SK Logo Help
Tadams (61 pencils) | Fri, 2008-01-18 22:18
Here is a project I'm working on that I seem to be making no progress with. So far I've probably provided over 50 different ideas and concepts, none of which the client was happy with.
The above image is a summary of the concepts. I'm in dire need of some help here as I'm stuck at this point. I'm so locked into the key and hole idea I can't seem to get away from it!
The company is Software Key, and they develop and provide Licensing and Ecommerce solutions. They have many different products, server and client side based ones that offer protection, and security around software and other solutions. Their current website is http://www.softwarekey.com/ . THe logo is the first step in a full company rebranding package.
They are not necessarily connected with the key idea itself and are open to other options. The logo should be simple and iconic, nothing too fancy or elaborate. Colors are not an issue, although in the above samples I stuck to B/W so the client didn't focus on the colors.
The font treatments above are nothing special, I was more trying to develop the icon first and foremost. Anything above that you like? Concepts you think I should try? Open to any and all suggestions at this point.
Oh and for the record, logo design is NOT my strongest point by far. I've done a number over the years, but I readily admit it is at the bottom of my list.
Thanks.
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Out of all the ones presented I like your second concept.
Maybe try reversing the keyhole from a solid/filled "o" in the word Software, and if stylizing the "O", perhaps make it more CD/DVD disc-like in appearance? Or, taking both words and forming them into the shape of a key? Or, stepping away from the whole key idea--in a clean, solid font embossing the words as if rising from brushed metal (as in a metal safe)? Or, lock/unite the two words in the company name with a stylized padlock.
ttfn!
3dogmama
"Art -- the one achievement of Man which has made the long trip up from all fours seem well advised." - James Thurber
Thanks! A lot of great ideas there, I will definitely play around with some of those. Personally I liked #2 myself the best as well. It was simple and clean, and somewhat random in shape. They were not a big fan of it though. I believe they liked #13 the best.
You've got some great footwork done, now comes the cerebral part. Identify what works, what doesn't; identify the problem (what does my client need?).
I think 50 versions is a staggering amount to show a client. Three seems to be a good round number. It's great that you do so many versions, but as the designer you need to whittle it down some. Giving so many options cheapens the process.
Whenever I present concepts to a client, I stick to no more than three or four versions (no matter how many I produce) and give a brief written synopsis of why the logo works, and how it solves the problem. Also, In my proposals I offer a limited number of revisions.
As for me, #2 and #9 show some potential... however, I think your typography needs some attention.
Good luck.
Shawn, I started with showing them 3 concepts. They didn't like any of them, so I produced about 6 more the second round, etc etc etc..
I typically don't do logo work, and in the past, one of my initial 2-3 concepts were always accepted with unanimous applause from the client. So unfortunately when I put the proposal together for the logo part of this project, I never specified how many revisions I would provide. Which of course has now come back to bite me in the ass. Next time I ever do logo work I will specifically set the number of revisions and ideas they are paying for and stick to it.
I guess you only learn the hard way! And I do agree about the typography, the first round I had paid attention to the typography, but after all the revisions I just started typing the name (as you see above) and spent my time on the icon since THAT was what they were unhappy with.
What sort of feedback have you gotten from the client. Anything beyond 'we don't like these'? Maybe you just need to open the line of communication a little more perhaps?
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Powerpoint is not a design application
My latest web design work
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Dirt and Rust
Well, #5 was one of the early renditions, and they like that a lot as it had 2 pieces to it. They liked the idea of having those pieces that could later be used to tie into their 2 product lines (server/client apps). So in 6,7, and 13 were all based off that initial idea.
In the end they were happy with #13, but not blown away by it and it looked like we were going to settle on that icon.. But then they hired a new strategic marketing person to help "rebrand" their entire image from their content, messages etc... And she came in and didn't feel any of the concepts worked.
Ironically enough, she gave suggestions that would make any designer cringe, "Maybe try putting some people, or faces for the logo" , "try using a photograph as part of the logo" etc etc etc...
Thankfully the client didn't exactly agree with those suggestions either, but instead just wanted to maybe see some "new" ideas radically different from the originals.. Hence where I am now... I'm close to just walking away from the logo part of this project.
Can't be as bad as the poor slob working on the "Miss My Flight" logo. And, hey, I really liked your client's input. Never would have thought of placing a head in the logo!
ttfn!
3dogmama
"Art -- the one achievement of Man which has made the long trip up from all fours seem well advised." - James Thurber
Hey, as long as you're billing them for your time spent, they can be as indecisive as they want; till the cows come home!
Sucks though when you actually want to get the job done!
I love it when a company struggles with a logo so much that they don't work with the person who can get it done for them (you) but instead hire on a new person with no experience at all. Silly.
Have they seen your kick butt logo yet? Maybe if they did they'd be inspired and you could stick with your style of design instead of their wishy washy directions?
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Powerpoint is not a design application
My latest web design work
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Dirt and Rust