modifying a brand - logo changes

[bandwagon]

Hello,

I need to create a new icon to go with an existing logotype.

Ideally, I like to start from scratch (sometimes even a brand new name...), by creating a logotype/icon together with the same mood and visual properties.

This project is a little different, and quite difficult.
There is an existing brand, and I need to have some form of icon without changing the current logotype. The logotype is made up of 5 lowercase letters, thick strokes, geometric, and curved corners. It is quite good really, eye-pleasing, and well known. We are unable to alter it.


I need to make the icon something extremely simple, along the lines of the Nike swoosh, adidas 3 stripes, quiksilver's wave, etc...


Has anyone got any experience in fitting in a creative new icon design with an existing logotype? Any tips?

Thanks.

[budafist]

Start with brainstorming a really clever idea and then simplify it as much as you can.

[rowemo]

I would suggest you look at it from an emotional stand point. What shapes stand out in the text that could lend itself to the new icon. I tend to think of shapes in terms of mood and feelings. Example: A hard crisp line to me is very formal and cold, a curve is very elegant and warm. So I would use a curved design for a health spa before I would try something with hard crisp edges.

Take into consideration what the company does and who their ideal consumer is. Do some research into what similar companies use, find an element that IS NOT represented by your clients peers. Try and build on that. Stay away from using an idea if one of their peers is even remotely similar. Think outside the box.

I have attached a work flow of a design for an imaginary company to help show you what I mean. I chose to work off the lower case A and build a design based around a circle and a square. This was just thrown together in a matter of minutes, so I have had no time to cross check it with existing logos to see if this would fly in the real world. Again, this is just for learning purposes.

*** The logo, the icon, and the name of the pretend company are in no way connected to any existing companies, past and present. Any resemblance in name or appearance is completely coincidental. It would be highly unwise for anyone to "borrow" from this design and I, as the creator, am STRONGLY advising against using any or all of the design. ***

:)
R.