Working with bad logos
spigot (190 pencils) | Mon, 2008-04-14 16:24I run into this problem too often it seems... I'm designing, or redesigning a clients web site, and I'm forced to work with their existing logo... something the owner of the business usually did themselves, using Word or FancyPantsLogoDesigner™ app.
Current issue... logo is three initials, all different sizes, in a box within a box. Then the name of the business is written out in Papyrus (The new church lady font).
They are not in the market for a logo redesign.
I'd love to just whip something even slightly better up, but that would both, 1. Devalue the logo process and price, and 2. Possible insult the owner, who created it in the first place.
It seems my only choice is to design around it, but man its hard to swallow.
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Commenting on this Forum topic is closed.
Yikes! At least it will make a good favicon... :)
If the client doesn't want to change it, that's their choice and you probably shouldn't waste your time doing it...unless you show them other, competitor, websites that have better logos. Hmmm? :)
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Powerpoint is not a design application
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Dirt and Rust
There are worse logos than that out there--at least this one is somewhat workable.
My advice would be to either keep it on the small and understated side (which is hard when it's the client's logo); and/or:
- go F/X crazy on it
- utilize the client's green on green block part of the logo for highlights on the pages
Good luck.
ciao
3dogmama
"Art -- the one achievement of Man which has made the long trip up from all fours seem well advised." - James Thurber
I worked in a promotional glassware business for a while and when clients gave us their logos via THE F-ING FAX MACHINE It was a total nightmare. What are they thinking?! That one you have is no work of art but, as I was taught, you should never try and fix what you were given to use. If it comes out bad in the finished product, it isn't on you. GL
Try www.PremiumCards.net for your next Business Card or Postcard purchase online.
"as I was taught, you should never try and fix what you were given to use." I'm sure THIS got you a lot of repeat business.
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Powerpoint is not a design application
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Dirt and Rust
That's weak. I can just imagine how it makes your teeth itch! Nothing for it but to deal, though. Mention to them that their logo is a great start toward something that could really work for them, especially in the context of the new professional design work you're giving them, and offer to be the very fellow to make it happen, but drop it after that.
Mara
I'll do what I always do... and just deal.
At least its in a box and not just three initials floating in space. Here's a link to the final comp presented to the client... it doesn't really distract much at all:
So far I haven't been asked to set the company name in Papyrus. Crossing my fingers.
~
What I would do is keep it small and at the bottom of the page, otherwise your only other choice would be not to do the job, if you can afford it!
I think you did a GREAT job working with that logo. I HATE HATE HATE that font. It's way over used here where I live. I should have assumed that they were in a resort town when the font was mentioned. HA
Dawning Concept -
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HeatherDawn
Dawn Creative
I am desperately trying to design a web page around a horrible logo. Client won't allow a color change or even minor logo changes.
The original logo wasn't created digitally, it was hand painted on their sign, so that makes for an even lovelier situation. Scanning the logo from a business card, which was created from a scan of a photo of the sign. Terrible circle of ick!
Anyone want to have a look at the logo and offer any suggestions?
Logo
Code86
Take up tennis?
That logo is pretty bad, and it desperately needs to be redrawn in vector format. Other than that, about all you can do is try to sell them a new logo design.Enjoy!
Agreed on vectorizing this, but remove the extra text; it's totally unnecessary in a logo to say all the things you do. That's what your marketing is for.
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Powerpoint is not a design application
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Dirt and Rust
While you're removing text, why not take a look at removing the "C" and "R" in the company name as well. Might tie in better with the overall look of the logo.
"Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible."
— Frank Zappa
"Art -- the one achievement of Man which has made the long trip up from all fours seem well advised." - James Thurber
Oww!! My eyes!
wow.
look at it this way, at least you're not an in-house designer stuck using that one *everything* you do.
there's always a bright side... even if you have to look *really* hard for it.
I'm having logo nightmares!!
I've been working on redrawing the logo as vector, but admittedly it's really not helping, other than it's crap but a little crisper!
What about color suggestions that would make that blue less.......well, blue!
Use PMS 285. Convert to CMYK if client can't afford that Pantone color. This blue is classic, professional, and widely used. :)
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Powerpoint is not a design application
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Dirt and Rust
Design a new logo, tell them why it's better and offer it for money. Take it or leave it. Usually they take it.