posted
Below is a design I spent about 25-30 minutes doing for a guy who requested some "ideas"...a fellow from this site.
Unfortunately the post was removed so I never got a reaction to my labors and I really don't know who the guy was...
But I thought it might be at least worthy as a subject for critique and provide some valuable insight as far as "what would you have done" differently goes...
So here it is....I have a few things that, given more time, I would have rethought....give it your good/bad/presto chango critique please.
Oh...and if I remember correctly...I think this was going to be used for an internet site selling mucic related shirts or something..and it was supposed to be geared towards acoustic guitar music...
Edit: I did get a few user comments before the thread disappeared - thank you for those - and am hoping the guy requesting help might still notice this and it would at least spawn some ideas for him.
posted
Just by a quick glance I love it and was thinking how that would be a cool 3d sign.
-------------------- Sam Staffan Mackinaw Art & Sign 721 S. Nokomis St. Mackinaw City, MI dstaffan@sbcglobal.net Posts: 1697 | From: Mackinaw City, MI | Registered: Mar 2004
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I think you "nailed" the concept from the original thread. I want to say almost every time I see your designs I think "WOW, that is so fresh and contemporary".
You have a great eye for detail and design.
Do you ever design for other sign companies?
Regards, Bob C.
-------------------- Bob Cole American Sign Company 14163 Akron Canfield Rd. Berlin Center, Ohio 44401
A.K.A. Vinylman® Posts: 575 | From: Berlin Center, Ohio, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Todd, you've given an extremely effective design solution to the poster's inquiry. It's attractive and unique, enough so to generate more than a passing glance.
About the only thing you might explore, is changing the acoustical guitar portion to the same green that you've used in the ornamentation surrounding "General Store". This would emphasize the guitar relationship, and frame the overall design nicely. As it is, the green around General store seems to be just a bit isolated. as a separate element.
Excellent design overall though.
-------------------- Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail: kjmlhenry@rogers.com
Why do I get all those on-line offers to sell me Viagara, when the only thing hardening is my arteries ? Posts: 2684 | From: London,Ontario, Canada | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted
I like it...and I'm thinking Ken's suggestion is spot-on. I would experiment with changing the outline on "Acoustic" to that shade as well. One realllly niggly suugestion would be to make the highlight on the "general stre" panel have the same light source as on the "Acoustic". Nice job, Todd. Love.....Jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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posted
Nice job there Todd, I read the post last night and thought I would also have a go at something to help him out, seemed like he was really down on his luck, and it seemed like a fun theme to work with...its been a busy day so far today
Looked this morning and it was gone....something more to do with Doug Allans negative comments, which was probably the last thing the poor guy wanted.
His name is Tim Borden, if you search under that the heading of the post comes up but not the content
posted
for the record... to the best of my recollection...
...my post, which was 100% meant to inspire and encourage, was as follows:
Tim, my first suggestion is to turn off the TV and DRAW!
Over the last 6 years here, I have seen a few people hire artists they met here, & I've seen 100's more receive help on developing their own designs based on their own drawings. You've asked for help to "prod" you along in the design process, but you've also offered to pay for help. That is usually not the way it turns out.
I later clarified my original meaning here to be that unless someone just wants to hire out the entire design job... having the letterheads help "prod" a designer to develop his own drawing NEVER costs money, because nobody here would EVER accept money for simple design "prodding" (unfortunately, Tim thought I meant to imply he would offer payment, but later refuse it. Nothing could be further from the truth)
I went on attempting to encourage further with a link to my own experience 6 years ago, mentioning that as soon as suggestions are received, he could make some of the suggested changes & post them, as I had done. This usually will draw out more valuable contributions, and further reworks by the designer, results in even further positive responses by this community.
That is what happened on my logo design request. Check it out HERE
If anybody thinks I had ill intent on that thread, you are welcome to your opinion, but you are absolutely mistaken, so please spare me the additional burden of misrepresenting my intentions.
Only I know my intentions were pure, & those who choose to believe otherwise, suffer in silence. You can not prove what is not true.
To the 6 or so people who saw my post & encouraged Tim to see the inherent good in my intentions... I'd appreciate a little validation after 2 days of false judgement.
[ August 28, 2007, 01:13 AM: Message edited by: Doug Allan ]
posted
Todd, You did nail it. I had no idea anyone was working on it. The time period style is perfect for the styles of music that make up what is called "Americana".
I asked for the post to be deleted. Yes, I've had a rough month, and feel emotionally (and now financially) bankrupt. As I mentioned to Henry, yesterday was like stepping on the head of a drowning man. It's like telling a diabetic to "shake it off". Depression is usually the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. I'll crawl out of it soon, and be back to an easier abnormal life.
I need to polish up the design I worked up today. It won't be in the same class of work as yours, but I've embarassed myself enough here the last couple of days, one more won't hurt at all.
I deeply appreciate your consideration, time and effort. And as I originally posted, expect to pay. I had a deadline, but just didn't have it in me.
I'll contact you privately about payment.
Thanks to everyone for responding!
