livedesign logo

[sscottcreative]

I am trying to start my own logo for my self as a designer. I chose the name live design. The double S is supposed to represent a heart and my initials SS.

What do you guys and gals think?

[Abe_PixlPerfect]

the heart s thing is cute. In my opinion the lowercase words are overused in logo design but it could work... hmmm the font doesn't stand out enough to me

[Abe_PixlPerfect]

try place "live" on top between the d and the top of the "i" ... just an idea

[sscottcreative]

I quite like how it breaks it up a bit..

I thought the font was alright as it is smooth and crisp.

[Abe_PixlPerfect]

like where its going- maybe the d can extend taller to make the l in live and make "ive" fit nicely

[sscottcreative]

Maybe with a capital D and LIVE

[morea]

In these latest versions, the word "live" will be lost at small sizes (think pen or business card).

Personally, the spelling looks like a typo to me at first glance. It feels forced in my opinion. There are many, many self-proclaimed designers out there who can't spell the word "design" properly (I wish I were kidding) and it may be worth considering the fact that some people may view this as an error rather than as your intention and write you off.

Is it meant to be pronounced live design as in "I live in Canada" or live design as in "the site is now live"?

[J_Frye]

as a whole I like it better this way though now the heart looks like a puppy dog nose...live is a bit smallish now compared to design...though I prefer this to the original...still the font is a bit of a yawn. You need to stand out as a designer. You are what you eat...oh wait, you 'are' your logo...

[morea]

This mark also makes me wonder if you are affiliated with logodesignlove.com

[sscottcreative]

it is supposed to be live as in this logo lives.

Maybe it would be better without the words?

[Abe_PixlPerfect]

-edited-

[morea]

Abe, please have a look over the forum rules (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39878).

Do not take someone else's work that has been posted for critique and "redo" it for them. We encourage members to offer suggestions to improve a piece, and if the point that you are trying to make is difficult to explain a quick sketch might help to illustrate your point, but posting your own "alternate" design is not going to help another member learn anything. Even if your intention was to be helpful, the original poster may be offended that you did the work "for" them. Sharing your thoughts in your own words allows the original poster to interpret your ideas according to their own style and tastes and the work remains their own creation.

[sscottcreative]

i think that the d looks a bit awkward on the example, and i agree with morea strongly about not redoing my work.

[Abe_PixlPerfect]

Abe, please have a look over the forum rules (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39878).

I fixed it, I apologize

[Abe_PixlPerfect]

i think that the d looks a bit awkward on the example, and i agree with morea strongly about not redoing my work.

I am sorry about that last post, my apologies- I am new to the thread and I clearly forgot that forum rule. Never again-

Its looking good but Im still not sure about the font

[sscottcreative]

Maybe only half a red heard would make it seem less of a typo, or is it a bit half hearted :P Sorry i had to do that pun..

[morea]

Sscott, when you mention doing it without words, do you mean to just use the two "S's" with the heart as an icon? That might work, but it could be hard to tie in to the business name when you need to use both (like on your business card, or whatnot).

If you do want to continue with the last idea, I personally think that it flows better with the first example (set in sentence case) over the second with the two capital letters in the middle of the word.

I feel like the black and red are competing for attention. You might want to try using a thinner font to emphasize the red, or leave the heart white to make it more subtle.

Designing your own identity is usually the toughest logo that you'll ever have to design. You might find it helpful to brainstorm in words to nail down the ideas you want to convey with the mark and then do another round or two of sketches. You're off to a good start, but I feel like something is still missing here.

Keep at it!

[sscottcreative]

Ive changed it to design life, to make it clearer.

I have also changed the font to a lighter one. Gills sans.

I have made the S flow more with the e as well.

Im not sure which version to choose from to continue.

[Audentia]

I have to say I agree with Morea.
Right now the S looks like a typo.

I feel that this is just not all that interesting right now. The heavy bold versions of life here do not work.
You have an interesting glyph type thing happening with the gn in design that I like. Perhaps you could come up with something that mirrors that on the fe in life?

[sscottcreative]

why does it look like a typo? Ive tried to make the SS look more hear shape and added more joins.

