Personal Logo...rough sketches

[mikefanch]

Well I'm finally going to get my business up and running.

I've been a sign designer since I was 15 years old (20 years now) and have worked my way into the field of graphic design. I have no formal training and just learn as I go along but I have a passion for it and enjoy it very much.

The business is going to be primarily signage but will also do logo design, flyers, brochures, etc. With that in mind I chose to go in the direction of a classic sign shop logo as opposed to a more corporate look of a design house (although there are a couple of sketches that go in that direction.)

Please critique and let me know what you guys think.

Thanks

ps- I don't know how this image is going to come through. This is my first upload:~)

[morea]

you can host it at www.imageshack.us and once you get a url for the image, just type then the url, then with no spaces in between. That should allow you to show it full size.

[mikefanch]

Thanks Morea,

I'll try that

[morea]

actually, this is a good way to see how they would look at a small size... I'm liking 5 and 6 from what I see here.

[mikefanch]

Lets try this

http://img326.imageshack.us/my.php?image=logocomps32ui.jpg

edit: you forgot the brackets

your friendly bracket mod: defjoe

[morea]

weird. imageshack doesn't like to cooperate sometimes. :rolleyes:

lol @ "bracket mod" :D

I like #7 too, but don't think you need to incorporate the shading behind the word "studio".

[danedawg99]

I really like three. especially if you use a good header font like Algerian. ;)

[rockem]

Nice to see some sketches, they do have that very sign shop feel, #3 reminds me of ometing from letterhead. I would scratch the triangle ideas its not really gonna seperate you from other logos. I would explore more concepts, If you wanna hit the sign feel thats fine but I thik they need some work to stand out more.

The name is one thing that really bugs me "design studio" fells very unfinished like what was before that?

[Jeff Fisher LogoMotives]

The name is one thing that really bugs me "design studio" fells very unfinished like what was before that?

I agree - "design studio" sounds like part of name instead of a complete business identifier. There's no reference to Mike - which would let clients know this guy's been in a related business for 20 years. My logo didn't all come together until I added my name to it (after lots of bitching from family, friends and clients) LogoMotives Evolution (http://www.jfisherlogomotives.com/)

- J.

[reuber1]

1 and 5 are reminding me of "Saved by The Bell" with the triangles. I like 6, though.

[mikefanch]

Thanks Guys,

rockem...good point about the name. The business is actually called "The Design Studio". Just figured the "The" could be tacked on after deciding on a solid direction.

I'll do some more roughs and see what I come up with.

[Rocketpig]

Just to throw you for a loop, I'd like to see 8 and 9 played with a little. I kinda like them.

BTW, I agree. You should think about a more specific name than "Design Studio".

[morea]

picking a name for your business can be very difficult. I agree that you might want to consider something that would set you apart a little more. If you're up for a little brainstorming session, I'm sure you'd get some good feedback around here. ;)

[Rocketpig]

I like "The Rocketpig Studio" but I heard some ass in California is already using it.

[rockem]

Adding "the" still doesnt do much of anything for the name, if you set on that name I guess continue comming up with different concepts but ifyour thinking of changing make up your mind cuz you will be wasting time if you do

[Logo-Mechanix]

I like 5 and 7 but agree with previous responses you should work on the name a little, maybe something like Mike's D-Sign Studio or something, just a thought. I also worked in the vinyl sign business for a short time and have since done some logos that were cut from vinyl.

Hey Rock, I knew you would like those sketches LOL.

[rockem]

I like 5 and 7 but agree with previous responses you should work on the name a little, maybe something like Mike's D-Sign Studio or something, just a thought. I also worked in the vinyl sign business for a short time and have since done some logos that were cut from vinyl.

Hey Rock, I knew you would like those sketches LOL.

I do, now if he doesn't continue with them he will be limiting himself to what were there 8 or 9 of them. If he does more he would have just wasted time sitting on the computer tunning these up, and in that time could have had another 5 pages or so full of ideas.

[mikefanch]

I've always had a problem with the name. It originated a couple of years ago when myself and a partner were marketing some products through college universities and were pressed on time by the licensing company to register our company name. It was quick and easy and we decided to go with it. My partner has since moved on and I kept the company name not really thinking abuot it till now.

I should probably give it some thought.

