On my last Blog there were some impassioned comments posted about the quality and ethics of using a service like logotournament.com, and the possibility of design cartels [my imaginative spin].
(No. 1)
The primary standpoint of the conversation, aside from the ethical quagmire presented, was that the submissions were shortsighted, had not taken into account my long term brand strategy, and were breaking cardinal design rules (kerning??)
(No. 2)
Brand is a funny thing. I find that I am completely unable to launch a business, even a little one, that I am not inspired by. Last year I was able to spend time with Mike Harris who founded Egg credit cards, First Direct Bank, Mercury One 2 One. Basically he is a 3 time, multi-billion Pound brand builder (yes, Pounds), and his words just drip with gold). We were talking about brand and about how VITAL it is to get it right. It’s how the market knows what you/your company represents, its how they share your vision and, in spite of what most people think, it has nothing to do with the layout of your business card.
“Your business, and your brand, is an expression of who you are.” he said. Apple is Apple because of Steve’s love for it. Virgin is Virgin because of Branson’s love for it, not because of a logo or meaningless mission statement.
Mike talks about branding like farmers talk about the seasons. There is a grounded certainty to it all. Like he knows whats coming next. Talk to him for long enough and the message becomes clear. When love is infused into what we do, people respond. That’s brand.
TED.com has a super strong brand, but it did not come from their block red font. Branson scrawled the current virgin logo on a napkin and said ‘Just make it that’. It is an icon not because a bunch of designers sat around pontificating long term brand portability etc… Branson would have sacked em for thinking that far ahead.
(No. 3)
So, instead of thinking too hard about the long term impact of my current logo decisions, I am simply loving what I am doing. Instead of it just driving revenue, I also want it to be a reflection of who I am, but that is up to me, not the logo.
The latest submissions are throughout this post, a couple of which I really like. I hope the (kerning?? is ok!)
More to come,
Twitter Updates
I am a sucker for colour and love the purple one with green. scrap my other vote glen. love the infusion of the world behind it, transports me to global thinking, roaming the lands, freedom – due to the results of struggle free selling…………. aghhhhhh PS one week to go till d-day? how you going with that???
Being Swiss I’m anal when it comes to design. It’s in the genes I can’t help it.
The designs feel very bland almost template like, none of them speak to me. I’m reminded of Microsoft Publisher… Then again this is just my opinion.
So what the heck makes a logo ?????????
- An effective logo is a reflection of the business it symbolises.
- It should be clear and simple yet full of substance and
significance.
- Solid design principles must be adhered to. (Blame the Swiss)
-Timelessness, staying with the company as it grows. Just look at Apple.
- Research & Experimentation = Sound Design
- Uniqueness that will keep it distinct and memorable.
- Ability to adapt; screen, print, light, dark, multicolour, monochrome, large and small the logo must perform under any condition.
I’m all for outsourcing and sharing the love. I’d say get some logo tennis going between some young designers, bounce it around the globe. You can find some amazing designers hiding out at design collages. Oh and they’re cheap. I’ve had some things designed for the price of a few beers. A designer friend of mine http://www.stevehaslip.com he’s also still in college.
Anyways Glen good luck with it all. Say hi to the sunshine over there for me!
No 2 with No1 colours
Btw, what does the world map represent in this particular context?
Thanks Timo – I sent him an email straight away.
Jan, I am going to be teaching from around the world. A new lesson in every city.
Thanks for all you feedback!
I am a sucker for colour and love the purple one with green. scrap my other vote glen. love the infusion of the world behind it, transports me to global thinking, roaming the lands, freedom – due to the results of struggle free selling…………. aghhhhhh PS one week to go till d-day? how you going with that???
Nice logo, I remember the brand lee jeans,, nice..
Great