I like the look of the existing logo (so no changes to the words or shape of tree - but if there is a way to make it even more 3D that would be OK), but the extra roots are interesting and possibly connecting the root and the line under the name might work. The balloon should be a "full" shape balloon because otherwise it is not as recognizable (and looks like deflation or emergency :) about to happen). Also having the balloon to the upper right of the existing logo it may look like the balloon took off from the left and is passing the tree. I'm not sure if there is a way to show a little wind without distorting the balloon shape, but that might be nice.
Hi, please look in the contest brief for my upload file LOGO IDEA FROM CLIENT, this is my visual idea of what I'm thinking right now as far as elements and layout. Also, as far as the balloon it should be upright (I understand having it tilted looks like it is moving but in reality if it was tilting like that it would be too windy to fly) I would like an "artistic" rendering and not a real life looking picture (definitely the shape of the balloon and basket but not like a picture). Thanks. Also, I signed up for the Dropbox and posted the EPS file like you requested, but it seems I would have to email everyone anyway :)
Thanks for your continued work. At this time I'd like to keep the design "open" with no border like you have on 8, 9, 10, and 11. The water color look on #15 is nice, but perhaps making the balloon directly up instead of slanted. I also like how you have the grass mingled with the tree, but perhaps can it be less dense and more like the strands of flowing grass curved to the right (showing wind) similar to the picture I uploaded? The leaves coming from in front of the tree is nice, perhaps the colors can match the tree. The clouds could be a few clouds but smaller in the distance and more light blue/white than gray (less stormy). The wind marks you have make me think the balloon is spinning, perhaps eliminate those but add some white opaque curves under/through the tree continuing with the falling leaves.
The curved lines I think are best eliminated as you did on #25, so I'll just focus on that one. I like the lighter colors of the clouds and if you move the balloon just a little to the right and then thin / spread out the clouds I think they will still be visible and not too prominent. If you could have the balloon be more upright instead of tilted I think it will be easier for me to consider (my first thought when I see this is of other balloon in distress, being tilted after hitting something too hard or trying to fly in winds that are too strong). I also think moving the balloon to the right a little will give a more rectangle look rather than square, which I prefer. With the grass I like that you removed the black line under the company name and added the grass; perhaps a thin solid green line bottom from just under the tree root to the right extending to the right edge of the balloon and keeping the grass parallel with the company name will look "cleaner" and frame the bottom of the artwork.