Logo design, Critiques

[carter the artist]

Okay, it's a been a good while since I've done logo design. So, I thought I'd try to redesign my current company's logo. Even if they don't go for it, it's still portfolio work.

I know I'm probably one of the biggest anti-swoosh guys, but don't get me wrong. A swoosh is just an element. When I get on the anti-swoosh soap box, it's usually because there is no creative reason for their placement.

Anyways. Here's my idea:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v458/carterartist/logos.jpg

I am thinking of making a branding package since we really don't have one, and neither does my portfolio. :)

The current logo is:
http://www.newportsigns.com/images/MainLogo.gif

[PrintDriver]

What is that green furry monster thing in the current logo?

[carter the artist]

a palm tree.

[Eraser Nubbin]

I think I like the font in the old one.
The 'W' looks really good to me, maybe its Garamond?
I like the colours, the symbol looks alright to me too but maybe they could jive together in a bit better way.
Just my cent-and-a-half

[carter the artist]

The purpose of the "swooshes" in my logo I felt was to have a cut out of an N. Plus to me they represent the large rolls of media. It has action and is meant to be a bit cleaner than our present logo. Also, we are in Irvine, CA, where a lot of small companies are sprouting up overnight, and a good majority of these companies have swooshed logos. Which I felt would give a good indentity for them to relate to. We really try to cater to the small start up company just as much as we do to our higher profile clientele.

[orkaknos12]

how long have you guys been using the logo you currently have? is it well recognized? is there anything that makes you guys different from your nearest competition? I didn't find that the N cutout springs to the front of the design in the new designs - the logo in relief makes it a bit easier to see, but something about the new logos makes me uneasy. Normally when I think of sign shop, I think something that either shows off a concrete cool thing that they do well in the mark (hand sign painting - a brush, laser cutting - a laser cutting the material, car wraps - a car being wrapped, big signs - a design guy running with a ladder, neon company - neon text etc etc etc) with some logotype or they just have a fresh (or not so) logotype and drop the mark altogether. The current logo has some geographical context I guess, it's just a bit on an unorthodox depiction of a palm tree. I think I like the old logo more than the ones presented here. You really could just clean up the old logo (drop the tree if you like) for print and work on the layout of your cards and letterhead using the reworked version. It would save you time and money chaging all your collateral and web site stuff.

-Jon

[vtwin_gary]

i'm not sure i like it here but i do like the N treatment. keep pushing & try to work it into the text better.

[carter the artist]

It probably won't even replace it, so it's more for my portfolio sake.

I am trying to present a cleaner more professional look than the average print/sign shop. Maybe, it's not the best idea, but it's a start... which is why I was looking for some feedback.

As for making it look more like the text, that is a good idea, and one I need to play with a bit.

[NewEra]

i think the new logos are good enough as phase 1 in creativity process
- "signs & graphics" look like they horizontelly stretched, or it's just my eyes
- with some work you have something that stands out very good