Logo feedback - PR company [Archive]

Publicity Oxford

2nd September 2009, 08:33

Hi All
As some of you may know I've spent the past few (few too many) months trying to nail down a new logo.

I know it's because I'm fussy and difficult (!!) but I've struggled to get what I want and have put together the attached myself. I can here cringing!

I am completely open to honest feedback, brutally honest.

I have one issue with this design that I won't say for now as I'd like your uninfluenced opinions.

http://twitpic.com/g6km6

Thanks all in advance for your comments.

Catherine.

TelesMedia

2nd September 2009, 08:38

id give it 8/10 but think the O on the one looks more like a Q

Call Tracker

2nd September 2009, 09:22

it seems to have gone - can you re-post it?

Publicity Oxford

2nd September 2009, 09:37

Sorry about that try this!
http://twitpic.com/g6nlh

Call Tracker

2nd September 2009, 09:42

i think it has too many words in it. I like the speech bubble but not in this context - maybe you could use that and put the words five foot one in the speech bubble? Also, lose the strapline unless you are using it in an advert - it's too much to look at and take in.

Hope that helps?

MISI_UK

2nd September 2009, 09:56

What font are you using? I really love that font that would fit in perfectly for some of our handmade event promotional material.

It doesn't really strike me as a logo, Im not sure why I think maybe too much text and to spaced out maybe. I like the concept of it and I would look at it but there is just something not quite right for a logo.

It might be the colours that are not working maybe if you changed just the speech bubble to a brighter colour and reduced the spacing between the lines and characters that would work.

Publicity Oxford

2nd September 2009, 10:01

Thanks all, yes the strap line not for use with the logo on it's own just for stationery etc; wanted to include it to qualify what business I'm in.

Agree that the speech bubble looks like a Q! Wish it didn't! Trying it with a much shorter 'tail'!

Have considered idea of putting text into bubble to contain and finish it off.

The font is from dafont.com and is called green piloww (with one 'l' two 'w's'!).

julian_shaw

2nd September 2009, 10:10

If that was the effect you were after, it's nicely done.

A couple of small points. for some reason i think speech bubbles go from the left usually (perhaps that's why it looks like a Q at the moment?).

Also, the bubble looks like it's been drawn with a marker, but the text is drawn with a pencil, looks a bit different.

Simon-M

2nd September 2009, 10:12

If you can tell us your design brief then the designers here can give you some constructive comments. I can give you feedback on what you have but it won't mean too much without the big picture.

Simon

MISI_UK

2nd September 2009, 10:18

Couldnt resist having a small shuffle http://www.twitpic.com/g6p9y

I like the idea of putting the text in the speach bubble though maybe you should get your designers to have a play around.

Publicity Oxford

2nd September 2009, 10:47

MISI_UK thanks for having a shuffle, looks better already!

I am making the mistake of not having a designer I know; I need to make a proper investment.

Simon-M Here's the brief!

My new company name is Five Foot One. It's an umbrella that I and other freelancers work under.

I work with consumer clients; lots of toy and nursery as well as lifestyle and entertainment – restaurants, dating agencies, bridal suppliers, all sorts. They tend to be young, fun, energetic, quirky companies. Although I don’t want to alienate more straight laced clients!

- A logo that takes a square rather than long and thin format, so it’s easy to use for profile pics etc (Facebook, Twitter, other forums).
- Something clean and crisp and simple that wont date…
- But is memorable and will help me to create the Five Foot One brand.
- Appeals to the types of clients I work with – toy and nursery, lifestyle and entertainment
- Isn’t so wacky that it alienates other more straight and narrow type clients.

I think what sums up what I'm looking for is that I want the logo to become an icon. Instantly recognisable and wouldn't look out of place on a corporate gift for example.

Neat, stylish, modern, slightly quirky, a little bit clever...

A nightmare I know!

Maslins

2nd September 2009, 10:59

My first thought when I read "Five Foot One" was short person.

I was then expecting the tagline to be something along the lines of "powerful message for a small price", or "great things come in small packages", that kind of thing.

Where does Five Foot One come from?

Simon-M

2nd September 2009, 11:26

Neat, stylish, modern, slightly quirky, a little bit clever...

What you have put together would struggle to fit into any of those words with the exception maybe of slightly quirky.

