Thanks everyone. There were so many worthy entries it was very difficult to make a decision. I'd like to thank you all again for your wonderful ideas and creativity as well as your hard work. It was fun to run the competition and sad to see it end. Congratulations to arpad.

Thanks João,

It's good to get some varying perspectives. I like the font you've used, but others' prefer some of the more 'corporate'. I think everything about design is in large part a personal thing - on the other hand, I'm sure we'll be able to get some consensus on what's 'best' overall.

Cheers for taking the time to comment.

OK. I had thought the top three or so logos would speak for themselves.

As I see it they're characterised by their clean looks. They're uncluttered, neat, tidy.
They help to convey the movement from a busy, stressed mind to a peaceful, quiet and calm one.

The stressed part doesn't need to be expressed in the logo, just the outcome (of meditation).

It seems lower case is preferred and the very clean lined fonts work best. We were looking for a friendly and fun element, but some fonts (yours Raioo; and arpad's is right on the cusp) probably tip the feeling too far into the playful / childish realm.

Flowing (suggesting movement), abstract designs definitely appeal over everything else. We've basically ruled out flowers, leaves, butterfly's, ripples etc. etc. as well as some of the abstract designs that have been used for other meditation groups; e.g. stylised circles and swirls. And none of the designs that play with S's has really hit the spot either.

Feels pedantic to critique everyone's designs when many do look so great; but, as A1GraphicArts said; the "look-no-futher" design has yet to materialise.

It would be great if the designers who have come close (four or five stars) could resubmit in light of this further, more detailed feedback.

Thanks (and sorry for not getting this out there sooner).

Raioo,

Good question. We probably should have explained this earlier. The main distinctions are that we are endeavouring to distance ourselves from any typical religious (i.e. buddhist, yogic), spiritual, new age or obvious meditation traditions. We don't subscribe to any one technique (and in fact, invite all kinds of meditation teachers to our group), and draw on all the traditions. However, we try to keep our image clean and neutral. We're interested in attracting people who might otherwise be put off because they see meditation as something monks, hermits and hippies do. We emphasise the health and stress reduction benefits - rather than meditation as a means to enlightenment or spiritual fulfilment.

In that sense, it's a 'safe' place to come, where you'll meet normal folks. It's sociable, but there's no fear you'll be inducted into a cult, or asked to do anything whacky or confrontational. You don't have to tie yourself in the lotus pose, wear a certain type of clothing, bow down to a guru etc. You're encouraged to ask questions (yes, really).

We also endeavour to clear up the common misconceptions about meditation. i.e.

1. that you're trying to block out all thought.
2. that you have to adopt a certain posture.
3. that you need to 'sit' for 20 minutes once or twice a day.
4. that you endeavour to block out the world of the senses.
etc.

Hope that clarifies things somewhat.

It would be great if we could get a logo that really expresses this well.

At the moment the top three or so designs are all great, but it's very much a case of "hmmm - maybe this, maybe that". Given the advice above, we might hang in there a bit longer in search of "THE" design, that gives us the "look no further!" feeling.

P.S I'm busy for the next 24 hours so may not have a chance to make much (or any) feedback over that time.