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a logo project by Kai

Kai has picked a winning logo design

For $200 they received 160 design concepts from 25 designers!

  • Award 1
    revision by BeeOsx

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A While Ago
Kapasuso creative
Project Comment 18-Aug-08 3:16 p.m. GMT

Congrats, BeeOsx, well done :)
imjustcreative creative
Project Comment 18-Aug-08 1:59 p.m. GMT

We all know we are all great!!! ;0)
BeeOsx creative
Project Comment 18-Aug-08 1:38 p.m. GMT

thanks to all , u all are great.
thanks to Kai for his very good /interactive feedback and it was really fun to take part in this contest!


gbarrera creative
Project Comment 18-Aug-08 1:02 p.m. GMT

Congrats! Well done
ninet6 creative
Project Comment 18-Aug-08 12:11 p.m. GMT

Yeah well done BeeOsx, great logo!
imjustcreative creative
Project Comment 18-Aug-08 11:30 a.m. GMT

Huge congrats to BeeOSx. Really tight logo, had a hunch you might get it... you have quite a unique style. Well done. :0)
imjustcreative creative
Project Comment 18-Aug-08 11:30 a.m. GMT

Huge congrats to BeeOSx. Really tight logo, had a hunch you might get it... you have quite a unique style. Well done. :0)
Kai buyer
Project Comment 18-Aug-08 10:24 a.m. GMT

We've reached a decision after countless hours of discussion and inputs. We really appreciate everyone's efforts in this project so much, and it's a shame that we can only award one submission. We would like to give notable mentions to imjustcreative and estremke as it really came to a toss up between theirs and BeeOsx's concepts. Again, thanks to everyone ... (more)
We've reached a decision after countless hours of discussion and inputs. We really appreciate everyone's efforts in this project so much, and it's a shame that we can only award one submission.

We would like to give notable mentions to imjustcreative and estremke as it really came to a toss up between theirs and BeeOsx's concepts.

Again, thanks to everyone who participated, we're so happy with the outcome of this project. Feel free to put any of your submissions in your portfolios and share them with the world. (less)
Kai buyer
Entry Awarded 18-Aug-08 6:21 a.m. GMT

I awarded BeeOsx with $200 for revision.
Kai buyer
Project Comment 16-Aug-08 12:24 a.m. GMT

Thanks for all your comments, it helps a lot, especially with the amount of amazing logos in this project. "I could go on and on regarding this discussion in design but that isn't the purpose why the buyer asked the creatives to comment on the logos. They just want to get the opinions and hopefully help them in their decision. ... (more)
Thanks for all your comments, it helps a lot, especially with the amount of amazing logos in this project.

"I could go on and on regarding this discussion in design but that isn't the purpose why the buyer asked the creatives to comment on the logos. They just want to get the opinions and hopefully help them in their decision. Let us not forget that." -- chiz makes an excellent point there.

We're hoping to select and award a submission this weekend, after a few days of thought (as you can appreciate). (less)
chiz creative
Project Comment 15-Aug-08 10:43 a.m. GMT

Forgot to mention... I also believe in the "KISS" philosophy, btw.

To the buyer:
The crowdSPRING community has put up an article on how to select a good logo. Here is the link:
http://blog.crowdspring.com/2008/08/06/10-logo-design-tips-for-buyers-community-guide/

If you haven't read it yet, now is the best time to do so. I'm sure it would help you in your decision.
chiz creative
Project Comment 15-Aug-08 5:04 a.m. GMT

I've refrained from joining this discussion since I feel that such discussion could easily turn into a debate. And more often than not, due to the differences in each others views, debates turn ugly. I hope this won't turn into one. Still, I'm going to put my two cents in the discussion. We are all designers here so I'm sure ... (more)
I've refrained from joining this discussion since I feel that such discussion could easily turn into a debate. And more often than not, due to the differences in each others views, debates turn ugly. I hope this won't turn into one.

Still, I'm going to put my two cents in the discussion. We are all designers here so I'm sure you'll understand some of the points I'm going to mention. Please don't take this as an effort to undermine your ability, creativity, experience and even your portfolio.

I agree with everyone's views regarding the topic but the discussion has turned into whether the use of symbols is better or not. Here's how I'd put it.

