stixstudios

I've always found Hawkwind quite rewarding.

So, I tried to read this whole post twice just to get the tone of it - seems like a bit of angst and negativity has unfortunately obscured some basic facts, so hopefully I can add a bit of humour and positive energy. If there was any greater challenge in graphic design it would be coming up with "your own" logo design. Afterall, It's what defines and represents us to our potential clients. It absolutely has to be beyond just good. I think your logo is ok, but I do struggle with the concept of combining artistic design & graphics with a laboratory. But as you have already pointed out you are stuck with the name, so we move on. Sounds like a rather dreary and self-defeating end. Maybe he was just going through a dry patch when he penned that one. Yeah sure, as designers we can often get stuck in a rut - we look at other designs for inspiration and we wrack our brains trying to come up with something that is unique. I like to think there is always another angle, and perhaps we just haven't seen it, or drank enough red wine yet. Cheers ... whoops, sorry, I meant ... nup, still not right, how about . Steve. [EDIT] Reasons for editing [OBVIOUS]

I prefer the 3rd one in post #4 - I don't really like the green, but that's personal prefs.

Thanks teodora and Nillervision, very much appreciated. Both critiques are thoughtful and offer constructive ideas with 'real' possible alternatives that I could explore - what more could I ask. Well done (that's my critique on your critiques ) Certainly much much much better that this alternative that I received from the Client. (please note I have highlighted the text that really peeved me off!). In my view that part was completely thoughtless, unnecessary and without any regard to etiquette. So, in my mildly enraged state I replied in kind: Touche. I'm usually pretty thick skinned but this one was sort of like a 'compliment sandwich' soaked in 'bin juice'. I think this post has served it's purpose in that: It shows a good example of an important aspect of the design process, ie. client brief, concept, rationale and critique (positive and negative) with perhaps a final re-worked version? The critiques were meaningul and positive and now feel I've had the recommended dose of 1 1/2 cups of validation. I'll try to post up here as a final entry (hooray) a re-worked version with a less complicated sans serif font. Thanks, Steve.

Ok, obviously the 'tone' of this post came across completely different than what I would have thought, or liked. I was wanting to provoke a thoughtful discussion. There is a point to what I posted, and it has nothing (well almost) to do with my own ego. Although 1 1/2 cups of validation wouldn't go astray. After seeing a few too many posts on this graphic design forum of "what do you think of my logo" and the poster not giving much detail - I decided to provide a template or guide as to how one could post their logo on this forum - including a reasonable explanation of how and why they made their creation. Therefore they can receive "meaningful" critique. Dunno, perhaps I failed, but at least I tried. But, and that's a 'Big But' (no offence to anyone) the main reason for posting that logo on this forum was it's one of my submissions to a 'crowd sourcing logo design contest' website . . . has anyone else gone down that path?. . . it can be quite a soul destroying experience. btw. That particular logo did not win the contest!! - although I have been lucky enough to win one contest out of about 30 or so entered. It seems to me that 'design' is becoming an 'off the shelf' product. This phenomenon (which has been around for a while) also includes web design. Anyway, I'm starting up a blog dedicated to discuss such matters: http://www.mummymummyithinkijustpoopedmypants.com Also you can view my latest failed attempts via: http://www.crowdspring.com/portfolio/ConnectGraphix/all/ [EDIT] Obviously without you knowing the client brief and my rationale behind my logo creations, I can't expect a proper critique of my work, but a simple "yeah, they look reasonable" would at the least validate my hard work. Steve.

I prefer the last version you posted (the elegant wrought iron gate, with text under). Although you could possibly drop the 'O/G' symbol as it perhaps makes it look a bit busy - replace it with some sort of fleuron/decoration? besides, you already have the opengate text underneath so I don't see the need for the OG - a bit too smart maybe?? Also the gate could be a bit smaller/thinner which could make it look a bit more refined. Apart from that I think this logo does look sophisticated, elegant and professional. The font you asked about in your second post is Trajan Pro. Although the font works well (I happen to like it) it has been pretty much flogged to death especially with this genre of logo (finance, real estate etc.) You could probably find something a bit more unique on font squirrel etc. Cheers, Steve.

Hey guys, can you please provide comments/feedback/critique on my logo. Some preliminary info: 1. Please note that the logo I have posted has the name changed to avoid any possible unforseen issues. 2. I work for a medium sized printing company as a 'mid-weight' graphic designer. 3. My design 'style' is quite abstract but structered - in other words, don't ask me to design anything that looks like 'fun'. 4. I like cats. (3 out of the 4 above is true ) This is the general design brief from the client: The rationale behind my logo design: Please give your comments in this context. 1. Weather you think the logo meets the design brief and why/why not. 2. Do you like the design for it's overall appeal (or not) regardless of 1. above. Earlier I referenced in a critique on someone else's logo design about the importance of being satisfied with your own design. I'm absolutely satisfied that I came up with the best I could, although perhaps a more technical looking font would suit? - but I'm always willing to learn. Anyway, sorry about the long winded post - just say what you think - be honest. Cheers, Steve [EDIT] bloody hell, the formatting screwed up. fixing it now.

