for the contest Logo for legal service
Submitted design #40
Thank you for your comment and invitation.
I am really a very minimal designer and try to create or icons or symbols by freehand where possible. Although they may not all be totally obvious, they tend to draw people to think about what they are seeing, then it becomes obvious.
It may not be something you are after but here is my first submission.
By the way, my partner is a Consultant lawyer, specialsiing in Flexible Working for companies and individuals. Her website is www.time4balance.com. She works locallu and iin and around london, so she is very interested in your project.
Just to clarify, the symbol is a very organic freeflowing S. :)
Submitted design #47
Adding the 5 stars as a subtle line break between the two lines.
Submitted design #48
Trying to create a icon that is more self contained.
Submitted design #49
A visually more dramatic icon with the initial.
Submitted design #50
Just a reshifting of elements to tie the 's' with the 5 stars which act as a natural separation line the wording.
Submitted design #51
A fresher typeface, favoured by myself and used in some of the Helen Maynard Photo designs that you mentioned.
What I have tried to do here is highlight the 'top star' part of your brand name, without breaking it obviously into two words.
I have added the spehere to the left from the previous design.
I am trying to implement some starts but honestly, I don't like them. So its hard for me to design them and include them into a design as I immediately 'cringe'. :0) Just my bad taste.
So trying to keep there appearance subtle where I show them.
Frankly I think it's tad 'corny' with the stars, my own personal opinion. There must be other ways that you can describe a process of feedback other than a star rating, even if it is stars you use.
There is a fine line between stuffy legal city lawyers, get down and dirty lawyers and the whole perception of being a legal eagle, consultant or what you do is to 'match'.
So trying to think of another concept.
Sorry for my brutal honesty, gets me nowhere a lot of the time. :0)
Further to my own brutal honesty, not that you asked for it. :)
I can't help but think that adding stars is somewhat trying to make 'yourself' superior, or rating yourself highly (which is no bad thing, but it can backfire). Its a subtle definition, or they are used a lot on flags, countries etc.
I know what feel I would like to convey for you, but trying to bring it to life is another game altogether, that I usually fail at. :)
How else can you describe your company, relaxed, comfortable, sincere? Any sites or examples of the type of 'branding' feel you would feel appropriate?
Submitted design #52
Ahaa!! I see a star. Very subtle, replacing the 'dot' on the j. Using a script for the 's' as you can see really. Only stating the obvious. :)
No icon or symbol though, so I am not sure how important it is for you to have an independant icon ot symbol that can be used on its own, separate from the main wording?
It's not always required, for my own ImJustCreative, the logo is the name. I have no icon or symbol really that I rely on.
Submitted design #53
Trying to integrate the initial S with a hand drawn star. So OK, the star is not subtle, but anywho. There we go. :)
Submitted design #54
This is just a rought concept. trying to organically merge a start with a letter S to create a icon/symbol for you.
Do let me know if you think it has potential, then I can work on its some more
Submitted design #55
Bit more of a rebel theme, a bit disjointed in the background fills, the lines not qyite lining up etc. GIves it a more modern feel. Shows some confidence in the brand as well as being able to try new things.
Thank you very much. You really got talent! #48, #49 og #51 are really nice. Also, I like #52, #53 and #54.
I understand your concern about the stars, but we’ve had stars in our logo since we started the service 18 months ago. Also, the star/stars are telling the very story of our concept, since it is the internet users (not us) that rate the lawyers on a scale from 1-5 stars.
Therefore, in my opinion a star icon/icons are telling more than a big S and I would appreciate if you we’re able to express that in the logo. On the other hand, if you have a better idea to show the rating concept than just with stars, I would really much like to see that from your hand. I cannot think of a better way myself, but of course, I’m not a dsigner…
Finally, I would thank your partner for her interest. However, so far we’re doing the concept only in Denmark. Later on, though, we plan to launch our service in other countries.
Submitted design #63
This is a very minimal design. With subtle reference to the star. For design purposes it all aligns up, with the start points aligning with the 'r' and covering the '.dk.'
I think too minimal for you, but worth comparing.
Submitted design #65
Not sure if you find this typeface too 'boring', but it's actually one of my personal fav's. But thats another story!!
Not sure if im getting it yet. 5 stars starting over the curve of the 's' expanding in size until the curve of the 'e' sits under the bottom curve of the star. Just small details, but it all helps. And ofcourse it encompasses the 'top start' word. Not sure if that's like too obvious, but not knowing the language and all the nuances it's hard to make that sort of decision.