USE OF SYMBOLS/GRAPHIC
We know symbols or graphics used in a logo fall under three categories:

a. diagrammatic - the symbol or icon represent the structure of the subject matter, how the product works, etc. A picture of a hammer and saw in the graphic would convey the company is into construction or the company sells construction tools.

b. metaphoric - icons based on conceptual relationships. A light bulb (though cliched but works), a leaf, or a hand in the logo conveys, idea, environment-friendliness, and help or trust, respectively.

c. symbolic - icons that have no clear relationship to the subject. Apple comes to mind. What is the relationship of an apple, a fruit, with a technology company? But Apple managed to market their products and even able to set trends in design. Most car logos fall into this category


LOGOTYPE
We know there are several companies who managed to market their products and continue to stay in the business even without a symbol on their logo.

Sony comes to mind. They did not put any pictures of TVs or anything in their logo but managed to market their product well. They continue to dominate the market they helped build.


IN MY OPINION
Now, imagine if a car manufacturer put an image of a car in their logo... I'm sure you'll agree that it's silly. The graphic should really fit the logo to be effective.

While I do agree that sometimes plain text works, it still depends on the application (how the product is going to be marketed) or where the logo is going to be used. I also believe that the text-only logo should be unique and have its own character, its identity.

Take Yahoo! for example. The text isn't an out-of-the-box font that is laid out neatly as one would do on a wordprocessor, but in a haphazard manner with a very prominent exclamation point in the end. This uniqueness gives it the character. Also, remember, Yahoo! was one of the forerunners in the web revolution. There simply no competition during that time.

Today, especially if your logo is going to be used in the web or as a software, desktop icons and favicons almost always become a requirement. Take Yahoo! again for example. Since they don't have a graphic or symbol to represent their product or service, they had to utilize the 'Y!' to become their icon. Is this an afterthought? I don't know. But for me this simply works because with the 'Yahoo!' brand already established using only part of the logotype such as 'Y!' is already recognizable.

In the end it all depends on the company how far they're willing to take their product as far as marketing is concerned, i.e., time, effort, and how much their resources would allow. If they feel that they could do away with a symbol or graphic then by all means. Still they can settle with a type and an accompanying graphic if they feel it would reinforce the product.

I could go on and on regarding this discussion in design but that isn't the purpose why the buyer asked the creatives to comment on the logos. They just want to get the opinions and hopefully help them in their decision. Let us not forget that.

"Good designers make trouble." - Tibor Kalman (less)
estremke creative
Project Comment 15-Aug-08 2:52 a.m. GMT

I certainly do agree with many points raised by imjustcreative and Kapasuso. And I meant no disrespect with my earlier posts. It's been my experience that all too often people are afraid to critique others' work. I do graphic design and photography work for the University of Minnesota, so I deal with hundreds of different departments in varying walks of ... (more)
I certainly do agree with many points raised by imjustcreative and Kapasuso. And I meant no disrespect with my earlier posts. It's been my experience that all too often people are afraid to critique others' work. I do graphic design and photography work for the University of Minnesota, so I deal with hundreds of different departments in varying walks of life. And more often then not, my clients are afraid to tell me what they really think of my work. This goes doubly as true in the classroom setting as well. Fellow designers always seem too timid to say what they really think of someone else's work. I do hope that both Kapasuso and imjustcreative felt no disrespect as I critiqued their work. I feel that feedback in any form (except for the sole purpose of trying to upset someone) is always welcomed, and I hope that goes the same for my fellow creatives.

And perhaps I misspoke in my earlier post. I do think that a unique icon or image helps establish a brand/organization's name. Nonetheless, there are several examples where entities do just fine without one. Kapasuso did submit some interesting logos, however, most of these have a truly unique and exciting implementation of the type. One example was Yahoo!. It's not just a name written out in a simple font. It's a custom typeface with alterations in orientation. Google, I don't feel is a great example, but maybe it's just my eye as a designer that's looking for something more. I will agree though, that if any other word is spelled out with Google's 'color scheme' I would automatically think 'Google.' Also, I'm not really sure Microsoft is a great example either. Ebay, however, is a great example of how type can be used to create a logo. The word 'Ebay' is short and lends itself to this logotype. Plus, we again see variation in color and letter orientation.

The point I was trying to make earlier is that the purely type-driven logos submitted in the project don't seem to be pushing the boundaries and seem very contained within themselves. I absolutely agree with imjustcreative when saying that marketing is what really helps establish a company or organization. However, I don't really see Strolln' doing a lot of magazine, television, or billboard advertising. I could be very wrong about this, however, I see their advertising taking more of a web-oriented marketing direction. And the one thing I know from experience from my many hours a day on the internet is that a simple image/icon logo does more to attract my attention than anything else. Again, this is my personal opinion, and I'm sure that there are some that will disagree with me.

But that's the thing about the design world: not everyone will like what you do. But I've learned to be okay with that.
Again, I apologize if I did indeed upset anyone with my earlier comments, as it was certainly not my intention.

