Logo design - offline business

[NicTraders]

Hi all,

I'm running a contest for a re-design of my logo for an offline business "Conrad and Black". This logo is mainly for use on my new business cards but will likely be used on other printing and on my website (if I ever build one), etc. I have included copies of the old logo below. However please do not include the tagline 'IT Services' as I no longer do that - now I focus on IT Procurement, though there is no need to include that as a tagline.

Sorry, the prize for this contest is only $20. I am outside the US and the exchange rate is currently terrible, not to mention the fact that I might not love any of the resulting designs and might stick with the original logo. I have been using it for over 15 years and am a bit attached now! I am old-fashioned and it is hard for me even to consider changing it!

I envisage that the new logo will be fairly minimalist - modern, but not futuristic. Must be easy to read the name. I generally prefer the word 'and' rather than the use of '&' in the logo though I am open to both options. A rectangular

My business is all about quality of service and quality products so the logo should reflect this. I am toying with the idea of silver or white on a black or dark-grey background. That's just a thought though... Actually, if I understand correctly the logo just needs to have a transparent background and then it can be put on whatever colour we choose later - but I would be interested to see something on a dark background.

* End time is exactly 9 days after the date of this first post.
* You will need to provide a PNG/JPG or similar that I can use on the web as well as any source files that I will need for the business card.
* Whatever I choose for the final logo I will also want a version done in the reverse colours or at least in mono as I sometimes need this (refer to my examples below) - but this option does not need to be provided in your entry, it just needs to be provided later by the winner.
* If I DO decide to use the winning design I will pay an extra $5 for a square version as occasionally I have needed this. Again, this can just be an adaptation of the approved design and does not need to be provided in your entry, it just needs to be provided later by the winner.

Please let me know if you have any questions. I will try to give feedback on all submissions. I will be frank as it's better than sugar-coating things! Please don't take offence if I don't like your design - I do appreciate the time and effort that goes into these designs - thank you in advance!

 

[NicTraders]

This is my old logo in its various forms. The top one is what I currently use on my business card.

 

[NicTraders]

Here is a business I saw that gave me the idea of light print on black background. I liked it because I feel it gives the impression of quality.

 

[Boston Joe]

withdrawn

 

[NicTraders]

Thanks for the effort Joe. I like the presentation.
With that said, not loving the logo. Sorry! Don't really like the way the C & B join, and the extra heavy CONRAD doesn't do it for me either. Don't mind the square version (since I'm a perfectionist and love symmetry!) but the truth is that version will be used very rarely.

I hasten to add that it's quite possible nothing will seem quite right after being addicted to the same logo for 15+ years!
For those following along, I wouldn't mind seeing something with a vector image (I think that's the fancy name for the little graphic that a lot of logos have next to the name?)...

 

[Boston Joe]

Then I suggest you be more descriptive in what you want and dont want in order to help others not waste time sinse you are so attached to your current logo.

A custom vector graphic, that can be anything? Clearly you dont want random clipart images added, but what is it you want to represent your business? Any emblems or illustrations in mind?

Let us know a bit more direction and I along with others may take another stab at this

 

[NicTraders]

Hi Joe,
I'm sorry if you are not happy with what I provided. I felt my initial description was quite thorough (and indeed much more thorough than most I have read here). To be clear - I didn't say that it did need a vector graphic or didn't need one. I'm just saying I'm happy to see options with (or without). I do not have an idea for the vector image or I certainly would provide it. I apologize that that isn't much help. I'm no graphics expert - that's why I came here to see what options people put forward. Obviously if others provide entries as well then it will give me more to comment on and this will provide more direction for everyone.

 

[Boston Joe]

Not to worry, let me ask and maybe help you better grasp what you might be looking for.

Do you want a typographic logo like what you have just modernized, yours curre tly is a script font with 50 kerning between the letters that makes it look aged and not very in place, plus the kerning between the words isnt even (kerning being the spacing between letters and words)

Do you like the script font style of your logo and would you like to stick with something like that, or do you prefer the letters to have space between them?

Would you like the logo design itself or the illustration or vector graphic to by IT oriented or represent IT in a way?

Does the word AND have to be the same size as Conrad / Black or can it be less significant sinse its a joining word and would look nicer if weight was given to the other two words instead?


