Graphic Design Contests

**mbp** · 03-17-2010, 09:30 PM

I need to get a logo and banner designed for my company, the website can be found HERE. It's still a WIP but you get the general idea. I want a professional looking banner that will replace the flash at the top of the site, and a logo to match. I don't have a whole lot of ideas as I have no artistic ability so I'm hoping some of you graphic magicians can work your magic for me. Preferably done in AI so I can resize as needed but PSD will be ok too if the images are large enough to be scaled down.

**RobK** · 12:56 AM

The new header will take the place of only the stationary header (people at the top) on the website, or the just flash area or both?

I am assuming the stationary part but just checking.

Thanks.

**mbp** · 03-18-2010, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobK

The new header will take the place of only the stationary header (people at the top) on the website, or the just flash area or both?

I am assuming the stationary part but just checking.

Thanks.

Great question, should have thought about that. It's to replace the flash area. I actually hadn't considered using it to replace the stationary header, but I am no fan of it actually. Depending on what people come up with I may just scrap from the stationary header up and use what gets designed here. I should also state that there isn't really a height requirement on the banner, like it doesn't have to fit in the area the flash is in right now. Just can't be obscenely high as I don't like pages where 1/4 of the page is taken up by the banner.

Thanks.

**davemies** · 06:33 AM

initial concept

edit: see updates

**Madman340** · 03-18-2010, 10:37 AM

Fully vectorized images, created in Fireworks.

**mbp** · 03-18-2010, 09:10 PM

These are great submissions, thank you. My feedback so far is:

davemies:
I didn't think I would like a non-blue banner but you have proved me wrong, it looks great. I was actually going to say in the first post that it needs to be blue to match the site but decided against it since I thought someone may come up with something non-blue that looked good. I also really like the shading and the oval design on the right, it gives it character without being too busy. I also like the sharpness of the font.

I was wondering if there would be some way to tie it in to the site more. Although I really like it, because nothing matches anything else on the site (font, color, etc) it looks like it's just kind of sitting on top of the page, not 'in' it if that makes sense. Although I've stared at it for 20 minutes my lack of artistic ability prevents me from offering any advice on how to accomplish this.

Is it possible to make the letters in the title fatter while keeping the same sharpness? I hope that makes sense. I like the font but think it might look a little better if the characters had more width to them. If doing so makes them look more rounded though then skip it, I'll take sharp and thin over fat and round.

I'm not a huge fan of the symbol, it looks a little generic to me. I was wondering if you could come up with something with a little more flourish. Not sure what though, just something that sticks out a little more.

Madman340:
I like the integration with the color scheme of the site. I also like the idea of the image on the right, I think it's a great use of the space. I also like how the gradient in the text gives it depth.

As far as the image on the right, would you have an idea for something non-computer related? I'm actually not in the 'computer' business, I'm in the 'helping other businesses' business. Technology just happens to be the way in which I accomplish this. I don't know if you'd have an idea of some way to convey that.

I was wondering if you might be able to do something different with the logo as well. Besides Apple's absolutely retarded practice of suing everyone who uses lowercase i in their business, it seems too worn out by all of the i<insert random word here> you see everywhere. I'd also like something with a little more flair.

In regards to the text, would you be able to sharpen it up a bit? To me rounded letters convey a sense of laziness while sharp letters convey hard work and professionalism. Maybe that's just me though.

Thank you both for the work done so far.

**davemies** · 06:38 AM

logo1:

logo 2:

new header

and without on/off switch:

**katesrobyn** · 03-19-2010, 11:36 AM

I'll join soon. Thanks.

**Hazard** · 03-19-2010, 12:08 PM

my try...

**RobK** · 03-19-2010, 03:40 PM

Here's my entry. Logo is fully vectored. Feedback appreciated.

**mbp** · 03-20-2010, 05:34 AM

These look incredible. I'm going to have some people take a look and tell me what they think, and I'll be back with some feedback. Thanks.

**Madman340** · 03-20-2010, 03:57 PM

How is this?

**RobK** · 03-21-2010, 01:01 AM

Thanks, I wanted your services and your new logo (hopefully =P) to be the focal points of the banner and maybe the page.

**mbp** · 03-23-2010, 11:34 PM

I apologize for taking so long to post feedback, I've been tied up with a family emergency.

davemies: So far you are the favorite. Most people seem to prefer the simplicity of the banner. The logo looks great, and I like how the banner sits in the page. I like the bigger letters for the heading, but could you make a copy with IT Services in the thinner font? Also, could I see what IT Services looks like in a dark blue that matches the site? I'd also like to see the inner shadow continue around the right side of the banner.

Hazard: Some people really liked the background but a lot thought it was too 'busy' and distracting. I was also told the white half of the 'M' was very easy to miss which made reading it awkward. I really like the way the box looks that you put 'IT CONSULTANT...' in, however.

RobK: I personally like yours a lot, except that no matter how I look at it the 'B' looks like a '3'. One person also said the 'P' looks like a question mark, though I didn't see that until she pointed it out. However I got some odd feedback from the people I asked. I was told that the font plus the way the people are standing makes it look like I'm trying to be 'Super IT', which I'm told comes off as cheesy. They also said it's not as easy to read, which I don't understand but I'll take their word for it. I think it looks great by-and-large but I'm trying to go with something that has universal appeal, thus the reason for asking people their opinions. As for what to change, I wish I could be of help but like I said I have nothing artistic to offer.

Madman340: I like the simplicity, but I was told the people on the right make it look like an iPod commercial. I would also like something a little flashier in a logo.

To all: I think having people in the banner looks good but almost everyone I've talked to disagreed. However I think it needs to have something to give it a little character, I just don't know what it would be.

Thanks again for all of the great work.