posted
OK, here is the situation...We have been in business for a while and have just taken a retail space and we need a sign... (makes sense since we do signs, I would like a kick @#$$ sign) we are in a historic district and the current signs are FLAT Painted and peeling. I also would not mind using gold or a similiar period type sign. no regs on colors only size, but that might be waiverable to a point.
We have had sort of a branding ... thing that represented the studio we work from (in our home) I now need to incorporate this into a sign and some branding that we can now use in marketing, sign and such. Here is the current design on our website, [URL=http://www.hilltopgraphics.com ]Hilltop Graphics webpage[/URL] on the from page. So, I am asking for a few suggestions and a little help ... or maybe a lot of each . So, I see a bunch of talent here and i can not think of a better group to ask. Thanks in advance
-------------------- Tom Davis Hilltop Graphics 41665 Fenwick Street Leonardtown, MD 20650 Posts: 39 | From: MD | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
I can appreciate the sentiments in appealing to this group for help but you have to have something to work with.
After having been to your website, I see nothing to start with. I see no "logo" or other branding available.
So imput on your end would be most helpful.
Have a great one!
-------------------- Bruce Bowers
DrCAS Custom Lettering and Design Saint Cloud, Minnesota
"Things work out best for the people who make the best of the way things work out." - Art Linkletter Posts: 6451 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
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I had a look too, and had much the same response as Bruce. You have a colour scheme and typography to work with - and a company name, of course...but no clear visual identity or positioning. Techniques for fabricating your sign, or to incorporate into your design should probably not be your first consideration. You need a logo. The pro's here will probably have tonnes of great suggestions for you if you start with some ideas of your own.
Where sign design (and fabrication techniques) are concerned, it might be helpful to show some pics of the neighbouring businesses and of your new retail location (congrats, BTW)...superimpose your ideas for a sign design over that and seek suggestions.
Just an idea.
Good luck to you.
-------------------- Jon Aston MARKETING PARTNERS "Strategy, Marketing and Business Development" Tel 705-719-9209 Posts: 1724 | From: Barrie, ON, CANADA | Registered: Sep 2000
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OK, I understand.. I have asked my wife.. the others graphics person or the boss, to generate what she would like to see on the sign. We have had a few discussions.. really good ones... as to what the sign should look like... hence i figure that group could help mediate. heehehe.
I will take a few pictures of the local signs on the buildings and post them to give an idea.
Here is a question: Do you still think that the window should be included in the sign?
-------------------- Tom Davis Hilltop Graphics 41665 Fenwick Street Leonardtown, MD 20650 Posts: 39 | From: MD | Registered: Nov 2005
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So what you are saying is...the window and type is your logo? Your not asking for a logo critique so I will not give it but I did not catch that from your website.
I personally believe your identity should be consistant throughout. I would not design your logo to the website or to the sign alone, it should work for everything, or at the very least consider what your logo is going to be on before you design it.
My advice is reconsider what your "logo" actually is, if you must re design it, re design it so it works with all your marketing materials, sign, card and letterhead.
-------------------- Rick Chavez Hemet, CA Posts: 1538 | From: Hemet,CA U.S.A. | Registered: Jun 2001
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OK, some good feed back here from everyone. I have taken a few pictures and created a website to show, the where we are and the additional signs I referenced in the first post. Here is the website www.hilltopgraphics.com/web it shows the signs in the area (some need a bunch of work)and others that are not that creative.
as far as the redesign... Maybe I could ask this.. I am sort of wondering if the window could work as our logo, Problem I see is that it really does not show, what we do... except for the fact that in the watermark shows art elements. We do signs, gifts, glass art etc.
posted
Hi Tom, your link doesn't work. However, I found your site and really like the colours. When you think logo, remember that it should work in black and white before adding colors, that's where your window will lose all effect. So no, personally I don't think it can work as a logo. Maybe one of your glass art elements in combination with the font you have been using? I'm envisioning a diamond shaped design to the left of Hilltop Graphics on two lines. The design has to be rather "light" to work with the typestyle. Just an idea.
I think it's also hard to give design suggestions without knowing the dimensions of the sign. How will it layout? Will it be vertical or horizontal, rectangular or oval? I think if you want to incorporate the window, you might use a pictorial off to the side or above the lettering in a cut out shape, depending on the layout and probably brighten the colors a bit. I wouldn't jog your text like it is on your website, it will leave odd negative space on your sign. Try either putting it all on one line or stacking it, again depending on the layout. You might also want to bolden it up a bit. It does look more like it was designed for a website or print, than for a sign.
For really great feedback, do a preliminary design and post it on the general forum.
-------------------- Tracie Johnson Signovations Ventura, California Posts: 444 | From: Ventura, California | Registered: Nov 2005
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Hi Tom, Can you explain the reasoning for wanting the window in your logo? Is it because you feel you have built up a certain amount of recognition with that image. I can see the window shape working better with a "Roman" or "Greek" look. Perhaps either as a black and white (or other pastel colour) or the frame as a tone on tone faded out image. I'd definitely beef up the font somewhat as well. If you plan on continuing to use the window for business cards and other advertising, then I think the idea of just incorporating the frame could tie the two together. I agree with Tracie on posting a design on the general forum. This forum isn't too well travelled, unfortunately.
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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I really like the feed back so far and I will have to do a design and post. The window, you are correct whenyou say that we have a bit or recognition with the window, it was where Hilltop started in our studio, and we have a pladium window that my wife looked out everyday. However, I am not real sure that it really functions in all aspects as a logo. I was also thinking maybe the Name stacked, as tracie said and then maybe the window off to the side or that could just not be included.
As you can see just to many choices :-)
-------------------- Tom Davis Hilltop Graphics 41665 Fenwick Street Leonardtown, MD 20650 Posts: 39 | From: MD | Registered: Nov 2005
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Tom, perhaps an option that would be worth considering would be to hire someone from this website to design your logo for you. If you have been around for a while you should have a good idea of whose work you like. It might cost a bit, but the image it projects would be worth it. You may even find it is worth while keeping a designer on board to help out on some of your projects. Just work the price into the sign quote. Designing your own logo is always the hardest and if you are having troubles the money would be well spent. It should pay back in the customers it draws.
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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![[Smile]](smile.gif)
. So, I see a bunch of talent here and i can not think of a better group to ask. Thanks in advance
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