The words conrad (and) Black, you mentioned you didjt like that conrad was bolder than Black, are these 2 partner names or one name, or the company name, do they have to be equally prominent and styled in the logo? Is that your preference.

I know it's frustrating wanting a new logo but not knowing where to start, ss it is equally as frustrating designing a logo with no clear definitive det of instructions or knowing exactly what the client is expecting. Usually a design brief details in words what the client is Invisioning from there a bit of creative freedom can be had to expand the idea and polish it but generally a guideline so as not to be shooting initially in the dark helps that's all


Let me know, I'm free this weekend that's why I'm taking extra time out of my free days to help a few people out with stuff as it is for fun snd I wouldnt mind working with you until you have something you're satisfied with, even if it means illustrating something which I usually charge 50 gold for to win my first contest thingy on here hahaha


Let me know tho, as I said, willing to work with you as long as we can grasp some understanding as to the direction you want to kinda go in

 

[NicTraders]

Hi Joe,

Thanks for the time you've taken to try and understand my requirements.

The truth is I don't know exactly what I want. I need to get some new business cards done up and figured perhaps I should consider a new logo. I thought I'd put it out there and see what people come up with. If I see something that makes me go 'wow, that's it!' then I have my new logo. If not I probably stick with the old one.

I do like the current font - but that's because I'm a creature of habit and I'm used to seeing it - it looks 'right' when I see it because it's what I've seen for over 15 years. But that's not to say the new logo has to use it - I am open to options.

The logo (or part-thereof) does not have to represent IT. It would be convenient if it did, but it must represent quality and look good way before it represents IT. I would put that (the representation of IT) well down on the list of requirements. To be honest I'd probably not worry about it. I guess I think of any possible vector as something relatively simple. Sort of like the random examples I found (attached). And no - there is nothing there I particularly like that I can ask you to work off. But I think simple rather than too complicated.You could of course try something loosely based on the C and the B from the company name, though it would need to be highly stylized, not just a joining of the C & B.

The word 'and' could be slightly less significant that the other 2 words, but the fact is that it is part of the name and is still important to me. I already get people sometimes referring to the business as Conrad Black, and while he (Google him if you aren't familiar) probably has a whole lot more money than me I don't really wish to be associated with him (I haven't been to jail like he has). With that said, I do understand what you're saying, and would be open to seeing options, but I guess just be aware of my concern that if the 'and' is too small, people will tend to leave it out altogether. That obviously matters quite a lot if someone is searching for the company name.

Preference is that both words be the same size as it is a company name as a whole 'Conrad and Black' - it is NOT the name of two partners. Could possibly try a '+' sign as that seems a modern way of doing things. I'm a little nervous about it, but if it were prominent then it might do the trick. Just a thought. This could also be a way to get the 'Conrad' on one line and '+ Black' on the second without having to make the first word so heavy.

The main reasons (that jumped out to me) that I didn't like the first one you did is that the font itself didn't do anything for me and particularly I feel the much heavier font for the first word does not purvey the feeling of quality. I feel a somewhat finer font does that. Of course that's just my opinion, but in this case that opinion is pretty important. Also, I do have a preference for Upper case for the first letter and lower for the rest of the word. That's not to say I won't consider something else, but that would tend to be a preference. I've been scrolling through logos to try and find something I like. Not sure about the vector, but just the simple font of the 'Casign' logo is fine with me. Or 'Idea Factory'. As attached.

Yes - I totally understand. I would make things a whole lot easier if I could tell you exactly what I want. Unfortunately I can't tell you as I don't know!! Sorry. To be honest, that's why I went for a logo contest - so that a bunch of ideas would get thrown at me and I could decide from that what things I like and what I don't. If I knew even 3/4 of how I 'want' it to be I would have gone straight to a single designer and asked them to produce it. Apologies that I can't make it any easier. Hopefully though, this detail will help a bit for you to throw a couple of ideas around. Good luck!!!

Sorry I couldn't get back to you earlier. I don't come into the office on Sunday, but Sunday night after the wife has gone to bed I am off the leash a bit and preparing for the week ahead. I totally understand if you can't get back to this quickly, but there is still almost a week left on the contest so you can come back later if you wish. Hopefully others will throw their hat in the ring also, and some more designs for me to choose from will help a lot (as I explained above). Admittedly perhaps my budget is too low for others to take an interest, but the reason for that was already explained.

