Rådgivning i øjenhøjde - then maybe Word Spelling processor could be set to danish or...?

Maybe I could add the text my self in the end?

Anyway; hope the comments are clear enough - keep up the good an inspirering work :)

/Claus

[Kassi]

Hi Claus,

Thanks for the great feedback! Here are some revisions based on your comments.

In hopes of effectively solving the "mermaid problem", I tried adding another arch to the eye to complete the look.

I also forgot to mention previously, that the icon also forms the initials of I-LEVEL:

• The circle and two squares below symbolize the letter "i".
• The three squares symbolize the letter "L".

I added the slogan as it appeared on my screen. Let me know if that is correct.

[Kassi]

And this version shows the letter "I" in a different colour than "LEVEL".

Many thanks,

Kassi :)

[Senter]

Im in later today I will post something.

[Taldo]

:)

[Blesseville]

This concept incorporates an I and an L in a way to represent stairs.

http://www.medigraph.net/do/il1.jpg

[Senter]

http://www.thinkkre8tiv.com/designout/I-LEVEL1.png

[cancancan]

Welcome to the new entrants in the project! And thank You all for Your contributions :)

Here’s a sum up on my comments:

Kassi:
The tagline text works fine! My idea with two colours in the name doesn’t work – I think. The extra arch outlines the eye-symbol more, but I think it’s being too compressed now– too many details in the symbol. So I prefer the one-arch version of the symbol. To elaborate further, You could try a darker blue in the symbol – I don’t have any further suggestions for You – sorry ;)

Taldo:
Thanks for joining. Your symbolism appeals to me, and I was about to forget my preference for a rectangular logo. But I think Your initial version will be too tall for my taste. The text is too light and fades out. And I wouldn’t know where to put the tagline.

Medigraph:
Thanks for joining. In short: I like it! You miss the eye-thing, but compensate with a cool and stylish look and feel. Can’t think of any improvements other than a slightly darker lightblue, maybe. Nice work.

Thinkkr8tiv:
Thanks for entering. Like this one too. The simplicity is great, and I like the curve. I am not quite sure, whether I like the backward letters or not – have to test that one. Could You experiment a bit on the gradient colours, which I think is a bit overdone.

To all:
I feel confident, that we will succeed to find the right logo now. I will of cause test your contributions on my colleges as well, when we are done.

Keep up the good work!

Regards,
Claus

[Taldo]

:)

[cancancan]

Hi Carol,

Thanks for trying again!

I like this one, version 2, a lot better!
Only thing - I don't like the orange colour.

Ideas; some kind of blue, curry yellow - or a wild shot; raspberry red. I wouldn't know which - my imagination can't handle it without seeing it;-)

Kind regards,
Claus

[Blesseville]

Thanks for the feedback, here is another concept again using I's and L's as well as with a focus on people and communication, the essence of consultancy.

http://www.medigraph.net/do/il2.jpg

[Blesseville]

And the color revision in the first one.

http://www.medigraph.net/do/il1-1.jpg

[Taldo]

:)

[cancancan]

Thanks for the feedback, here is another concept again using I's and L's as well as with a focus on people and communication, the essence of consultancy.

http://www.medigraph.net/do/il2.jpg

To Medigraph:

Hi,
Dont't like the new concept - it's too fragmentet. BUT, I do like the color-revision of Your original design:)

Regards,
Claus

[cancancan]

To Taldo:

Hi,

Now what? I like the red one - but I'm afraid it won't fit with the other colors on my website, which are preferable blue/marine. So I guess my favorite may be the blue one.

Could You try and do one where both the symbol and the I-level text is held in dark/marine-blue?

Regards,
Claus

[cancancan]

It would be nice to know, if any one else out there plans to participate in this thread? Or does any of You, who are already in, plan to post new concepts?

Else I will soon start to narrow down the concepts to a few - to save some time for all of us involved.

Best regards,
Claus

[Taldo]

:)

[Senter]

http://www.thinkkre8tiv.com/designout/I-LEVEL2.gif

[Ratbaggy]

Simple, timeless and universal :yes:

Let me know your thoughts

Cheers,

Paul

[djaka]

:)
any comments are appreciated
thank you

[gig]

:)

[cancancan]

Wouw – what a lot to keep track of! Welcome and thanks for contributing to my contest.

Taldo:
Thanks – I like no. 1 and 3 the most. Can’t decide which one yet. The tagline gets unclear when resizing (smaller) – Is there a better font for this?

Thinkkre8tiv:
Thanks – I liked Your version 1 better – I feel someone is starring hypnotizing at me;-)
Sorry. It’s possible though, that I prefer the font in version 2 over the font in version 1.

Ratbaggy:
Hi Poul, thanks. The colour is way off! And the font is much to thin. I don’t think that direction works for me considering my draft paper – sorry.

Djaka:
Welcome and thanks. The general idea is OK, but it looks a bit too jumping to me. Don’t like the “I” on top of the “L”. Colours and fonts is fine.

Gig:
Welcome and thanks. The overall style is too futuristic in stead of business-like to my taste.


To let You all know; at this moment I feel most strongly for Kassi, version 2b modified to only one arch, Medigraph version 1.1, Taldo version 4 (no. 1 and 3), and as an outsider Thinkkre8tiv version 1.

