DESIGN QUESTION...

my newest issue with creating my logos is figuring how to create the look that i want with the software. I'm having trouble achieving a stamp-like appearance with the logo.   i plan to work on it in class tonight and post whatever i do in class tonight on my blog.  Does anyone have any suggestions for how to create a stamp-like appearance in photoshop or illustrator?

SO EXCITED!

I think i finally have two good ideas for my project and I am so excited to have a solid idea to work from.  I think i want to go with a stamp type of look for the logos.  I have decided that i will proceed to take on both of the clients for this project because i have good ideas for both of them.  My symbol for silvermoon barbershop is going to be a barbershop chair done in line art in photoshop, and the symbol for thelma's rib shack will be a pot, chef's hat, or fork and knife.  Each symbol will be place on some type of eroded background to give it a stamped look.  I have found some interesting fonts that look eroded, and i will probably end up using them for the names of the businesses in the logos.  The color scheme for the barbershop logo is going to be red, white, and blue, and the color scheme for thelma's is going to be a deep red, (reminiscent of barbeque sauce), brown and black.  I have already began to think of specialty items i could make for each business.  I think a menu for thelma's would be great, and a flyer or price list for silvermoon will be great because they currently do not have one.  The next step for me is to begin designing on the computer.  I will begin designing on the computer tomorrow in class because i need to scan in some photographs to work from.  Wish me luck!

SO FRUSTRATED!

I've been working on drawing logos for both of my potential businesses for the past couple of days and I'm frustrated.  I want to come up with a logo design that speaks to me.  I want to draw it, look at it, and think...yes! This is the one! But so far this has not happened.  However, i have to remember that this is part of my design process. I start off excited, then i get frustrated, i worry, i swear and pull my hair, and then one day it just happens! The magical lightbulb finally turns on! Sometimes it happens completely by accident and other times it takes for me to walk away from what I'm working on and return later to look at it with a pair of fresh eyes. We'll see what happens!

PROJECT LOGO IDEAS AND CREATIVE BRIEF

I am currently in the process of drawing thumbnails of logos for both of the businesses i picked.  Im not sure which business I will choose because i feel like both of them have a lot of potential.  The first business is the Silvermoon Barbershop on auburn ave in atlanta.  The second is Thelma's Chicken and Rib Shack, which is also on auburn ave.  I have creative visions that stuck out immediately to me when i saw these places.  For the barbershop i envisioned a classic, old fashioned type of logo.  The catch phrase for the barbershop is: "The oldest black barbershop in atlanta." I wanted to use photographs of the barbershop chairs and turn them into line art in photoshop to be part of the logo.  However, i also have an idea of a simple picture of the clippers that the barbers use to be part of the logo.  The cord that comes from the clippers would be great to use as a design for stationary.

For the second business, (Thelma's Rib Shack) my vision is to simplify it and tone down the existing logo.  Instead of using corny images of actual ribs next to the title (which is in the existing logo) I want to use more unexpected images that remind you of an old fashioned, southern kitchen.  These images could be pots, forks and spoons, ect.   Furthermore, the menu for this restaurant definitely needs to be redone. It is currently a plain piece of white paper with a simple type up of the food items and prices.  I feel like this menu and the logo does not do Thelma's justice.  This is a kitchen that has been around for 35 years.  It is family owned, and the food is truly some of the best home-cooked southern BBQ you will ever taste.  The people who work here are so friendly, and the atmosphere is casual and homey.  I think that the logo and stationary should reflect the atmosphere of the restaurant. 

Im not sure which of the two businesses i will choose. i will continue to sketch thumbnails of logos for both businesses and see which one i have the most fun with.  I will also see which one i have the most creative ideas for.  Perhaps then i will be able to choose.  As soon as i get a chance i will post pictures of the thumbnails i am creating.

PAST PROJECTS

I have posted some projects that i worked on in previous graphic design classes.  Some of them i love, and some of them need some reworking.  Feel free to tell me what you think about them! constructive criticism is welcome!

GOOD AND BAD LOGOS

here are some examples of logos that i think are good and bad.  I have explained why under each picture...feel free to comment!