Sorry Cherry, none of the logo's tickle my fancy at all except for perhaps the one with the 'pole dancer' As you have not explained anything, there is little to critique. None of the logo's "say" anything at all about fitness except for the text that actually spells it out! If you want positive critique, please try to accompany your logo's with some sort of rationale. ie. Why you chose that font, colour, image, ideas, combination of shapes etc. and how it fits in with your prospective clients wants, needs and desires etc. In other words, explain it in the way that you SHOULD explain it to your client - afterall, how else can you sell them your idea? A client appreciates an explanation of how you (the designer) have arrived at a solution - even if some of it is contrived, they will at least respect that you have thought about it (them) and not just thrown some random elements together in the hope that...... Also ask yourself, are you satisfied with those 4 designs? Be honest. If you are, then fine - if not, then ask yourself why not and how can you improve on them. If you're not satisfied with the design yourself, how can you sell it to your client? A bit harsh perhaps?... maybe. The positives: I like your own 'cherry designs' logo - it's simple, attractive and easily conveys the message. That's the sort of thinking that you need to put into all your designs. You also need to find your 'style' that you are good at. Cheers, Steve. ps. Anyway, so as you don't think that I'm "All tip, and no iceberg" and just a self opinionated ******* who says stuff without anything to back it up - as an exercise I'll post one of my logo's for critique... and wait for the ricochet..... youch! [EDIT]: btw. I hope this is taken in an overall positive light - it's not meant to be nasty even though some of it may come across that way.

I think they all look excellent as designs, so well done. However I don't think any of them communicate jazz musician. If you didn't point out what the logo was for, I would have thought an acoustic guitar duet. Also that one of them plays a blues harp (ie. mouth organ). Steve.

Hi Stephen, Graphic Design ability has nothing to do with painting. As Cosmos pointed out, it's more about an eye for detail and the effective balance between objects, colour and typography. Then communicating all that to yours or your client vision of what is being said... if that makes sense. In another sense, anyone can do a "painting" - and you can argue anything you like about it's meaning - but is it art? As an example, this is one of my 'artistic ideas' for an abstract painting: [step 1] Lay out a large piece of canvas (let's say around 4 x 5 mtrs) on my lounge room floor. [step 2] Throw a few litres of random coloured paint on it - sometimes over my head, so I can't determine where it lands. [step 3] Glass of red wine, flailing hands in the air, stamp up and down on it - in a fit of rage combined with joy - (an occasional pirouette would certainly help) all the while screaming "bastards, bastards, bastards". [step 4] After a rather deserved restful nights sleep.... . . . in the morning, saunter over to my masterpiece and casually vomit on it (although I'm not sure yet, as that seems a touch uncouth) My plan 'B' is to just spray it with the leftover froth from my espresso machine. [step 5] Take it outside to 'rest' for a few months and let the local cockatoo's and other wildlife make their mark. [step 6] Dry it out then frame it. I think I will call it "the devaluation of human creative thought vs the system, tyranny, weather fluctuations and native animals"... - dunno, I may well shorten it. The thing is, what I'm really trying to get at is that . . . hang on a bit . . . sorry . . . hang on... hang on... Sorry, I have to stop typing for a bit . . . ... ... ... ... Whoa!... I think I just won the bid on ebay for a rather large piece of unused canvass!!... hang on... yep.. nup... yep... nup... yeeeiooo.... nahhhhhh....... bastards. Looks like another dream... and wasted talent gone to dust. Oh well, I'll keep you guys informed. ---- But seriously Stephen, what say me is that I don't know. I'm in a similar situation, as in, 'to focus on the coding or the design'??? - I'm a "mid-weight" designer that works for a print media company that enjoys programming. I'm starting to learn html/css but have been distracted in the last few months by thinking that perhaps 'design' is the way to go... In my view 'coding' is design - a craft... all the little pieces that fit into place for a reason, but it 'has' to work. Whereas artistic design? who cares - the whole thing is not going to break if the 'visual integrity' is broken? I like to think that visual design makes a big difference to selling your product. I'm a bit jaded myself at the moment about a direction to take - hence my hopefully amusing little story. Anyway, log on to 99designs.com (or similar 'crowd sourcing' solutions) to witness the awful truth - if you dare. It will be the subject of my next rant!... oh dear! Cheers, Steve. [EDIT] I love classic painters such as Turner, and Van Gough's starry starry night. simply beautiful.

Yes I agree with Hya - you need to have a longer bit to recognise what it actually is. Also agree with Nillervision - it's impossible to judge if a logo is effective without knowing the context. Steve.

