Hi, I have tried to produce a logo that will catch the eye. I designed it with your banner in mind, while you may need an extra 100px(height) to fit it in the colors have been matched to your site and I think they would blend in nicely. (especially with the death valley pic on the front page). My other idea was using the "o" as a watermark. Any feedback/variations welcome, Thanks, Nik
I like the colors of Entry #63... And conveying "nature" is nice, maybe place the horizon just below the name with a sunrise behind everything, but then again I need something that can be reproduced elsewhere (of if/when I decided to change website colors). Photographic symbols such as a lens, unexposed film with the little cutouts along the edges, camera, etc might show the viewer more of what the website is about at a glance. I'm trying to enlist friends and clients to help direct me also and some comments are along the lines of not knowing what eXacteXposure.com is just by looking at logo. Needs to be more specific and one client in Dallas stated "David, not exactly sure what I am supposed to do, but they are all just ok. They all need more PUNCH. more vibrancy. Just my thought."
yes makes sense, excellent feedback. I was thinking that your needing to convey two elements; 1. The technical standards of your work 2. The artistic quality of you images These are two things that are almost opposite #63 is an idea around the lens incorporating a tag, the lens obviously is the technical dynamism, I am thinking of a way to squeeze some more nature in there, the tag could convey the message to keep things as "clean" as possible. Are you open to different tags?
Yes... Feel free to make any changes you like... I've been getting several of the same comments from people like my framer below:
"I think it's the right idea, but still, somehow, needs a little more ..... "something."
It's bugging me that I can't wrap my finger around what the something is? Maybe the look needs to be more even more professional? But that is that?
I like the color combination however. X's are getting better, but needs something. I don't like how the top of each X is exactly the same height. Maybe the \ is smaller than the / if that makes sense? Maybe a little less tall logo for website looks?
Not too sure about the "lens" look, would the average viewer see it as a lens or just some object next to the name? Maybe a symbol instead, unique to my site of course. That's the hard one I guess.
Hi, I have made some updates, I made "O" the symbol which I think adds a some dynamism (but is it too general), I am planning to try some tags but I wanted the logo to convey the message on its own before hand (H.Q. Fine art luster & canvas prints) was a thought for a tag.
I am wondering if the symbol needs to become more abstract...
#69 and #76 hold lots of promise. I agree that the symbol needs to become more abstract or unique. My buddy in Denver was thinking take the "symbol" away and incorporate it into just the "O". I'd like to see both ideas personally. I was looking at your little icon and maybe the "O" could be the center of the eye and the rest of the eye behind the letters... But that is just a quick brainstorm, may look completely awful. Just trying to through out ideas.
The film backgrounds with the curved corner is a nice idea, but on first inspection looks like it's just cut off due to the texture or lack of detail. So I like the full sheet of film look.
I'm liking the X'es, but the little tits/pieces of paint on top of each X looks too symmetrical for me. Maybe have only some of the tits at the top/bottom of the X'es, more random in size too as in real life. I think it's the details that separate good from great logos. Also, I want the size (or I think I do) of each X to be the same, but have the \ part of the X longer than the / stroke (or vise versa) and slightly thicker at the top (like starting a brush stroke and ending it at the bottom). You may feel that it weighs it too much at the top, not sure.
No matter what I think the key to the logo is to get the X'es right and work with the "O" as a symbol... Something I can use on its own even.
Your idea on the "O" inspired a bit of 3d. I have used different strokes on the X's and tried the "O" as being embedded. Are you planning to change the background color of your website, would you like to see logo on particular colors?
Entry # 86 and 87. The X'es are nice. I might like to see what the second X looks like flipped 180 degrees (look like the first X), but think this look will probably be better. As far as a particular color maybe have a standard background color like the blue? This would mean keeping the X'es less tall. So not sure if that would look good. Also I might like to see the symbol for the "O" smaller or "behind" the lettering... Again these suggestions may actually look worse, I'm just trying to keep my options open.
Thinking about adding a tagline such as these... But still trying to figure it out. Short and to the point: "Focusing on our World", "Fine Art Photography", "In Focus and Ready", "Focusing on Photography", "Everything Photographic", etc.
A slightly different angle, the film and aperture incorporating the tag. #98 #99 is a close up of the symbol (watermark) I have reduced the size of the X's.
I do like #85, 86, 87 X'es are better than #81, 82, 84, but I think entry #98 is very nice. This look for the X'es may work best
I like entry #98, but I'd like the .com closer to the eXacteXposure part. Not sure how the logo would look on a darker background however... Always a problem seeing image on light and dark backgrounds. The film canister might be a little thinner too. I like the "Fine Art Photography" placed after the P in eXacteXposure.com. Entry #114 is good also, but think it looks better "anchored" as in #98. I'll get friends opinions on this and let you know, but that's my initial impression.