Best of Luck, Everyone.
-Evan (less)
Kapasuso creative
Project Comment 14-Aug-08 11:40 p.m. GMT

First of all, I must thank twiroo and Dalton. I'm really really happy that you like my concepts on 160 logos.Truly thanks, for me this is already a personal victory :) Then, I totally agree with imjustcreative, especially here: "Fair proportion of type/word only logos are the most memorable and strongest. Being really creative is about how you arrange the ... (more)
First of all, I must thank twiroo and Dalton.
I'm really really happy that you like my concepts on 160 logos.Truly thanks, for me this is already a personal victory :)
Then, I totally agree with imjustcreative, especially here:

"Fair proportion of type/word only logos are the most memorable and strongest. Being really creative is about how you arrange the letters, the fonts you use, the spacing you give each element of the type. A lot of people assign the priority to the image the icon the symbol and the font, the typography is either totally ignored or just an afterthought. "

See for examples Yahoo, Google, Microsoft, L'Oreal, flickr, ebay (without thinking)...estremke do you believe these logos lack in longevity O_O?I can't believe it.

Creatives, good luck with the project! (less)
imjustcreative creative
Project Comment 14-Aug-08 10:59 p.m. GMT

There has been an extraordinary amount of type only creativity in this project... hooray!! :0) Just to add, I do practice what I talk about. My own ImJustCreative logo is type only, created with two fonts, Avenir, and Garamond (not totally original fonts granted, but they work together in a wonderful way), with the 'just' in a vibrant colour depending ... (more)
There has been an extraordinary amount of type only creativity in this project... hooray!! :0)

Just to add, I do practice what I talk about. My own ImJustCreative logo is type only, created with two fonts, Avenir, and Garamond (not totally original fonts granted, but they work together in a wonderful way), with the 'just' in a vibrant colour depending where the logo is going. Orange, lime green, blue, black, reversed, single. Utterly versatile, but utterly memorable and functional at the same time. Bold but subtle.

I don't need to shout 'ImJustCreative' by adding bells' and whistles, I'm confident enough to speak my message rather than shout. Plus the design of the business card really creates the impact I need...

So it is all the accumulative ingredients and expertise that help make a logo a brand, not just a icon or image on some logotype.

I couldn't tell you how many versions, how many interations, fonts, styles, undoes and redoes I went through before settling on something that for all purposes looks like it was knocked up in 10mins.

And it's proving to be one of my better logos, due to the feedback I get, and how it look on my website and my business card. I don't need any more proof than that. :0)

So no, I reinforce my point that a logo does not need an icon or image and in this case, I feel that Strolln works very well on its own because the name really can really conjour up a presence what a cliche image could do, but in a cliche way. Often best let the customer allow the customer to come up with their own visions, rather than enforcing your own images on them. But it does depend on the number of key elements to pull it off, which I think a number of designers have done on here, right from the very first submissions. I was personally glad to see people using the 'l' tilted, may not be a 3d icon, but it's a play one words which can work.


And that's often what works best, don't speak for someone when you don't need to. A type logo is talking to you, if the words are clear and obvious then you don't need a icon or image. It can be nice if you can really compliment it with an image, but its not essential. Im not saying never use an image, I am just stating the flip side, think if you really need a icon.

When put into context, with the right marketing, the logo will become alive on its own...

Graham (less)
imjustcreative creative
Project Comment 14-Aug-08 10:33 p.m. GMT

"Each part of my logo does not rely on the other. That's the key. One is free of the other or can be joined if need be" The thing here is that a brand name, even if it begs to have a image, does not need to have one, contrary to what some people may say. I can say that ... (more)
"Each part of my logo does not rely on the other. That's the key. One is free of the other or can be joined if need be"

The thing here is that a brand name, even if it begs to have a image, does not need to have one, contrary to what some people may say. I can say that because I have been involved with design and marketing for over 20 years, so it's not just something I have read, it's what I have experienced first hand and been a part of. That's the best bit about what we do, there are no hard or fast rules. Design, branding is about creating, be it, with or without images. Typography, font, typesetting is more a fine art than replying on images to get your point across. We just assume nowadays that a logo must have some icon or symbol to be a complete logo. Just not true.

I prefer type only logos, for the simple reason that in a lot of cases, they work like a charm. But like with design, branding is subjective and fundamentally comes down to the client what they want, what they feel is best. It can be a very emotive and personal thing a logo, regardless of what anyone else says.

