Archive for the ‘Logo Design Tips’ Category

  • 23June
    Tube of Mirrors: Kaleidoscope Art

    A tube of mirrors. It sounds like such a simple concept, but the results it creates are nothing less than amazing. Kaleidoscopes are not really around as often as they used to be, but as a kid, I remember having one and using it as inspiration to create art. Today, with digital technology at our fingertips, its much easier to create breathtaking, kaleidoscope inspired art that looks like you are peering directly thorough the mirror filled tube. Take a look at some of these masterpieces.

    -Nora reed

    Winter Sunset Kaleidoscope Art

    Stained Glass kaleidoscope Art

    Kaleidoscope flowers

    Kaleidoscope Art

    Star Kaleidoscope Art

    Kaleidoscope Art

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  • 18June
    A Logo for your Special Day: Wedding Logo Designs

    It’s wedding season and although I’m sure that any upcoming wedding has already been planned well in advance, there are still little details that no bride wants to forget. So much work goes into planning a wedding that it is easy to let small things go unnoticed, but sometimes those simple things can help make that special day complete.

    Along with needed items such as a veil, dress, flowers and so many others, each couple should also have their own appropriate logo. A couple’s wedding logo goes on most things such as the invitations, the cake, the place settings and even thank you notes, so its best to choose something elegant that reflects the couple’s personality and/or wedding theme. Logos can be pre-designed or custom, depending on how far you would plan to take it. They are a wonderful addition and really add a little something extra.

    Hibiscus wedding Invitation

    Close-up Hibiscus Wedding Logo

    Themes are great for weddings. They can be based on the destination of the honeymoon or the location of where the wedding is taking place, a personal reference to where the couple met or anything else that may be important to them. Overall the theme helps tie everything together and has a great look. Tropical themes are usually popular and the above hibiscus flower is great for hawaiian honeymoons or beach themed receptions.

    Diamond Wedding Logo

    Signature Design Wedding Logo

    Classic Style Wedding Logo

    Cinderella Carriage theme Wedding Logo

    Two Hearts Wedding Logo

    A wedding logo is a great addition to a formal affair that can add a little pizazz to a reception and wow your guests. It seems that even a small wedding ends up being a lot of work to pull together, but it’s the flow of the day and the enjoyment of the guests that is important. It goes by so fast and it’s important to make it memorable.

    Posted in Logo Design Tips | 6 Comments »
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  • 16June
    Logo Changes in a Tough Economy

    The tough economy is biting big business especially hard.  From lagging sales to dreadful earnings, every company both public and private are doing whatever they can to hang on.

    While some have filed for bankruptcy and others have gone to the government hat in hand looking for a bailout, others are trying new marketing and advertising strategies to stay afloat.

    One idea to boost business is a change in logo design. Changing an existing logo has long been a play in the bored marketers playbook. Often an attempt to capture the latest trend or the corporate zeitgeist, changing the logo is often the first solution some brilliant advertising or marketing wonk comes up with to inject new life into a stale brand.

    Do you think think  a more friendly approach to a logo draws in more business?

    The start of Great Depression 2.0, or  The Financialpocalypse of ’08-09 has left both the nation and the business world naturally feeling gloomy.

    Couple that with the election of President Hopey McChange, and there is a genuine feeling that, if we just think positive enough, and project a bright enough image, everything is going to be alright.

    Kraft new and old Logo Design

    Kraft’s new logo is much friendlier in appearance and now comes complete with a tag line, which they seldom displayed prior to the recession. The smile design, and addition of the flower/butterfly graphic is in stark contrast to the bold forceful design of the old logo. I have to admit, the old logo looks like it should belong on a barrel of industrial waste products, or the side of a Hummer rather then on packages of processed cheese.

    The new logo is more befitting of a food company and a positive step forward, but I cant help thinking Kraft is also doing penance on behalf of its parent company Altria ,formerly Phillip Morris. Who thinks of butterflies and smiles when the think of global tobacco conglomerate?

    Walmart Logo Before and After

    Walmart The old logo looks like it dictates things, and is definitely army surplus in design, while the new lowercase font and brighter design is more welcoming and modern. I can’t help but think Wal-Mart is trying to establish its own Target like bulls eye in the public’s conscience given the greater goodwill Target has with its employees and shoppers. The pleasant and softer look for the Bentonville, Arkansas retailer is a little Kmarty in design, but a nice change and if their last quarter earnings are, any indication lifted spirits are more generous with money.

    Do you think this works? What are some other ways to build business in rough times? Do you think this is a marketing stunt, or a genuine attempt to re brand a company?