It's not neat, it is not stylish or modern and although some may argue it is a little bit clever, I don't think it is. Slightly quirky it probably is because it does not really fit into what I think most people would imagine a logo to look like if you asked them to describe what a logo should look like. :)

The name conjurs up an image. The logo does not deliver that in any way. I'm not saying it needs to but with something so descriptive you could do a whole lot better than you have done. You want the image to be recognisable but I don't see a speach bubble having anything at all to do with a size. This will not be memorable, it will be confusing.

I honestly think you could do a whole lot better by trying to get something to do with the size involved. This will then provide a visual connection which is missing at the moment.

If you gave me this design brief and one of my designers came up with what you have, it would not leave the studio. They are a million miles apart.

I wrote an article about a year ago for my blog which gives some pointers to help you design your own logo should you take that route even after professional advice not to :)

http://www.logoquality.co.uk/2008/10/logo-design-ideas/

Simon

fisicx

2nd September 2009, 11:27

Publicity Oxford

2nd September 2009, 11:40

Phew, thanks everyone! Appreciate the honest comments. I quite like opening a can of worms!

Five Foot One came about because that's how tall I am. That's how it came about but it stuck because it's quirky and different and I like that.

I think my biggest problem is trying to combine timeless and quirky, I don't know that you can be classic and different, modern and ageless.

Simon can you DM me your rates?

Ultimately I want a memorable logo, but I want to love it too, and be proud of it.

Dawg

2nd September 2009, 11:54

Read this: http://www.andyrutledge.com/logo-misapplication.php

The whole logo think is irrelevent. Why do you even need a logo? Have a range of different designs to suit every occasion: busness card, website, banner, poster, letterhead, favicon and don't worry about the logo, it doesn't matter. Read the article.

And I wondered what the 5' 1" meant as well. I might not be quirky but I do like to know who I am dealing with. Which means you need a tagline to go with the logo.

Also don't think using a script font is "Something clean and crisp and simple that wont date…". It's already dated, they have been around for years and comes back into fashion every once in a while.

That article sums up a mindset of designers; the quiff haired, dressed in black, know it all designer (who has headlines in light grey FFS).

He might be right that a logo is only part of a company persona, he might be right that it will not redefine an enterprise. But it can help. And if done even competently it will help. Which is more than can be said for designers who think they know only slightly less than God, (or architects; even worse mental flatulence than designers, them).

As to the logo, I'm with Simon. It doesn't sing. It won't work well at different sizes, it doesn't tell the right story. 'Quirky' is not always but can often be a mask for unprofessionalism. I'm sure the OP is highly pro, but will the logo be interpreted like that?

And, if you want speech bubbles, have two, to signify more than one person talking.

LightingGiants

2nd September 2009, 12:04

interesting thanks goys i think i can understand where misis is coming from

fisicx

2nd September 2009, 12:09

That article sums up a mindset of designers; the quiff haired, dressed in black, know it all designer (who has headlines in light grey FFS).
I agree with the designer mindset thing but that wasn't the point of the article. He was trying to say that you define the logo rather than trying to make the logo define you. I got the link from ann interesting thread on cre8asite: http://www.cre8asiteforums.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=72735 where the concept of information design was discussed (don't click on the link unless you are ready to read a lot of reference material).

If you have to spend ages agonising over a logo then maybe your priorities are wrong. Surely a logo should be a natural product of your business development?

taz2822

2nd September 2009, 12:18

Did you get some freelancer to do this? It's a clear case of design in front of communication. In the marketing and media field it's important that you have a brand and a logo is not a brand it is only the mechanical application of a brand identity. While I like quirky, it has to be fit for purpose and relay brand values, which after reading your website and brief it seems miles off.
I've been doing brand ID's for many years for companies large and small and the many businesses don't understand the importance of a brand identity and the message it communicates. A good brand identity is a business investment. It should be well thought out, structured and in line with the brand truths it has to communicate. This is ever more important if you exist in the communications media. I would strongly suggest before you start randomly asking designers or anyone who knows designers, do your homework. Check out the creds of the people you may do your work. There is a big difference between a logo and a brand identity.

Publicity Oxford

2nd September 2009, 12:50

Thanks everyone.

taz2822 - no freelancers involved, sadly just me tinkering around because I haven't got big budgets to get it done professionally.

However, that said I know I'm making a mistake trying to handle the job of a professional. I'm not equipped to bring together my vision for my brand identity with a logo that spells out clearly the image I want to portray.

