You mentioned signage so if you know: how will the sign be produced? It's important to know so that we can plan the artwork so that it will print correctly, otherwise it might be a problem when it comes time to produce the signs. I assume that based on the ranking you are not looking for channel letters signage. Which would mean that the most likely signs will be the more typical light box type where the sign is printed on a white plexiglass with lighting behind it. In that case, the options (most typical) are vinyl lettering, screen printing or full color printing. Depending on the sign company, you may find the full color printing less expensive.
Either way the art work can be adjust for any of the process mentioned, except of course channel letters which is by far the most expensive and also the most limiting in terms of what can and/or cannot be done.
Anyway, your feedback or any changes are always welcome.
We have not decided on which way we will produce the sign- it partly depends on the design. It most definitely will not be a light box. Probable individual letters, with the design produced separately for one letter if we choose something like that. Otherwise, a carved, painted wood sign with goose neck lighting above it.
It is also possible that we would not use the logo on the sign if it just doesn't work; we have another store where we do not incorporate the logo on the sign, but we use it on bags, boxes, T Shirts, Hats, etc- that has worked out fine. So , we have options- once we decide on the logo, we will decide which way to go with the sign.
Thanks for the input. I will take both in consideration, in particular to the channel lettering. I sent a PM back regarding the barrels, so I will adjust that now.
Will the pirate be eliminated? (Just curious) No need to worry about Captain Morgan's Rum, since Sir Henry Morgan was a true life character. Unlike say, Ronald McDonald or Superman which are fictional, Diageo can only have trademark to their version. It's the same as figures such as Columbus, Washington, Lincoln... Also, it far enough remove from Seton Hall logo to cause any conflict. That said, I will work the barrel versions first unless you want me to do any revisions on the pirate versions. :)
We had kind of mentally eliminated the Pirate because of both 1) being worried about Captain Morgan's Rum and their Pirate, as well as 2) we thought that all the Pirate detail would not necessarily work that well being reproduced on T-Shirts and the like. Not sure though. But your point is well-taken regarding Sir Henry Morgan being real, not fictional, in terms of worrying about copyrights.
I can understand the totally understand the concern, as you may have already seen from my profile page, I am US based and have been in business for many years, so I run into these issues on a daily bases. The issue with trademark infringement, becomes a problem when another company feels that there is "Dilution" of a brand. In this case, though it's true that you also sell liquor the name is that of a true life person. If you tried to brand a Rum with the name and image that would definitely be a problem. However, look at brands like John Waters, Admiral Nelson, Lady Bligh... and those are in direct competition. More over the tie in with the university's proximity (and you're safe since you are not calling it Pirates) gives even more justification.
As for T-shirt's, we also print t-shirts, and I can guarantee that the line-art would be simple to screen print (in fact the artwork has been more simplified than the barrels.)
I don't want to change the direction of the contest for you, but I just want to assure that you don't discount any ideas you may have initially had. :)
Thank you for your thoughts. Actually, truth be told, we did not have a specific thing in mind when we began- we have been adjusting as we receive more designs from people.
Do you think we will be able to see #110 with Wine, beer & Spirits in block lettered font like Morgan's and the Barrels not washed out- I know you were working on this?
Thanks (as you know we are in the Top 5 Phase, and you are one of the Top 5, but I think it closes relatively soon)
Sorry about that. I kind of lost track of what I had uploaded. :) Please let me know if there is anything else. With half a day left is there anything else, you would like me to try. I kind of liked the pirate as it gave the business an icon (or mascot if you will) to help identify the store. But I can try any other barrel options you may want me to try. Just let me know.