I like entry #115 on the darker background and those X'es are in a close race with entry #98 X'es.
I also like #115 as a "simple" look, but the dual logos or images (such as with #112 and #113) don't look right or maybe it's busy? Maybe it's having two of the "O" is too much.
Some variations, #118 #119 #120 #121 #122 #123 #124 The thinner canister definitely looks better, looking at it now maybe the tag could extend the the end of the "e". I added some effects to give an idea of what different elements can do.
I really like some of the new looks. After talking to my buddy in Denver here are some our comments and ideas.
First #123 and 119 (118 is just on black I think) are very nice. I'm looking at the details at this point. I like that "Fine Art Photography" goes to the end of e... Actually I like that it "frames" the logo along with the .com. I'd like to see what the logo would look like with the .com flipped e.g. have the .com top facing the eXacteXposure or the . at the bottom (hope I'm explaining that right).
I'd like to see #123 (or others depending on how hard it is) without a reflection in the "O" and maybe even the 3D shutter, but same size as current #123 (not large 3D "O", same size as letters).
Speaking of letters it looks like the ct touch each other in the name eXact (vs. the re are "seperate" in the name eXposure)... It's a tiny thing, but think I'd like the letters not touching... Hope that makes sense. The very crisp look is what I'm after.
We both like the X'es being very similar (if not the same) and that they go or look the same direction (makes sense I hope?).
My friends and I would like to see what #119 looks like with "Fine Art Photography" all the way to end of e like #123.
updates, #129 #130 #131 #132 #133 #134 #135 #136 the x's are still slightly different I will update some with identical x's. Removing the reflection seems to of cleaned the look up especially at smaller sizes. Maybe the reflection could be used on larger formats web header's etc.. if at all.
I really really like #130 and #132. The "O" is nice and it just looks simple yet refined. In my opinion it's all about the little things and when you separated the "ct" it looks even sharper... It's always the little things. Hope this makes sense and you agree... If not please let me know.
I like the flipped .com vs the original one that was opposite.
I see that entries like #134 are like my favorites, but the "O" isn't a 3D look. I like the alternating colors and "sculpted" look of #130/132 better. I'm actually getting excited again about the logo potential... I can see you are really trying (and dealing with my nit-picky-ness) and it's paying off!
I think #133 is like # 130/132 with the exception of the .com positioning. I really like the way .com looks on #130/132 better. I think the .com "period" is like an anchor and helps the overall look. Hope this makes sense too?
Instead of a dark, black, lettering on a white background (entry #132) would a silverish look work? e.g. I'm trying to keep it all as one logo to be "printed" or seen on any media. Honestly I think the white lettering will work on most anything and it'll be the way to go, but interested in seeing different colors (Yellow for the X'es and such are perfect I think... but you can play if you have time). Again it's the little things and I think maybe just changing the "O" white section on #132 to black would streamline the look just like you've done in #130, but again I know you're trying to keep the "logo" of the "O" the same no matter what background, which is probably best for a "trademark" look... If I keep changing the colors then it's not really MY logo... Then again FedEx has a few different colors based on ground vs air... But now I'm getting side tracked I think.
OK, sorry for the long email... YOU are on the right track and I'm just brainstorming again (when I say right track you may have nailed it so now it's playtime I think if you have time -vs- other customers of yours). If you have any ideas that are similar to #130 go for it... again it's always the little things that mater to me. Maybe just maybe play with the tips of the X'es or sometime, but don't delete #130 from your inventory! I like it a LOT!
Keep "Fine Art Photography" as it's to-the-point and everyone likes it. Unless you have a killer tagline or something yourself of course. All CAPS might be a nice look for "Fine Art Photogrpahy".
Got some feedback from others today. All very positive, but a few suggestions...
1) Try putting "Fine Art Photography" in all small caps? Also, everyone agrees that "Fine Art Photography" is nice and to-the-point. So lets keep it unless you come up with an amazing slogan or something.
2) Several people mentioned it looks like "exact posure". Not me, but others have stated so (three out of ten actually), so maybe just a slight separation (spacing) between the "te" in eXacteXposure. But not so much so that it looks like two words.
3) My brother was wondering what the "O" would look like all white with no yellow. But not a critical look if you don't have time.
I too like "Fine Art Photography" I had an idea of "Fine Art Exposed"?
I have tried to address the "exact posure"... I just had the idea to offset the the two words #170 (completely changes the logo but thought id give you a look).
