Here are few design concepts that are very different from entries on your contest submitted so far (#53/#54 and #55/#56). They are presented in both layouts (horizontal and vertical), for different printing application and web use.
In your brief you've stated you don't want mountain symbols in the logo since there are no muontains in your area, and when I look at your website, this is quite clear and understandable. What I don't understand is why you than lean towards designs that incorporate PINE TREES (!?), and PINE CONES(!?), which are both very strong symbols of mountains, mountain living, etc.(!???),...from branding point of view this might be VERY confusing for your clients.
I'm trying to offer something different, more related to actual work you do (...specialy on design concept #53/#54), and including abbreviation of the name into logo icon, so when used as stand alone mark (on website favicon, or mobile application for example) it can be clearaly visualy connected to your overall brand. It is unique, recognizable and design with very positive vibe,...hope you'll like the idea, and feel free to jump in if you have some suggestions for improvement! Thank you!
Bojan, the pine trees and pine cone are iconic symbols of NC. I also understand how you could see them as symbols for mountain living. In general, I'm liking your work here. I've got you at #2 right now. The main reason I am liking the one with the river better is that the farmland one looks too much like the Obama logo, and I know my boss is not an Obama fan. What if we got rid of the NCL, and threw a few trees in there? Or something else just so its not a big empty space. I don't think I need the abbreviation and the full text there together. Also, maybe we could fool around with some different fonts. The current font is okay, but I'm not thinking "Yes! It's perfect!".
If you look at the current logo I've got #1, what I think I like about that is that it looks a little more expensive, like it could be the logo of a country club. Again, I really like the ones you have submitted, and you are definitely in the running. I have to consult with my boss a bit first...
Its a tough feel to achieve, I'm going for like Lumberjack Meets Suit and Tie
First of all, thank you for the feedback, and for clarifying pine and cone connection! Your input is very constructive and it'll help develop this concept in the right direction. I'll work on some fresh ideas until you consult with your boss. Talk soon!
OK, there are few updates based on your feedback on entries #69, #70 and one new concept on #71! I've tried on another, a bit stronger, more dynamic, but not playful font on these new entries (...but font is easy to change if the concept works well). To me dsign and color combo on #70 looks interesting, with utilizing the sun element to place negative space cone symbol! Consult with your coworkers, and give me your thoughts, or suggestions for further improvement! Thank you!
Sure thing,...here's one more interesting idea (#73, #74), that uses three pine cones, to create tree line behind the hill slopes,...turned out quite unique multilevel design! Let me know about everything after the consultations! Talk soon!
...two more variations and alternative font option on entries #118 and #119! Feel free to jump in if you have some suggestions for further improvement! Thanks!
I've haven't withdrawn my best branding solution for your company (#101),...for my portfolio and in case you change your mind and decide to purchase it. It has dominant elements of land selling as your basic activity, and secondary symbol of NC,...my thought was that NC already has its own symbols,...and repeating only them would not make to much sense, if you want to create unique/recognizable brand.
Anyway, all the best and much success in your future work!