To me, the logos on this actual project that are type only, the vast majority, work better for me than ones with any images. Not saying they are creatively better or that the logos with images are crap, just saying the logos without images work just as well. No cliche trap to full into, always a really real risk nowadays, and as a designer I feel it's one of our duties to avoid overuse of certain graphical elements that have just become to common. That's that my own subjective view, and give me half a chance, I would design most logos without images If the brand and wording allowed to me to get away with it.

This is why I enjoyed this project more than some, there was a fine line that I could see needed to be walked. A fine distinction between several strong types of design, meaning some middle ground was needed.

Fair proportion of type/word only logos are the most memorable and strongest. Being really creative is about how you arrange the letters, the fonts you use, the spacing you give each element of the type. A lot of people assign the priority to the image the icon the symbol and the font, the typography is either totally ignored or just an afterthought. It's all to easy now to whack a image or icon onto a typemark and call it a logo, i've done it countless times because it's what the client wants, but it goes against my nature. There are too many cliche images readily available, even creating your own, images to now call anything remotely genuine. This is the problem with images on logo's nowadays. So much is cliche and done a million times before. There will be a point where it goes full circle again im sure, more creative use of fonts and less reliance on icons and images to make the logo a 'logo'. Unless you land a well paying client who is prepared to fund the resources for genuine creativity, it's hard to offer on a daily basis,

Some of my best work is type only, creative use of fonts, spacing and layout and typography. Because I come from a print background, my instinct is for more simple subtle designs due to some restrictions in 4 colour printing, obviously with 6 colour and digitial printing, the gamut of colours expands, but trying to print a a details, full gloss, full reflective icon on some crap absorbant card is just a disaster waiting to happen. Having the experience to tailor a job to the final destinations that a logo may be going is crucial for any designer and asking the right questions to the client is paramount. Design a logo that is not suitable is irresponsible, even if its your best work, it goes beyond your own 'ego' being stroked, it's giving the client the best logo for the job, and this just does not mean a great looking logo, it means technically also. This is not just 'hot air', it's the reality. Some clients are now realisng this and asking to see black and white versions of each logo, then you realise what you can and can't get away with

To say that type only logos, with or without customisation lack longevity is something I don't readily agree with. It comes down to the marketing and publicity of a brand and popularity if that logo becomes short or long lived, not through any fault of the logo (ok, some logos have destroyed brands, but usually it's a combination of lacklustre marketing and advertising-look at the Quark 'xpress' fiasco with their rebrand a few years ago, a classic read).

Some modern examples of simplification is the RAC here England. Was a classic motor breakdown company that had a classic logo, but very aged and was doing badly against the AA. Several years ago a rebrand was done with just the 3 initials in a new typeface to replace a shield and crown. Instant popularity and have gone from strength to strength, Type only logo, that could look like it was taken from DeFont.com, no images, just bold white type on bright orange. FedEx, another example of a logo within a logo. Type only but classic negative space creating a white arrow between the 'd' and 'e'.

So type only logos have been around since the creation of type and written communication and now we are seeing a return to the wonders of typography to speak about the personality behind the brand.

If you have a marketing department that are not up to the job, or your not willing to put the financial recources into marketing and creating brand awareness, no logo, image or no image will stand a chance. It's job that everyone must pitch in to make a new brand successful. YOu will never create a logo that is liked by all people all the time, that's stating the obvious, but it's so often ignored.

A comment was made about my entry not being my best, in my eyes that's nonsense. As I said before, I have had so much fun in this project, I was highly motived because of the enthusiasm of the client and her vision, her wants and her 'not' wants. I saw potential to create a memorable brand based on quality font choices, colours and styling minus any 'real' significant images, save for the Favicon type icons.

My first entry had a human form walking, Kai immediately said no. I tell you what, I was so relieved to hear that I could create a type only logo, because the projects of this kind here on CS are so rare. Hence why I submitted a number or designs.

Strolln has actually shown me you can create a type only logo that does emit energy and personality without images. Remove the favicons or my small sqaure up icons from my favourite Strolln logo and it still retains the feel. I designed the wording first, the font, the colour then I created a icon based on that, not the other way round. One does not rely on the other. That's the key.

I would say that actually it is one of my favourite logos because it just creates energy, it is bold and it is also subtle. So as we are here talking about opinions, there we are, thats my opion. Rare that I just enjoy looking at my own logos.

Shan't see me leaving this type only preference for anything...

You know, I cut my teeth on traditional letterpress from 16yrs, bromide and manual paste-up, so yes. Maybe Im biased, or just have a warm fuzzy feeling in my stomach about type, regardless, I have seen the results of creative use of typography and a willingness to explore the many new fonts being created daily, and exploring the many old ones being re-designed for modern use.

