thanks for the contest... I love Judaic design... and I attend and teach at Beth Am in Los Altos CA! Please give feedback so I can try to make the best design for your logo. Carol.
I like that you are using blue and it could be a logical extension for what we are using now. See www.betamshalom.org. On thing to keep in mind -- It's important for us that we try to use standard fonts (what is found in Microsoft Word) for the type treatments. Also, all logos should work in black and white.
Specifics
Submissions 4 and 5 -- I am concerned about readability at smaller and larger sizes.
Submission 12 - I think may be complicated for people to understand, particularly and all the sizes it needs to works (including signage)..
Submission 9 I'm not sure hands communicate a synagogue -- as it's rather generic.
Submission 6 is an interesting direction -- but is there a way could be less "corporate?" -- There are a lot of has a lot of hard edges and perhaps the flame could be graphic but not quite so stiff. Or can the shimash of the menorah -- can it provide some sort contrast to the hard lines of the arms of the menorah
Submission 8 is an interesting symbol but i would experiment with different fonts and the relationship between the symbol and type. It feels a little like a "greeting card" - and not the name of an institution.
With these comments in mind -- I would focus on submission 8 and 9.
I keep on trying ... wanted to try to focus on the "house of people of peace" concept... or other symbols that are meaningful the 7 branch menorah and the ner tamid. I have some others that are a bit too close to other entries... but will keep thinking of ideas... I assume you don't want any play on the hebrew letters - but could do that a few other ways if you want.
Entry 57 is interesting. You might try experimenting with the star and the square. There is something nice about the positive and negative space . . between the star and the square. It's great in color but remember it must work in black and white/grey.
Entry 58 is interesting as well. The idea of people holding hands. Could you explore different type treatments with the mark? Tx
Entry 61 is also interesting - people as components of the Jewish star. How do you think that would work in black and white? Does it need the extra Jewish star in the center? You might also want to think about what would work in the banner on our website at www.betamshalom.org. Thanks!
any of my designs can be done in black and white or black white and grey as an option. once the contest is over you will get various versions layouts and formats you might require.
I stick with the Judaic contests because I like doing it - I hope you will pick me for the winner or at least one of the top 3... but know that I really like working with Jewish organizations on their projects for both graphics and promotional materials.
some tweaks to the design. Let me know if you want different options.
Note - the inspiration for this design started with a doodle done on my notes while in our Torah Study Class discussed Jacob's building of the altar at Beth-El and about the influence of this on the concept of sacred places.
ok I have uploaded various versions. Let me know if you want different combinations, different fonts, different colors...
after you have chosen... if one of my designs is selected we do send alternate version after the contest - 1 color, vertical / horizontal layout and different formats as well.
We really like the star/people concept but not sure these variations will read well when smaller. Can we see #153 in 2 colors. Can you perhaps try to tweak the design a bit in other ways?
I actually asked my 6th graders tonight for ideas on how to make people into the star of David... so I submit this with their influence! they said it reminded them of a friendship circle!
Thanks for the additional designs! I think we still like the simpler original (#61 and #68). Can we see #61 in the same 2 colors but without the star in the middle? I also wonder what #68 would look if only one of the people were in color. Thanks!