[Audentia]

For me it takes my brain a minute to process what is going on with it for the first time.
I know that after staring at it for a bit it's obvious.
But it reminds of those 3D pics (the old school kind) where you had to look at them and kinda unfocus to see the image, but once you saw it you could see it a hundred times.
I was one of the few that couldn't see those pics. There will be people that don't get what you have going on here. And won't get it on first sight.
If that doesn't bother you then don't worry about it.

In the new ones... your F is very overpowering in life.

[Totem-Media]

I'm seeing Des Sign Life and getting confused trying to figure out what that means.

I like the two Ss making a heart, but worry that says greeting card company or maybe heart surgeon? Not getting "design" from that concept, unless another design element was included.

[CMYK girl]

I agree the SS makes the word design not read at all. If you are committed to the red area being a heart look for another word that uses two S's.

[PrintDriver]

^Yep. The two esses are creating the look of a typo. The heart totally breaks up the word you mean to be Design. And who would even know, at first, that they are your initials?

DesignLife sounds like a joke of BoysLife or NunsLife, if you like Airplane.

[garricks]

DesignLife sounds like a joke of BoysLife or NunsLife, if you like Airplane.

"Auntie Em! Auntie Em! It's a Twister!!"

That is all. :o

[double A-ron]

I'll never be over Macho Grande.

[Roth]

I don't know, it just seems a bit hit and miss. You're trying too hard to make this idea work under this guise. It's not clever enough to be clever. I think, why two Ss in design? Why does it look like a cat's nose and mouth?

From my perspective it feels frustrating; i can feel your frustration because i can tell you're really trying to portray something above the ordinary. But it's not teasingly ambiguous, it's confusing, mainly because you're not really going anywhere with it, however much you wrestle from one version to another. If potential customers are confused by your own design it doesn't inspire confidence.

[Heartburn_02]

I don't really see any relevance reference the heart. Maybe if was LOVE DESIGN, but other than that there doesn't seem to be any connection

[sscottcreative]

the heart is supposed to represent LIFE as design projects and ideas evolve and grow as if alive. I see it is causing confusion with the SS (Steve Scott < my initials) I'll have a ponder..

[Shawj]

I thought of logodesignlove immediately. I think this might be a situation where going back to the sketch pad is your best bet.

[tZ]

The type face lacks contrast and makes your "live" design dead and boring as sin. I see were you are heading with heart but as Roth said it just isn't working so perhaps its time to move on? Perhaps instead of basing your conceptual development one generic design methodology relationships it would be better to focus on unique attributes or things that make you special as a designer.

[morea]

I knew that this reminded me of something.

It's this:

http://i46.tinypic.com/2nqs2l3.jpg

[sscottcreative]

Time to reactivate this thread ;) I have had another go at my personal logo, changing it to creative design, yet keeping the SS initials. What do you think?

[double A-ron]

Sorry, don't like it. There's just too much going on.

[Heartburn_02]

eh ehhh X

Maybe if you're designing aquariums for sweethearts, or something. Other than that it seems a hodge podge of stuff with no real relevance to anything. I'd say get rid of that heart for a start. It has nothing to do with anything. It just so happens that it appears between the two S's back to back, but that's no reason to use it.

[sscottcreative]

I have simplified the design and changed the name to Creative Whimsy. I want it to be playful and inviting.

[sscottcreative]

anyone?

[Heartburn_02]

Nay. Nee use.

[sscottcreative]

whaa??

[Virgo Nightingale]

Too playful. Looks like a place to host kids' birthday parties.

[Craig B]

sscott, do you have sketches on paper ...? i think it would help you to get away form the computer, break out some paper and/or a sketchpad and loosen up and really think it through. I think you're getting too caught up in how to pull something off on the computer.

Go grab some paper. ;)

[Cool Gray 8]

sscott, do you have sketches on paper ...? i think it would help you to get away form the computer, break out some paper and/or a sketchpad and loosen up and really think it through. I think you're getting too caught up in how to pull something off on the computer.

Go grab some paper. ;)

Agreed.

The couple of options seem to have taken a step backwards (especially the sudden name change) and they look like they were designed directly on the computer.

[sscottcreative]

Okay, after making sketches and ideas, i have chosen to use my name and creative at the end and digitilised my favourate idea onto illustrator. I would show the sketches but i do not have a scanner.

