Which one?

gus1894 · #1 07-02-2010, 10:03 PM

Okay, so I have been heavily considering going back into the freelance business (of graphic design). I haven't in a while, I work at a print shop as the f/t graphic designer, so working on the side is potentially a conflict of interest. I haven't figured out what I will do - I have to talk to the boss I think, make some kind of arrangement so I can work on the side and not have issues with the main monetary source in my life.

All that aside, I have been toying around with different versions of my old logo, at this point I am only working in black and white - any logo should always work in black and white so it's always where it's best to start. Once you nail it in B&W, color becomes a whole different animal you have to tame. Anyway - here is the current lot - let me know which you prefer, 1, 2, or 3 - why's are always appreciated.

gus1894 · #2 07-03-2010, 08:49 AM

Thanks to those who voted - anyone else maybe?
I would love to get a few more.
Thanks!

MakiSupaStar · #3 07-03-2010, 09:25 AM

I'm going to say number 1. It's cleaner. The circles in the second one seemed forced. The third one is cool, has kind of a native American feel to it, but ultimately it's not as geometrically sound as the first one.

L-A · #4 07-03-2010, 10:09 AM

Number one is way more usable. Can I ask what the thinking was behind this logo?

Unrepresented · #5 07-03-2010, 10:22 AM

Number 1 is the most pro looking. Number 3 as a Rorschach test reminds me of a surprising encounter I had with a "woman" I'd met at a bar.

bongomania · #6 07-03-2010, 10:23 AM

While I agree with #1 being cleaner, more "usable" etc., and also it's the most "normative" in terms of what a professional logo should look like... I voted #2 because it is the most unique. It's a risk, but basically with a professional image you have two main choices:
--Make it something that fits preexisting norms, so everyone accepts it right away.
--Make it something outlandish, so it stands out from the crowd.
For an independent graphic designer out in a sea of competition, I think it makes more sense to stand out. But it's a gamble of course.

IconBasser · #7 07-03-2010, 10:28 AM

I like the third one. It looks the shnazziest out of all of them.

gus1894 · #8 07-05-2010, 07:00 PM

Thanks everyone for all the votes! The initial thought behind the design was when I was back and forth between "Upstart" and "Up Graphics". Upstart was too something not what I am, and there turned out to be an Up Design locally. So the original logo I used (which was #1) was b/c even if the name was taken, I loved the simple bold design. #2 and #3 are the products of some vamping I've been doing recently in my thoughts to start freelancing again. Sometimes the first idea is the best one. Now to decide how I am going to proceed (see OP for why). But thanks for the input!

Stumbo · #9 07-05-2010, 07:09 PM

As far as freelancing, does your employment contract, job description or company policy already address this issue?

How will you be getting your clients? Will you be taking them away from your company? What if your boss wants you to bring your clients into the company?

HEIST · #10 07-05-2010, 07:11 PM

One! Clean, simple, classic. A real logo.

hover · #11 07-05-2010, 07:25 PM

#1. You are "quality, clean, and straight to the point.

#2 is too busy and vague.

#3 is a bit too *fancy* for the concept...and borders on Starfleet badge territory.

btw...what IS the concept? I mean, is it as literal as I think? What's the name?

**jmattbassplaya** · #12 07-05-2010, 07:33 PM

Is it okay that I don`t find any attractive, original, or attention grabbing? Sorry

gus1894 · #13 07-05-2010, 10:50 PM

Stumbo:
There is no hard and fast contract at my company, it's basically something that's understood. I am very loyal in that way anyhow. I wouldn't take clients away, I would try to bring them in to have the work printed where I work. I would have to assume he'd want me to bring them in.

Hover:
Actually, yea the concept really is that simple. I'be often felt that in the effort to identify yourself in a flood of competition is the biggest challenge. I used to work under the moniker of "studio triage" but that was close to 3 years ago. Now I am still not sure what I will go by.

Jmattbassplaya:
Of course it's fine I'd you don't like any if them, in my line of work you need to have thick skin! I realize now that I think about it I should have had a "none of the above" option!