Require WEB 2.0 effects for existing logoLogo Design Contest

We do graphic design for both print and the web. We produce all kinds of marketing material, including brochures, leaflets, business cards. We also design websites and email newsletter templates.

We use all the standard graphic design software, including Adobe CS package, some Coda, WordPress, Maya and some ArchiCad.

We are a new startup company, located in Australia.

Definitely Red, with Light Grey, Dark Grey, 90-95% Black, and solid Black, Stainless steel possibly.

BACKGROUND:

1) We are professional Graphic Designers with an existing logo that we are extremely happy with.
We designed our own logo and identify and we DO NOT intend to change this.

2) Our current logo is used across our stationary (business cards, letterheads, envelopes), and some promotional items, including t-shirts, pens and car signage.

3) We see our existing logo as a 'simple' yet 'intelligent' entity - which is exactly the message we are want to convey. It cuts through the clutter and does not detract from the actual design work that we are presenting.

4) The Graphics division is just one division under our parent company (The Hello Company). The existing logo provides flexibility to change and be adapted to other areas of the company, as the divisions develop. (A sample of these other divisions and logos is provided on the last page of the PDF file: Existing logo.pdf).


Ok, so, here's THE BRIEF.....

1) As stated, we are NOT asking for you to re-design our logo.

2) But rather, we want to see our existing logo 'taken a step further' and developed into a Web 2.0 style logo or graphic. In doing so, you may apply bevelling, shadows, star highlights, backgrounds, 3d effects, etc. We want to really see it get the 'sparkle treatment' so as it lifts off the page.

3) We want to see more than a simple drop shadow and a reflective effect applied over the top. (We know this kind of stuff is easily done in Illustrator, and we could apply this ourselves if we felt the solution was that simple).

4) We want our existing logo to look 'Web 2.0' whatever you interpret that to be, and however far you want to take it.

5) The best example we can think of to describe where we are, and where we want to be is: "Think of the original Apple logo, and how it used to be an apple with coloured bars across it, and then think of what the apple logo looks like now". It looks modern and dynamic, but it is fundamentally still the same shape and logo underneath it all. It's just taken a big step forward and is typical of what we expect Web 2.0 to be. Please follow this principle, because we DO NOT want a re-design as such.

6) One aspect you may like to consider is rendering the logo with some kind of 3d appearance. We were thinking you may run it through 'Maya' or '3D Max' software or similar and give it some dimension. It could sit above a horizon line or have perspective.

7) Another idea that comes to mind, is you could give it some kind of halo effect behind. We've provided same samples of this kind of thing.

8) Again, you may like to take the existing logo and apply it to some kind of button or shape. Think of 'Skype' and what they have done, or 'You Tube' and the way it uses a little rectangular shape. We are open to seeing our logo applied to a shape, but PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THE SPEECH BUBBLE ! (No speech bubbles allowed).

9) You can modify the logo if you think it will benefit any of the embellishments that you may choose to apply to it. For example you may want to apply a bubble effect (or something), and rounding of the letter shapes (from sharp corners), may then be appropriate to help the overall appearance. We do not want to see you select a completely different font though. Variations to the 'Helvetica Neu' font family are acceptable.

10) We would expect the quality (and effects) to be same as the 'Apple' logo supplied in the file "Samples We Like.pdf".

11) We would like whatever you come up with to work on a white background if possible. Alternative backgrounds / textures are definitely worth considering, but it MUST work on white somehow.

12) We would prefer Vector file/s if possible, but will accept high res PSDs or Renders if need be. Work on it at 300ppi, A4 size or larger if you are going to supply bitmapped files (renders and PSD files).

13) All fresh ideas will be considered. Have fun with it.

14) If you come up with alternative renderings / options, for example, one on a dark background, and/or one on a white background, and/or a greyscale (stainless steel) version, etc, then we are happy to pay more to buy the additional files from you. We are interested to see any options you may have.

Note: Lots of Web2.0 references and samples, which we like have been provided in the attached PDF file called "Samples we like.pdf".

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Finally, you are probably thinking, "so, why don't we do it ourselves" since we are graphic designers and all.
Well, firstly, we are busy with other work commitments, and this is a job we have just been putting off for so long now. And, secondly, we are open to others 'fresh' ideas and input. We are confident that there is somebody out there that will 'see things differently' to us, which we welcome. Thirdly, we see this as an opportunity to establish some relationships with other talented designers that could assist our business in the future on other client projects.

So, have some fun with it, and help give us a Web 2.0 logo.

Thanks for your efforts.