crowdSPRING

Creative brief

Spark Social Media is a new/social media consulting and development agency. While we offer consulting and develop for a number of different SM genres (podcasting, blogging, live shows, presence apps, etc.) our emphasis is on *building online communities* that utilize the most innovative and effective tools.

We've been serving a number of different types of clients, but tend to be working with those who have small businesses who wish to extend their reach, 'move with the times', and improve their customer relations using the latest social media tools.

I have another business called Spark Northwest that also helps people build community and become more creative/innovative, but in a face-to-face setting (personal coaching, leadership development, innovation work, organizational development, etc.)

The 'Spark' is the key branding element to both (duh) and, for now, I have simply lifted the Spark from SparkNW.com's logo and have been using it at www.SparkSocialMedia.com -not v. professional and doesn't 'say' very much. You can check out both sites to see a)more about me and b)why I need design help. ;)

Basically, I'm looking for a logo that will communicate:
1. Creative/Innovative 'spark' -like Energy
2. The social/interactive aspect
3. I hate to say it, but, a good 'web 2.0' feel

I'm still wrestling with how much to keep my two businesses separate, but will likely have the Spark be contiguous between the two businesses. Feel free to ask/email me any questions (info at sparksocialmedia.com)

Update 29-May-08, 8:58pm GMT

While the name "Spark Social Media' could be included, if the Spark aspect of it (What I've been calling the Spark Mark) could be occasionally lifted from the name, that would be great. Tagline wise, I'm wrestling, but have toyed with the word Igniting, like "Igniting Innovation & Community"

Update 30-May-08, 6:21pm GMT

I'm assuming the best way to give general feedback to all entries so far is using this update feature (since it applies to all). I like aspects of each of them, but my main problem is that none of them says anything about my #2 request (the 'social'/community/interactive) part. Could the sparks be speech bubbles? Could two bubbles/heads/lightbulbs (the cliche image of creative innovation) come together to make a spark? Just some thoughts...

Update 2-Jun-08, 10:03pm GMT

Similar focus sites that inspire me:
http://www.poplabs.com/ , http://www.socialtwo.com/ , http://www.chrisbrogan.com

From what I've seen so far, I've been impressed with:
-logos that are crisp and simple
-speech bubble, liking the shape of a computer screen too
-none of the sparks have worked for me, like my current one best
-still hope someone plays with the idea of two bubbles making a spark (closest one was the layered spark coming from behind (creativetw -but quality and simplicity were lacking)
-could a speech bubble pop into a spark? I don't know, thats why I'm asking for help...

Update 4-Jun-08, 8:19pm GMT

So, I want to summarize what I'm liking and what I'm thinking might be even better.

I'm really liking how both the 'p' and the 'a' are working as bubbles. I'm just waiting for some of you to have BOTH as bubbles, with different tail lengths probably (letters separate? touching? overlapping?) with the spark arising from that interaction. If executed with class, that would say all I'm wanting to say (Spark =when connections happen).

Another possibility could be using a bigger spark as th framing background, with just the p or a as the second.

And then I like the recent attempt at merging the two, but thats tricky to pull off and be recognizable.

Lastly, just to reiterate, while its not totally necessary, it will be nice if the 'spark mark' is unique and not so attached to the logo that its not hard to lift for other uses.

Wow, this has been a really fun, exciting and fascinating experience watching these logos evolve and watching each creative borrow/steal/be inspired by each other. Its hard to see how I can reward people fairly...but as of now, its darwinian. Some of you excel at the original ideas, and some at the crisp/professional look. But the combo is obviously what will win.

Thanks!
-Leif