Design brief: Logo for new online community and apparel compa...

Dates

Starts:10-May-10 10:56 p.m. GMT

Ends:20-May-10 10:56 p.m. GMT

Awards: Award 1: $250, was awarded to pixeletc

Formats: Vector EPS, JPG

Contract: Preview: crowdSPRING Contract

Materials: File 1: Logo_likes__dislikes_f... (555.0 KB)

Creative brief

The buyer added updates to the brief. Read them.

LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT US:

The Positive Spin is a new company focused on promoting a very subtle, yet powerful message of choosing positivity over negativity…bit by bit…at least more often than not. Let’s face it, the world is a scary place, the economy’s in the crapper, and the depressing list goes on. We think a lot of people are flat out tired of complaining over and over about the same things--society is reaching its breaking point. True, some negativity addicts continue to operate on this downslide--and because most of the media only reports on terror, horrific images, negative politics and so on, a lot of people are “stuck” in this depressing cycle. However, we feel strongly that that more & more people these days are looking for a way to break this pattern. So many are seeking shinier outlook, or at least better ways to cope with both individual & societal tough times. Maybe they just want to let go of some road rage, or don't want to snap at their kids as much. Or maybe they have a friend or neighbor who constantly brings them down with bad vibes and they'd like to give them a hint. But please don’t get us wrong. We know there are serious problems all over the world. Our message is not naïve, Pollyanna-brand positivity, nor are we telling folks to abandon their causes. Ours is just a basic message to try and lighten up every so often, & not take every single little thing SO seriously. Smile a few more times a day, be a little nicer to people…or heck, just make eye contact here and there and don’t complain as much. Any little improvement, no matter how small, is exactly that: an improvement! Life is not an all-or-nothing game, so drop the guilt. We are not trying to tell anyone what to believe and we are certainly never going to proclaim that a little positive thinking can turn "Oscar the Grouch" into "Elmo". We are firmly rooted in reality, but we also know that a growing number of people desperately want an upbeat message and would rather "use the force” than "turn to the dark side”. We also think they might love to make a statement...especially if it was subtle, stylish, and more importantly, did NOT have a religious, ethnic, gender, or political-based bias.
The word spin implies movement. We know that life is ever-changing--never static. Our view is that, with a few little tweaks here and there, you can still be on the “up & up”, even when you’re not really “feelin’ it”. All of us have crappy days and dark times. Yet, we get through them, and darn it, we’re stronger for it. The Positive Spin also implies the “pay it forward” idea…that every teeny tiny bit of random goodness you put forth comes back to you, while upping your overall contentment factor along the way.
Our theme is definitely similar to the “Life is Good” brand (www.lifeisgood.com). However, we are targeting a younger, more style-conscious audience.

HERE IS WHAT WE NEED:

A logo, for the moment. This is the first brick in the foundation…we will be coming back to cS as soon as this project is done, to post the next design projects for website, apparel and more. The hope is to connect with some great creatives who are inspired by this way of thinking and who can take this idea and run with it. The goal is to expand our brand and its message, while making people happier along the way. We are currently in the process of trademarking the name and other slogans in multiple languages.

OUR TARGET AUDIENCE IS:

Milennials, Gen Y’er’s and later Gen X’er’s…ages 16 – 40…as well as others who like fresh, clean design and dig a more positive outlook.

WE LIKE THESE EXAMPLES:

Please see the attached doc, "Logo Likes & Dislikes"

WE ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE THIS IN OUR PIECE:

We think we want a mix of organic and geometric design elements. Would like something that incorporates a few colors, but that can also be printed in black and white without compromising the design. This logo will be going on stickers and apparel. The initial image will have the name "the positive spin" included, but the image should still be distinct enough to stand on its own, so we can eventually drop the name and use just the image in other upcoming design combinations and with other slogans.
We DO NOT want any kind of cutesy or hokey feel. Nothing new age-y, country or trippy. NO pastels, stick figures, or hand drawn flowers. Nothing too delicate, frilly or busy. Essentially, we want a fairly simple, unisex, smart design. We hope that some people will want to buy the apparel for just the look, some, for mainly the message, and some, both the former and the latter.
For the lettering of The Positive Spin, we are not sure whether we like upper- or lower-case, or a combo, so please show us variations. It will probably depend on the size, as well as the font used. As for color, we are open, but do NOT want the main color of the design to be red.

Brief updates

14-May-10 7 p.m. GMT: If, in your design, you can replace "the positive spin" with something like, "Biotech Industries" or "Infinity Edge Law Firm"...and it still looks okay...then it's NOT the type of look we are going for. Blue colors are still welcome, but the internet-esque blue & grey combo is just too cold & sterile for the warm message we are trying to communicate.

Things that we need in the design:
* organic elements
* no severe angles or high-tech looks
* not too much shading - must work in black & white
* simple, yet clever
* fun or playful
* flexible enough to be expanded into many other apparel ideas

The positive spin's logo must convey movement & connectedness, in a simple, yet clever way that is NOT overtly literal. Several of the submissions do a good job of describing the words, but do not convey the FEEL of the deeper meaning. The positive spin is about letting loose, letting go, giving & receiving and opening up. It is also crucial that it conveys a sense of JOY...but without being cheesy.