That’ll be all for now from me. Once again thanks for using your creativity and fantasy for me :)

Kind regards
Claus

[Ratbaggy]

No worries Claus, I wanted to try something different to what may normally be expected from a business consultant - which helps to stand up a "level" against the competition. If this alternative method of exploration/development is not for you, I understand. I also did not realise the website may have been "final" - it seems odd to me to develop a website prior to obtaining a cohesive identity and brand.
I may (time permitting) submit further concepts if you wish.

Cheers,

Paul

[djaka]

thank you for the feedback,
this is my other idea.

[Senter]

Consultant to client communication and being on the same level in one logo. Please let me know what you think. Also one color.
http://www.thinkkre8tiv.com/designout/I-LEVEL3.png

[Taldo]

:)

[Blesseville]

Maybe this may be a better way to incorporate an eye.

http://www.medigraph.net/do/il3.jpg

[Radu]

Here's my idea. An eye and an office building.

[Radu]

Small variation.

[Radu]

I've added an open door to the building to make the icon more friendly.

Please let me know your opinion.

Thank you.

[cancancan]

Hi all,

Ratbaggy:
No hard feelings. You are absolutely right about the process being turned upside-down. The thing is, this website is for experimental purposes, and is likely to be altered within a few months. I know though, that I want the overall style to be tight, sharp, and “blueish” (as in business and consulting).

Djaka:
I actually like this one, but not for this project. I think the style is a bit too “comic-/cartoon-like”. I have another project though, where I think this style would be perfect. I would like to invite You to that one, if I may, when I’m ready to kick off.

Thinkkre8tive:
The more I look at it – the more I like it. So I think it has potential. The only thing is, I think maybe “LEVEL” is looking too dominant or strong (don’t know to express it better) – a bit more balanced, and it could work.

Taldo:
Thanks – logo is now resizable :)

Medigraph:
Thanks – much like an earlier version from Thinkkre8tive, conclusion the same – I feel I’m being watched;) So it doesn’t work for me.

Ruairi:
Thanks for entering. Overall impression of version 2 is ok. BUT, The eye is much too dominant – so again, I get the feeling of being monitored – like it was some kind of detective commercial;-)
The eye has to be more sophisticated or symbolic.


To all:
I will probably make a cut during Friday night, where I will evaluate all suggestions. Not any later than Monday, I will invite 3 to 5 of You to do some variations over Your best suggestions. Decision to made Wednesday.
Again… thank You all for making this a great experience to me!

Happy regards,
Claus

[Senter]

http://www.thinkkre8tiv.com/designout/I-LEVEL4.png

[castell]

:) Hello,

http://www.visualadv.net/projects/ilevel/ilevel1.gif

Sincerely,
Castell

[castell]

...

http://www.visualadv.net/projects/ilevel/ilevel2.gif

Castell

[castell]

The idea is the combination of the letters "i" and "l".

http://www.visualadv.net/projects/ilevel/ilevel3.gif

Castell

[Radu]

#4

[Radu]

and #5

[Unorthodox]

dynamic and flowing :)

[eziey]

v1:)

[Senter]

Revisions coming later tonight!

[Blesseville]

Another concept.

http://www.medigraph.net/do/il4.jpg

[cancancan]

Hi all,

Once again, thank You for alle these really good suggestions to our logo! Many of them demonstrated good understanding of our needs.

I will now do the final evaluation by the help of colleges and friends.

I have chosen Medigraph, Taldo, Cre8tive, Unorthodox and Eziey for the final.

Will return with results later today or first thing tomorrow.

Best regards,
Claus

[cancancan]

Hi all,

The jury has evaluated on your input, and they have found:

We think, that there is a lot of very different and exciting suggestions. We think that the one, who is closest to our expectations, is...... Taldo!

But we would like to see, if the latest version can be "lightened" a bit, so that the logo is more balanced - it seems to be tilting too much to the left (to heavy in the left side).

Suggested solutions:
1) Reverse colours, so light blue is in the box, dark blue company name, light blue tag line

2) White box with dark blue frame

Also, does the logo work without the tagline?

If thes issues can be resolved, we have found our new golden logo :)

Best regards,
Claus

[Taldo]

Thank you!
Here are the revisions....

[cancancan]

Thanks Carol,

I prefer symbol no. 3 - it is nice and calm.

Could I see the symbol in 4 combinations:

Dark blue company name and tagline
Light blue comany name and tagline
Dark blue company name and no tagline
Light blue comany name and no tagline

Tagline must be "Service i øjenhøjde"

Regards
Claus

[Taldo]

:)

[cancancan]

Hi Carol,

I Can't decide the colour - is it possible to have both colour versions?

The "I" in the tagline must be a small "i".

I assume that the delivery will be in high resolution and some PC-compatible format?

How can I get the copyright transferred without a fax?

Regards,
Claus

[Taldo]

You can have both color versions. As soon as I send you the logos, you own them. I will send both high resolution (for print) and low resolution (for web). Is the only revision to change the "I" to "i"?
Thanks,
Carol

[cancancan]

That will be the only change - can I have the font-names?

Claus

[Taldo]

Please check your private messages. Thanks!

[Taldo]

Files sent