Archive for October, 2007
Wednesday, October 31st, 2007
The source site for this is: http://www.mojobaby.com
Here is another example of a simple Web 2.0 logo design. It is a simple logo that consists of two words that are sepparated with contrast in colors, one darker, the other lighter shade of the same color. The circles addition to the letter “j” adds a custom look.
Also check out the background pattern. I am not sure about the variation in the larger stripes but it still gives it a personality.
Posted in Backgrounds/Patterns, Logos | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 30th, 2007
“I prefer the discipline of knowledge to the chaos of ignorance.” David Ogilvy
In the original logo design article we discussed professional discipline primarily on the part of the company wanting to design a logo. We discussed the necessity of applying the results of research to the actual creation of a knockout company or product logo. In the second article we discussed in detail research and the application of it to logo design.
This time, we are going to discuss the aspect of professional discipline as it applies to the designer. Professional discipline is of utmost importance as a designer if you are looking for any type of longevity in your craft! Whether you are the only employee or you have an entire staff, professional discipline is incredibly important in everything you do.
Since we have been using David Ogilvy’s principles in all of our other articles, we will again examine what he has to say on the subject of professional discipline.
Ogilvy aspired to have his agency operated by men who command respect…“not phonies, zeros or bastards,” he said. Ogilvy led by example and was able to maintain high standards of professional discipline in all of his and his agency’s actions. A critical component of promoting integrity along with the discipline of knowledge throughout his business involved incorporating several programs to train his staff. Ogilvy would codify knowledge into slide and film presentations, which he called Magic Lanterns. He would show these to his up and coming staff, passing his knowledge on to them.
“The consumer is not a moron, she is your wife. Never write an
advertisement you would not want your own family to read.
You would not tell lies to your wife. Don’t tell them to mine.”
“Great hospitals do two things,” he said. “They look after patients, and they teach young doctors. We look after clients, and we teach young advertising people.” He constantly repeated the virtues of direct marketing before others, and took upon himself the battle cry of direct marketers everywhere – “We Sell or Else.” You would also hear him frequently say: “The consumer is not a moron, she is your wife. Never write an advertisement you would not want your own family to read. You would not tell lies to your wife. Don’t tell them to mine.”
So, where does this lead you as a designer or owner of a design firm? It should compel you to constantly refine your skills along with those of your staff. Relentlessly reinforce the standards of excellence you have established for yourself and your company. Pass those critical standards on to your employees. Train them and let them know what the expectations are pertaining to their production for your clients. Help them understand the importance of quality and integrity in their work! Instill in them the invaluable concept of quality. Quality work will lead to quantity.
Help them to understand that by doing the first job correctly; it will lead to more jobs. In doing this it will further solidify the positive reputation that you have worked so hard to build for your company. Encourage them to listen to the customer.
Listen, Listen, Listen.
Remind them that the customer is placing his/her trust in your company to create just what they are looking for…a great looking design for their company logo.
Mr. Ogilvy taught the incredibly important concept of quality. “Always give your product a first-class ticket through life.” His expertise on these matters is incredibly important to replicate in your own company. Maintain high standards and deliver quality, every single time.
Integrity, honesty, and quality…these are the high marks to strive for in your relationship with every client. These principles are the direct result of training, continuous learning, and the desire to do your best for every customer. In doing so, you will develop a reputation of high regard; one that you have worked hard to gain. In due time, the rewards will come in the form of accolades and positive referrals from your satisfied customers!
Posted in Logos, Resources | 1 Comment »
Monday, October 29th, 2007
The source site for this is: http://www.rogvaiv.com
Today I am in Seattle attending a AdWords Seminar and so I am here sitting at the hotel computer trying to make this entry without having access to any imaging software. So I’ll do the best I can. Tomorrow I’ll be back at my computer and will fix this one.
The site that I am talking about today is rogvaiv.com. The header design there looks nice and unique. I wanted to note this for the expanding stripes background, the logo treatment and the sectional layout design; the header is separated with the red line.
Posted in Headers, Layout/Design | No Comments »
Friday, October 26th, 2007
The source site for this is: http://www.colourmod.com/
From reflection to color, from background to text, this site has a collection of image effects that needs to be noted. Before we go any further I must confess, I am a sucker for designs that use black background. The way it makes color graphics pop, it’s amazing.
Anyway back to the site at hand. The stripy design in the background of the top-left corner behind the logo combined with the reflective effect on th? logo gives the site a 3-D look or depth. Then you have the navigation icons, glossy effect on each with the reflection, again gives depth.
The black background is really helping here, I don’t think it would have the same effect if it was any other color. Coming down to the icons on the left side of the site, again same glossy design with the reflection and the stripy or lined containers make nice buttons. Notice the text, it is all white, looks like simple Arial font. Noe the Headline Uses that same font but variation in color between white and gray is a super effect. Nice look.
