HELP

Just kidding. Using a woodworm for a logo might be going in the wrong direction. It's destructive, instead of creative. Beavers work better, but that's been done. Then again, this client probably wants the worm, doesn't he?

Questions:
What message are you trying to convey? (Professional/Handyman, Established/Modern, Handmade/Instant, Quality/Price, Affordable/Exclusive? This will help you determine a style.)
How does the current "concept" convey this message? (Wood has worms. Wood has holes. As opposed to Worm being a wood working professional. Cover all the angles and more.)
How can I use the elements available to me to convey the concept more accurately? (Position/layout, colours, simplistic/complex, type?)

When you've done all that, sketch, sketch and sketch until you feel you have a couple of ideas that are able to speak the "brand" and convey it's message. Don't stop after the first drawing.

Toolbelt, screw (careful with that one), drill, wood, splinter, cabinet, nail, saw, woodworm, beaver, termite, and the list goes on.

What exactly does he want to communicate?

The image he drew currently suggests that he is a woodworm, which eats holes and destroys wood. [actually it's a bettle] He could also be trying to go along the lines of a 'bookworm', which is informally someone devoted to reading.

HIs drawing immediately has a cartoon and childish like quality that says something other than 'professional or 'craftsmanship'. The worm seems to be 'hugging' and in love with the piece of wood.

And the literal picture of wood is a bit obvious. How else can you communicate 'build' and 'wood'?

The biggest problem I see is the lack of a name and direction on what he wants to communicate. That is seriously limiting your ability to generate ideas and play with combinations. Until you have that this is going to be an extremely challenging project.

hmmmm

ie. What would he say if you gave him a snapshot of a rundown shack and told him to build something more modern with no additional information. [Oh, and he must incorporate the shack somehow into the project] Yeah, that's going to turn out well.

starting point

research 'bookworm' and 'carpentry' in google images and hit the sketch book.

And on so many levels. I don't even know where to begin. Is this man sane? What on earth is he THINKING?!?

The image itself, as we all know. isn't a logo. It seems more like an illustration for a bizarre children's book about the romantic fantasies of wood-eating insects.

Why would a carpenter want to ally himself with a "carpenter bee" or termite or whatever that destructive worm is supposed to be?

If this client insists that you work with his design, and won't listen to reason about why it's WRONG, you need to thank him for thinking of you and recommend him to your nearest competitor.

On the other hand, you could thank him for the inspiration, and show him the proper logo it "inspired" you to create. He can frame his inspiration, hang it up in his shop, and tell everyone the story of how it motivated the designer who came up with his logo.

I have a feeling, though, that this "job" is going to get you nowhere. Sometimes it's best to be just unfortunately "booked solid for now."

The post you *did* share was constructive and I'm sure very helpful to the designer. Mine was, I guess, just more pragmatic. That's the word I use to defend myself when I get too negative but can't control myself ;-)

I have had the same experience with "homemade" logos. You just can't win with such clients. They're really only coming to you for validation of their own wonderfulness. You can take their money, but in return, you have to give away a little of your reputation. SInce these types are usually on a tight (or even nonexistent) budget, that's not likely to be a fair bargain.

Mara, sometimes the pragmatic way is the best way. :)

If they aren't cooperating, there are times that prove better to say "no" to clients. When you don't, you can sometimes waste a lot of time, energy, and money running around in circles.

For example, when I was working at a web design company, I had a client who insisted on organizing my time around her. When I suspected a problem, I approached the head of the company. He said something to the effect of "We will do everything we can to please and satisfy our clients, even if it means we have to spend a little extra time." And shoo'd me back to work. I continued to work on her site in hopes not to anger the management. I spent about 4 months on this lady's site - it gets better - she only paid $200. By the end of the four months, she still wasn't satisfied, but the company FINALLY told me to stop. After calculating it, they realized she sucked thousands of dollars from their company and months of my time because the company just wouldn't say no. I quit working there shortly after.

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Perfectly Lost Designs
"…the Web design community is hopelessly distracted by technical fetish." ~Andy Rutledge

and you can't convince the client to go in a different direction, perhaps you can make this horrible concept and naive illustration work the best you can. Start by removing the background and sun, then isolate the worm from the lumber as a further option to work with.

Find a great type treatment for his name and "Carpintería, make the typography the emphasis of the logo ... add the worm (or worm & lumber) as a secondary element. Find a creative way in which the worm interacts with the type.

If you set aside your initial reaction of shock and embarrassment you might be able to work this one out and actually have fun with it ... and your client will get something much more than he deserves.

:)

My first reaction to the image was immediately the south park episode of mr. hanky and the christmas poo. I am not a south park fan either, but i have seen clips from the show. The illustration resembles the character. I know it is a ridiculous comment. but i am sure if i noticed it, someone else will. Maybe this could help in swaying the determination in the use of the image.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mr._Hankey,_the_Christmas_Poo_(episode)

"HEIDIIIIII HOOOOOOO!"

Love everyones' comments - thanks. I managed to have a frank conversation with the client yesterday. My background is really marketing so we discussed his business and its now been decided that a total rebrand is in order. I had previously received a deposit for logo and have now given him a quote for the rebrand which has been agreed. Fortunately this chap can handle the budget - he makes custom kitchens, garden chalets, children's play houses, custom designed furniture etc.

Its a bit tricky for me to turn down work. The "I'm busy" excuse doesn't seem to work as I have been told, "that's ok, we can wait". I live in an area of Spain that has a large expat community - these are my clients. I am the only English speaking graphic designer here with a minimum of 800 small businesses. Sounds great but when you consider that the vast majority of the business owners haven't had a business before (sold home, bought in Spain cheap and had money over - Lets start a business). These are the type of folks that don't know what a logo is, what branding is etc. Oh, and use vistaprints free template business cards. Another excuse I have tried is giving a ridiculous quote for a project I just didn't want to do and the client has agreed the price!

BTW - We haven't completely removed the worm and are going to work on a cartoony feel.

I'm a spanish major from way back...You'd think being surrounded by spanish culture would inspire this carpenter a little more! Good thing you directed the process or you would have been stuck making the worst logo ever. :)

Usually if you want to hand off work give the client a referral to someone else as you tell him/her that your schedule is just too booked up for the foreseeble future. This usually works well and the person you give the work to will appreciate it.

Show the client his competition and he will quickly rethink using a crayon-drawn, worm inspired logo. :)

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Powerpoint is not a design application

i would frame that illustration to scare other designers when they need to be punished. or bring it out when you telling scary stories around a campfire.

doesnt anyone have a sense of humour here?

hahaha... the picture! That woodworm looks like the 'Christmas Poo' from South Park!

> http://tn3-1.deviantart.com/fs11/300W/i/2006/194/b/e/Mr_Hankey_the_Christmas_Poo_by_StaceyW.jpg