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reuber1
07-30-2006, 11:18 PM
OK, this has been agitating me for the better part of a year and a half. I've gone through so many different potential logo's that it's not even funny.
For my ID as a whole, the main color scheme I'm going to go with is the black/white/red look, but it's not going to be the minimalistic "black w/ bits of red against white backgrounds" that are frequently done. I'm going for red/maroonish backrounds with black/white objects (think QOTSA's video "Go with the Flow", that was inspiration for the color scheme). I'm going to have the logo as white most of the time, since it will be against a fill or a background image through most of the marketing material I have planned, but it still looks pretty slick in black.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/reuber1/SR-logo.gif
The bottom two iterations of the logo have the stroke removed, and it's just the fill.
I got the idea for the logo while, of all things, playing video games. I was playing Ikaruga at the time, one of those games that's like the vertical shooters of old, and I thought the idea of the ship as a symbolic avatar was a pretty good one. Being a video game fan that I am, I figured doing something like that would be a no-brainer. The metaphor I'm going to use though isn't going to be a literal video game transition, but more of a "sci-fi opera" to help reinforce the idea that the logo is "vessel-like." So the logo is symbolic of a vessel, something that travels and experiences challenges and change w/ force. Man, I have so many ideas for a flash site it's hilariously refreshing (I am going to do both Flash and HTML sites).
One reason I'm posting this is I want to know what y'all think, but the bigger reason is that since I'm more than likely going to go with this anyway, I want the rather astute design community to be able to find out if nobody has a logo like this and I don't get sued. I haven't seen any like it, and am hoping there are still none like it, because I'm really happy w/ this logo.
FYI: Logotype w/ my name will accompany this, I just haven't figured what font or what type of handwriting font I'm going to create.
so what is this suppose to be?
reuber1
07-31-2006, 01:25 AM
If you're asking if it looks like an existing animate object, you're not going to get an answer. It's an abstract representation of the aerial view of a ship, like that of a video game (or a movie, for that matter, since video games are typically interactive fantasy stories anyway, so isolating it strictly to video games only is pointless). Mentioned in the first post.
typographics
07-31-2006, 02:04 AM
i dont get it. youre creating your graphic identity around the aerial view of a video game space ship? thats the concept?
reuber1
07-31-2006, 02:16 AM
I knew that symbol justification was going to start within the first five posts.
Read the first post. Second to the last paragraph.
I got the idea for the logo while, of all things, playing video games. I was playing Ikaruga at the time, one of those games that's like the vertical shooters of old, and I thought the idea of the ship as a symbolic avatar was a pretty good one. Being a video game fan that I am, I figured doing something like that would be a no-brainer. The metaphor I'm going to use though isn't going to be a literal video game transition, but more of a "sci-fi opera" to help reinforce the idea that the logo is "vessel-like." So the logo is symbolic of a vessel, something that travels and experiences challenges and change w/ force., Man, I have so many ideas for a flash site it's hilariously refreshing (I am going to do both Flash and HTML sites).
typographics
07-31-2006, 04:28 AM
yup, i read your entire post. i still dont get it. the symbolism you are relying on is so mute that nobody is going to pick up on its intended meaning. you are simply making an icon that doesnt give any obvious clues into its symbolism or purpose. therefor, its simply an emtpy graphic in which no substance can be extracted. the only person that will understand its importance is you, which isnt valuable to either you or your intended audience. symbolism is great, but only if it is connected with something that the viewer can connect with and/or understand. otherwise, you are simply making artistic decisions and not design decisions.
but apparently youre happy with this logo and have made a fairly firm decision to use it as your identity. if you simply want to know if anyone else has seen a logo like this, as for me, i havent. good luck with it.
Typographics said exactly what I was thinking.
Neballer
07-31-2006, 04:44 AM
I see batman, or some sort of demonic doorway.
I dig your concept rooaybs, it seems like you've invested some time and thought into this. The only problem (for me at least) is that I don't like how tall it is by itself without the box. You might run into some weird space issues placing it in different settings, but you're a smart kid - you'll probably figure something out. So I'm going to tell you the same thing someone told me about my logo - If you like it, then that's all that matters.
