posted
I received Barry Branscum's digital flames DVD today and went to work on my first project. The flames are truely awesome for digital printing!!! I need to work on the descriptive lettering at the back, but I am starting to like the rest of it. What do you all think should be changed, if anything.
[ May 01, 2006, 07:05 PM: Message edited by: Jerry VanHorn ]
-------------------- Jerry VanHorn, Pres. Pure Sports Designs, LLC Pro Sign Design / United Wholesale Signs www.prosigndesign.comwww.unitedwholesalesigns.com West Liberty, OH 937-465-0595 866-942-3990 Since 1990 Posts: 925 | From: West :Liberty, OH | Registered: May 2004
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nice,,,,, Nice,,,, NICE now make all your Marketing material with that on the page and you will have a consistant marketing image to work for you.
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5274 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
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posted
While I like your color pallette, with the warm reds and yellows and cool blues, I really dislike the Times Romanesque alphabet on the list of services. It doesn't "match" the new, upbeat design. Not keen on the lower case "d" in the design either. And I for one am tired of that Serpentine/Crillee typestyle. I also think that one drop shadow would be plenty. I do like the layout Jerry, I just feel that you need to re-think your choice of fonts. Perhaps something from LHF or A&S fonts, something few people have. Something beefy for the name and something sans-serif for the services. Just my 2¢. You are off to a good start. Love....Jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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Looking pretty good Jerry. I'd like to see alot more contrast between the flames and your name. The flames don't appear to be flames at that size, looks like a smear of ketchup and mustard. I'd ditch that garamondy, timesy sub copy typestyle, it doesnt fit anywhere for the look you want. It's off to a good start fir sure and it does have potential to be purty damn cool!
Stevo
-------------------- Stevo Design Illustration Logos Sign Design Clip Art www.stevo-design.com Posts: 1680 | From: Edmonton Ab Canada EH! | Registered: May 2001
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posted
The logo in Serpentine is the one we have used for many years. I have it on billboards, business cards, yellow page ads, shirts,etc. I started using it before it was overused I hate to change it now.
I am not crazy of the lettering at the back, I tried some bouncy, scripty fonts I have from LHF but I think they are hard to read. I don't want to put too much on it, but the public needs to know I do more than stickys on coro.
This will all be printed on the VersaCamm with 3M Controltac and Triangle Inks. Look at me, I sound like a MultiCamm ad. Sorry Dan
-------------------- Jerry VanHorn, Pres. Pure Sports Designs, LLC Pro Sign Design / United Wholesale Signs www.prosigndesign.comwww.unitedwholesalesigns.com West Liberty, OH 937-465-0595 866-942-3990 Since 1990 Posts: 925 | From: West :Liberty, OH | Registered: May 2004
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Does this mean all your electric signs catch on fire? How will you ever get UL listed if that happens?
That reminds me of the time I was in the flaming, rotating, Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket in the early '70s. That day's special was Sign Repairman Flambée.
Edited for serpentine spelling on flambée.
[ May 01, 2006, 07:37 PM: Message edited by: David Harding ]
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5084 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
thanks Steve, we were probably typing at the same time. I think it is a good idea about just dropping that lettering all together.
-------------------- Jerry VanHorn, Pres. Pure Sports Designs, LLC Pro Sign Design / United Wholesale Signs www.prosigndesign.comwww.unitedwholesalesigns.com West Liberty, OH 937-465-0595 866-942-3990 Since 1990 Posts: 925 | From: West :Liberty, OH | Registered: May 2004
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It looks like it has the potential to be a very prominent ad for your company. The only comment I have is how the lettering lines up with doors/handles/moldings etc. It looks like you will have a major pita with some of the placements.
posted
Hey Jerry, Looks cool with the flames but I like Jill's white letters better for contrast. They could have a process blue outline around the white for more definition and maybe not a black drop shadow; some other darker blue would be more attractive. I agree with everyone about the fonts being different as well. I have probably 3000 fonts and always try to use something different whenever possible.
Stay creative. trying going to 1001freefonts.com and check out what's new. I found one called Galaxy outlined that would work for you.
Did you notice my smiley face is gone?