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  • 08June
    Hidden Mickeys: Disney’s Mickey Logo Revealed

    The mickey mouse head logo is Disney’s most known trademark. As soon as anyone lays eyes on those three circles placed so strategically together, they immediately know what the reference means. The design is simple, but has come a really long way over the years.

    The Disney company often has a little fun with this logo in which they litter hidden mickey mouse silhouette heads throughout their parks, attractions, resorts and movies. I found this to be such an interesting and playful concept, which allows Disney fans to try their best to find them.

    The Disney Parks are home to many tropical themed attractions and resorts. Here, the Mickey is hidden as a decorative marking.

    Mickey can be found among the stone shapes that make up the ground in the theme parks and even here where he hides in a drain cover.

    Disney's Villas Hidden Mickey

    Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and camp grounds in Orlando Fl are decorated according to their wilderness theme. Each detail from the cabin like walls to the employees’ costumes seems to fit, but of course there was still a little room to hide some Mickey’s throughout.

    Haunted Mansion Hidden Mickey

    With surprises around every corner, the haunted mansion offers ghosts and ghouls and, if you hadn’t guessed, Mickey! There are more than one hidden Mickey in this amusing attraction, but this one was the most interesting. If you look at the top of the glowing figures staff, you can see the illuminated Mickey head making its appearance.

    Disney's Golden Horseshoe Saloon Hidden Mickey

    Frontier Land's Golden Horseshoe Saloon Hidden Mickey

    This one was a little more challenging to find. At Disney’s Frontier Land in the Magic Kingdom, the Golden Horseshoe Saloon has a little secret. Hidden among the vent slots is a very obvious Mickey head, but if you don’t stare directly at it, you may never even notice it’s there.

    Hidden Mickey in Dinosaur Ride

    Mickey hides here in the clouds among the Dinosaur ride in Animal Kingdom. With so many bumps and turns in this exciting adventure, Mickey’s head is like a little ray of sunshine among the claws and fangs.

    Hidden Mickey in Small World Ride

    We all know the song…The “it’s a small world,” attraction also hides one of Mickey’s silhouettes.

    Hidden Mickey Underwater

    Mickey even swims! Here in Epcot, Mickey is hidden in the rock formation beneath the sharks. I wouldn’t recommend jumping in to save him.

    Hidden Mickey upon Disneyland Lampost

    Mickey Lamppost

    Disney's Splash Mountain Hidden Mickey

    This Mickey is a little distorted but it’s still there among the rocks of the Splash Mountain ride.

    Disney's Hurcules Movie Hidden Mickey

    Mickey hides in the movies too! Here is Disney’s Hercules, one of the singing muses flips upside down to reveal a hidden Mickey within the curls of her hair. These muses seem to create inspiration everywhere, for the characters and even for the artists who work on the film. They will hide a Mickey wherever they can find the right place.

    Hidden Mickey in Disney's Lilo and Stitch

    The film Lilo and Stitch hides a Mickey as well in the fruit cart behind the two dancing friends.

    The largest hidden Mickey of all lies just outside of Orlando close to large lakes named Lake Louisa and Trout Lake.

    These are only a few examples of the hidden Mickeys that are spread through Disney owned properties and movies. It’s left up to you to find the rest, but they are a challenge, so good luck. Brand recognition is so important for a company’s PR and Disney knows this and has done an amazing job making themselves known to the public. Their Mickey logo is known globally and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

    -Nora Reed

    Posted in Graphic Design, Logo Design Tips | 5 Comments »
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  • 05June
    Another French Revolution, a New Logo for a New Economy

    Like the rest of the world many European nations are struggling economically. Due to a global economic slowdown, tourism and revenue are some of the first industries to feel the blow. Just like any small business, big business, or organization, entire nations need to revamp occasionally to stir up some action. Case in point, France.

    France has recently rethought its branding strategy and will be moving in a new direction. Would this logo below convince you to rendezvous in France?

    I might give it an extra thought. A couple things right off the bat:

    1. The French flag is creatively intertwined into the hair and face of a seemingly attractive woman.

    2. The lowercase f in France gives me a casual and light hearted impression.

    3. The popular Rendez vous phrase offers a simple familiarity with a foreign nation that is often left out.

    My favorite part, the logo has opted out of emphasizing French clichés. The image is clean, fun, and bright. I’m glad there is no Eiffel tower or outline of France’s border like many other predictable logos. France has done a pretty good job at branding it’s nation.

    Have you seen any other logos that are representative on a national level? If so share them with me and let me know which ones are your favorite.

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