#154 #155 #156 #157 #158 have a noticeable gap between exact and exposure, from there on the gap is very subtle but there. I have tried a few different things feel free to mix and match if different elements are preferred.
The feedback is great!! If I have missed anything please say so and if anyone has input I'm glad to try and address it.
Thanks for the updates. Some comments by number (so maybe I group my ideas and it's not as confusing?)
1) I think I like the all caps for the "Fine Art Photography", however I'd like all the letters to be the same size in caps (no difference in size between the first of each word). I guess I wasn't clear enough when I said 'all caps'. I think the font size is about right, I don't want it too big. Whatever size looks good for the .com at the end of the logo you should make the "Fine Art Photography" letters. I like the fact that they 'frame' the logo and are the same size.
2) I don't care as much for entry #170 being split, but it's a nice try to give the words definition between each other. Speaking of which I do think the slight spacing between the t and e makes the logo read better. So I'm glad others made the comment it looked like "exact posure". Also, I just want to make sure all the "normal" letters are exactly level with each other (my mind is playing games I think and it looks like the first e is higher by a fraction, but that may be just because it's on its own and next to the first X). So ignore me if that isn't the case.
3) I see that you've tried to vary the colors like I asked. Thanks. You even tried to do some neat gradients with the colors and shadings. I like them, but think we should stick with a solid color.
4) Just to see what it would look like could you make the end of the a in eXact go straight down (without the whisp/upturn on the bottom end of it)? Not a major deal if that's the way the font is and you can't do it.
5) I personally LOVE #130 and if you can incorporate all the modifications into this look along with a black version (like entry #132) that would be great. If you could also do one with everything that is white being "silver". Entry #166 is nice, but keep the yellow parts yellow. Actually I'd like to see #166 with the X's matching the "O" in a light gray color. Also #160 is nice, but without the gradient (solid colors).
#183 Gap between words, letter "a", all caps not small caps... oops "x's" touched up a little (the "e" is level ;) #182 #181 Silver/gray versions #180 #179 Blue gray versions (the blue is the exact invert of the yellow) #178 #177 Gray "x's" I will also do a yellow symbol of this if you like... or even yellow/blue #176 #175 Black and white #174 I brought the "e's" a little closer in to the "x's" and also added a slight gradient on the symbol to stop the edges fading into nothing on the white version. #173 #172
I think I have covered those 5 points... looking forward to the next lot ;)
1) I like the gradient on the white version of the "O" (entry #172) as it does help with fading into a lighter background and adds a refined, more 3D look.
2) I like #173, 174, 175... BUT it looks like you squished the eXact when you made the space, and the space is just too much... It looks like two words now. I also don't like the e being closer to the X. Think we went backwards on this edit. Maybe a space as large as between the ur in eXposure. Maybe calling it a "space" makes you want to widen it too much. Very subtle adjustment is all.
3) I like that you took the bottom "swirl" off the letter "a" in eXact. Think it looks cleaner.
4) Looks like some of the extra paint "splats" above the X'es were removed from entry #130 vs #173... I can't really see any detail so I'm not sure which I like the best. Entry #172 closeup looks very nice, but think it does not have the extra splashes like #130 or there may be other subtle differences. Not sure if you knowingly changed anything or not and smaller versions hard to judge.
5) Not too sure about ALL CAPS -vs- only first letter being capitalized (like in entry #130). Maybe have the all caps version not quite as tall (so disregard what I said about same size as .com at end)? Or maybe just go back to original as in #130. I'll have to ask others about that one.
#192 Readjusted the spacing on the "e's" and the brought the words closer, reduced the caps tag height #193 #194 " " went back to the original tag #195 #196 " " replaced the "x's" with the original ones #197 #198 " " color variation #199 #200 a closer look at the "x"
i think the lower case tag is a little more refined but its personnel taste.
If you would like to see any other parts of the logo closer let me know.
My favorites are #196 and #197 with the extra paint above the top left of the X'es. Keep that!
Two "issues" as of right now:
1) I think that the first X is a little off centered between the e and a. I don't think it was moving the e closer, but now moving the X very very slightly to the left (toward the e). Visually I think this will look better (but it may be a optical illusion and I'm wrong). So if you could try that please... BUT after looking at it more (after I've typed this email), the illusion may be in my mind. Tinker with it and if you think I'm wrong just say so and don't mess with it.
2) I'm up in the air about the all caps and original first cap version. My initial reaction is to go with #196 and #197, but a friend said can you do it in small caps? e.g. all caps, but the first letter "capitalized/tall" and the other letters small but caps? Could you let me know what you think looks best too... If everyone I ask says the same thing (196 or 197) then I will know. Sometimes it's not all about just my opinion.