[Audentia]

deja vu.
Did lightbulbs just become trendy in the last three days and I didn't get the memo?
Sorry this is now the third logo with a lightbulb for a creative company we have seen on this forum in as many days.

That said... I kind of light this idea. The C for the copyright incorporated into the light is kind of clever.
Your exclamation point is perhaps not high enough in the bulb (filiments usually extend higher). And Steven Scott feels a bit awkward... maybe all caps or all lower case? I dunno... but I think the Upper/Lower case is what makes it feel a bit off.
(would be great it if it felt more a part of the design, right now it's just floating on top)

but otherwise I think it's a vast improvement on all the past concepts.

[Typically]

wouldn't the light bulb/ exclamation point look better after the text?

[sscottcreative]

It is also supposed to be a balloon-like shape. It is supposed to be about holding onto an idea, I added a hand from one of my developments, i wanted it to be a circle for simplicity , maybe to simple as a hand shape?

[Grfk Dzgn]

The light bulb looks like the ass end of mule - perhaps an elephant. The solid shape, bottom part of the bulb?, looks like a bucket to collect and recycle(?) crap. The bucket has a hose going down to a storage container - noted by the letter 'C' for crap.

Anyways, that's how I see it - manure recycle company.

[sscottcreative]

well that is certainly an interesting perspective of my idea....

[Craig B]

That and the idea of a light bulb as being a "creative spark" is so overdone and gimmicky. To me, by using the light bulb, you will portray yourself as less creative since it's such a overplayed and obvious solution.

It feels like with most of your options you are trying to force an idea to work, and if you're trying to force something, it's probably not the right fit. That's my 2¢.

[sscottcreative]

I see what you mean craig, Ive found it really hard creating a logo for myself...

In other news, i turned the light upside down and found for some reason, it reminds me of a man in a suit... haha! Heres it is, i quite like it actually! :D

[Typically]

throw enough at the wall and something will stick.

[sscottcreative]

What? lol

[Audentia]

I think Typ is trying to say that eventually with enough ideas you will get a good one that sticks. ;)

[Yossarian]

But wait!!!! Light Bulbs Actually Spur Bright Ideas, Study Reveals (http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20100504/sc_livescience/lightbulbsactuallyspurbrightideasstudyreveals)

[Typically]

I think Typ is trying to say that eventually with enough ideas you will get a good one that sticks. ;)

yea pretty much :D

[sscottcreative]

Interesting find :) Do you think i could incorporate the bulb suit idea into a logo or would it be to complex?

[Heartburn_02]

What on earth has a man in a suit got to do with design and being creative?

You just seem to be doing what you did earlier with the heart thing, i.e. just because a recognised shape appears you feel you ought to be using it, even if it has no relevance at all.

Keep trying to prove you are indeed creative. I'm not convinced yet.

I'm not very creative either, but I can say that one of the most beneficial tips I found on this forum was when a poster, (i.e. a human being), shared a link with me. It gave me a whole different understanding. I have shared it since myself, but here it anyway. I think it is really helpful. http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/08/26/vital-tips-for-effective-logo-design/

[sscottcreative]

After going back to the drawing board yet again, I have found another idea which I found interesting. It was that design is the end process, the cure, makes something better- a medicine, the final result. After some research, I was very interested in the Rod of Asclepius (an ancient symbol associated with astrology, the Greek god Asclepius, and with medicine and healing.) After some sketching, here is a digital version. I fell like i'm on the right lines here, though im not to sure about the text.

[Heartburn_02]

zzzzzZZZZZ

[sscottcreative]

I made the rod into a fountain pen to make it more relevent, and what is boring about it?

[Heartburn_02]

Okay, what has Greek god Asclepius got to do with you?

So why is your S wrapped around a pen symbolising Greek god Asclepius?

I still believe you have the wrong outlook completely.

I think you need a total re-think.

I don't claim to be an expert, far from it, but I do think I understand a few basics.

I just don't see anything creative in what you've done.

I'm just being frank.

There has got to be many ways to do something more interesting with one or two S's.

I think its good to cut up some paper shapes and get some 3D ideas going on with the shapes in your hands. I would suggest cutting out 2 circles on a piece of card. Cut them both through the middle so that you have 4 semi circles, colour two in black and two white maybe, then play with them and see if they inspire any new thinking. Thats what I would do for what its worth.

