Snapdragon, while we appreciate your comments and your feedback, I do not think that you fully understand what transpired in this contest. Let me clarify for you and others.

Our client was unsure of the image it wanted to present to the world via its branding campaign, that is why you will notice the original brief was very open and allowed much creativity. Andreas' design was good, and we showed it to the client along with several other designs. The client loved the idea of the leaf, but was not sold on the leaf that Andreas had created. This is why the client specifically asked for logo designs that focused on a leaf, or leaves as the main focus. This is why the brief became so much more narrow, and the contest was extended a full day.

As you can see, the winning design (chosen by the client) had very little similarity to Andreas first design. It was the theoretical concept that was similar, and even that could be questioned.

Snapdragon, please rest assured, we would never tell anyone in this forum to copy another design. We feel that would be inappropriate and against the open nature of this forum. It is designed to be competitive but fair to all parties. We would not do anything that was counter intuitive to this process.

We are a good contest holder and to date have awarded nearly $3000 in less than 8 months. That number will mostly double in 2009. We also rely on some of you for additional work, on a one on one basis. A few of our contract designers started with us through this forum. We merely asked about web designers, because we feel that a one on one feel is better, than something that is subject to the contest forum.

I do apologize if the solicitation for the web design was taken the wrong way, and it was not meant to tarnish our good reputation... it is just that good designers are hard to find!
Cheers
Incredible Marketing

Andreas sure does have the inside track, but at the end of the day - its ultimately up to the client. Thanks for your comment xpressions.

Can anyone in this contest do web design? We are looking for a corresponding design - simple. Quick turnaround time. if so, please contact me asap. Preference given to the higher rated stars - send link to portfolio.
Cheers
IM Team

Hi Snapdragon, I appreciate your choice, and thank you for your feedback. We are not looking for slight improvements, we are looking for a complete leaf re-design. Andreas is very talented, and he certainly has the inside track, but becasue what we are searching for is so different then what has been provided, we are merely only giving guidance.

We are really looking for rich deep colors. Anywhere on the color wheel from the bright MSN tech colors, to the deep rick jewelry colors. We are really looking for something dynamic. maybe even something that looks like a dynamic glass leaf in 3d? Who knows -- just be creative. Cheers

EVERYONE - The client has identified the LEAF design by Andreas (#55 and #113) as its clear favorite. the client, however, wants to see this design improved. The client loves the font, but is not happy with the color scheme or the feeling that the leaf is flat. Please give it life and make it DYNAMIC. Please be creative above all else. The client would like to see a real life leaf with earth tones, and a multi-color leaf (similar to the colors of MSN)

Good luck and please email with questions.
Cheeers

Heidi, your concepts #114 and #115 look too similar to #84. I am not sure whether you were aware. Please remove your entries and re-submit with another option, or please make significant changes so that they are not confusingly similar.
Thank You
Incredible Marketing team