3) I just want to make sure after you placed the "act" in eXact back to the right that the letters aren't squished e.g. you used the original sizes like in entry #130. Hard for me to tell, so I thought I'd ask.
Also, #160 colors I like (not black letters going to silver/gray) but the grayish/silver color of the "O" part for all the letters. e.g. keep that "O" and match everything to it as #198 and #199 just don't do it for me.
Like I said earlier, it's now just about little things and I really like the overall look.
Most people like #196 vs #192, however in the all caps option make the first letters "tall" and the rest "normal".... Like in #196, but in all caps. Hope that makes sense. Also, a photo buddy sent me a font for the Fine Art Photography, it's called Copperplate.dfont (Mac). Not sure if you have that or if I'm making sense.
#208 adjusted the "x" (well spotted)... the 1st "x" is slightly larger than the 2nd? // made some subtle changes to the spacing "act" // #209 #210 In the requested font "Copperplate" #211 #212 A similar Adobe font #213 #214 Close up of "Copperplate" #215 Close up of "Adobe"
I can also try some other small caps if you like (#159 which is the small caps of the current font)
Yes, yes, #208 is much better with the X spacing. GREAT! Thanks
I don't like Adobe #212 and #215 font. Thanks for trying that one. I do like the Copperplate small caps. It's really hard for me to decide on small caps or leaving it original like #208 or #209. Maybe make #208 and #209 small caps and then compare them close up to the Copperplate small caps (#214 and #210)? I'm assuming #208 and #209 are the same font as the main text in eXacteXposure?
OK, I think I just figured out why #210 / #211 or closeup #214 small caps may look better... The small caps is "denser" or more normal looking while the Fine Art Photography in #208 and #209 has to be spread out ever so slightly to make it "fit". So visually small caps looks better. So please try small caps in the #208/#209 font and then it's just a matter of seeing if we like that or #210 / #211.
Really appreciate your help. We're about to narrow this down completely!
Been on the phone with buddy in Denver and he says the word spacing looks great (I think that maybe, just maybe the spacing between the "re" on eXposure might be closer than between any other letter grouping and that makes the "cte" look wide (especially between ct)? But if all the letters are spot on to you don't worry with it. I'm probably being too picky now.
#222 The original tag in small caps #223 #224 I made the "X's" exactly the same and added small amount of space between the "r and e" #225 #226 Close up of #224
The small caps I have used is a custom as it doesn't exist. I tried to match the size to #210 but if the letters aren't quite right they can be adjusted.
I like #224 with the X'es exactly the same! Keep this look. Font looks good on main lettering of #224 also.
Use the Copperplate (like in #214 closeup) as it looks slightly better than #226 closeup (I'm just looking at the font of "Fine Art Photography", not the rest of the image... #224 is best for eXacteXposure part).
So to sum it up, use #224 with Copperplate "Fine Art Photography" small caps (e.g. #214 cloesup of "Fine Art Photography" font).
Yes, very very nice. Looks like you've gotten all the "kinks" worked out of the design. #249 and #250 are the most refined logos to date I do believe. Great work. Really appreciate all your help.
I have just made subtle changes to see if anything improves the logo for you. Some are just slight changes in color others are more obvious like the "x" being replaced with a normal "x". I also tried framing the logo with tabs. Any changes or ideas welcome.
Really, Really, Really appreciate all the extra ideas. It's a tough call. Wish I could be online more today, but obligations make it where I'm only here once (9pm east coast). I'll get up early to check one last time before submissions end tomorrow (Wish it ended tomorrow night, Oh well).
1) Can you make the "O" logo a little thinner... Make the opening wider, but try to keep the look if possible. My brother and another photo buddy in Atlanta says the "O" looks like a doughnut or life preserver (too fat I think they are saying). I do like the "O", but guess it's competing with the X'es a little too much (maybe).
I like the dual color look (BUT PUT BACK THE ORIGINAL YELLOW X COLORS Please... The warmer color doesn't do it for me). For any dual color look use "regular" spacing between the words e.g. the te in eXacteXposure (all one word look again since dual colors make up for need for extra spacing).
I like the tabs idea like #294 white tabs (looks better than the box).
*** Mainly I'd like to see my old favorite (#249) with "e act" in white letters (and white X). Keep the X'es like #249, i.e. X's look same other than color. Put eXposure in yellow and put .com and Fine Art Photography in white (Bascially every other word is different color from one next to it). Then if that makes sense reverse the colors (eXact is yellow, eXposure is white and .com/Fine Art Photography is yellow). Keep the small tabs and no spacing between words (t and the e) and make "O" thinner (opening wider).
