I really like these -- the mask suggests anonymity and adds whimsy while the text is serious. I forgot to consider how the logo would look against black so I'd be inclined to use another shade of gray (!) instead of the black. I haven't actually read the book but I own a dungeon so I'm sort of immersed in that world.
Typically, you'll want more than one color variation of your logo for different applications; for example one for a black background and one for white. We are obligated to include whatever color variants you need at no extra charge. Its included with the contest. :-)
I have uploaded variations of the logo as it would be on a black background.
Thank you. Ions of your variants keeps rising to the top, my wife just reminded me the logo should include .com but doesn't need to draw particular attention it.
What I really like is that the logo conveys anonymity and in a way is perfect for different types of play parties because it's not bdsm specific. On the other hand, what if an element of say, bondage could be incorporated subtly; or a reference to an instrument of pain such as whip, flogger, electrical play, paddle, etc. we're going to have violet wand stations for electrical play so that's why I included electrical play in with all the impact play. Since I preach that bdsm does not have to include pain a suble bondage message may be more appropriate. Or maybe it's perfect as it is. Just doing free association here.
In a strange coincidence sort of thing I realized when I saw your location that I was looking at your designs on my iPad while I was in a car passing through Yuma on the way to Tucson for a few nights. Small world.
How funny. Yep, Yuma is home. Born and raised. I take it then that SD stands for San Diego? :-)
I will be adding the .com to the logo and I am actively exploring the bondage aspect without being too literal and just straight up featuring a tied up girl. :-) But I could do that too.
Yes SD is home. There are some really creative entries but I keep coming back to yours. Good point about the girl -- I have silhouettes of femdoms painted on a dungeon wall and frequently get comments that it's too female centric. I like the idea of incorporating bondage but not sure how to keep it discreet. Maybe the name coveys it.
I'm looking at doing something with the ribbons on the mask, but each time I change it, it seems like 'too much' ... I am going to sleep on it and take another crack at this in the morning. :-)
I did not find a good solution for showing bondage with the mask ties, but then I think emphasizing them by making them RED is subtle enough. Red satin ribbon... and let the imagination wander from there.
Brilliant thinking about the red ribbon! I like it. Thank you for the filigree texture. Wow. It's going to be difficult to decide and I'm having a focus group of local kinksters on Tuesday. I apologize for they delay. It turns out we had no internet or cell connectivity for a couple of days and that was completely not planned and it put me behind on the logo process.
Oh wow -- it would have been great to meet and I could have shown you the dungeon! I went with your design because it manages to convey anonymity with the mask, the name 50Shades conveys the type of activity, and as you suggested, the ribbon is a subtle representation of bondage. When I tested logos with my target audience it was the clear favorite, though it was a difficult decision, especially among the top three.
It's after the fact now but I think I'll add a tag line which I will not always use but for special uses it would say "Safe, sane, consensual and sensual BDSM play". (no period). If you feel like adding that using the same or a compatible font that would be great but of course you are not obligated to do so.
Your color variations were perfect from the start and I appreciate the variations for printing against black.
And next time you're in SD please come check out the space. I will certainly comp you in to our first party which is tentatively scheduled for October 18!
I was just checking in on the contest when I got the email. :-) I am pleased to have provided a suitable design for you! :-)
I am going to upload the final files to the site which consists of 1 EPS and 1 JPEG (that's all they give me room to upload.) The rest of the files need to be sent to you separately via email. What is a good email address to send them to?
And I would be happy to provide a version that has the tagline! Not a problem. Also any other variations you need. :-)
Aha! I was just going to write to inquire about the files for printing on black and you just answered my question. My email address is dave *at* dk3studios dott com and I very much appreciate your offer about variations. (Ts the one for printing on dark surfaces on a transparent background, I assume?) Within hours of receiving the logo files I'm ordering some promo shirts, event tickets and business cards. Yay!
Great timing on checking in. I apologize for delays on this project but shortly after I started the contest I wound up in a place lacking internet for a few days and then some unexpected businesses issues caused delays. I thought August would be a really slow month so that's why I wanted to start the contest then. I think I was wrong about that.