If anyone has any suggestions here is a short profile:

Myself- Male...age 36

Sevices offered: Signage (carved, banners, electric,neon,dimensional, vehicles, etc.), logo design (corporate identity packages), flyers, brochures,posters,large format printing

location: Baltimore, MD

I'd not into having my name or initials in the company title. It just doesn't sound professional to me. Probably has something to do with my name and initials ;~)

Thanks in advance for any help

[AlexNJ210]

Agreed on the name thing. Its very simple name, but not very attention grabbing or identifying. Its a name that could get confused in a conversation....but i like your logo ideas so far. Stay with the styles of type you have been using. I think that if you do change the name to be more identifying then i like 6 and 9.

[TenTwenty8]

Some ways that I've helped clients to ocme up with names, or myself, is to think deeper than just yourself. What do you do? WHat quirks or habits do you have? I use TenTwenty8 as just a personal signature, but for me it's because everytime I look at the clock at the hours of ten, I look at it at 10:28, which also happens to be be my birthday. Another guy I know of who started http://www.plainblack.com/ chose the name because he wears black everyday. Brainstorm. Drink like 4 cups of coffee and have a pen and pad on your lap.
Getting to your sketches though, I like #9 for it's versatility and your play with the type.

[greyghost]

I like #9, and 6, respectively... I'd like to see those played with.

[reuber1]

I'd like to see those played with.That's what she said. :cool:

[cjoe]

Well I'm finally going to get my business up and running.

I've been a sign designer since I was 15 years old (20 years now) and have worked my way into the field of graphic design. I have no formal training and just learn as I go along but I have a passion for it and enjoy it very much.

The business is going to be primarily signage but will also do logo design, flyers, brochures, etc. With that in mind I chose to go in the direction of a classic sign shop logo as opposed to a more corporate look of a design house (although there are a couple of sketches that go in that direction.)

Please critique and let me know what you guys think.

Thanks

ps- I don't know how this image is going to come through. This is my first upload:~)

thank god someone posted sketches. I am personally not a fan of the style, but it doesn't matter what i think, and i have an obligation to be constructive, plus i don't want to offend too much.
Okay so we are going for a classic look, i think these sketches definitely embody a classic 80's even early ninetees look. I think as long as your execution of any of these pieces ends up being good, then they will work. Your colour scheme will also be essential to the final piece. Personally i think 7 is a concept worth exploring, because it doesn't stray too far far from contemporary styles, and it has a more structured look < what this will do to the versatility of the logo, e.g. on the side of a car and a shop front, i'm not sure. Certainly the less structured logos may have advantages in this sense. As a second pic i would have to say number 4 because of its simplicity, and because of the point i just made.
Of course this all depends on how the logo will be applied. If its going to be used on stationary, a shop front etc. i always have to go with a logo that is carefully structured (usually around a rectangle or square), however if the logo is to be applied on less convential surfaces such as a car, then the other logo would be more appropriate.
Would will have to decide what logos communicate your work ideology best. Often a style such as yours will speak to people on a level they do not encounter on a day to day basis. This is a good thing, and because of the historical throwback, it may be almost nostalgic, especially for the people who are likely to be spending money on your signs.
As for the name, 'the design studio' sounds like it is trying to be too chic, this definitely does not fit with your desired image.

[Zenobian Grey]

hmmmm.

Out of the lot Mike, I'd say 8 and 9 have more impact. Mainly because they are simple and direct, yet a little interesting. I think a solid name would tie those designs off and you may have the beginnings of something coherent.

About your company name. As it stands, it's generic. Which could elude to an association that your services and product are generic as well. This is not going to work for your goals Mike.

Are there things, objects, feelings, colors, shapes, sounds, living things that you most associate yourself with? Things that make you a more positive person? Who do you think your main customers will be?

Write them down and then start using word play. (double meaning)

The whole point of naming a business is to reflect your product, service and personality. And it doesn't have to be overly complex.

As an example, one of my clients is an executive staffing agency. In coming up with a company name they selected a word that described their demographic, "executive"

They then came up with an additional word that described their personality, "teamwork".

After playing with just these two words, they came up with a merged name, "ExecuTeam". And it's done rather well for them.

Could you imagine if they named their company, The staffing Agency"? There's no punch, no personality. There's nothing in it that would reference the individuality of the company and/or the uniqueness of their services/product/demographic.

I know you can come up with something if you spend a little time with. And don't be afraid to give yourself time. It's worth it. Once you decide on a name, you'll be tasting it in your sleep, so choose one that you can live with for a good while.

I would help you come up with suggestions, but I don't know enough about you to really get creative with it.

[mikefanch]

Great comments guys. I appreciate all your input.

Gonna start exploring different options on the name. Will post more sketches soon.

Thanks again.