I very much value the feedback here, and glad it's created some debate!
I know getting overly hung up on a little image isn't productive, but at the same time it's important to me (because I do alot of networking), that my brand identity backs up my personality and approach to PR.

Dawg

2nd September 2009, 13:06

Just a suggestion to get tongues wagging..

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/7959/5feet1.jpg (http://img297.imageshack.us/i/5feet1.jpg/)

Publicity Oxford

2nd September 2009, 15:56

Hi Dawg

Thanks for the logo idea! Very clever! It's quite alot busier than I want to go for - I hope you don't mind me saying that? I don't want to be ungrateful because I really appreciate you taking the time to do that!

ethical PR

2nd September 2009, 20:24

Hi Catherine

A really interesing discussion.

I think it would be worth the investment of getting a designer on board to make your brief come alive.

If you look at the time you've spent on it so far and what that equates to, in terms of what you could have made in consultancy fees, you'll probably find you could have used a quite decent designer.

I think it's not just about the cost, but its also about the experience and expertise a designer can bring to the project.

A corporate identity is a vital part of your brand, so always worth the investment, especially for someone working in the communications field.

Good luck.

Helen

am:pm graphics

3rd September 2009, 09:44

Hi,

I like the five foot one idea...I am just not seeing this reflected in the logo. I like the quirky element of the design but wonder if you need to go off in a completely different direction and run with the height thing. I think you could have a really strong, quirky and stylish brand with that name.:)

If you have the money, its worth the investment at the start to have a logo professionally designed. If you don't have the money and/or would rather DIY then I would brainstorm ideas and mull it over with someone else and see what you can come up with.

Pauline

rendy

3rd September 2009, 13:46

Try crowd sourcing at somewhere like 99designs (google them) for a couple of hundred dollars you'll get a superb logo to match your brief!

Good luck, and remember to post up the logo you eventually go with!!!

MJ Britton

3rd September 2009, 19:44

I think it could do with a bit more work.

Have you seen logopond.com? It offers inspiration by showcasing lots of logos. You might get some ideas there.

RBS

6th September 2009, 08:29

I would like to see, but I get message:

The photo you were looking for doesn't exist anymore

dubes

6th September 2009, 12:45

Hi I like the concept of the speech bubble and the connection to PR. I also like the font but not sure if this all works together. I would tidy up the speech bubble and maybe put the words inside to much handrawn effect can spill over and look more like hippy does PR from back kitchen. I think this will tighten it up more and neaten it out without compromising the individuallty and excitement that I think you are trying to achieve :0)

Hope this helps

Donna

Publicity Oxford

15th September 2009, 15:26

Thanks everyone for additional replies and links, will check them out now.

Been away in Spain for a week and been mulling over the name/branding - again!!!

am:pm graphics - thanks for feedback on the name, I really like it too but have many, many people saying there's no connection to PR / what you do - it's confusing, it doesn't make sense.

Which has made me wonder if I need to even reconsider the name - is going for something as quirky as Five Foot One a dangerous move?!

I had another idea also - putting a little speech bubble as the 'hole' in the o's of 'foot', or the o of 'one', to avoid it looking like a q. Wonder if that makes sense?!

fisicx

15th September 2009, 15:36

When you talk to someone on the phone can they see your logo? Do they know how tall you are?

The name five foot one is meaningless unless they know you. As a result the logo is going to perplex people are well. Might be very funky for the media types but for Scroggins Engineering or Fred the Butcher it's pretty much wasted. In fact they are more likley to go with a someone using 'PR' in the company name. I know I would.

taz2822

15th September 2009, 15:38

Without sounding nasty, It's obvious you haven't got a clue what you are or what your brand really is. You should stop trying to solve this yourself as you are too close to this, and get a proffessional who understands branding ( not logo design, that's completely different) and get this nailed quickly. It's not rocket science. I find it strange that a PR person would want to play at designing. All the effort and time on this should be chanelled into your PR work not wasted on brand development. Do you suggest to client to do their own PR? You're a proffesional, do the proffesional thing and get a proffesional. Job done.

Call Tracker

16th September 2009, 08:12

Simon-M

16th September 2009, 08:16

Oh and make sure you get a branding agency that has a good command of grammar and can spell. :)

Now, now. We ain't all perfick you knowe.

taz2822

16th September 2009, 08:22

Oh and make sure you get a branding agency that has a good command of grammar and can spell. :)

very useful comment and valid, but has it added to a constructive solution to the problem? I see a lot of small talk on this forum but very little positive advice and direction.

