Logo Direction | Freelance Business Identity

**Buda** · 11-13-2012, 02:58 AM

Hi JesterGraphics and welcome to GDF.

We ask all new members to read the threads posted HERE and HERE. They explain how the forum runs, the rules, frequently discussed topics and our inside jokes.

You should check out this bit on personal info in particular. Your company name will be forever on here and easily searchable via Google.

Everyone has to start somewhere, but your logo is the most obvious, uncreative way you could have displayed the name. Did you have any other concepts or sketches?

PrintDriver · 11-13-2012, 11:21 AM

The one on the left is the old one, right?

JesterGraphics · 11-13-2012, 04:17 PM

Originally posted by Buda View Post

Everyone has to start somewhere, but your logo is the most obvious, uncreative way you could have displayed the name.

Thanks for the advice on cloaking my newb-ness. I'm not sure I fully understand what you mean quoted above. Sketches en route**

JesterGraphics · 11-13-2012, 04:20 PM

Originally posted by PrintDriver View Post

The one on the left is the old one, right?

The left is the current version with typography and layout is being used for Twitter and Wordpress while I'm working on the website. I'd like to have the logo close to it's finished product before I launch. Talking strictly "logo" are you implying the current version needs simplified or you like the direction of the left logo? Thanks

kemingMatters · 11-13-2012, 04:32 PM

Originally posted by JesterGraphics View Post

The left is the current version with typography and layout is being used for Twitter and Wordpress while I'm working on the website. I'd like to have the logo close to it's finished product before I launch. Talking strictly "logo" are you implying the current version needs simplified or you like the direction of the left logo? Thanks

I was wondering the same thing as PD, and it's because the version on the left looks more like rudimentary concept than the version on the right.

The version on the right looks like a more refined concept, although the line work could use a bit of tidying up.

JesterGraphics · 11-13-2012, 04:37 PM

Originally posted by kemingMatters View Post

The left looks more like rudimentary concept than the version on the right.

The version on the right looks like a more refined concept, although the line work could use a bit of tidying up.

One step forward two steps back. Thanks for the insight. The logo on the right was made in photoshop instead of illustrator and got a little wacky when it was scaled up from its original 60x60 pixel size as a Twitter Icon.

PrintDriver · 11-13-2012, 04:40 PM

The one on the right is more fun. Jester should be fun. Might be more fun if it was canted back just a bit and not straight up and down. Your lines do need some work.

The one on the left is symmetrical and boring. The light green lines don't read. I'm not sure if the text fitting the curve is doing it in a pleasing way. I'd have to see it differently to decide. I'm not a fan of type that is bent twisted or squeezed to fit to shapes.

JesterGraphics · 11-13-2012, 04:44 PM

Brainstorming sketches 1

" " 2

Moving towards the current version

First full size sketch made from everything above.

JesterGraphics · 11-13-2012, 04:52 PM

Originally posted by PrintDriver View Post

The one on the left is symmetrical and boring. The light green lines don't read. I'm not sure if the text fitting the curve is doing it in a pleasing way.

The symmetry is that one factor which I haven't fully decided wether it works in the logo's favor or not. My doubts should be enough to say scrap the front view but your input has helped nudge me off the edge. I think the symmetry makes it too flat. One dimensional.

**KitchWitch** · 11-13-2012, 04:53 PM

Out of curiosity - why start a freelance business while you're still a student? If it's money, why not get a part time job in the industry? Work in a print shop and learn how it works behind the scenes in printing. Why not try and get an internship in an agency? The experience would be amazing and it would boost your resume. Use your time in school to take advantage of some opportunities you will probably only have access to while in school.

Personally I would not start a business in a field I was still learning about, but I see it all the time here. I can't quite wrap my head around it.

JesterGraphics · 11-13-2012, 05:12 PM

Originally posted by KitchWitch View Post

Out of curiosity - why start a freelance business while you're still a student? If it's money, why not get a part time job in the industry?
Personally I would not start a business in a field I was still learning about, but I see it all the time here. I can't quite wrap my head around it.

Well Noted. I'm currently in the portfolio building phase of my design career to apply for an internship in the spring. Preferably an agency here in Columbus. Jester Graphics is more of a pet project. A way to practice my technical skills and branding/promoting myself. I enjoy blogging about design related material and tweeting out to fellow designers who want to listen. Jester Graphics just gives an identity with the content. When freelance jobs, usually local, turn up it's always a great learning experience as well as material to add to my portfolio. Maybe it will be something I can devote more time to in the future, at least this way I'll have the beginnings of a following and a splash of credibility.

Side Note: Do you have any critiques for the design of the logo?

kemingMatters · 11-13-2012, 05:25 PM

Originally posted by JesterGraphics View Post

When freelance jobs, usually local, turn up it's always a great learning experience as well as material to add to my portfolio. Maybe it will be something I can devote more time to in the future, at least this way I'll have the beginnings of a following and a splash of credibility.

a great learning experience would be a proper internship, you'd be creating stuff you could use in your portfolio there and would/should have the guidance of at least one seasoned professional. Improper file make up is an invisible but often costly problem for clients whose designer is treating their job like a learning experience.

JesterGraphics · 11-13-2012, 05:41 PM

Originally posted by kemingMatters View Post

a great learning experience would be a proper internship, you'd be creating stuff you could use in your portfolio there and would/should have the guidance of at least one seasoned professional. Improper file make up is an invisible but often costly problem for clients whose designer is treating their job like a learning experience.

From strictly an execution and business standpoint it has been a great "learning experience" designing the logos, advertisements, letterheads, etc for the businesses, schools, and churches in my community. I consider the deliverables to my clients not only a representation of my design knowledge and ability, but a representation of my dedication to give that client a product that will only benefit them, progress them forward, and build a lasting relationship. And file make up is not an issue. Gif is universal right?

BACK TO THE CRITIQUE>>>>>>

spacecadetglows · 11-13-2012, 05:46 PM

is the bit about gifs a joke?

i prefer your earlier sketches to what you have now. i agree that it's not as lively or fun as your old version. the perspective is way off, too.

Logo Direction | Freelance Business Identity

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