 

[Boston Joe]

Great feedback and answers, I will see what I can cook up now that I have a bit more direction, and as you stated the prize money is nothing to dedicate so much time over but I find these challenges fun and that's why I participated in this one. Hopefully others do also!

 

[bashariqbal]

Hi! CH. Here is my design idea where I have used the initials for the logomark.

 

[Boston Joe]

withdrawn

 

[NicTraders]

Hi! CH. Here is my design idea where I have used the initials for the logomark.
Show attachment 128047

Thanks for the entry - it's appreciated. Don't love it, but don't hate it either. The CB mark is a bit overpowering for me.

I've had a couple of thoughts for someone to try. Will post them later.

 

[NicTraders]

What do you think
Show attachment 128050

Thanks. Not really into the line through the first one. Out of these my preference would be the last ones that look like Copperplate Gothic. Prefer with full word 'AND' but would also be interested in seeing a version with '+' at same size as the rest of the text.

 

[galalogo]

 

[Boston Joe]

withdrawn

 

[NicTraders]

Show attachment 128177

Thanks for the entry. I think I'm not loving the + sign, though I'd be interested to see that graphic as just black on white background to see what it's like. Generally though, not really keen on the first - blue on black doesn't stand out enough. Second (white on blue) looks better, though the graphic overpowers the name too much.

 

[NicTraders]

Show attachment 128179

Thx. Nope - don't like the + sign. The first one of those is the best of the 3 to me. I'll see what else comes in...

 

[NicTraders]

I had also said I have had a couple of thoughts someone can try if they like. Extremely rough versions below. So I am thinking one of these options. Both would have a rectangle around the entire logo and it would be split across the middle. The top section will be black text on light grey background and the bottom section with be light grey on black. Or the opposite - top with black background and bottom with light grey. Would also be keen to see a version where the '+' or the 'and' are in the blue colour from my old logo. Just my thoughts. Play with it as you see fit.

Or maybe the 'and' should run the other way? It seemed a good idea in my mind, but I don't want to confuse people as to what the actual word is. Happy to see/hear your thoughts.

 

[NicTraders]

What do you think
Show attachment 128050

Joe,
Another thought for an adaptation of one of yours. Loosely based on this one:

Replace the top and bottom lines with something that has a slight embellishment like this (excuse the poor quality screenshot):

And the font something like the casign logo font from my post #9.

 

[daraptor]

Hey CH, I went through all your posts regarding your business and requirements. Here are 2 of the concepts. Any kind of feedback is appreciated.

Concept 1

Concept 2

Regards,
Daraptor

 

[NicTraders]

Thanks Daraptor. They both have potential. Do you fancy doing up a couple of other versions - one using the full word 'AND' instead of '&', and another trying a font that is not all caps?... You can just base them on concept 1 at present. Also if you want to do something with my ideas form Post # 19 then you're welcome as no-on else has done that as yet. Thanks!

I must say the logos look cool on the card by themselves like that, though there is every chance my card is more likely to have logo and my contact details on one side then a few dot points about what we offer on the other.

 

[daraptor]

Thank you for your feedback. I have come up with few other concepts for you. Presenting you on one sided cards. Let me know if you have any other feedback.

Concept 3 - Initial Caps

Concept 4 - Initial Caps with separators

Concept 5 - All Caps

Concept 6 - All Caps with separators

Regards,

Daraptor

 

[NicTraders]

Thank you for your feedback. I have come up with few other concepts for you. Presenting you on one sided cards. Let me know if you have any other feedback.

Concept 3 - Initial Caps

Show attachment 128243

Concept 4 - Initial Caps with separators

Show attachment 128244

Concept 5 - All Caps

Show attachment 128245

Concept 6 - All Caps with separators

Show attachment 128247

Regards,

Daraptor

Nice work with the dot points on the single-sided card. Very accurate!
I'm finding all the logos a bit big and a bit cramped. I.e. large font and all pretty close together with the 'and' in there. I'm still liking something based on Concept 1 though, and it might even be enough to convince me to make the card like that - name on one side with particulars on the other. Will think on that further. But I'm still a bit concerned about how this format is going to translate to my letterhead and top of my invoice, etc. I wonder if you could play with a couple of other fonts - maybe slightly finer letters, or different spacing. And could you show me an option with it all on one line please? Thanks

 

[galalogo]