I would like to see some text with it also. Nice work.
Samakimoto Graphics
07-31-2006, 06:51 AM
yup, i read your entire post. i still dont get it. the symbolism you are relying on is so mute that nobody is going to pick up on its intended meaning. you are simply making an icon that doesnt give any obvious clues into its symbolism or purpose. therefor, its simply an emtpy graphic in which no substance can be extracted. the only person that will understand its importance is you, which isnt valuable to either you or your intended audience. symbolism is great, but only if it is connected with something that the viewer can connect with and/or understand. otherwise, you are simply making artistic decisions and not design decisions.
:) Like he says... there just isn't any connection to what you do.
balou
07-31-2006, 12:20 PM
I thought of batman right away too.
reuber1
07-31-2006, 02:08 PM
OK, 120 views. 11 responses, 4 of which are my own.
Evidently this logo is shit. Back to the goddamn drawing board. Maybe I'll have something by 2008.
Samakimoto Graphics
07-31-2006, 02:14 PM
There, there reuber...You are under attack from the "design-for-yourself-demon". Quick put up your force shields ;)
Mynock
07-31-2006, 02:20 PM
The force is with you roobs.
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/7615/tieinterceptorqc7.jpg
It's ok, but it's hard to make a judgement without a text treatment.
Samakimoto Graphics
07-31-2006, 02:25 PM
Mynock, where's the cute-guy-with-bored expression-avatar?
Mynock
07-31-2006, 02:41 PM
Stewie from The Family Guy? He'll be back soon enough. No thread hijacking.:P
Very cool icon, just not sure that it tells much about you or what you do. Come up with a name for your company that starts with an 'M' and work it in. ;)
Makes me think of Metallica...kind of an evil, wicked kind of feel to it.
PrintDriver
07-31-2006, 02:54 PM
Ok explain this to me again.
Why does a bug by itself have to look like, mean, convey what you do, or other wise have to scream something about the company?
Reuber, a bug with no text concept of what you are going to call the company is practically useless. There is no frame of reference for the bug.
What I saw right off is a stylized compass (a drafting tool for all you too young to remember pencils...) A spaceship? If you say so.
Eraser Nubbin
07-31-2006, 03:09 PM
Maybe the thing would make a little more sense if it was placed with whatever words you are putting with it...
I thought Batman too.
panzer
07-31-2006, 03:16 PM
yea batman 3000 ad or summat
i do find logos hard
patkennedy78
07-31-2006, 03:38 PM
So the logo is symbolic of a vessel, something that travels and experiences challenges and change w/ force.
I think this is a good concpet to start with, but the execution of your 1st ship logo is ineffective. Right off the bat I saw a nutcracker. Just to let you know initial impressions. I think your statement is too broad. Personal logos are very tough, I'd say find a part of your personality to express symbolicly. Or brand yourself, like "The Design Steam Engine" or some such thing.
Crimson
07-31-2006, 03:39 PM
Maybe you should add fangs too it?
I like the simplicity of it. Nike works because of it. Somehow it seems like it's missing something just a bit. A bit waterdowned for all the awesome Flash and html design you will bring to the web. more contrast. . .
My first thoughts were.....Acura
1ooScreamingTrees
07-31-2006, 05:01 PM
It reminds me of the logo for the video game "Elder Scrolls: Oblivion."
http://blog.homiez.org/don/o_logo.gif
It has that same evil vibe going on.
nineninefour
07-31-2006, 07:08 PM
It's just not effective as is, don't give up on it yet.
Try to spin it 100 ways. Take the same logo, put it in a circle. Put two next to each other, one transparant. Change the shape a little. Add more 'wings.' Try to lay out an illustrator (or corel, which, if you're using that, for shame IMHO) sheet with 100 inversions of what you have. You'll be surprised what you can squeeze out.
Also, as said, give it a text treatment. Typography is everything.
It's a good start.