Submitted design #66
OK, this is really a 'out there' symbol. You'll either love it or hate it. But it is distinctive, has the same fluid strokes.
The strokes get progessively smaller in exact increments.
Just maybe a tad 'sore for the eyes'?
But I have been surprised before with clients liking stuff I just thought they would be sick over. So I tend to show whatever I come up with on the offchance one hits the mark.
I do try to think about the way its meant to look, try not to be totally random. But sometimes randon is good, and there are plenty of commercial random logos with utterly no meaning whatsoever.
Submitted design #67
Another self contained logo, but on a lighter background with darker type, So would would work well reversed out etc. And ofcourse the stars being prominent.
Submitted design #68
This is a concept illustration. The star was created out of oval with two points on one side, getting the pattern in the middle. Obviously colours can be altered and what not.
Just trying to create a fresher cleaner version of a star, which does have 5 points.
The star is not perfect in execution as getting all the angles right is a mare, so will not spend long getting it right should you not like it in the first place. Just so you know its not 100%.
Submitted design #69
More lovingly crafted shapes. This time overlapping segments to give impression of layers of the star. Technically still not 100%, its a roughish 'put together', but gives you a good idea.
Dropped the the focus on the 's' totally at the moment, as you mentioned that that was not a priority.
Just to say that the last one does work in greyscale quite nicely. Also it works to a degree literally in all solid black. You get a few white lines which help define the curves I have created and also you get the total star shape.
I also try to create my logos with conversion to CMYK, newspaper adverts, leaflets, web use etc. So they are all generally very versatile without not always being too dull.
If you did like the lst design, i was wondering about having different colours for each segment, to further indicate say the scoring system.
Obviously then it would not be a green logo, but if we keep the text green, then say make the symbol a little smaller but with more colour it may look pretty cool.
What do you think?
Submitted design #70
So heres one with a colour for each segment, with green being the dominant colour segment.
I have positioned it to the left, trying to get the curve of the star to fit around the 'S'. Changed the typeface to something a bit softer. Then to balance the fact that the logo is sitting on the left edge, I have ranged right the web address, so it doesn't look too off balance.
Submitted design #75
You seened to like the design with the grey central box above the text iwth the swirly 's' in. So not sure if making it better would be as simple as adding that new start symbol I created.
I DO NOT USE CLIP ART WHATSOEVER. Just so you know... :)
Submitted design #83
This is a variation of the design you gave 4 stars for, instead I have replaced the sphere with the S in it to the star shape.
Submitted design #85
Using a 5 box check box idea, not sure exactly how it all operates on your site, but that's the general idea. Minus any larger icon or symbol.
This might work better on a container reversed out.
Submitted design #86
I have felt recently it needs a symbolic person in, aferall, the start are useless without the people driving the voting, so showing a simple person (also subtle use of balanced arms-justice scales).
Not sure what you think about this concept.
it brings who whole thing a bit more current. this type of symbology is very 'in'. Simple and minimal and does what its meant to. As long as its executed right.
Submitted design #87
Contained in a central box, as you can well see. :)
This certainly updates the image this type of symbology. In one simple icon you have 3 key elements, the voter, the stars and more subtly the scales.
And ofcourse a favicon could easily be adapted with this icon. So in time the icon can stand by itself as a brand, should you so desire.
Submitted design #88
I need to get a life, I really do. :0) Oh wait, thats what Im trying to do. I think. Oh, I don't know.
Anywho, another symbolic 'person', bit more body, with 'miniscales' as each hand with the you know what between them.
A quite iconic 'icon'. I have modernised the typeface, so now we really are getting into Web style design territory. Good or bad?
I can guarantee you now that the floodgates will open and a rush of symbolic 'people' will appear shovelling stars and what not. :0)
Submitted design #89
Another variation. 5 people around the star.
think its time for me to go for a BBQ now and get VERY drunk. :/)
Pretty amazing stuff, you've made there! I'm quite overwhelmed...
#70 is really, really nice. Wonderful solution with the colors and all, absolutely unique. #69 is in the same category.
Beyond these, I like #89, #83, #75, #68 very much. Also indeed, #88, #87, #86.