I think if/when you finally hit the jackpot you will look back at all your samples and say to yourself, "they were all a bit boring after all".

Format your brain and try again :)

[double A-ron]

I made the rod into a fountain pen to make it more relevent

Do you do calligraphy? If not, you should probably ditch the idea.

[sscottcreative]

right, another idea from scratch.

ive incorporated a face which is in two parts, the cresent moon represents a narrow view of life into a clearer way of thinking (full moon). I think its on the right lines here..

[Yossarian]

I think the crescent moon to full moon transition is an interesting concept, but I don't think this is the solution. Also, and this could be because of my old video game hobby, but this looks like it should have a "Pac-Man: Devourer of Worlds" subtitle. ;)

[Tofudge]

Hahaha, I saw pacman too! Om nom nom nom nom

[dizneegirl]

Maybe some kind of design with a straw? I think you're grasping at them...

Honestly... sit down and just doodle up a few (dozen? hundred?) designs. Then put them away. Take them out in a month or two, and have a look - see if any grab you.

Maybe for now, just set your name in a nice font and call it a day. Come back to the logo later.

[Typically]

Maybe some kind of design with a straw? I think you're grasping at them...

Honestly... sit down and just doodle up a few (dozen? hundred?) designs. Then put them away. Take them out in a month or two, and have a look - see if any grab you.

Maybe for now, just set your name in a nice font and call it a day. Come back to the logo later.

i totally agree. buy a fresh pad and fill it up with logo ideas. don't rush to the computer every time you have something you feel might work. when you fill up the book go through it and pick a few that you really like and do 20 variations of that idea. it sounds like overkill but it'll help you narrow down your ideas and let you really focus on the good ones instead of doing 20 other not so hot ideas.

[Heartburn_02]

Oh dear.. I think these logos actually convince me that you are not creative. It just seems like theres a big muddled scramble going on in your head, then onto paper. I don't know if it is possible to advise somebody how to be creative. It seems a contradiction. I suppose the only thing I can think of is to suggest you limit yourself to a fewer number of elements. I haven't created too many things myself that please me, but when I have, the few that I have done have surprised me, how few elements they contain. In fact, I noticed that some of the big recognised logos in the world, can be reproduced at the computer in minutes, because they are so basic, and have so little going on within them.

[Totem-Media]

I see what you're saying, Heartburn, but maybe instead of lack of creativity he's overthinking the process? Perhaps taking time away and not even thinking about it consciously will give him the breakthrough to focus on how best to represent himself.

[seamas]

I've looked at this thread from the beginning, and haven't posted a comment or critique yet.

And I hate to say it, but there reason WHY I haven't chimed in is because I usually want to have a positive aspect to build a critique around.
I've given some "harsh" or largely negative critiques before, but there was usually a core part of a design that was something to build on.
I don't really have that in these pieces -and in some ways (by going on the latest example) things are not getting better.

I think you have skill, but the creative process (at least in the self branding) isn't working or is off the tracks or something.

Granted, self-identity is a pretty substantial challenge. You need to develop a simple concept, and you need to make sure your final product is simple, clear and direct.

[ozmale]

I think the original back to back esses idea was the best one you have had but you needed to give it relevance by having you name included,ie the graphic then SScottCreative or Steve Scott Design or similar

[Bob]

^ Yep. Whew.... that was quite a ride. But I'm with you---time to tap those ruby slippers and head home again.

[sscottcreative]

wow, i have been given quite a beating in this crit! I do agree that the two esses are my best so far, and that they are simple and recognisable. Good idea about having my name beside, I shall have a go and fingers crossed!

[Markasin3]

You know, I did a light bulb and a writing utensil during my process of logo creating too. I went through 50 logos. In the end, I just picked a nice type face and called it a day.

After all, how many people have an icon for their name other than Prince?

Someone told me not to underestimate the power of a good typeface.
And I now agree. My name in a good typeface works just fine. Actually, I think it's the best idea, because a lot of my logo concepts were too style specific, and my logo concepts didn't always look good when paired up with some of my work. But I picked a typeface that was stylish, yet flexible, and found that this worked well,

I was worried that I wouldn't show people my creative side by doing this, but I figured they'll see all of that through my work. They don't have to see it in my logo.