It's just a draft.
the concept is intelligent you just need to communicate it.
reuber1
07-31-2006, 07:46 PM
OK, thanks for the advice guys. I shouldn't have gotten all pissy, I'm in a lousy mood, I know that's no excuse but I've been short with almost everyone (not just on the forum) today.
I'm going to think about what everyone has said about this and see where I can go from here, and either enhance what's already been done or start with a different concept altogether. I appreciate the pointers, thank you.
captain spanky
07-31-2006, 09:11 PM
it's the hardest job you'll ever have to do. i've been doing mine for about 15 years now and i'm still not happy with it.... i thought i was at one point and i got it tatooed on my arm... then i decided i didn't like it. and i've still got it on my arm... d'oh. :(
but good luck! :D
reuber1
07-31-2006, 09:22 PM
Thanks cap'n.
Exodus
07-31-2006, 09:26 PM
it's the hardest job you'll ever have to do. i've been doing mine for about 15 years now and i'm still not happy with it.... i thought i was at one point and i got it tatooed on my arm... then i decided i didn't like it. and i've still got it on my arm... d'oh. :(
but good luck! :D
Damn. That has to suck.
Good luck with the logo Reuber. It took awaile for me as well.
captain spanky
07-31-2006, 10:30 PM
serves me right for being an idiot! lol i'm not too bothered to be honest... it's a lesson in life and i certainly don't regret doing it. in an odd way it's quite inspirational and it makes me not want to give up.. if you know what i mean?
Samakimoto Graphics
08-01-2006, 07:40 AM
So the logo is symbolic of a vessel, something that travels and experiences challenges and change w/ force.
I think this is a good concpet to start with, but the execution of your 1st ship logo is ineffective. Right off the bat I saw a nutcracker. Just to let you know initial impressions. I think your statement is too broad. Personal logos are very tough, I'd say find a part of your personality to express symbolicly. Or brand yourself, like "The Design Steam Engine" or some such thing.
;)
Captain,
How about posting a pic of the tattoo?
SnowAngel
08-01-2006, 04:23 PM
lol ^^ I was thinking the same thing! I wanna see it! :D
printmonger
08-01-2006, 05:41 PM
show us the stained skin :)
CamarotaDesign
08-01-2006, 06:35 PM
your logo reminded me of MF-Doom
http://www.mooseshirts.com/pthumbnails/t_117.jpg
reuber1
08-01-2006, 06:40 PM
Alot of the logos that people are reminded of I've noticed (Batman, Star Trek, ES Oblivion, MF Doom) have the same downward fang look (Sweet Fang Design, lol). I kind of like that treatment, with the B2 bomber wing effect.
SnowAngel
08-01-2006, 07:46 PM
So, Reu, are you working on some typography to go with your design? Which I liked, by the way, but as mentioned before, to have it in context would be great. I'm looking forward to seeing your revamp. :D
reuber1
08-01-2006, 08:00 PM
Yeah, I just am not sure what font to go with though. I went through the font books I've got at home, and am torn between quite a few of them.
For the sake of getting something online though that prospective local employers can see, I may still stick with this initial iteration, unless I can think of something more I can do with it (I've been trying to come up with some alternative ideas, with little luck). Compared to local designers and old classmates, it looks awesome. Yes, this is small pond syndrome here, but I know I can always change it down the road. The way I see it, at least this is better than nothing.
1ooScreamingTrees
08-01-2006, 08:29 PM
at least this is better than nothing.
This isn't neccesarily true. If you are going to publish your identity - web, print, business collateral, etc., it's going to be expensive to keep changing everything...and if money is of no consequence because this will not be a widely published identity, there is always the consequence that this will reduce your brand impact.
It's hard for a logo to be effective if it changes on a regular basis.
I say don't settle until you're 100% happy, then go with it - no sooner. It sucks - but it's your best bet.
reuber1
08-01-2006, 08:30 PM
I'm not going freelance just yet. I don't plan on having thousands of letterheads printed ahead of time. This is mainly to give my self an online identity for employers; as much as they say they like to keep resumes on file (pfft) and they can't remember you yet, I don't see the harm in developing a new logo for yourself. And I'm talking a couple of years in terms of changing it down the road, not like in three months. I've been out of school for 2 years without a job in the industry. Having no identity (i.e. nothing) has not helped.