Sign-cerely, Steve
-------------------- Steve Luck Sign Magic Inc. 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 (618)466-9120 signmagic@sbcglobal.net Posts: 870 | From: 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 | Registered: Dec 2004
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here is a redraw. changed the flames and added a few. moved the name to an area with more contrast. Redid the lettering. I have to deal with quite a few hinges and latches on the toolbox so I am trying hard to miss them. disregard the nodes on the 'hottest signs' line.
-------------------- Jerry VanHorn, Pres. Pure Sports Designs, LLC Pro Sign Design / United Wholesale Signs www.prosigndesign.comwww.unitedwholesalesigns.com West Liberty, OH 937-465-0595 866-942-3990 Since 1990 Posts: 925 | From: West :Liberty, OH | Registered: May 2004
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posted
Hey Jerry, Looks cool with the flames but I like Jill's white letters better for contrast. They could have a process blue outline around the white for more definition and maybe not a black drop shadow; some other darker blue would be more attractive. I agree with everyone about the fonts being different as well. I have probably 3000 fonts and always try to use something different whenever possible.
Stay creative. try going to 1001freefonts.com and check out what's new. I found one called Galaxy outlined that would work for you.
Did you notice my smiley face is gone?
Sign-cerely, Steve
-------------------- Steve Luck Sign Magic Inc. 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 (618)466-9120 signmagic@sbcglobal.net Posts: 870 | From: 2718-b Grovelin Godfrey, Illinois 62035 | Registered: Dec 2004
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My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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There is a handle in the middle of Sign.. Isnt that what your advertising? PRO SIGN DESIGN? I wouldn't put the name of my company whre something is gonna screw it up.. I cant imagine
Jason D
-------------------- Jason Davie 193 Front Street Deposit, NY 13754 Posts: 976 | From: USA | Registered: Jul 2001
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posted
This might might sound kinda "nasty" but every time I look at the actual name..I kinda want to see the top of the "d" in "design" ascend up into the space between the "r" and the "o" in "Pro".
It would take some careful kerning of all the letering, but it might work out.
I know that the words "Sign" and the end of De"sign"already line up fine...
But it is just a thought.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
posted
The hottest signs in the arae reads much better the way Jill has it, white with a black outline...forget the shadow. Also the two tone shadow/outline treatment on the main logo is really confusing. There is no punch going on. The s in design is really suffering. It would look a lot better with a heavy black outline and shadow around the yellow letters, then a purple pinline around the shadow.....it'll POP!
The boom lettering would read a lot better if it were just black letters. Like some others have said, there's an awful lot going on and too much of it is too hard to read.
-------------------- George Perkins Millington,TN. goatwell@bigriver.net
"I started out with nothing and still have most of it left"
posted
Way too overdone and far too busy since youre a sign business and not related to any industry dealing with fire. "real fire" is fastly becoming the most overused and worn out inappropriate effect in the custom paint industry,and now everyone who can print it and slap it on something puts it on everything and every place it doesnt belong....kinda like the brush script of effects.....nothing wrong with it but it doesnt "fit" here.........its far too distracting sa a backround. Just an honest opinion
-------------------- Gavin Chachere Plotter in the garage,New Orleans La.
"Sgts Shugart and Gordon again request permission to rope down to crash site two" Posts: 1223 | From: new orleans.la. | Registered: Mar 2000
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posted
I have to agree, its a bit over designed. Bells and whistles don't replace good design, I think your trying to over achive here, sometimes we do on our own work I would go back to black & white on this and get a good layout for this truck... THEN add some jazz. Aside from that, I understand your letterstyle is Serpentine and you don't want to change that, but the justified right look is bothering me....
Pro Sign design
it just looks redundant. Maybe do it all on 1 line across the whole truck, or try it justified left.
-------------------- Ken McTague, Concept Signs 57 Bridge St. (route 107) Salem MA 01970 1-978-745-5800 conceptsign@yahoo.com http://www.pinheadlounge.com/CaptainKen
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"A wise man once said that, or was it a wise guy?" Posts: 2425 | From: Salem, MA | Registered: Apr 1999
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posted
I have to agree, backgrounds should be just that. Kill the flames or make them very subtle. The whole composition fails because of that. But I know how hard it is when we focus on a certain element and are attached to using it then trying to make the whole thing work around it.