Simon-M

16th September 2009, 08:27

very useful comment and valid, but has it added to a constructive solution to the problem? I see a lot of small talk on this forum but very little positive advice and direction.

There is loads of small talk. Loads of Jokes, loads of bickering, loads of rubbish and also loads of great info. Popular forums like this one throw up a pretty big mixed bag of everything :)

Simon

Ps..there are a few decent threads on branding too. Do a search and see if you can add anything to those.

taz2822

16th September 2009, 08:31

already did a while back

http://www.armadillo-creative.com/wordpress/index.php/allsorts/why-everyone-needs-a-brand-culture

Dawg

16th September 2009, 08:38

very useful comment and valid, but has it added to a constructive solution to the problem? I see a lot of small talk on this forum but very little positive advice and direction.

Yes it has. It has proposed that any solution be provided by some body with the ability and standards to communicate clearly, succinctly and accurately, which should be a base requirement for any communications sector concern.

Your implicit criticism of 'small talk' suggests that you are unable to glean any of the information contained in the nuances of some of the less formal exchanges. I suggest that you try to unravel and interpret this information to benefit from the knowledge contained therein.

I hope this advice is both positive and directional enough.

taz2822

16th September 2009, 08:41

No, it just sound like forum clique talk.

Dawg

16th September 2009, 09:16

No, it just sound like forum clique talk.

To you, which is a shame.

Still, good luck. (And it should be "it just sounds like", a correction which is neither pedantic nor being a grammar nazi: part of your skill set as an communications and marketing worker has to be the ability to communicate professionally, surely?)

taz2822

16th September 2009, 09:22

A lot depends if I'm communicating with people I want to do business with or chewing the cud on a forum. Two different things.

Dawg

16th September 2009, 09:35

A lot depends if I'm communicating with people I want to do business with or chewing the cud on a forum. Two different things.

Absolutely true*.

Mispulling me copywritink skills wil get me bizniz a lot, n promote me Brand, in wot is I am expert.

*Actually not absolutely true. If I had a communications agency that only communicated with people they wanted to do business with, as opposed to targeting a complete audience, I'd sack them.

taz2822

16th September 2009, 09:42

By the state of the delivery of communications on your own website it's apparent that you don't have a communications agency. So you'll never get that luxury.

fisicx

16th September 2009, 09:45

A lot depends if I'm communicating with people I want to do business with or chewing the cud on a forum. Two different things.
How do you know the members of this forum and the many thousands who visit via the search engines aren't potential clients?

taz2822

16th September 2009, 09:52

I don't seek out or need business via forums, so it's not really a business issue with me.
Business development is by other routes. I come here to chew.

Dawg

16th September 2009, 10:04

By the state of the delivery of communications on your own website it's apparent that you don't have a communications agency. So you'll never get that luxury.

This is a bit rich coming from someone whose Client Portfolio links don't work on their own "CreativeMarketing (http://www.armadillo-creative.com/work.php#work)" website.

(Don't work in FF or IE, on two separate machines).

Now what was that about "state of delivery of communications"?

Fail.:D:D

Publicity Oxford

16th September 2009, 11:03

Hi fisicx

You're right, people can't see how tall I am when I'm on the phone to them!

However, I came up with the name because I wanted something quirky and unique, more so than wanting to explain to people that the company is called that for a given reason.

I guess other PR agency names are good examples like Moo or *****; neither name because the director is a cow or a nasty piece of work, but because they're quirky innovative companies.

So my next point would be, yes, Five Foot One could alienate some types of clients which I need to seriously consider. As my focus in on young, dynamic consumer facing brands I have slightly less concerns. If I was targetting corporate types of course it wouldn't work.

Appreciate your comments keep them coming!

Publicity Oxford

6th October 2009, 14:11

Glad to see the debate has died down on this post!

Just wanted to update those who kindly fed back on Five Foot One.

After a weeks holiday, a brainstorm and a rethink I have decided that the many who have said it's a bit too quirky are right and to go with something mainstream and let our portfolio and skills do the talking!

Have enlisted the help of a fantastic graphic designer (yes, professional help is definitely the way to go!) and am close to have a final design for the new name.

All will be revealed...if you're interested?

Thanks again everyone.