We are really looking forward to more diverse and creative takes on this! Thank you very much! (As an aside, my partner unfortunately went on a rampage with the "not interested" button - asking cS to restore. thanks!
15-May-10 1:13 a.m. GMT: Really need to see all submissions in the black & white variation as well, in addition to color. Also, cannot be "logo-locked",i.e. lettering & image must be able to be broken down into separate files. thanks!
15-May-10 3:35 p.m. GMT: Again, we are going for any type of "professional" look. The positive spin is a joyful movement and way of life, in addition to being an apparel company...it is a medical office or IT company.
SOME USEFUL ADJECTIVES FOR INSPIRATION:
* Optimistic
* Clever
* Open
* Thoughtful
* Connected
* Forgiving
...but it is NOT sappy or cheesy. Fresh design is key.

Thank you very much for taking all of this into consideration. Looking forward to seeing more!
15-May-10 3:44 p.m. GMT: YIKES!!! For some reason, the very important word NOT didn't show up before a couple of KEY phrases in the project update I just posted. It was meant to read... We are NOT going for any type of a "professional" look...we are NOT a medical office or IT company. Hoping cS can remove the previous update to eliminate any confusion. thanks!!
15-May-10 7:18 p.m. GMT: Please start to check out the entries I've given 2 stars to...perhaps some brand new ideas will spring forth?
16-May-10 5:46 p.m. GMT: Sorry...we didn't know that the scoring is not public!

We would love to see more "circular-ish" designs that have the vague sense of a flower (yet doesn't SCREAM flower, or seem "flowery" or frilly) or variations of an "upwards swoosh" that could be a very seen as a very subtle, clever hint of a smile. Looking for a design that has some weight to it, instead of a delicate or intricate look. Don't want any pointed or sharp-looking edges. Of course, still must convey movement, joy & connectivity. It has to be simple, yet C-L-E-V-E-R...this is key. No cheesiness. And remember, it has to translate well into black/white. Would love to see some new ideas along these lines. thank you!
17-May-10 10:28 p.m. GMT: What is The Postive Spin?
It is not all things to all people...just a little good feeling here and there...no matter who or where you are...

-Paying it forward…without waiting for anything in return.
-Making eye contact as you walk down the street, instead of looking away.
-A few, good, deep breaths.
-A cold drink on a hot day.
-Giving up on trying to “keep up with the Jones’”
-A hot drink on a cold day.
-The relaxing feeling of stroking a favorite pet.
-The excitement of realizing that by changing our own thoughts, we change our world.
-The warm aroma of a great cup of coffee.
-Finding the perfect pair of shoes on the clearance rack at a discount shop.
-Realizing that the bully at school holds not real power over you.
-The solitude of a quiet morning.
-Getting rid of the chip on your shoulder.
-Shoveling the walk of an elderly person.
-Not taking it personally, or letting it ruin your day if the cashier at a store is rude or unfriendly.
-A nice, big hug.
-Being silly.
-Catching big air on a skateboard or surfboard.
-Cancer going into remission.
-The adorable chubby legs of a baby.
-Locating a long lost friend.
-Looking up at the trees gently blowing in the breeze.
-Lending encouragement.
-Cooking a great meal.
-Ordering great take-out.
-Knowing that there is a lesson in every hardship or dark time.
-Eliminating guilt.
-Getting a stain out of your favorite shirt.
-The euphoria of dancing and singing your heart out at a great concert.
-Instead of playing the “Devil’s Advocate”, offering constructive optimism.
-Remaining non-reactionary when people push your buttons.
-A great trip or vacation.
-A funny joke.
-Spending more quality time with your friends and family.
-Savoring the taste of your favorite dish at a great restaurant.
-Getting a B- instead of a C in a really challenging class at school.
-Giving a kind word or compliment to a stranger.
-A great song.
-The feeling of forgiveness.
-Offering a simple, positive comment when stuck in conversation based on complaining.
-Feeling in the flow...of a great work or school project.
-Living in the moment, instead of always worrying about “what if”.
-A plain old smile.
-Realizing that both the Wall Street tycoon AND and the gas station attendant are human beings- just like you.
-A good, hearty, belly-aching LAUGH.
-Choosing to diffuse a tense situation, instead of escalating it.
-Gratitude.
-Good vibes.
-Knowing that everything really will be ok.

By living in the Positive Spin…you SHOW others an easier, happier way to “be”…which is more powerful than anything you could ever teach or say. Our logo needs to convey this deeper meaning. Cheers to all! :)
19-May-10 12:28 a.m. GMT: Thanks to all for bearing with us while we solidify our vision for The Positive Spin Brand...

***NEW Brand Positioning Statement for The Positive Spin:

'For 19- 24 year old intelligent young adults who do not understand the point of random hate and negativity, The Positive Spin is the idea that expresses their desire to eliminate anything that is a pessimistic WOMBAT (Waste of Money, Brains And Time), because only The Positive Spin apparel can effectively communicate their position, while keeping their cool, non-conformist, uninhibited reputations intact'.

We'd love you to show us more ideas with this in mind. Think BOLD, CLEVER, OPTIMISTIC...NOT...delicate, literal, cute or corporate-style.

THANK YOU. :)

Logo for new online community and apparel company that is "stylishly optimistic" a logo project by AliC

Creative brief

Brief updates

Logo for new online community and apparel company that is "stylishly optimistic"
a logo project by AliC