Jerry blur your eyes and back away from the monitor then you will see what your audience will see.
[ May 02, 2006, 08:38 AM: Message edited by: Bob Rochon ]
-------------------- Bob Rochon Creative Signworks Millbury, MA 508-865-7330
"Life is Like an Echo, what you put out, comes back to you." Posts: 5149 | From: Millbury, Mass. U.S. | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
woof. It is getting busy. I am designing my own shop truck right now and am facing the same challenges and temptations.
I kinda see a kitchen sink approach goin' on there, and I can relate.....on my truck I'm thinkin' do I keep the tribal, the grid, or the custom flame I made especially for this design? I'm not following my own advice 'cause I'm still crazy enough to think I can keep all three...
But one piece of advice if I can....on the DVD there are three or four totally different styles of flame--to give the broadest appeal possible....anyway, it looks like you are mixing a couple of 'em that don't go that well together in this latest image from you. I'd take the same flame in to Photoshop and duplicate it onto a new layer, then distort it somewhat with the warp tool. also work on the relative transparency of each layer and try using the eraser tool at half opacity to remove regions of the top layer for depth. The smudge tool is also your friend.
In the end, ya just gotta go with what you love Jerry...to heck with what everyone else thinks. Just back off on it, pretend it was someone else's work, and think of how you'd do it better, then "Sacrifice your Darlings" as Stephen King says of his writing.
I know ya love all them elements.....and all of 'em are cool, but it's like burritos and apple pie...both are great, just not mixed together...
But as for "Real Fire" being overused--I disagree. I think it has been in a lot of mags and on TV lately, but locally? NOPE. In plenty of places the hot rod guys, the tuners, and so on are just beginning to get wind of the availability of GOOD real fire decals. There is still a big market for this kinda stuff. In fact it's really just getting started, and when Volume two comes out with a lot more of everything...including more than twice as many images, more flames as well as incorporating tribals, skulls, eagles and more it's gonna get even bigger.
Somebody in this industry said something along the lines of: "it is coming down to those who have already entered the digital print market, and those who are about to."
And like it or not, that's really true. The digital printer is to traditional cut vynull what the plotter was to paint. It is changing, or will change the way we think about everything we do as digital printing becomes more prevalent in the smaller shops.
Sorry to soapbox on your thread Jerry. I know you'll get that truck looking the way you want it. I've seen enough of your work to know its often COMPLEX and INTRICATELY designed. Just figure out where complex started turning into BUSY and you'll have it whipped.
Best to you bro! I really am gonna have to get back with you on the photography thing....
[ May 02, 2006, 10:51 AM: Message edited by: Barry Branscum ]
posted
I always just look at the pic and scroll past everyones ideas and post my own, then read theirs. That way, I aint influenced. I love your logo Jerry, and the colors on it look great to me. I would resize the flames some to make them more viewable? I think the lettering on the front you had at the first one was good, just drop the white shade. And the font on the back listing services should be changed to something more like the logos lettering. I reallly like your logo. It really stands out in my opinion.
-------------------- Maker of fine signs and other creative stuff. Located at 109 N. Cumberland ave. Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-837-0242 Posts: 4172 | From: Ages-Brookside, Ky. Up the Holler... | Registered: Jul 1999
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The fast action of the graphic seems at odds with the slow and careful nature of using one of those trucks. Fast and furious doesn't jive with slow and safe.
Just an opinion from an ex-serviceman.
-------------------- Jeff Ogden 8727 NE 68 Terr. Gainesville FL, 32609 Posts: 2138 | From: 8827 NE 68 Terr Gainesville Fl 32609 | Registered: Aug 2002
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Just a thought here, Jerry isn't advertising his bucket truck, he's advertising his sign business. He's used his logo consistantly on all other advertising, so I can see why he wants to use it on here.
Flames aren't my cup of tea, but Jerry's business is very different from mine. He has racing bikes, trailers, etc and is big into that market. Why wouldn't he advertise the flames and the bling he can do??
I like the first layout better than the second. The first thing I notice is that the yellow logo is place over the yellow flames. Could you move those flames further back and have a dark blue background in the area that you logo is? I like the way the flames are in the second layout better than the first.
