Logo critique requested

[SerenaC]

Hi everyone. Well, this is the first time I've posted asking for a critique, so be honest, but please don't fillet me! This business has three divisions, if you will, although it's just one person: 1) Per diem RN staffing, 2) legal nurse consulting, and 3) independent patient advocacy. She is targeting hospital management, attorneys, and individuals or families of patients, so she wants something professional but soothing, natural, "ethereal," and problem solving. Obviously, most of these revolve around one basic concept, and I'll let you tell me whether it conveys what I think it does. What kind of impression do these give you as far as fonts and the overall look? Thanks for your feedback.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h256/serenacasey/lsns-logos.jpg
http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h256/serenacasey/lsns-logos.jpg%5B/IMG%5D

[morea]

I like #5 a lot. #8 also has potential, but I don't care for the way the letters in "lake superior" are cut off.

I'd avoid the arched type in #2, 3 and 7, though I do like the rest of the mark in #7.

Really nice comps, thanks for sharing. It's nice to see a variety of ideas, and in black and white, no less!

[budafist]

I get that you are using lake or water as a concept but what else do you have? I see a book but that isn't relevant at all. Or is that to suggest the legal stuff?

Brainstorm some concepts of what Nursing and Advocate means to you.

[SerenaC]

Thank you for your input, morea! I forgot to mention I'm going to have incorporate "P.C." after the name too. I wonder if it legally has to be in the logo - I'll have to ask her.

[morea]

I figured the book image was related to the legal aspect.

[SerenaC]

I get that you are using lake or water as a concept but what else do you have? I see a book but that isn't relevant at all. Or is that to suggest the legal stuff?

Brainstorm some concepts of what Nursing and Advocate means to you.
Yes, at first she wanted a photo of the lake as part of the logo but I explained to her why that wouldn't work and said maybe we can use a photo on some of her upcoming printing projects. And you're right, the book is to convey the legal aspects of what she does - interpreting medical records and expert witness services.

It was tough to come up with a way to show the patient advocate part. I haven't had any good ideas for that. And she doesn't want any of the typical medical symbols, thank goodness, but I'm afraid I've got designer's block. I'll keep working on it. I'm filling up quite a few sheets of paper. Thanks for replying!

[tZ]

I agree with budafist.

I'm not seeing much of anything here besides some different type arrangements. A concept is not the way you arrange something its the idea. if all the ideas are the same but you have several compositions that doesn't mean you have several ideas. That means you have one idea with several compositions. There is a difference. Besides from that these all look pretty generic. I'd research the market a bit more then come back to the sketches. You seem to be just playing with lines and type without any real direction at this point or at least that is what I get from those comps.

[carolyn]

10 is really the only one that stands out from the rest, whatever inspired you to do that, keep going in that direction and brainstorm some more :)

[SerenaC]

A concept is not the way you arrange something its the idea. if all the ideas are the same but you have several compositions that doesn't mean you have several ideas. That means you have one idea with several compositions. There is a difference.
I know. That's why I said they mostly revolve around one basic concept.

I agree, they are rather generic. I'm trying to figure out how to avoid that, being as the business name is four words long. Since it's so wordy already, I don't want to add too much and make it busy and confusing. And since she wanted something kind of light and airy, that rules out any heavy graphics. Logos are not my main source of income, so I guess I'm still figuring out how to deal with these issues.

Thanks for taking the time to respond, tZ and Carolyn!

[CkretAjint]

I like number 10 as well. I wish the morph of the line had a bitmore in betweens form start to finish.

_____________

anything with a } symbol has always reminded me of someone pooping... *shrugs* I know I am a sick and dirty boy, I can't help it.

[SerenaC]

Here's another round. I think the hand might be too literal compared to the other shapes, what do you think?http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h256/serenacasey/lsns-logos-2.jpg

[Logo-Mechanix]

I didn't comment on the first round because I felt everything had been said by the time I happened by. This latest round is much better, I really like number 11 but would like to see it without the two heads and maybe the book a little bigger to square it up and to make sure it doesn't fill in.

[double A-ron]

I really like number 11 but would like to see it without the two heads and maybe the book a little bigger to square it up and to make sure it doesn't fill in.


+1

[icekitty37]

I like number 8's concept, but the hand could use a little more definition. I think it would work nicely.

[cornfed]

I think they all are pretty mediocre. I understand they want to say legal and nursing advocate but it seems there would be a better way of conveying that. Lots of occupations use books - mostly all of them in one form or another, so the book really isn't saying legal to me. Maybe think of some ways to convey these ideas separately first. For example, legal - brainstorm some images for that - like maybe the scales or the gavel or etc., etc. Then brainstorm nursing. Then brainstorm advocate. Then see ways that you can combine these concepts to create a strong identity. You're off to a good start, but it's just not there yet imo. Good luck!

[SerenaC]

I really appreciate everyone's responses - very helpful to know what you think. Here are a few variations on the last one. I beheaded the people :eek: I was trying to show the patient advocacy part of the business, but I think trying to show all three divisions plus the lake feel is just too much to expect from a logo. At least in the time frame I have.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h256/serenacasey/lsns-logos-3.jpg

[frankster]

Whenever I see a cupped hand like the one in your second set of logos, I am always reminded of the Safe haven (for abandoned babies) logo...

http://www.sccgov.org/SCC/docs/SCC%20Public%20Portal/images/650301Safe-Haven-Logo_article.gif

I think the various ways you are playing with at encorporating the stethescope look like the most interesting directions so far. A stethescope not only conveys health care, but also represents a process of deduction, analysis and careful attension to detail, that is very hands on and not machine related.

[tZ]

10 would be nice if this was for a online database of medical information.

6 is your most successful conceptually at this point but, compositionally it needs work.

The idea(stethoscope,water,book) is there but, the execution is not. I'd recommend flushing out that idea and trashing the rest. Then looking into more directions.

[cornfed]

Damn, Frankster. That's either one large hand or one really tiny baby!

[icekitty37]

u mean a tiny hand and a large baby? lol

[cornfed]

thanks, icekitty! I'm glad you can read my mind!

[icekitty37]

yesss. i is psychic :D