Having said that, you should know that I have two concerns:
Regarding to #70 - which is a fantastic peace of work - I'm afraid that people cannot see that it's a star at first sight. I couldn't until I read you comment. Now I see it clearly.
Secondly, remember that lawyers are a rather conservative bunch of people:). I'm not quite sure, but perhaps #70 (and in a lesser degree #69 and #68) is too modern?
Finally, It's not a must, but I was thinking that the logo star also could be used in the rating itself. Here, I'm a bit concerned that people get confused about the fact that we ask them to give 1-5 #70-stars to the lawyer if they cannot see it as a star. Of course, we could just use "ordinary" stars to the rating, but this is just to give you an idea of what I'm thinking of.
Many thanks for your valuable comments. RE conservative bunch, don't I know it. Fortunatley for me Anna is off a moreliberal nature and is actually promoting anti conservatism in the city. I have a website for a lawyer that he would like me to update, which is cool
ANywho RE the logos. There is a reason why I sometimes using icons that re not apparently obvious, nothing to do with me not being able to draw them.
Firstly it to get away from the obvious, branding a company is hard, and harder to not use obvious symbols. For me I try to find a balance, update yet keep the basic shape somehow.
It is proven that logos that make people look a 2nd of even third time are dramatically more memorable than the obvious logo, like adverst you see all the time, or screaming kids that you just don't hear anymore. YOu would notice if they were quite.
The logo is the same and oiught to be considered as a chanllenge to your clients. It does show forward thinking in your part, moving on and being lawyers being smart, I really can't imagine a wild leap of faith for them to figure what the shapes our. It's what I have done in them that makes them noticeable. If i was to fill will a black colour it would be obvious it was a star.
Its just a fine balance but also not assuming everyone might struggle. Once or twice logos is actually what most Pro designers want to achieve. Clever use of symbology, twisting of visual common day to day icons.
Anywho, there is a method to my madness, and would ask that you think about the above a little bit in regards to the entries you quoted.
I disagreen that the logos are too modern. Many lawyers in the city now her ein london are grasping the fact that they really must move on, become less stuffy show some flair not just in their court abilities but also their branding and identity. I am promotping creating blogs now for some higher level barristers etc. So the tide IS changing to modernisation.
ANd bear in ming you are not one commpany, you represent 'us' the people as well as the lawyers, so you ought to consider that you need to have a logo that appeals to all levels not just the legal aspect.
And a logo that sticks out from the rest of the duller legal eagles of which there are many.
YOu have the chance to helppave the way for this type of design 'moving on' .
The colour start I did really represents just all people, all thoughts, and choices. I can assure you it is not too modern. It IS a clear, clean and fresh minimal classy logo. That would look great on cards, letterheads and would really draw your eye on a website. But thats my own experience, of which i Hvae had over 20 years in Advertising, Marketing and Grahic Design. Woo hoo, don't want a medal though.
BUt all I can do is advise and suggest, you ultimately make the choice, I just tru to pass on my own experience of how things are on the other side.
Bluntly, if you think that those last two or 3 are too modern, then we have some small problems. They are modern, but they ARE fresh and bold, which I feel is what you are. A service, not just one legal company.
I think your comments revolve around the fact that you are concerned people do not see it as a star. I don see this being a problem, but a benefit. Its becomes more memorable and then more able to use as a brand on itself without the naming.
Please, please, try not t fall in the trap of expecting to have to retain the stuffy, conservative type of design. We can find the middle ground be retaining a classic serif typeface, This is practiced way to keep a middle ground. Words classic but still stylish, the logo, fresh and innovative but still linked to what you do.
What do you think about the icons and the people with the stars? I see you did not rate them much, but is the concept not what you want? Just trying to understand what it is you are after.
I can do classic stuffy design, big chunky letters, and some clip art logos, but I feel thats not really what you are about. Please don't go there, i beg you. :0)
I am just being open and sharing my 'honest;' thoughts with you, as a designer, its important that as much honesty is flipped between both parties, I am here to guide you from a visual and mind way, you listen to the two voices on your shoulders and make hard decisions. Thats the way it is... I just hope I can help.
What I meant to ask is do you then have any thoughts, ideas on how to improves on the existing ideas, any that could be merged, any you DONT want at all?
If you can sort of direct me to what you like, ok with, hate, or want to merge this would crucially important to me.
