Logo design..going from sketch to digital

[defjoe]

Thought some of you would be interested in this since there was a recent topic of 'Is drawing dead?'.

I had a client come in that is part of this division in the university that has a program called the McNair Program. Basically, it is based after a space shuttle astronaut, Ronald E McNair. It's sort of a research/space program. Pretty cool beans. Well they need a logo and they had an idea of the space shuttle (natuarally) and an Atom. So I had this idea and whipped out my trusty sketch pad and started to sketch away and came up with this. I scanned the sketch in (which I attached for your viewing pleasure) and placed it in Illustrator so I could trace the paths (I built them). I did 2 versions. One with these pointy loops and one without. I sort of like the ones without... really clean to me. Hope you enjoy and hope they like it.

Also I made it so it could be in 1 color in case they need to put it on business cards, letterheads and such. I wanted to make it recognizable. The type might change (and frankly, I hope it does).

http://img13.photobucket.com/albums/v39/defjoe/shuttle.jpg

http://img13.photobucket.com/albums/v39/defjoe/mcnair_logo.jpg

'I will become the most powerful Jedi ever!'

[Mickey]

That is awsome! I love it. The font is a bit odd but for some reason it says 'space program' to me.

http://home.wi.rr.com/mygraphics/konceptcreative.jpg

[defjoe]

Blippo Black

I thought it was sort of like NASA. they might not like it... no biggie you need a thick font so that stands out. I'm thinking it is going to be fairly small on some stuff. I hope the shorten the program name...it's really long.

Thanks for the feedback.

'I will become the most powerful Jedi ever!'

That is what you call Skill.

WOW! Defjoe you suprised me.

http://www.cbcamerica.com/images/webshots/banner-design.jpg
'Adventure, Excitement, A Jedi craves not these things.'
'Anger...fear...aggression. The dark side of the Force are they.'

[defjoe]

I did...why is that Benjo?

'I will become the most powerful Jedi ever!'

[Ryan8720]

I like it. Weird font choice though.

http://edgewebdesign.org/ryan2.gif (http://www.edgewebdesign.org)

C:\DOS
C:\DOS\RUN
RUN DOS RUN

[defjoe]

I like being weird. :)

'I will become the most powerful Jedi ever!'

[3howards]

we should start a new section that features logos from start to finish.a lot of the younger designers think that a computer and vector program is all they need to develop a successful logo. i'll put some of my ideas up soon to add to this thread. it'sa great idea.

[Silence04]

i like the bottom one... but that font really isn't going well with the design, its too Retro looking.
good job though.

Taylor

http://www.jdcgraphics.net/banner.gif

defjoe said...
I did...why is that Benjo?

Cause you hardly ever post work here so I've never seen what you could really do. So this made it more like a full circle.

Your grate a sillouting I know that and your good with hand drawing but I felt like this logo was a really strong peice and I really like it and the way you displayed the process.

Good job!

http://www.cbcamerica.com/images/webshots/banner-design.jpg
'Adventure, Excitement, A Jedi craves not these things.'
'Anger...fear...aggression. The dark side of the Force are they.'

[D-Frag]

I dig it alot man, great job, I like the rounded edges personally, the pointy ones makes it look like spokes on a bike....GJ man, im sure they will like it.


http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/13115/Profile_2.jpg

[Fusiondesigner]

Sweet as. Agree with font comments.

take the kids to see a replica of what never was...
http://www.fusioneffect.com

[vectorgfxqueen]

I think it is fantastic. Like them both...and what is the matter with the font? I like it...Looks like Alba, which I use occaisonally. Very striking design, you did a really excellent job...
Peace

http://www.betaimages.com/ws.gif
"I've got a Rock N' Roll heart" - Eric Clapton

[defjoe]

Thanks all. I like hearing all critiques, positive and negative. Good to know that the style and design is good. As far as the font... well you can't please all and I actually leave stuff like that so it can be changed. You sort of have to and as a lesson to new designers.. don't get to attached to a certain logo or aspect of a logo cause what you think is strong some people might not like.

I'll let you all know... I'm still waiting to hear back from the client.

'I will become the most powerful Jedi ever!'

[daleharris]

am not a fan of the type... too retro...

http://www.lightfoundry.com.au/dale/footer.gif (http://www.channel42.net/dale)

[defjoe]

Well they like it...but not the type. so you guys were right /emoticons/dry.gif fine be that way... no one likes my retro type. Screw you all. /emoticons/rolleyes.gif

but really.. that's cool... this goes to show you noobs out there to never get too attached to one logo or even a certain aspect of the logo. I left it open so I could change the type face. I made a few changes to the logo (very minor) and i'll post the final version when I get the ok.

thanks for all your kind words.

'I will become the most powerful Jedi ever!'

Thats great I'll be looking for the update. /emoticons/cheers.gif

http://www.cbcamerica.com/images/webshots/banner-design.jpg
'Adventure, Excitement, A Jedi craves not these things.'
'Anger...fear...aggression. The dark side of the Force are they.'

[D-Zine]

Great designs Joe....nice seeing the sketch and then the digital image. Somehow I missed this thread when it got started...sorry to bump into it late! Can't wait to see the final results!

http://coastalcarousel.com/GDF/metatag3.jpg

Who says doodling isn't constructive?!

[RistoL.]

I won't say anything about the font, but I'd like to see a version where the loops are something in between the two current designs... take the clearness of the latter design and have the loops taper off towards the edge of the logo....to give it more of a 3D-like feel.

http://www.kolumbus.fi/raul.lonnstrom/sig.jpg

[Jason Fraker]

Maybe you should use a more futuristic font like.....Futura! Just joking defjoe, I really like the 2nd one w/o pointy ellipses. Red seems an odd color for a space oriented logo, it reminds me of danger. You know, 'Houston, we have a problem!'. Usually space stuff is blue or black, right?

Keep up the good work,
Jason
<><

99% of what passes for music these days, SILENCE is more compelling1

[court6478]

All kidding aside; kudos.

http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/19511/Signature.jpg

The 'Lettering Guy' says: 'It's not only what you say, but how well you say it.'

[defjoe]

Well I got an approval finally, actually I was told they have been using it for a bit on their publication and website. Stupid University. /emoticons/blink.gif

Anyway they chose the one with the rounded loops and had me move the shuttle position and gave me new wording. Which I expected and am glad.

Someone on here made a comment about the color... no set color. I just like red. /emoticons/mad.gif It's vector so it can change to anything they like.

but here it is and this is a big one for me cause this is a huge program. I was told it went over big!

http://img13.photobucket.com/albums/v39/defjoe/22.jpg

'I will become the most powerful Jedi ever!'

[D-Zine]

This looks Great Joe! Good job!!! I know you like the red but I am kinda partial to the blue myself! I think it looks awesome in that color! Oh and I like the shuttle position better now too I think! nice work! congrats!

http://coastalcarousel.com/GDF/metatag3.jpg

Who says doodling isn't constructive?!

[defjoe]

Thanks DZ.. I'm really proud of this logo. Alot of exposure for me. This summer going to be a good one for my port.

Shuttle position.. is that like doggie style?

:)

'I will become the most powerful Jedi ever!'

Yea I like it alot. It went through great!


Good Job Sith Designer. I see some of the dark side is loosing it's influence over you (you used blue man).

http://www.cbcamerica.com/images/webshots/banner-design.jpg
'Adventure, Excitement, A Jedi craves not these things.'
'Anger...fear...aggression. The dark side of the Force are they.'

[defjoe]

do not doubt my allegiance to the Darkside

(I was actually requested to use this blue)

'I will become the most powerful Jedi ever!'