Valerie is opening an upscale boutique for young women. She has always been fascinated with the concept of "coming of age". She has decided to call her boutique "Sixteen Candles" and hopes to get a logo that will somehow portray the transition from adolescence to adulthood. She's looking for something feminine yet strong and definitely not "Barbie" like. Her lines of clothing will include ethnic dress, contemporary and traditional, yet always unique. She will also carry accessories as well as books and gifts. Like the last time, I'll draw for prize. It will be a random draw for participation. Lets see what you have. Posted by W. R. Pickett (Member # 3842) on :
...I wish someone else would do my designs for me too.
...NAW, JUST KIDDING! I enjoy the challenge of coming up with my own ideas. That's what I get paid for...
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
Kelly, when you say "ethic dress", which ethnicity? (serious question)
.
Posted by Rene Giroux (Member # 4980) on :
Hi Kel, here's my 2 cents.
Although it's nice to see what people come up with on projects that don't matter like panel-jams or panel-swaps or Letterhead projects. But a logo for a Boutique, a store or any business can mean success or failure and the thought process that goes into one of those cannot be of random process (remember Shane's view on logos?).
Should the inspiration not come to you at this point (we all have the blank page thing...) some of the people on this board make a living with good ideas and designs, and this should not be a free service because it will bring value to the process.
I'm thiking a guy like Charles Borges who's every design is a master piece, could be 'hired' for the job. Yes it will cost money and it's supposed to, that's what we're all here for.
The designers that could come up with the best solution for you are probably too busy to 'spare' the kind of time required for this, and the ones that have the time.... well you get my drift!
To me a logo design is too important to leave out to my neighbors, at least that's my view on it... besides I'm sure Charles would appreciate the business!
All said in positive spirit!
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
Is this an actual job or is this just an exercise for fun? The way I'm reading Kelly's post, this is for fun.
Posted by Rene Giroux (Member # 4980) on :
Well... if it's for fun... that's different !
Posted by Jon Jantz (Member # 6137) on :
Well, the last few she posted were for fun. I seriously doubt Kelly would use this method to come up with designs for one of her jobs.
I'm in.
Posted by Rene Giroux (Member # 4980) on :
I didn't know she did this before...sorry!
I guess now it's time to open wide and put my other foot in !!!
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Thanks Glen. Come on Rene....you know me better than that. The purpose of this design challenge is a venue for people to focus on what Letterheads is about.
Plain and simple it is an opportunity for us to demonstrate and compare the way we approach a project. I've given you a fake scenario (which incidentally isn't even closely related to any project on my plate). Hopefully those who enjoy designing and appreciate the practice will play if they have the time. I think we all can benefit and learn from an assignment like this.
Mr Pickett, hopefully our paths will cross at a meet someday and we'll get to see the person behind the name. In the past couple of months I have hired both Russ McMullin and Tracie Johnson to do design work for me because I was absolutely swamped. Yesterday I phoned John Deaton because I have a cartoon design that I know he will knock my socks off with. If you do like design and are interested, please send me some examples of your work. Although I have been hanging out here for a while I have never seen any of it. I like to do my own designs, and when I do post something for help I'd far rather have people work with what I have and show me how to improve myself than come up with a totally unrelated awesome design that just makes me feel like it's hopeless. That's just my two cents, I know there are others that feel that way as well as some that don't. Vive la difference!
Soooo, back to our regular programming.
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Glenn, any and all ethnicity. I just thought it might add an interesting element to play on. No problem Rene, ya know I love ya. It's just the outspoken french coming out in you. Thanks Jon. I hope we meet someday too, you're high on my list. Posted by Jon Jantz (Member # 6137) on :
Kelly..... whipped this up, but ran out of time... wanted to do something different in the oval, the SC is sorta a placeholder... I'll go ahead and post it and maybe have time to work on the coloring and design later....
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
Just a couple of quickies....
Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Jon - I like the way you used the candles as a background pattern... the candles are there, yet they're not. Nicely done.
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Two very different takes on this. Jon's has a bit of an exotic feel to it while Glen's is modern and upbeat. I look forward to seeing other takes. So I'm curious what would you expect to find in each of the above stores?
Posted by Rick Chavez (Member # 2146) on :
This looks like fun so I thought I would try. I have done a couple of jobs within that range. I took the top idea from a women's salon logo I have admired from another design firm the added some younger girly feel to it. The bottom was from a rejected concept I did a while back.
