Next Generation Logo

[defragmybrain]

I was asked to create some ideas for an organization that was started by a friend of mine. It's mission is here http://www.gonextgeneration.org/

Next Generation believes young people have the power to understand and change the world. We help them realize their power. Through education, training, organizing, and grassroots action, we empower elementary, middle, high school and college students to learn about social issues, become effective leaders, and take action for peace, democracy and our environment.

..Now trust me, i'm working on convincing them to redesign their site; it's embarassing. But somehow a logo is most important to them, so i've come up with some ideas.

1. This is my personal favorite. My style is professional and minimalistic, clean. I thought this had done it's job best.

http://photos-056.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v77/210/25/500784804/n500784804_78056_2902.jpg
I was told to have the text 'next generation' outside of the leaf, or bring out some new ideas. I couldn't gracefully fit the text anywhere around it... it looked awkward and out of place. I like it like this, intact in the leaf - but you know how clients get.

http://photos-804.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v77/210/25/500784804/n500784804_83578_8959.jpg
2. I'm starting to hate this one tremendously and it's making me nauseous. If you think there is hope in this one, let me know.

http://photos-804.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v77/210/25/500784804/n500784804_83579_9066.jpg
3. And this one's alright. It doesn't bug me. but this is an an example of when exterior text might look odd.

So PLEASE!
Any help/ideas/random creative outbursts and i will be thankful!

[Ned]

..Now trust me, i'm working on convincing them to redesign their site; it's embarassing. But somehow a logo is most important to them, so i've come up with some ideas.

1. This is my personal favorite. My style is professional and minimalistic, clean. I thought this had done it's job best.

http://photos-056.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v77/210/25/500784804/n500784804_78056_2902.jpg


The website is actually not bad, for a non-profit, journalistic look. Not that I like it or don't think it could use a redesign, but I think they are right in their thinking that a logo is more important.

As far ast the logos, your first one, above^^ is definitely the winner.

[defragmybrain]

The website is actually not bad, for a non-profit, journalistic look.
Something about bright fuscia links irritates the hell out of me. Are we on the same page? :D



As far ast the logos, your first one, above^^ is definitely the winner.
And Thank you - Perfect as is, or ..?

[BJMRGTIVR6]

i think teh first logo is the best of the above but needs some refinement, maybe somehow incorporate the ideas of growing and changing the world and the grassroots efforts.
and yes teh website needs a makeover. However, the logo should help to create the warm colors needed for the website.

[DougFa]

Definitely like #1.

I know you said you tried to put "Next Generation" outside the "bug" but I would re-visit this.

Just some thoughts:

- try to make "Next Generation" much larger and fool more with the font

- make the "bug" smaller and possibly part of the text. Like a word picture

- move the bug to different locations around the main next

- would love to see in black and white

cheers,

Doug

www.thedesignersinnercirclereport.com

[budafist]

I can't say that this logo is communicating any of the things in the mission statement. When I see that logo, I think bath salts, soaps, candles and homeware.

[budafist]

Dougfa, this is the second crit that you've mentioned a "bug". Since there are no bugs in either of the logos you've crited, surely you mean something else by "bug"?

[DougFa]

Hey Budafist,

I explained in another post that a "bug" is often referred to as a graphic mark or graphic component of an identity.

For example, the "white apple" of Apple's logo would be the "bug" and the text is text.

I think it comes from looking at a logo from a distance - you see the text and then the graphic element looks like a "squished bug"

I, will, however, stop using it as I do not want to confuse.

Cheers,

Doug

www.thedesignersinnercirclereport.com
"Resources for the Business of Design"

[sweet*pea]

I agree with budafist, it doesn't match the mission. Did they ask for a leaf in the design? If not I would consider another object - like a 'globe'/world or something.

I do like the top one though, but it does look like more of a spa logo.

[sweet*pea]

One more thing... If you create others, please post those too!

[carter the artist]

I don't think these are bad at all, but they do not look like finished designs, to me. I think you are going down a very strong path, but maybe play with it more. You can never spend too much time on the preliminary sketches. Every logo I ever create goes thru pages and pages of my sketch book first. Only after I am sure that I am repeating myself more than creating new ideas, do I move to computer. Then I play with them more.

I think you still have to play with them more, but out of these, the first is the strongest.

[seamas]

I do like the first one best, however having the "N" cut off is bothering me. Since so many words end in "NG" it has the appearance to me of a word being chopped off as opposed to it being a two letter abbrieviation.