It is the first in this competition that conveys a strong "collaboration" sense to me. It relates to our conference logo but has a more solid, 3D feel to it. Congratulations.
I would like to see it in alternative background colours. The blue/grey wash look might be too dark and not quite the "classy" look we are after.
I think the lighter background ones work better, to be honest.
I'm worried about how they might look on a trophy for the awards, and I don't want the detail to disappear in the darkness.
So, for the while/grey backgrounds, could you try to get the words to come forward from the page a little - to give a more solid, more 3D look and feel? We would also like to try the word "Innovation" instead of "Research". To my eyes, the washed yellow wording tends to disappear a little - could you try for something a little more solid?
The design is very clever and looks great. I appreciate your efforts.
Only problem now is that the blue background and blue device kind of blend and I think there is too much metallic writing.
Can we get more contrast between the blue elements somehow? Change the "The Australian" and "Awards" to different colour. And add "2012" after "Awards".
my final concern is the contrast between the background and the blue part of the design figure. If we could chance either the background or the design to get more contrast, I think we are finished.
Honestly, I confused with your last suggestion. What color background do you want? If you need contrast between the logo and the background color I think we have to use dark background likes design #17, #31, #29.
For design #35 and #36, the blue color more contrast than the previous design #34. But maybe less contrast. Here is another options for the blue color #37 . I added white color for the gradient of blue color for contrasting blue color.
Please let me know if you still need revision. Thanks in advance.
Sorry Anindito - I meant the light blue "arms" on the light blue background. But you are right that it works on the black or dark blue backgrounds.
So if you can change the words on both a black and a white background to the gold "Collaborative Innovation" with the words "the Australian" and "Awards 2012" in white on the black background and black on the white background, that should be it.