[ August 28, 2009, 08:13 PM: Message edited by: Rick Chavez ]
Posted by Tim Barker (Member # 4209) on :
I tried to post a picture for the first time, so read an old post by Monte for instructions, and then proceded to post the picture, (successfully) on his thread!! can it be moved? Regards Tim
Posted by Barb. Shortreed (Member # 1730) on :
here you go Tim
Posted by Tim Barker (Member # 4209) on :
Thanks Barb!
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Good Stuff! Charles has a new typeface he is working on that I'd love to see Sixteen Candles in... Posted by Phillip Newell (Member # 4618) on :
A couple quick ideas. Maybe a little too 'barbieish' though...
Posted by Phillip Newell (Member # 4618) on :
One more. Posted by Gerald Lauze' (Member # 6443) on :
Would the store owner's name be Molly Ringwald by chance?
Oh, it's Valerie...My mistake..
G
[ September 01, 2009, 03:10 AM: Message edited by: Gerald Lauze' ]
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Phillip, the flame for the dot in the i is a great touch, Of the ones you posted I like the second and third ones the best. Keep them coming folks, in the meanwhile, I have to figure out what to give for a prize. Posted by David Harding (Member # 108) on :
Phillip,
I really like where you're going with this, especially the flame dot on the "i". What about doing the vertical bars in the oval as sixteen subdued candles?
Posted by Joy Kjer (Member # 3026) on :
And now for something entirely different in style: I'm trying to think of something that would appeal to my 18 and 21 year old daughters. They wouldn't want anything too stuffy.
[ September 09, 2009, 08:03 PM: Message edited by: Joy Kjer ]
Posted by Joy Kjer (Member # 3026) on :
Hmm, lets try the upload again.
[ September 09, 2009, 08:02 PM: Message edited by: Joy Kjer ]
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Joy, I think your design does very well at addressing the criteria given. I agree that it would appeal to the target consumer, it has a bit of an ethnic ring to it, which is something I didn't feel was always being addressed, and it avoids the difficulty of where to fit in the awkward transition between child and adult by being somewhat cartoonish.
[ September 09, 2009, 10:49 PM: Message edited by: Kelly Thorson ]
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Here is another one Stein sent me. I hope you wanted it posted, there was no message with it.
There really has been a wide range of ideas for this. Diversity is the spice of life. Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
I gotta say - I think Phillip nailed it: it's professional, feminine, and very creative... the font and inclusion of the flame on the "i" gives the piece an identifiable image that to me, is outstanding.
Edit: However, I should mention that Rick's has an outstanding look too...with a little bit of the youthful edginess that Kelly may have been looking for.
[ September 09, 2009, 06:47 PM: Message edited by: Todd Gill ]
Posted by Joy Kjer (Member # 3026) on :
Thanks Kelly. I thought about dropping the candle out of the design entirely, makes it cleaner. Phillips designs are beautiful but definitely missing an ethnic influence.
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
I reread my initial post and though I listed the ethnic clothing as the first item the store carried, I didn't specify it as a priority. Isn't that just like a customer - expecting you to read their mind. Maybe Glenn's post somehow gave it more significance in my mind.
Still it brings forth an important issue. When working with a client who has a definite vision for what he/she does and doesn't like, how do we tap into that and keep it at the forefront through the entire design process.
I'd love to see something in the lines of Gary Anderson's more recent work, perhaps with a batik element to it.
I'd also love to see more people chime in with their opinions and ideas (even a verbal description of a design would be useful.) Remember the idea of this whole thing is to inspire, stimulate sign related issues and discussions.
I'm in agreement that Philips designs are lovely, but it his own words, "maybe a little too "barbieish' though. So that brings to mind the question, at what point did you realize they were that way, Philip? If it was a real client would you have persued that and worked to convince the client it was fitting? Given that you were aware it was likely too barbieish for her tastes can you fill us in on your thoughts?
I also think Rick's second design is very fitting. It would also look great on tags and stationary or even on the front of a T-shirt, and I think it would appeal to young females.
Tim's design shows some British influence. I like the colours , but the candles somehow remind me of a menorah or altar candles. Stein's is simple, but nevertheless effective.
For those of you who have taken the time to do up a design, thank you. I'll probably let this run for another week or so before winding it up. In the meanwhile, feel free to submit images, verbal ideas or discussion.
I'll be sending the winner of the random draw a couple of packages of painter's pyramids.
Next up challenge will be an old english pub sign. If anyone feels like creating a fun scenario with a wacky name "the xxxxxx and xxxxxx" email it off to me, I may use it.
