I have a brother thats a award winning graphics designer here in this state. I noticed that in his caliber of designing a logo seems far from if a sign painter (sign artist with respect) would design a logo. Not to say we can't design, it's just that we are so focused on lettering elements than we are in the other aspects of pure essential designing. I went through at least ten differant logos I designed which were pretty good stuff but was not really satisfied with what I really wanted I mean I just ended up with another sign-like logo. I did'nt want a sign for a logo but rather a logo. See what I'm trying to convey here?
So I finally gave it over to my brother to do it and a week later I was really blown away by how great it looked. It was made up of the bare essential elements that would describe the way I do signs. I asked him what's the secret to good design and he told me to seek after the essential elements communicating the nature of sign making and to break it all down to a simple 'graphic message'. Sounds simple but not. That's where the gift of descerning comes to play in actually making your concepts of design to materialize unto paper. The kind of genious that Frank Loyed Wright had (reknown master architect 1800-early 1900s). The final outcome of my logo looks very simple yet held it's weight in total graphic communication. It made me look like I payed 10,000 a month for shop rent. It' also causing my to maintain my craftsmanship on a differant level; a couple of nutches upward and at the same time make the deadlines. I'm learning that signs like a well designed logo, needs to be treated as a graphic medium that is not only a 4x4 giving information but rather to an image of a business. This is possible inspite of the amount time customers expect to have their signs at their front door. By having the basic knowledge of designing, we can also have the descernment to take out what is overkill in a design and bring it down to the important elements resulting not only in a good looking sign, but also meeting a deadline. The cost factors will fall into place if this aspect of designing is applied. For whatever this is worth, it's just my thoughts on the subject. If anyone else has some ideas, i would surly appreciate the input.
------------------ de signs
[This message has been edited by zion (edited December 14, 2000).]
Posted by LazyEdna (Member # 266) on :
We want to see the design result! LE
------------------ LazyEdna in RL known as Sara Straw from southern Utah 5 National Parks within 3 hours drive Red Rock Heaven
Posted by Jack Davis (Member # 1408) on :
What you are saying has a lot of merit, but sign composition and artistic composition are very different. One should keep their "Look/Presence" which you are describing as a logo, clearly separate from the informational part of the sign. This allows that individuality to exist and be identified without the mumbo jumbo. It also allows the valuable mumbo jumbo to be seen, identified, eye-seperated, and acknowledged more quickly. I have been a design artist and fine artist for many years, but find "Sign Composition" to be in a field all of its own. It needs to use many of the same principals while avoiding some altogether. A fine artist could probably develope a prettier sign, but serve less of a cause to a business owner, than a good sign designer. I just hope for my benefit, that both skills can come in the same package.... Bronzeo
------------------ Jack Davis 1410 Main St Joplin, MO 64801
Posted by cheryl nordby (Member # 1100) on :
Zion. Lucky you to have a brother that is a talented graphic artist. Too many times I have had to deal with a graphic artists final design, only to find that it is weak, lacking impact, hard to read and doesn't work for the sign at all. Plus they get paid a lot of money! We need more of your brothers type around. It would be fun to see the design!
The word logo means "Total Concept." The concept should contain a symbol and a signature. For example, America Oline has now become AOL with their little triangle thing. National Broadcasting Company, (which has shortened the name by only using the caps to NBC like many others), and the peacock in rainbow-like colors. When one part of the logo, beit the symbol or the signature, is mentioned, the other half is seen whether it is actually there or not and vice-versa. You can also create a logo using only letters, i.e. IBM, or a symbol by itself as in the many shiny chromed letters on vehicles and the examples there literally litter the highways, Lexus, Toyota, Cadillac and on and on. I have had the priveledge to design about a dozen logos and love the challenge it brings. The brainstorming is intense and I'm in my own little world when I'm doing it. I get a good feeling when I see one of the logos I designed goin' down the highway or on the persons building. Good luck in designing your next logo.
------------------ There is nothing new under the sun. What will be has already been and what has been will be again. Daniel R. Perez Daniez Dzines Fresno, CA daniez2001@yahoo.com
[This message has been edited by Daniez (edited December 14, 2000).]