Posted in Backgrounds/Patterns, Images/Photos, Navigation/Menu | No Comments »
Friday, October 26th, 2007
The source site for this is: http://www.steveleggat.com
I just had to add this one. When I just first saw this website it instantly grabbed me, I think it may be the use of rainbow of colors. The design and layout is excellent. The size of the right column is slightly larder than I am used to seeing on the websites and this makes it look unique and quiet appealing. Just a simple site with a efficient use of color.
Posted in Backgrounds/Patterns, Headers, Layout/Design, Navigation/Menu | No Comments »
Thursday, October 25th, 2007
The source site for this is: http://mintidea.ca
I am reposting this entry because that trackback spam has become rediculous for this one entry. I deleted the original pos? so they stop spamming it. Hopefully they won’t find this one too quick.
This logo uses gray and green colors with the helping of a leaf image standing in for the dot in the letter “i”. This design sure looks minty. Anyone have any ideas on enhansing this or adding to the logo?
Posted in Logos | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 24th, 2007
The source site for this is: http://www.ecoverfrog.com
This entire site is amazing. From the header down to the footer, there’s something to take and apply to your design. The header is the most noticeable to me. Black background, rounded corners with a white outline. The logo is nice but the reflection effect really brings it into the Web 2.0 style. I don’t even know what to say about the green creature. It is very green, slimy and looks like it’s right hand/paw/extremity is twisted backwards. I wonder if they did that on purpose. The graphics and the layout on this page are awesome. This layout would work great, just like on this site, for a sales letter type site. These guys design ebook covers and other digital media graphics for mini websites. Make sure you check out their super portfolio. Just click here and then click Portfolio on their site.
Posted in Headers, Images/Photos, Layout/Design | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007
A Call to Proper Research Prior to Your Logo Creation
As a follow up to our original article about logo design “Four Principles Of Logo Design“, we are going to take an in-depth look at four of the major principles that David Ogilvy adhered to in all of his major advertising campaigns. We will be examining these principles in four separate articles.
The first of the four principles is research. “Look before you leap” was a phrase that Mr. Ogilvy used often here. What and who is your competition? How does their company appear to the customer? What is identifiable about their company? How does their logo work for them? What makes their company or product appealing to customers? These are all questions that you need to answer.
Take the time to investigate your competition. This research will not only be valuable to developing the identity of your company or new product, but will be beneficial in other operational areas of your company as well. Do the research yourself. You know your company and your products. You know your long term goals. Are you planning to remain a local company? Are you targeting regional, national, or international consumers? To assign this critical research to someone else and try to convey the reasons why it is essential is really short sighted in this case. It’s worth your time to do it yourself because of your intimate knowledge of everything surrounding your company or product. Attempting to convey the importance of this task to someone else and impart the necessity of it most likely won’t be as productive. It’s worth the time and effort to do it yourself in this case. It may be prudent to charge someone to do some of the legwork for you (to seek out answers to your specific questions). But, in the end, you should stay on top of this project yourself. Again, it will prove to be an invaluable tool in the long term.
Once you have your information compiled and you’re confident in your research, it’s time to seek outside help. This is one of those areas of business where it is wise to spend money for quality help. It’s also essential to do more research to find a great designer or firm to create your logo. Find a reputable, successful designer, ask for references, and check them.
Hiring a professional designer or firm is a wise choice. Mr. Ogilvy said “Hire people who are better than you are, then leave them to get on with it. Look for people who will aim for the remarkable, who will not settle for the routine.” His quote is very applicable when it comes to finding the right person to assist you in creating a great logo for you. Once you have found someone who is up to the challenge, charge them with this task: “Don’t bunt. Aim out of the ball park. Aim for the company of immortals.” Again, this is a direct quote from Mr. Ogilvy that is extremely applicable to logo design. It’s perfect! It’s the ultimatum that needs to be placed out there when you are creating the image for your company or product. Anything short of extraordinary shouldn’t be acceptable. Always keep in mind the logos from some of the global leaders (Nike, Adidas, Chevrolet, and many more). Their logos are immediately recognizable. Strive for the same with yours.
Remember, your logo functions as a ‘credibility check’ of sorts for your product or company. A poor design will most likely net a poor result. You want a potential customer to look at your logo and say, “wow, I’d like to do business with this company.”
Posted in Logos, Resources | No Comments »
Monday, October 22nd, 2007
The source site for this is: http://www.regularworld.com
Very clean look, the font used on this logo is a bit like Times, line shapes and the “rays” from the bottom add to the money look. The letter R badge add some color to the grayness and the pattern line going from the left to right nicely separates the header from the body.
Posted in Backgrounds/Patterns, Headers, Logos, Navigation/Menu | No Comments »
Monday, October 22nd, 2007
The source site for this is: http://www.cpaempire.com
This design came to me in an email so there is no way for me to include the url for this design. I made a overall screen capture of it and then close up of the text so the effect is better visible. The letters have a rounded glossy look, which is done by adding the white-to-transparent gradient effect on a new layer above the text layer to the upper half of the text selection and then reducing the oppacity of this layer to about 30% to 40%. If you analyze the rest of the image you can pick out other effects that make the text look so sharp and clean. P.S. I just love the flames. 
Posted in Images/Photos | No Comments »