Suelynn
-------------------- "It is never too late to be what you might have been." -George Eliot
Suelynn Sedor Sedor Signs Carnduff, SK Canada Posts: 2863 | From: Carnduff, SK Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
just another quirk of mine... not to directly dis Jerry's design at all...
but why do we as sign people display the name of our company "Joe's Signs" proudly on our vehicle then proceed to tell them that we make: Signs and vehicle lettering too...
thats just what i tell customers when they come in... "Joe's Roofing" then the secondary text, sure enough.... Roofing, Siding, Gutters....
Like Joe's Roofing, needs to tell people they do, Roofing.
On Jerry's truck the word "sign" appears 5 times,
let me guess, you make...Signs
-------------------- Ken McTague, Concept Signs 57 Bridge St. (route 107) Salem MA 01970 1-978-745-5800 conceptsign@yahoo.com http://www.pinheadlounge.com/CaptainKen
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"A wise man once said that, or was it a wise guy?" Posts: 2425 | From: Salem, MA | Registered: Apr 1999
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posted
Hey guys and gals. Thanks for all the advice. I am going to go back to work on paying jobs and hit the bucket again next week. I will stop to look at the design each day and come back with a new and improved version.
keep the opinions coming.
Jerry
-------------------- Jerry VanHorn, Pres. Pure Sports Designs, LLC Pro Sign Design / United Wholesale Signs www.prosigndesign.comwww.unitedwholesalesigns.com West Liberty, OH 937-465-0595 866-942-3990 Since 1990 Posts: 925 | From: West :Liberty, OH | Registered: May 2004
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posted
I guess I should said a little more than just "too busy"...
If you want to use the flames Jerry, do it moderation. IMHO, that just screams "LOOKA MY FLAMES!" when it should be promoting your business.
Try this instead... You have a solid logo...one that you've been using for a while. With it, you got an image and recognition. Incorporate the flames around it or as a smaller image along the bottom of the truck. Treat the fire more like a stripe than a total covering. I liked the blue...
Keep the sub text simple as Ken points out. Rapid
[ May 02, 2006, 10:11 PM: Message edited by: Ray Rheaume ]
-------------------- Ray Rheaume Rapidfire Design 543 Brushwood Road North Haverhill, NH 03774 rapidfiredesign@hotmail.com 603-787-6803
I like my paint shaken, not stirred. Posts: 5648 | From: North Haverhill, New Hampshire | Registered: Apr 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Jeff Ogden: Jerry...I'm with the way too busy crowd.
The fast action of the graphic seems at odds with the slow and careful nature of using one of those trucks. Fast and furious doesn't jive with slow and safe.
Just an opinion from an ex-serviceman.
Jeff, that was a good laugh. Why can't you imagine me taking that truck at 85mph around the clover leaf off ramp?? Haven't you ever seen any of my videos of my motorcycle racing?? I take the bucket and hang it to the inside curbing to counter the outside forces of the turn.
-------------------- Jerry VanHorn, Pres. Pure Sports Designs, LLC Pro Sign Design / United Wholesale Signs www.prosigndesign.comwww.unitedwholesalesigns.com West Liberty, OH 937-465-0595 866-942-3990 Since 1990 Posts: 925 | From: West :Liberty, OH | Registered: May 2004
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-------------------- Ken McTague, Concept Signs 57 Bridge St. (route 107) Salem MA 01970 1-978-745-5800 conceptsign@yahoo.com http://www.pinheadlounge.com/CaptainKen
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"A wise man once said that, or was it a wise guy?" Posts: 2425 | From: Salem, MA | Registered: Apr 1999
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-------------------- Ken McTague, Concept Signs 57 Bridge St. (route 107) Salem MA 01970 1-978-745-5800 conceptsign@yahoo.com http://www.pinheadlounge.com/CaptainKen
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"A wise man once said that, or was it a wise guy?" Posts: 2425 | From: Salem, MA | Registered: Apr 1999
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posted
I like the simplicity of Ray's, but if you're trying to sell flame jobs, people would probably relate to the orange flames better for now. I don't think people are tired of them quite yet. Your second layout hit me as too busy. And I vote with the keep it simple crowd.
I hate to change it now.
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