Takes a certain confidence as well to go type only, which then reflects in the brand. Strength to say only what you need to say, don't need the extra ingredients. What you read is what you get.

Graham

(less)
Kai buyer
Project Comment 14-Aug-08 9:47 p.m. GMT

Thanks for much for your comments. You all make excellent points and we appreciate your input into our project.

Thanks Evan for your excellent response too, you've really opened our eyes on how we're going to approach awarding a submission.
estremke creative
Project Comment 14-Aug-08 7:36 p.m. GMT

With a name like Strolln', I think the spectrum of designs rich in creative use of typography is vast. However, given the nature of the site, and the process which you provide, in the market in which you compete, it's perhaps more appropriate to implement a design with creative use of imagery. Far too often these days we see Web ... (more)
With a name like Strolln', I think the spectrum of designs rich in creative use of typography is vast. However, given the nature of the site, and the process which you provide, in the market in which you compete, it's perhaps more appropriate to implement a design with creative use of imagery. Far too often these days we see Web 2.0 entities using simple type-driven 'logos.' And while this works for some (facebook, twitter, etc.) the one thing that helps establish an organization and makes it distinguishable from others is a unique and ever lasting image, especially when it can be used in multiple formats (favicons and the like.) When we see the Target 'target' we immediately know what it is. Granted, when we see the facebook logo, we know what it is for obvious reasons. While I've always believed that simple type logos never suffice, and since my design submission contains imagery, there's a fair chance I'm being biased in my critique. (By 'fair' I mean 'absolute.' And by 'chance' I mean 'certainty.') That's not to say though, that I am campaigning for my submission to win. While I do believe it's a quality design, it all comes down to marketing, and how you want to be perceived in the public eye. Simple type-driven fonts without customization lack longevity and presence, so I somewhat disagree with Dalton and twiroo with their recommendations. I do think Chiz was onto something with the footprint idea, but perhaps it wasn't implemented just right, so it might not be as cohesive as I think it could be. (#97 is the best use of the concept.) The one thing Strolln' has going for it is the apostrophe. This is why I tried to work with it and achieve a unique use of the symbol. I do think BeeOSx has done a great job of this as well, as her concepts are clean, fun, and sophisticated. #48 is an excellent example of this. While I respect Graham (imjustcreative) and his work, I don't feel the recently recommended #108 is his best work, and don't quite see it fitting with the atmosphere that Strolln' is striving for. All in all though, you've got your fair share of excellent designs to choose from. I apologize for the lengthy response, but I do think there is a lot more than meets the eye when considering how to brand your company or organization. And it's definitely something you'll want to give more thought to.

All The Best,
Evan (less)
gbarrera creative
Project Comment 14-Aug-08 6:50 p.m. GMT

Entry #108 is a really great design, Its simple, trendy and a professional design. The use typography and color are great, Its originality really stands out from the other entries, including my own. Thats my critique

- Thank you for the opportunity,
Gregorio
twiroo creative
Project Comment 14-Aug-08 3:01 p.m. GMT

yeap, Dalton right. but N 64 i like more =)
Kai buyer
Project Comment 14-Aug-08 7:24 a.m. GMT

A big thank you to EVERYONE who has participated in our project, which closed a few hours ago. We really appreciate your contributions, but unfortunately there can only be one winner. We welcome any participants in this project to put their concepts in their portfolio too. We'll be consulting a few people to assist and influence our decision on our ... (more)
A big thank you to EVERYONE who has participated in our project, which closed a few hours ago. We really appreciate your contributions, but unfortunately there can only be one winner. We welcome any participants in this project to put their concepts in their portfolio too.

We'll be consulting a few people to assist and influence our decision on our brand new spanking logo, but it's going to a tough decision as some of the submissions are awesome!

Keep in touch, and we'll be hoping to select a winner before or on the 18th of August. (less)
Elijah7 creative
Entry 13-Aug-08 2:06 p.m. GMT

Disclosure: Everything in my entry is my original work. I understand that if I use stock art, my account will be immediately and permanently removed. (?)
Elijah7 creative
Entry 13-Aug-08 2:04 p.m. GMT

Disclosure: Everything in my entry is my original work. I understand that if I use stock art, my account will be immediately and permanently removed. (?)
above creative
Entry 13-Aug-08 1:45 p.m. GMT

Disclosure: Everything in my entry is my original work. I understand that if I use stock art, my account will be immediately and permanently removed. (?)
above creative
Entry 13-Aug-08 1:43 p.m. GMT

Disclosure: Everything in my entry is my original work. I understand that if I use stock art, my account will be immediately and permanently removed. (?)
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