*** I'd also like to see above versions in BOLD for the first word only (e act), but keep X same as 2nd X)... But not too thick/bold. Also don't make the first bold word (e act) any larger than the second, just bold... Like entry #282 if that is allowed. I hope all this makes sense and sorry for all the extra work at the last minute.
Boy this is harder than I thought. Thanks for all the hard work!
#347 basic logo with the updated "O" #362 ' ' ' ' + tabs #363 Color changes and tab variations #364 ' ' ' ' #365 ' ' ' ' #366 ' ' ' ' #367 First of the bold #368 #369 #370 #371 #372 #373 I made the second "x" regular size to try and give the "o" a bit more space. #374 #375 #376 #378 #379 #380
Great feedback the "o" was a good observation and the other changes have given the logo a little extra something.
Our time zones are very different so its hard to know who is where and when, but fine tuning can be done in judging mode. So if you have any observation I can still amend the designs.
Oh, good news about judging mode, didn't think I had to make a choice asap, but wasn't sure. You've done a lot of work and sometimes too many choices is harder than none. So you've given me lots to work with!
#363 and #364 seem to be the nicest visually. I like the words being "closer" and the different color makes it read better I think. I like the tabs and then I can go without them, so I guess as a #1 choice go with tabs and I can always remove them myself via Photoshop? Safer bet I guess on my part.
I Don't think the bold first letters do it for me? Or maybe they are just slightly too bold? Again, I like the letters where eXact and eXposure are "closer" (but not crowded) like in #363. That may be it anyway? But then again I thought #249 was it a day or so ago.
Yes many choices and decisions... I think you have about 10days to fine tune designs and make decisions. I'm sure your entitled to the logo on a light and dark background also things like providing with and without a frame/tab/shadow is fairly common practice (I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong) but as I understand it this would be the norm.
I'm out of the office tomorrow so if you would like to see anything further I can submit in judging mode.
Thanks... I was able to run in for a few hours and check the latest items...
I'm a little ignorant on the rules (guess I need to read them myself). If you have time I'd like to see #317 with the bold a little less bold in the e act. Keep everything else the same (maybe a "tabbed" version) but that's it.
When you get back I'd like to see a very very slight bold look for #363 (e act)... But don't make any part of the bold look thicker than any part of the X. Thanks!
Hi David, I'm sure by now you have received an email regarding the withdrawal, I arrived home to see the no.1 design had been accused of being a copy against #20. It was close to being voted off (which means all my designs are no longer available) so I withdrew. I have pm'd admin pointing out that every element of the design was your idea (you could pm admin if you like).
The painted X's the aperture style "O" the single line layout were all your ideas, the font was the font used by all from the get go. I was careful to check these elements were your ideas. I know you have been advised to wait 24hrs, I hope admin see that the design was built completely on your briefing, I think it unfair that you come up with global ideas and one person tries to claim them. I have submitted your update with tabs only (to be on the safe side), like I said earlier the tabs are easily removed. I am going to withdraw my other un-tabbed design until there is some consensus. You can decide on a winner if you know what you want at anytime.
#573 is the latest #574 is a slightly smaller bold
Thanks & sorry for the issue's!! Nik
(please pm me if you would like to discuss it, I cant pm you unless you pm me)
On second thoughts, I would select the logo you want ASAP as logocourts are popping up left right and center, I have to go to bed and cant defend the designs :(
It doesn't seem people are acknowledging you introduced these elements and if they're voted off I don't know if admin will reinstate...
Even if its not my design I hope you get exactly what you want ;)
I just emailed admin and told them that any design changes you made were instructed by ME! So it is MY fault and not yours! Feel free to give them this email also. YOU have NOT copied anyones idea, and honestly YOU have had your designs up before anyone else. I keep asking you to tweak your design based on comments I am getting from friends and clients NOT other designers.
So if someone said you are copying their idea, you are not, it was my fault. I like your design and it is in the top 3. I have not decided completely yet, but if I don't get an honest answer to why your ideas were removed then I will not choose any. I'll keep my current logo and be done with it.
Phew wee... I have been sitting here trying to work out a way to keep it all together... The point was, you introduced the idea of the painted X's aperture O and made tweaks on that, they were all your ideas in the first place I checked before entering.
I will request that the initial logo's be made available for selection as this has been completely unfair, I can assure you Tyler is onto things that go on and if anybody carefully inspects the history of these concepts they will see they're yours.
I have also emailed Tyler I'm sure he will be in touch. I'm sure it will be worked out.