If I wait until I'm 100% happy with it, I'll have a logo when I'm 90...maybe. I'd like to see some people here who have a logo that they are 100% happy with. Not 90%. Not 70%. 100%.
seamas
08-01-2006, 09:09 PM
I actually thought you were rendering a stylized drawing of a divider - (a compass like draughting implement).
I thought it was a pretty apt symbol for a designer to use as a mark.
Jimeda Fork
08-02-2006, 01:41 AM
It's about identity. Yes you want to have a kick ass logo, but recognition is the most valuable part. I'm attaching an image that includes 3 logos without type treatment. Everyone on this board should be able to identify them all. Does each logo have a meaning/symbolism behind it? I'm sure they represent something, but you wouldn't be able to tell that from the icon.
I hope you get my meaning.
Jimeda Fork
08-03-2006, 03:17 AM
It appears that I have killed another thread. Sorry Reubs.
yes but, those companies have large branding with $$$$$ of molla.
For someone who does not have the budget of a large corperate campain it is better to use something that directly relates to your business or market.
non-representation designs should only be used in instances were the branding budget is high. So you can inflict that image in your audiences mind through repetition rather an immediate relationship to the product that corresponds.
Yes, abstracts symbols are more memorable but, without a large branding budget to show that design contasntly to the public it is almost useless to have a logo in the first place.
reuber1
08-03-2006, 02:02 PM
non-representation designs should only be used in instances were the branding budget is high. So you can inflict that image in your audiences mind through repetition rather an immediate relationship to the product that corresponds.What if you're looking to compete in a predominantly local market though, and your competition has generic (if not outright bad) logos? I'm not planning on going global like those companies, but I think I can get this mark or a similar version around this area and be noticed.
Jim, don't worry about killing 'er, I've come pretty close to making up my mind already and have already gotten some pretty good feedback.
If you like it, and you couple it with great typography I believe it will be fine. Coudal Partners is a very creative studio, http://www.coudal.com, and they use a design element they found in a floor mosaic in an old building in Europe...doesn't say anything about their company, yet it is simple, beautiful and distinctive.
Mitch Wood
08-03-2006, 04:45 PM
to help reinforce the idea that the logo is "vessel-like." So the logo is symbolic of a vessel, something that travels and experiences challenges and change w/ force.
I just about understand that your concept is about experience from what you have written, but I really feel that this is too close to you and you have lost the perspective of the actual design.
I haven't read any posts as they might change my initial reaction, but I can't help feeling that I just can't realte any of the positive ethos of experience to your design.
If it is suppossed to be just absract, why not play with the execution and make it inspirational, as I just feel at the moment, that you have worked on this by yourself without input for far too long, and have guided yourself down a design that won't relate to anyone, and won't give any subliminal positive communication.
Maybe the type will help direct us in the right direction, maybe not.
I feel you need to look at the final rough with type and maybe other branding as it communicates on a different parrallel to what you have described.
Neballer
08-03-2006, 09:03 PM
Yes, abstracts symbols are more memorable but, without a large branding budget to show that design contasntly to the public it is almost useless to have a logo in the first place.
Let me ask you this raybs - do you have a branding budget at all?
If so, does it max out at the cost of business cards and web hosting?
If I'm totally off here let me know, but I am assuming that idea behind this identity is to make yourself look more professional. So that in the event of possible freelance work you won't look like some dumb shmuck off the street.
As I said before, it's your logo and if you like it then that really should be all that matters. You have a good concept behind it that you can play off of for design of your site and such. And since abstarct logos are more memorable you're in like FLint.
Examples of Designers logos
Egg with wings? (http://www.daleharris.com/)
twirly star thingy (http://iso50.com/iso50.html)
devil/angel pig (http://www.bauda.com/site/index.php)
this is just a sweet site (http://www.creaktif.com/)
If it makes you feel any better, I like it too :D