Business Logos

[FishBowl]

Hi everyone,

This morning, I tweeted about a new logo for band management company Sharabang Music (click here to see the logos).

One person suggested that, at this early stage in his business, Matt, who owns Sharabang Music, should avoid using 'SM' in his logo and instead incorporate the entire name. There were also suggestions that his "paint splat" logo might be a little outdated.

I wondered if anyone has any thoughts on Matt's logos, and if anyone has any tips on how to create a business logo?

Are you looking to create a business logo? If so, how are you thinking about the brand and what do you think is important in creating your logo?

 

[alanc]

A quick search on the internet will find you articles on logo design. I don't think there's anything wrong with using SM in a logo (S/M would be a different matter). The logos you've shown don't really say anything about the business. The paint splat one looks like not a lot of though went into it.

 

[Ian Mac]

With no disrespect intended, it is a poor logo.

I wouldn't say 'outdated'

It's not pleasing on the eye. I think you should opt for a redesign. sorry.

 

[Pills]

it looks funky. and if that's what you guys want to convey, i guess it's good.

 

[cafe-central]

I've been having trouble trying to get someone to design a logo for me as well, the company I eventually paid to do it said they do not like been placed in competition with other companies so will not design my logo if I pitched another company for a logo design as well.

When I was gathering ideas for mine, I told them I would like it to be funky, stand out and incorporate my 'niche' product of bubbles. I've ended up with the name of my company in multi-coloured letters with bubbles along the bottom.... mine actually look pretty boring compared to the SM ones.... =S

 

[Ian Mac]

where can i see your logo cafe?

 

[cafe-central]

i can send to you via email?

 

[cafe-central]

Well my specialty is 'bubble tea' and they come in a range of flavours and colours so I wanted my logo to reflect that... I also thought about where my logo would be placed and how it could fit on there. I couldnt have a big round logo for instance because I need it on shop sign.. it will also have to be on my packaging like the seal over a cup so needed to be adjusted to that... etc

 

[FishBowl]

How much should a logo be applicable to different situations? For example, Matt likes the paint splat idea to have on a t shirt, but perhaps he hasn't considered it for other uses.

Are there set uses which everyone should consider when thinking about a logo? Also, how can you best convey your ideas to a designer? (funny video on inafishbowl.com right now of Matt trying to draw his logo using Crayons to show his designer what he wants!)

 

[Eagle]

A logo should be usable in its original form almost everywhere. It's a keystone of design.

 

[Vision2]

keep it simple, clean, clear, send the right message out, and dont skimp on the cost - this is the thing that sells you/your business

 

[Dot Design]

I couldn't view the logo, unfortunately the page is no longer there.

Simplicity is key and simplicity is not as easier as it sounds!

 

[FishBowl]

OK, so you need to be aware of all of the possible uses during the design process?

How do you feel about logos which share the same design but which change colour - does this confuse the brand?

 

[wolbright]

hi, as i've seen the logo i have some points to raise.

1. SPLAT - this has been in use for ages, i won't say its old but is kind a overused.
2. SHAPE - the circular shape is pretty common, though there's no rule on using a shape but it should be something that will reflect to the business.
3. COLOR - i thought maybe using grayish color instead of black would be more neutral specially on indie records.
4. BUS (LOGO) - i like this and the way its drawn. maybe a little focus on that particular logo and expound the design? If you're having a problem contracting a designer, you can actually go to a website that offer's logo design contest. you can set a budget and graphics designer all over the world can compete to come up with a final design. Try 99designs.com for a start...

Hope this helps...

 

[FishBowl]

Dot Design - the page is back up - temporary glitch on domain but you can see it now at http://www.inafishbowl.com/Fishbowl-One/sharabang-business-logos.html. Sorry about that!

In response to Wolbright, thank you for your advice. It certainly seems that this logo is not going down too well, so Matt's having a rethink with his designer.

I think the idea of a logo competition is great. Perhaps he could do it through Twitter and get people to send links that way, and bring it all together under a common hashtag. That would be a great way for him to broaden awareness of his company too! What do you all think?

 

[Eagle]

OK, so you need to be aware of all of the possible uses during the design process?

How do you feel about logos which share the same design but which change colour - does this confuse the brand?

Not necessarily, but a 'soak period' should be implemented for the first couple of years during which the brand can establish itself.

 

[FishBowl]

That makes sense too. Thanks very much for your advice Eagle.

Wolbright - what's in it for the designers who enter such competitions?

 

[Zeal]

Wolbright - what's in it for the designers who enter such competitions?

The risk of other people 'ripping' ideas

I wouldn't regard sites like that as 'competitions' - rather slave labour lol.



My view is, there's a ton of good, quality designers out there (+ this forum). Do your research, get references... You'll find you'll get much better quality work from a designer you can communicate with efficiently!

"Communication Is Key To Good Design"

 

[truereddevil]

I am also struggling with an idea for my logo, i sell licensed t-shirts keyrings wallets and posters and my brand name is retrospectivewear the retrospective part being the brand, i am mainly going down the old style retro t-shirts with my business like dangermouse,count duckula,air wolf,magnum p.i you know all the classic cartoon and tv seriies of the 80s etc and i am seriously stuck with my brand logo could seriously do with some help

 

[FishBowl]

Thanks for your advice Zeal