Tim Borden
-------------------- Tim Borden Speedy's Signs & Banners Jasper, AL
"World Class Entremanure" Posts: 74 | From: Jasper, AL, USA | Registered: May 1999
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Nothing I post on this site as a suggestion is "for payment"....I view it as simply a helpful suggestion, the same as many people here do. If someone likes it, and it fills the bill...then it's done - what the heck - use it.
I do it if I have time, and the inclination to help...it's not the same as privately negotiating a commissioned design....but thanks for the offer.
Just do what you need to do to start feeling better....sounds like you're under a lot of pressure and stress lately...tough stuff for anyone to deal with.
I would ask you just to give another consideration that Doug wasn't really trying to be cruel...he was trying to be encouraging. I don't think he was or would intentionally try and berate someone who was down.
A few of the other posts were definitely insensitive...but I don't think his was intended as such.
Take care Tim...hoping and expecting that your future will be bright - you've got a lot to look forward to.
If you want or need the file I created...let me know and I'll send it over to you - just let me know the format, ok?
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3488 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
Todd, Thanks again for your help. I'll send you the stuff I've been working on. Probably like most people, I'm my own worst critic. I can take care of customers, and they're usually very grateful. Their new logo often seems to inspire them, and they're soon sending new customers.
My wife called last night, after having just a little too much wine. It was a very good reminder for me. Now, I just have to figure out how to pay for my home again. Somehow, I've always survived. Plenty of stories there, but it's time to shut up.
Thanks again, Tim
-------------------- Tim Borden Speedy's Signs & Banners Jasper, AL
"World Class Entremanure" Posts: 74 | From: Jasper, AL, USA | Registered: May 1999
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posted
Hi Todd, I sent the art I worked on to the address that's listed for you. I'm guessing that's not the current account you're using.
Will you send me your email address? Feel free to do whatever you want with it. I haven't added any effects.
I greatly appreciate your offer of help.
Uh-oh! I didn't notice all the options for email. I don't mind posting it for everyone to see, but as easy as I'm sure it is, I don't know how to attach files to a post.
Thanks, Tim Borden
[ September 05, 2007, 02:40 PM: Message edited by: Tim Borden ]
-------------------- Tim Borden Speedy's Signs & Banners Jasper, AL
"World Class Entremanure" Posts: 74 | From: Jasper, AL, USA | Registered: May 1999
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I received your email and the design was pretty good!
A couple small things I'd change, but overall I like how you handled the "banjo" and the bottom half of the design...
May I post your design so that others can critique it and give opinions both positive and negative feedback? I think that is a great way to forge a pretty decent design into a great one.
Let me know, and I'll gladly post it for you.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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posted
Sure. I'd like to see it with effects. I've had a little trouble catching on with Photoshop, but I have an idea of what I'd like to do with it. The thing I'm least comfortable with is the arch over the head stock of the banjo.
Thanks again! Tim
-------------------- Tim Borden Speedy's Signs & Banners Jasper, AL
"World Class Entremanure" Posts: 74 | From: Jasper, AL, USA | Registered: May 1999
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posted
Todd, if you can, post the banjo in a format people can use. I'm not sure anyone has a need for a vectorized banjo, but I couldn't find anything with detail, so I gave it a try myself. As you can see, I carry anal to a whole new level.
I was considering a wood panel, then thought about a metal sign with a little Machine Wash effects, like some distressing with a little rust thrown in.
I spent the first 19 years of my adult life calling on small country stores, and the sudden growth of chain convenience stores, combined with effects of (needed) EPA rules, closed the majority of these stores. The EPA rules required extensive testing of ground where gasoline tanks had been stored. If the ground was contaminated, it could cost up to $250,000 to remove the tanks, clean up the contaminated area, then install new tanks and pumps. Luckily, I read the handwriting on the wall, and left for greener pastures many years ago.
Now that I've gotten off topic, I see so many distressed signs around at customers' former businesses. Ooooh! Now that I think about it, that's depressing. I think I should stay with a new look.
Thanks again. As a visitor I feel like I'm stealing everytime I come here. I have been a resident at one time, and the benefits are well worth it.
I've also made so many mistakes in my business, it doesn't seem like I ever have the extra cash. Mistakes? I should be working with the DEA. I can spot a pill or crack head from 10 miles away. Fall for their tough luck story, and I suddenly have another piece of dead weight, stealing time and nearly every hand tool I have. Then, before you know it, their creative absences are setting my production schedule.I don't need any negative input from others here, because I know what I've done. I already feel like I've earned a spot in Ripley's Most Gullible. Finally discovering the weaknesses I have is a first step in finding my strengths.
I know most people would consider me being too open. These aren't excuses, just warning signs for newbies, or anyone else who realizes they're not making the progress they are capable of. In my case, it's called terminal kindness. I don't want to change my compassion for people, but I have to learn where to draw the line.
Again, I'm only so open because I hope someone might identify their own weaknesses. Everyone here's a grahics professional, so this is an effort to pay some back rent.
Thanks, Tim
-------------------- Tim Borden Speedy's Signs & Banners Jasper, AL
"World Class Entremanure" Posts: 74 | From: Jasper, AL, USA | Registered: May 1999
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