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
Great idea Kelly, you have the troops stirring and it is a treat to see all the talent popping up. I have a vision of two illustrations of both the teen- ager and the young woman. It tells it all. Bill
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Thanks Bill, I hope that we will have both newbies and skilled veterans participating in these challenges. Posting your work can be a very vulnerable experience for some, especially in the beginning. If no one responds to it or it is responded to overly critically, it can hurt. But it is a learning experience and you also have to realize that not every comment is necessarily right. It's a matter of sifting through the information and keeping what is of value to you and using it to grow. Hopefully we can keep these strings positive and educational. It will take participation from all levels of the board though.
Posted by Joy Kjer (Member # 3026) on :
Ok, now I have become obsessed with this! Posted by Tim Barker (Member # 4209) on :
Still trying, this is so different to my usual stuff, its like trying to walk again!
code:
Posted by Rick Chavez (Member # 2146) on :
This is getting more interesting for me...
"Still it brings forth an important issue. When working with a client who has a definite vision for what he/she does and doesn't like, how do we tap into that and keep it at the forefront through the entire design process."
I always start with a creative brief, the creative brief will give me a narrower target to shoot for. Retail clothing can be someone hanging clothes on a rack (probably a bad client for me) to someone who is into the culture of what they are trying to sell. Every "major" retailer or "designed" retail shop should develop a culture, that culture will dictate a look.
You mention some universally understandable items: --upscale --young women. -- "coming of age" -- "Sixteen Candles" -- transition from adolescence to adulthood --feminine yet strong --not "Barbie" like.
The biggest obstacles to defining the culture of this retail shop are these... --ethnic dress --contemporary and traditional -- unique
Ethnicity is a huge factor, that must be defined, even if they want to water the logo down. I will take my limited experience with my kids. Lets take the mexican girls at the school my boys go to, they are broken up into sects.. there are the "normal" school kids, low riders (chollas), Psychobilly Bettys, Jerks (hip hop dance reference) Punks, Ska chick, Emo's, loadies, fruits (manga girls) Bro chick (MX girls-usually very few are latinas)) Surf chick, Goths... and probably a few more. Ethnicity vs culture, that probably needs to be defined.... oh and the use of the word "chick" came from a young woman who helped me compile that list (just in case any are offended I would not refer to a young woman as a chick unless I was thrust back in time to the 70's when my face was full of zits and I was awkwardly skinny and shy...)
Contemporary and traditional means nothing as all have different graphics interpretations of that. I have 4 boys, 3 are teens. None of them can be described as contemporary or traditional. Teens to young woman are clanish.. if you remember the John Hughes movies like "16 Candles" or "Pretty in Pink" or the 1983 movie "Valley Girl".. that is still happening. Contemporary and traditional needs some definition before designing a logo.
Unique to what? as I mentioned above, all those factors will come into play when describing unique.
[ September 13, 2009, 01:12 AM: Message edited by: Rick Chavez ]
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Thanks Rick,
Great insight. I realize I left the ethnic/culture field rather vague. I could have specified East Indian or Chinese or something, but I wanted to leave the field wide open to interpretation. Had some one come in with an oriental or turkish or whatever flair to the design that would have been great.
My favourite store here is one called 10,000 Villages. They sell hand made items from underpriviliged countries. Visiting it is a very tactile experience and the scents and colours are nostalgic of my childhood travels. I guess it is that hodge podge of culture that I was thinking of when I drew up the scenario.
Often when I am trying to design something with a confusing array of specs I will print the positive criteria across the top left of the page and the negative across the top right. That way I don't get immersed in the design process and loose sight of where it is I am supposed to be going.
As tempting as it is to dive right in to a new project, I like to mull it over in my mind for a while. I'll often google the subject for ideas and inspiration, look up the definition of any words in the name and ret it ruminate for a while before starting. Usually my better work comes pretty much designed from inside my head. It's when I try to rush the process that I end up with some ugly happenings.
Posted by Cis Pack (Member # 2011) on :
Kelly, thank you so much for this post. I love seeing other peoples ideas from the same original thought. It helps me grow in my designs. Even though I have been doing this for a few years now, my designs need help. I know what I want in my head but I can't get it out. When I see it, I know that is it. Sorry you were blasted a little for asking, that is why I don't ask any more. I wish people would be more giving than some seem to be. All of us were not created equal in the design area and sometimes they don't want to share. Others on this site are wonderful and I have the highest respect for them. What good is a wonderful talent when you don't share it with others? Just my 2cents worth. I don't mean to offend anyone.
Posted by Scott Eckland (Member # 3036) on :
Here is my attempt...logo design isn't my strong suit so it's good practice. "candles' is transforming from hot young pink to a more mature pink
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Obsess away, Joy!
Tim, I really like where you are going with that. I'm not sure about the reversed 16, but I'd like to hear others take on it. I love the colours, the cameo and the background. That has huge potential.
