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This probably isn't the right place for this, but I'll try anyway. My company recently put me in charge of designing a logo that will be broadly used for branding (web, print, business cards, and building). My problem, though, is that I'm not much of a designer and I don't know where to start.
Here are the requirements they've given me:
- It should stress the "Varland" and "Electroplating" aspects of the company's name (Varland Metal Service Electroplating, Inc. or Varland Metal Service, Inc. Electroplating), and it must include the entire name.
- If possible, it should incorporate that the company has been around since 1946.
- It should be able to be varied for black and white or color use.
- It must be readable on something as small as a business card while looking nice on something as large as a building.
- If possible, a tagline placeholder should be built in in case the company wants to use a tagline in some situations (but the logo should still work without the tagline).
Can anybody point me in the right direction? Any tips or links? Everything is very much appreciated.
By the way, the current website is http://www.varland.com.
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- CommentAuthorWithoutReason
- CommentTimeJan 18th 2007 edited
In consideration of the photos within the company's website, the company itself looks rather... industrial. It also looks very independant. I am not entirely sure, but the company feels first generation. It still is relatively a young company.
But from the information gathered, the company was born in the 1940s. There is a sense of historic value to the company because of this. The website does not give this company justice. The face of the website must reflect the face of the real world counterpart, not degrade it.
With the above said, the logo must be reminiscent of the 1940s with a modern appeal. It should also give a hint of an industrial feel. I think the logo should be like a square or circular stamp... like a stamp of approval.
Okay, here it is... "Varland Metal Service, Inc Since 1946" encompasses a rather full "V" which would stand for Varland. The "V" will represent a "check mark" like a stamp of approval. The "V" itself should be of some serif font. As for the text encompassing the actual logo would be of the same font but obviously a smaller size.
Buy a logo book, maybe "Logo of the Twentieth Century" type of book and browse through the Mid-1900s section. Just to get a feel of what font type was used.
Just an idea.
*Edited: grammar and spelling... as per usual -
There is a lot that goes into a logo -- I don't advise learning Logo Making 101 on a forum. The best thing you can do is go to borders for 8 hours -- the entire day!! Read at LEAST two books on logo design; learn the fundamentals (like ensuring it will look good when faxed and then copied -- or how it works in a horizontal space and a vertical space). Then spend the remaining part of the afternoon looking through logo design books -- see what others did and get inspired!!
I got bored, so here is something for you to work from (work from, not take):
When you have a logo with such a LONG name -- it is best to compliment it with some sort of symbol -- Logo vs. Logo Type. This will let you have a rule set in place that allows for branding to exist without having to use the entire name (which could be limiting). I suggest incorporating the year into a tag line -- the year along seems odd and forced. -
A logo can be anything, just make something that makes sense and is readable and pleasant to the eye.
Just be creative, dont overdo the idea. Just look how awful the LucasArts logo is and how easy the Pixar logo is, but they work 200%. -
- CommentAuthorPettyRider
- CommentTimeJan 19th 2007
I like the 1940s take. But, my first idea would be a nice, heavy font. Really heavy.
"Varland" Across the top. Big, bold, industrial.
'Metal Service Electroplating, Inc." on the next line, equal width of "Varland"
Might not work very small though. The best advice has already been given here. Just think of the brand and have fun with it. -
- CommentAuthorWithoutReason
- CommentTimeJan 19th 2007
We're sharing ideas... no providing acutal logos. I don't think it would be wise to show a logo... just the cognitive idea through words as opposed to showing a mockup.
Secondly, we're not teaching varland how to design a logo. We are just helping him in an expanded context. I agree, if varland needs to learn, take a few days at the local mega book store and read up on logo design and color theory.
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