Also, terminate any ones you feel are not in the running, as this is useful for other designers, plus keeps the designs you need to look through to a minum. We are used to have our designers 'terminated;. So don;t loose any sleep over it. ;0)
Submitted design #95
Ok, so here's a subtle comprimise, not that Im the one meant to be calling the shots, but you know what I mean.
I have recreated it from a 'proper' start rather than using more more curved organic version. Still applied the same colour (alsos upplie a green only version.
I think this makes it clearer its a start, but the interal shades also make it stand out from being 'just' a star. Am I getting closer? :)
Submitted design #96
This one is a tweak from eallier, I have removed the white keylines which made it a bit 'busy' possible, but also added the human icon, to repsent the human aspect.
I do have a version with 5 people icons around the star but it looks overkill. In any case, 5 stars is whats important, not 5 people ritgh? If we can get one human form in there then thats good?
Just so you know, It is rare I am actually pleased with much that I do, its the ultimate perfectionism illness.
But I am really taking to these recent ones. They are fresh, clean, well thought out, structurally balanced with a compromise of older stype type and more modern imagery. Which as a website based company, is quite important that you start thinking about the whole progress of creative evolution especially within web design.
That's my own humble thoughts...
Submitted design #97
This is a more stylish conservatibe typeface, but spaced out to bring it more modern. Also moved the image to the right in this case using the more colourful option.
What are are your thoughts on positioning of the logo in regards to the wording. Left, top, right? All makes a difference really to how you plan your site, stationery, letterheads etc. Usually all this printed paper design stuff evolves around the style of the logo.
BUt with the last few designs, you can create some truely classy tasty stationery and business cards, bbrocures etc. It would work really well in this situations.
Submitted design #98
This is a more conservative typeface, ITC Garamond, tried and trusted and actually the condensed version was used by Apple up and till they moved to a sans serif face.
Web site address also in this style.
I really think though you ought to consider leaving ideas that envolve big bulky lettering, closed up lettering, it really isn't the way forward, especially for web sites that rely on users. And really just looks damn ugly (in my unwanted or ask for opinion. ) :)
Also gone back to previous idea I think you sort of liked, but have added the 5 stars on the other side.
Submitted design #99
I like this one, this typeface is quite unique, look at the tail on the S? Its about as bold as I would dare go for suck a long word, at least you need some letter spacing to open it up.
To integrate the logo more with the wording, fortunately, the icon, the person is central to where the D is, which by chance creates a natural body/base for the top part of the person. You can see that the vertical line of the D could be one leg and the curve just the other slightly bent. With some clever alterations, I can make the D look more personish without loosing the importance of defining the M.
Clever uses of icons and lettering is admired amongst many top designers, but its a subtle line to failure and success, corny or stulish.
The letter spacing is all out on that word, I do need to adjust the tracking and kerning, i forgot to in this one. BUt htings like that are very important to a typographer, and you have many letter combinations that ensure someone with some typographic experience will notice and adjust.
Thank you, imjustcreative. You've done a wondeful job, I've sent you a PM.
Submitted design #113
This one I have changed the Typeface to something call Stone Sans. It's a more comfortable font, but still quite fresh. And still fits nicely withing the curve of the Star.
Submitted design #114
This is to see how it would like set against a Black background should the occasion ever arise. Culd be white out type or this brighter lime green.
Submitted design #115
Another reversed out option but using the all green version. PLus this is a typeface that is similar to that on Blurb, the more reliable typeface.
Also have reduced the star so that the curve more closely hugs the 'S'.
Simply, there are so many subtle variations to choose from, often it's just trial and error and seeing how each version looks on the website stationary etc.
Working for design agencies is more fluid than these 'auction' sites, as there is pressure to rush designs, which just pose problems for some.
Submitted design #116
This is to see what a totally black and white version would look like. Pretty damn good even if I say so, very striking.
This typeface IS different to the previous, but only very subtly so. ALso I have taken the weights down one notch. So now you end up with my favourite minimal look, the Ultra Thin font. Very cool. :)
Submitted design #117
And finally, for the truely minimal simply look, not gradients or patterns within the star. This shows that the shape and the outlines still clearly show it to be belonging to your brand.
So this logo can work across all types of media from print to web etc.
Submitted design #126
Well, what can I say. :)
Submitted design #127
Reversed out from previous.
Submitted design #128
The all green version with the inner super thin start works quite nice.
Submitted design #130
A more simplified star using the original colours. :)