colours are taken from wood, like those found in an old wooden level, also work well as skin tones.
the concept seems fairly minimal, but a simple stripe as representation of a level is more recognizable than any detailed graphic, and this concept can be used in so many different ways - business cards, letterheads, website, etc. I don't feel that a rendering of a real level could be used in as many variations. Careful consideration to a modern, but weighted typeface also is important to that graphic.
I can't stop thinking that you were on to something with the leveled head in #38. Can you take this incredible playful design and make it work in a more formal look by taking the head to the side and putting LEVELHEAD with CAPITAL below it to the side like in the other top ten designs. I still think this could be the dark horse as it is so differnet from everyone elses designs. I like the brown in the head, try and find a good font to use on the words on the side. <aybe use the same brown for the work HEAD and find a good complementary color for the LEVEL and CAPITAL. Good Luck!!!!
I continued with the original typeface I selected because I thought with such an un-traditional graphic and concept that a traditional serif typeface would interrupt that look, whereas a really simple and modern type emphasizes it more. Also, the lettering looks like that found on *new* currency.
Another important aspect to this graphic is the horizontal band, because it is the simplest and easiest way to convey a level, or something being level. That simple stripe can strengthen the brand in so many ways, especially when it comes to the relationship with the "level head", which gives that playful and out-of-the-box feel.
I used a lighter green, more a grass or olive green vs a hunter green because it contrasted with the burgandy better, plus it was more in the range of money green.