Scott I think the one you did has a lot of potential too. The idea of the faded colours to signify the transition in age is a cool one. Something about the 16 isn't working for me yet. I wonder if it would come across better in silver. I like the Candles and Woman's Boutique Part of the design.
Now Cynthia... Thanks for the encouragement. Letterville has taught me to grow a bit tougher skin, I think most forums are like that. There is always someone ready to inject a little nasty into things. Who knows what is going on in others lives to make them that way. Most of the time I manage to let it go, on a bad day I'll bite back. The comments on the beginning of this thread didn't bother me. Sometimes we also read things into a comment that wasn't meant - it's just hard on a forum where the facial expressions and intonations are not there. It's funny how when you meet someone they become a whole different person than you had built up in your mind. Anyway, my point is, please don't let the actions of a few scare you away from posting. We need the good folks here to become more vocal.
I'm not a strong designer and I'm sure there are some mean rumblings about me leading this. Those people could use that energy positively to participate and help acknowledge those who have taken the time to participate in this. Perhaps some with strong design skills could pick out someone who they feel wants the help and work with them to polish the elements of the design he/she posted together.
I have no idea where this "Design Challenge" thing is going. It's a work in progress and hopefully will become a positive feature on the board. As long as someone is learning something, I'm willing to put the effort in. If anyone has any idea for prizes for the participation draw, let me know.
[ September 13, 2009, 02:30 PM: Message edited by: Kelly Thorson ]
Posted by Joy Kjer (Member # 3026) on :
Thoughtful feedback is valued as much as any "prize".
Posted by Scott Eckland (Member # 3036) on :
Here are 2 mod's...good practice exercise for me.
Posted by Joy Kjer (Member # 3026) on :
One thought here, most of these designs do seem to be geared towards a much older women. Late teens to twenty-somethings are an edgier, hipper group and I don't think pink is a direction most of them are moving towards (having left pink behind at about the time they entered adolescence.)
Posted by Tim Barker (Member # 4209) on :
Still learning how to post! [IMG][/IMG]
Posted by Mark Matyjakowski (Member # 294) on :
I really like Rick's second design (sans pineapples)... not that I could see it standing a test of time as it is a very trendy look for now it may not be later (seems like everything nowadays is flourishes... but with splatters)
I don't understand how these designs are geared toward older women by using a color that should have been outgrown
Victoria Secret has been marketing almost this scenarios exact target market using pink http://www.vspink.com/ Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
Mark I never outgrew pink. I was trying to mock up something that could be printed as is for a clothing tag or done without the batik-type background and the word "boutique" in glass etch on the windows of a shop for an upscale look. Love....Jill Posted by Joy Kjer (Member # 3026) on :
Don't get me wrong, pink has it's place, my 21 year old has fuschia hair and it has been that color for years now. (That pink rubs off on bathroom porcelain by the way and bleach won't remove it.) The eighteen year old won't be caught dead in pink. I like that background Jill. Although at first glance I only read candles & boutique.
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Tim Barker wins the Painters Pyramids. Thanks everyone for contributing. Next go round will be a pub sign. I need to come up with a fun name first. Any crazy ideas?
Posted by Tim Barker (Member # 4209) on :
Thanks Kelly!! I am so flattered to have won, that I have just sent off a cheque to become a resident! Regards Tim
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Welcome neighbour! Posted by Tim Barker (Member # 4209) on :
Thank you, Kelly, the Painters pyramids have just arrived. After 45 years in the business, this is the first time I have ever won a prize! I am now off to paint a double sided sign, quickly!! Regards Tim
Posted by Lori Wilcox (Member # 8042) on :
Hi Kelly,
Here's my take on a crazy name for a pub:
The 'Typsy Gypsy'
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Let's do it! I'll try and get the challenge posted in the next few days.
Posted by Lori Wilcox (Member # 8042) on :
Kelly, I usually pay a lot more attention to spelling - that should be
The 'Tipsy Gypsy', sorry!
Posted by Lori Wilcox (Member # 8042) on :
You know . . . I Googled 'Tipsy Gypsy' and I had no idea that anything existed - they are a band!
The only reason this came to mind is because a client last week gave me her email address and with all the weird characters in it (partial names I think) and it at first glance looked similar to 'Tipsy Gypsy' - so I mentioned that to the lady and she laughed . . . so when I read this thread for a name for a pub, this seemed to be appropriate (a few minutes ago, anyway).
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
I'm trying to think of something that would appeal to my 18 and 21 year old daughters. They wouldn't want anything too stuffy.
![[Confused]](confused.gif)
