I really don't know how this "ranking" and "not interested" metaphor is supposed to work.
But, unfortunately, I think it may mislead someone (and that someone could be you or me) into believing a concept is still alive if it's really not. That and Diana and I are trying not to hurt anyone's feelings. So we're probably leaving too much in the "ranked" column.
Remember, this is all new to us so please forgive our blundering.
Here's what I'd like to do and how you should interpret the next round of sorting:
1. If it's ranked, it's still alive and I assume you are working and improving that design along the lines of what we've either publicly or privately commented. I also assume you are generating new concepts because, so far, NO ONE IS WINNING. We are not satisfied with even the leaders (high rankings) ... otherwise we would have ended the contest earlier versus extending it. Make sense?
2. Otherwise, it's in the "not interested" column. Earlier, crcdesigns explained to me how to re-order everything at the end of the contest so as many people as possible get credits, and the leading designs all get ranked in the appropriate order (see above post). Never fear, I will absolutely do that at the END of the contest.
3. But for now anyway, the ranked entries are too clogged and they also aren't putting enough fire into either of us. Me, to drill down and focus on designs that could win the contest, and you to abandon concepts that shouldn't really be ranked and not competitive ... when bringing forth a new concept would serve you better.
So please do not be insulted when some concepts go quickly into the not interested column. Let's both communicate and focus on the potential winners!
And by the way, thanks once again everyone for all of the hard work and patience you're demonstrating,
Think standing out on signage at a trade show booth; readable (or at least intriguing) at ten feet, embroidered on a polo shirt; or instantly eye-catching and recognizable on a magnetic vehicle door sign or vinyl lettering on our boat ...
More moxie like JLM, Forrest, and Hip Ties! [smile]
I'm sorry, this new concept (#373-375) isn't making my heart beat faster. But I find myself having a difficult time saying why not ... or, more importantly, what would light the fire.
I see what you're doing but I think of these logos as "decorative" not "informative."
Our story needs to be reflected in our logo:
- small, upcoming self-publisher in the boating industry - provides cruising guides (books that tell you how and where to go in your boat) - new player (younger, exciting, current information, uses high-tech and innovative methods for data gathering and presentation)
Let's blow this up and try some new ideas altogether!
Thanks, Mark
p.s. A lot of people asked that I don't bin things in the "not interested" column unless they are "horrible. Not a problem, I'll start ranking again ... with low rankings meaning what they mean and our dialog mainly taking place by post. Recognize that I do have a problem in that LT does not tell me when you have posted to this page. I only get notification with a "private message."
More interesting (#407) but still low visual impact and I'm not sure that just waves (although admittedly nautical) are enough to carry the logo. Does this make sense?
Still looking for that JLM or Hip Ties impact and the relevance of braces (Forrest Orthodontics). [smile]
Like the build from #407 to #417. What do you think would improve it?
The oblong in #424 does a good job of grabbing your eye (unsettled shape) but I don't see where it adds to the message. Maybe just eye candy.
The book and wave idea you have going in #425+ is a neat concept. It's not very integrated (text and graphic are somewhat cobbled together) or elegant yet but you might be able to build on this and get something pretty cool. Agree?
Like the book and it's "wave" page idea. It's still striking me as too much of a flag icon, though. Best (worst?) example of this is #435. What do you think you can do (shape, color, etc.?) to make this less of a flag and more of a book opened to the water/wave page?
And I think that new shape will also help us understand if it should be a vertical or horizontal design, as in #427 versus #433 styling) ...
I'll de-rank #407 and #435 now.
I don't have a strong opinion as to the colored rectangle and reverse type in #430 versus #417. I'll show them to Diana when she gets in.
But I will comment that the orange is too dark, too Euro for this (primarily) American market. Like to see some "American boater" color choices, please.
I think #472 to #474 are a bit abstract for our audience. Unfortunately, American male boaters are definitely not looking for the deeper hidden meaning of art. You may have to hit them a little harder over the head with your concepts. [smile]
Two of the three also look like Cannes Film winners!
Liking the color versus blue on blue. And I guess once we pick a design, you guys can generate the grayscale, monochrome, B&W, and whatever other variants later.
I'm starting to really like this graphic. Let's try and NAIL it!
I'm wondering if we "turn down" the "fingers" on the waves ... to match more like the shape of a book (left page) ... will we get the flag waving (now subliminally or secondarily), but more easily recognize the book shape made of a page (left) and waves (right)? Because the books the thing, you know?
Can you please tweak #503 to try that?
As a bonus, I think the eye may also travel down to the name better ... without taking you off the name, for the upper right and parts unknown.
Thanks Mark. Let me know what you think of this one. Yes, once a design is selected you can request any variations and file types not supplied automatically by LogoTournament.
I'm thinking this is working (#508) ... what do you think?
In fact, maybe a little more, to be basically symmetrical with the left page?
P.S. And thanks for helping me understand the LT process. It's funny. I mean how many times do you do or redo a logo? So, once you learn the rules (by playing), you're gone. I may work with you later to rev the logo some or help out with business cards, website stuff, etc. ... but a CH most likely doesn't run a logo contest again the following week. So we're dumb tiil we're smart ... and then it doesn't matter. [smile]
It's definitely working. Here it is completely symmetrical. Let me know if this is too much, or if you like the balance. At some point it becomes a matter of personal preference and you're the one who knows your business best (and will be looking at it most!). I would love to work with your on other projects after the logo is complete. Thanks!