Identity System

After looking over my inspirational systems I looked at why each system works and what I was attracted to it.  The biggest things were a consistent theme and solid color scheme throughout the pieces of the design.  From that I started working on my own thing.  I had a logo (wordmark), the stacked rocks and the enlarged O as my starting point along with a brown toned color scheme.  I wanted to ad at least one more color to add to the palette that added some dimension with keeping it sophisticated.  

For my system I decided that the tradition

al Business card, envelope letterhead was a good place to start.  Through conversation with Ange I decided that these types of things would be best used after you already have clients, but how would I use this system to draw clients in?  I mentioned the idea of going to a trade show and that being a way to bring in clients.  The idea of having a folder as a giveaway that would have some informational materials and things to draw people in.  

This folder will have the logo on the front, simple and plain.  Inside the folder on the left side will be a welcome letter telling about Menno and what we can do for you.  On the right side will be a tall handout that ha tips for saving money in your home and the business card of the person working at the trade show (or handing out the folder in any situation).  

Below is the business card template and the colors that I am using throughout the identity.  Its a rough start, but it is what I am looking at as a direction.

Coffee awakens, Coffee Inspires

In my search for inspirational systems I was trying to think outside the box and find things that were hidden gems.  However, while looking for a third quality source I found myself in a pretty common place - a coffee shop.  Caribou Coffee's logo, store design and website design is cohesive and fun while still setting itself apart from the crowd.  The northwoods, rustic feel is different then most coffee shops where you'll either find something modern and urban or comfy and "green".  I personally prefer Caribou over Starbucks and I think some of its appeal is its warm and friendly atmosphere even amidst the even coldest and dreariest days.  Looking at their overall appeal and design I think it comes from their ability to feel like a slice of the northwoods without appealing only to hunters and fishers.  Their website to logo to store design all follow their brand identity, creating a unified system that has kept their company growing.

Final logo directions

I edited the typeface to make it more unique and tried to exagerate the forms to make it more similar to the stacked rocks of the logo. Is it working? does it need more or less? Also is the "^" better over the whole thing, or just at the end over the "o"? Is it better with 3 rocks, or the whole thing?

I really want this to be strong and I think I have looked at it so much that I am really in need of some other eyes and ideas. just what you prefer would be helpful. Thanks so much!

Inspirational Conspiracy

As I am thinking about inspirational systems I was thinking about what things I have come into contact with that moved me in some way.  This past Christmas my church used this video and I thought it was really well done and the concept of the company was really cool and edgy.  So I went to look at their website and see what other sorts of things they have.  To the left is their logo.  It is somewhat complicated but it gets to the heart and point of their company.   Below is a simplified word mark and a tag line that explains their company a little more.   Below that is the page on their website that you get when you click the "about section."  They have a pretty diverse system of symbols that they use in various ways.  Yet they stick with a consistent color palette and style throughout.  The Video on their home page (youtube link below) is how I first got introduced to this company and I think it is awesome.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU

www.adventconspiracy.org

Typefaces ... can't figure it out!

I am working on defining my final logo and I have decided to go with the rock concept. I am not sure what direction I should go with the typeface and need some input. Is a more solid typeface better? serifs or no? script? I will end up stylizing the "o" and maybe the rest of the typeface but I need an idea of where to start.

I also would like some ideas on the best way to integrate the typeface into the logo. If a better typeface will help with it in the previous location that could work, but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Also, what would people think if I put the rocks into more of a greyscale then the browns?

Thanks for the input!!

2 Logos

There first one has iterations with blacks and greys as well as a few different numbers of rocks, but this is what I showed in class. 

The next logo just has 3 color variations.  Same type face.  I think I am going to work with the type face to get it to work more with the logo.

Sweet Treats Inspire Sweet Design

This company and website was brought to my attention from a group meeting for a different class. When I looked up the website during our meeting I was kind of geeking out at the logo, the concept and the overall identity. The website is designed really well and the logo is awesome. I also wish that this place existed anywhere near the Midwest!

http://www.yogurt-land.com/