Hello Hya, Imagination is the key to all worthwhile human activities. If you have imagination, there are many possibilities. Your logo shows that you have it - learn to develop it, look for inspiration from other people (or google). Take what you need and make it better. What you have done is a good effort. Cheers Steve

Hey guys, I have a new client that wants to use an image (silhouette) of Audrey Hepburn as part of a logo. Surely that's ok given the 'classic' and general public access nature ? I'm not sure - what do you guys think? Steve.

Hey Sash, Do you mean 2x file size or 2x width & height? which would equal 4x the area which is somewhere around 4x the file size? I think. Anyway, it was only a couple of weeks ago that I checked out the retina display at the local tech store - gotta say that I was quite 'titillated' by the experience (I should get out more ) I could hardly keep my eyes off it, it looked so sharp, colourful and flat. By 'flat' I mean less glare and output glow from the display. As rbrtsmith points out, it all means longer download times, or serving up different resolutions depending on the viewing device - 'tis always the cycle. I guess to get around this problem we'll all need to upgrade to the next GX61A wireless network to ensure that we're all 'up-to date' and downloads are almost adequate, but never satisfied - but in the end, willing to pay more for the next installment - and so it goes on. Cynical? nah, reality! I was so very impressed by the retina display, to the point that I signed up to one of those IT dating networks wanting to meet up with one to hopefully discuss things like: colour, resolution, ppi vs ppd, the meaning of life and everythi..... hangon... I think I just got a response.... Sorry guys, I'll get back to you. Steve [Edit] Reason, something weird happened to the quote block after a simple edit of the text.

That's a good position to be in.

If the client likes it, it doesn't need to be touched. Goodonya!

Nah, never to busy to critique someone's work I like it - however, I think the kerning in the text 'Recruitment' is too tight and uneven. Also the strokes are a bit thin at that size for clear reproduction. Perhaps a sans serif font would be more effective? Steve.

Good - 'cause I couldn't work out what the hell you were trying to do! Cheers

Why should they be in black? What exactly is it you are trying to achieve? What tools are you using to 'split' the lines?

Hi meebo, I don't understand your question - can you please elaborate.

Thanks weedy, but it doesn't really help answer the question from my previous post:

No probs weedy - constructive is always good. Although I have to disagree with you regarding different logo's. You actually DO need different logo's for different media - although for web use, less so, especially if it's in svg format. Although it still would be worthwhile to have a version that works well on a light background and one for a dark background, even a white one would be useful.? As for other media, there are lots of valid reasons for having slight (or even significant) variations of a logo. In the past I worked for a 'promotional items' printing company which printed on brochures, pens, golf balls, golf bags, umbrellas, rulers, mugs, billboards...... the list goes on. There are five different printing methods there alone. I'll use my (v1) logo as an example: If I was to print this on a pen, I would put the tagline to the right of the main logo and also open the kerning so it didn't fill in. On a golf ball, logo on one side, tagline on the other. A billboard may require the kerning to be tightened up. etc... etc... A cmyk version, spot colour, mono. I'm sure you get the idea. I understand you were being general and referring probably mainly to web use, but there are absolutely valid and necessary reasons for having multiple versions of a logo. Anyway, back to the issues regarding the 'apparent' small text in the (Version 1) logo. Perhaps there is some weird setup going on with my monitor, or thumbnail view settings - because when I view it at actual size the 'tagline' looks absolutely fine to read. Also, when I compare it to the text "buy & sell themes, scripts, etc." above market place in the top left hand corner of THIS forum's header - my tagline looks just as legible, if not more so... WTF? So, can someone else PLEASE check it out on their setup and confirm that what I'm seeing is the same - or any other explanations would be good. Steve. [EDIT] Ok, so now I'm really confused, I re-read the post from jakdothtml and realsed he suggested making the tagline font 'smaller'?

Thanks knighty.

Yeah true weedy, the thumbnail does look unclear as you would expect, but looking at the actual posted size it looks perfectly clean & crisp on my monitor - which is more true to the size it would be in a web page header. It's probably more about the 'eye candy pain' of all those coloured stripes, as cherrydesigns suggested. Personally I really like it, but it's probably not suited to a printing company logo. Perhaps it would be more suited to a clothing or accessories label. In fact, a great idea has just popped into my head - I could use it as a label for super block-out sunglasses. That way, a potential customer could put them on first, and then check out the price label. btw. If you are referring to the smaller font, it's 'Droid Serif Italic' a font specifically designed for screen readability... apparently. Absolutely agree. A logo is never something I create on a whim. I took a lot of time and consideration in creating them. Every element has been put where it is with a purpose. I spent approx. 4hrs. on each, in my own time - good thing no-one is paying me to do it. Whether or not someone else appreciates or agrees with the design is subjective. But obviously if you are designing for a paying client, then you listen to their ideas, requirements and preferences etc. which will shape your ideas, and help fill your pocket. Thanks everyone for your input, and for the record, others I have shown them to prefer the 1st option (my preference too) I'll probably try a couple of other ideas as well. Cheers, Steve.

Yep - that exactly what I was thinking.