Archive for July, 2008

  • 29July
    Which is your favorite art inspired Google logo?

    Most companies looking for a branding solution will toss and turn losing sleep over the most minute details of their company logo. What many of them are looking for is the “perfect” logo that will be universally recognized. What they don’t realize is that while a logo does help you get noticed, it is the product that really sets you apart. To find that perfect balance it makes sense to look where you find the answer to almost every other question looming today, Google.

    While Google was revolutionizing how users navigate the internet, they were also changing the face of their business. Google’s homepage is incredibly simple, incorporating only the their logo, a single search bar, and a handful of hyperlinks. Even with this primitive design users continually flock to the most popular search engine on the internet. Why? because image isn’t everything.

    While you may not be able to search for why Google’s logo is successful, you can certainly see it. Google has been known to change its logo possibly more than any other company the public has seen.

    Google has kept their logo’s general shape the same, but simultaneously proven that finer parts of a logo really don’t matter. By offering one of the most reliable search engines, with competitive accuracy and volumes of data, Google established itself as a dominant player on the net. Now they have the ability to play with their image, keeping it fun, creative, and interesting; all reflections of Google’s strengths.

    Whether it be holidays, current events, seasons, celebrity birthdays, or just random artwork, Google has the opportunity to change the face of their company. Here are some of my personal art inspired favorites. Vote on your favorites:

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    Posted in LogoBlog Poll | 1 Comment »
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  • 25July
    LogoBlog Book Review: Decoding Design by Maggie Macnab

    Examining and evaluating logo design is often done through the lens of graphic design principles and visual communication standards.

    Although such evaluation is purely subjective, shapes, typography, and color, stand as obvious visual cues to the design of the logo.

    But what about the not so obvious? The mathematics, psychology, and semosis, behind the creation of a logo.

    Maggie Macnab explores this topic in depth in Decoding Design: Understanding and Using Symbols in Visual Communications. Through teaching logo design at the University of New Mexico for over ten years, being published in several design centered magazines, and speaking to the design community internationally, Macnab has collected substantial information as to the “Why” of logo design and not just the “How.” Decoding Designs offers a unique perspective of the elements that form one of the world’s oldest forms of communication.

    Macnab investigates the roots of logo design and visual communication through an easy to follow numerical breakdown. Each chapter, zero through ten, uncovers the meanings and characteristics of mathematics’ eleven smallest whole numbers. Each number (chapter) exposes often overlooked characteristics of design, math, and psychology that explore further into the meanings of certain design trends. From the relationship of design and ethics, to the connection of nature and symbolism, Decoding Design brings all of the facets of design together, forming a holistic analysis.

    The level of analysis is best exemplified in chapter ten as Macnab comes full circle in the dissection of numbers, their roots, and their implications on nature and design. “The number ten contains the comprehensive synergy of all the numbers below it, reinterpreted as a more complex world of double digits that lead to infinity”(p.203) Macnab examines far beyond the typical shapes, angles, and colors of design, and exposes the deeper theoretical framework beneath.

    However, keep in mind that this literature is probably not your best choice for light reading. Macnab dives deep into the inner workings of symbolism and its effects on people and nature. Knowing the varying level of design interest of the LogoBlog community, this book may not be for the casual observer.

    Whether you are interested in visual communication and logo design as a potential career, hobby, or area of study, Decoding Design has valuable information for you.

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    Posted in Logo Design Books | No Comments »
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  • 03July
    LogoBlog Poll 21- Best Rock Band Logo

    So you people finally decided whose logo design is the “heaviest” among rock bands.

    Guns N’ Roses: Bad Boys has a good logo (20 votes)

    When the lead singer of the band is Axl Rose and Slash is playing a trick on the strings of guitar, you’re lucky that you are even listening to it… Did you ever know who designed their logo? The Gus N’ Roses logo is the sweet child o’ Slash.

    Slash. In my eyes, you are a super-genius artist. Your solos and logos still pack the power that makes you “Guitar God” in the first place…

    Linkin Park: What they have done! (17 votes)

    Linkin Park are the undisputed king of Nu Metal. Their logo is one of the most influential logos in the history of rock bands. Linkin Park logo, written in a stylish font and blended in a highly artistic way, is a real beauty.

    My Chemical Romance: The Black Parade is “Alive” and selling (9 votes)

    Okay Gerard Way. I won’t say you “emo” anymore. You’re a real punk talent and your logo design is just awesome; cleverly fostering “famous last words” in a “wavy” manner.

    Evanescence: Amy brings me to Life (8 votes)

    Miss Amy Lee. Honestly, I love your angelic voice and gothic style but where are Ben Moody and Will Boyd? These two persons were the identity of your band! Weren’t they? I really adore the Evanescence font and logo design. Anyways, best of luck for “The Open Door”.

    Foo Fighters: Keep on fighting (5 votes)

    Keep on fighting Mr. Grohl. We don’t have anything for you, but 5 votes… :P

    Posted in Logo Design Tips | 7 Comments »
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