If you are persistent in creating an icon for your logo (which, don't get me wrong, I'm not against icons at all), I believe you will always get negative criticism regardless because it's suppose to reflect you, and most people don't GET you... yet. I'm thinking about Walt Disney and how his name is displayed with a castle and sometimes mouse ears (Or pixar using the lamp). If none of us knew who Walt Disney was, I'm sure we'd all be criticizing his logo and telling him to change it. But now... I think most people like it.

I believe it's your work that'll get you through. In my opinion, the more people you get to appreciate you and your work, the more they'll come around to liking your logo.

[Heartburn_02]

What about the old swoosh?

You have a legitimate claim to it.

A couple of gentle swooshs, side by side, (like snaking train tracks), "creative" placed next to them, with an appropriate font, would in my opinion look much better and simpler than so many of the samples so far. It would tide you over in the meantime. As long as it doesn't make you look like a hair dresser :)

The swooshs could even be rotated slightly and overlapped, creating what looks terribly like the X chromosone. That chromosone's gotta be one of the most basic building blocks symbolising creativity, and I'm presuming you are a male.

[sscottcreative]

righty ho, Ive had another crack at the heart S idea again, I feel that they look better and simpler. I like the bottom samples the best, I like how (to me) it looks also like a flower - how ideas grow into a blossoming end product of beauty.

Hope these are on the right track!

[Heartburn_02]

I think it looks a whole lot better, apart from the heart shape. I think it is a distraction, but I don't know how you get rid of it? Is there any mileage in a joined up writing type "s" ? I don't know the terminology so I'll just draw one..

[Bob]

Liberal here. Keep the heart. If it doesn't remind all your clients that a big part of what you're doing is motivated by the passion you have for our craft, maybe it will at least remind you!

And that's a GOOD thing.

[sscottcreative]

I think i should keep the heart as I agree greatly with Broachers comment! Maybe i shoud make it less squashed? I don't understand the joined up S comment, do you mean as a completely different design?

[sscottcreative]

also, what do you think of the font?

[nicolanicola]

I like the black and white version, it's a lot better. With the red it looks girlish, and like it's not a design logo, the black and white make it neutral and there's a nice play on the negative spacing I reckon might not be obvious straight away and then people would go "oooh look the Ss make a heart too!" rather than making it obvious.

[sscottcreative]

I see what you mean about the black and wite and im inclided to agree. Having the heart red could seem to obvious, subtle is good ;)

[sscottcreative]

inclined to agree* Bahh... its too late! haha!

[nicolanicola]

hehe, you forgot white!!

[sscottcreative]

It must be late :P Its only 11.15pm... ZZZzzzz

Any thoughts on the actual typeface?

[nicolanicola]

I don't like the font. It's thick and thin, looks old fashioned compared with the logo which looks funky (for want of a better word!). I'd look at sans serif fonts.

[sscottcreative]

I have found a font which i think suits the logo, ive also played around with the layout and colour scheme a bit. It seems alot bolder and fits nicer beside the logo than the previous font

[Totem-Media]

Poplar feels a little heavy, but maybe space the letters out a bit more will relieve the cramped heavy feeling?

I'd totally go black'n'white and let people discover the heart. :)

[double A-ron]

I'd totally go black'n'white and let people discover the heart. :)

Agreed. Ditch the color, at least in the icon.

[Paj]

The new font doesnt work for me at all. The graphic is much better though.

[Heartburn_02]

If square S's are used in an oblique fashion, you can have an arrow head instead of a heart, pointing either up or down, depending on your oblique angle placement.

[Fredonia2k]

It makes me want to live in the dessert. (read that about 80 posts ago, and it's gold)

[sscottcreative]

Just reviving this post once again ;) I've fiddled around with my logo again and I feel a lot happier with the way it looks now. Here we go again! :)

[Heartburn_02]

Hmmm. I don't see it getting any better. Better putting that one to sleep again and getting a clean page.

[Yearnful]

Just reviving this post once again ;) I've fiddled around with my logo again and I feel a lot happier with the way it looks now. Here we go again! :)

I personally think the old one (in your avatar) is stronger and much cleaner. But of course, it's what you like best that matters.