Self-Designed Logo

[zorz]

I only tried hiring a professional logo designer once but unfortunately, got burned... The results were mediocre despite not bad a compensation, $150. As a result, decided to try it myself, for better or worse... Application used: PS CS3, fonts: Asa Rocks and trusted Century Gothic. The image is mine, obviously. It also looks cool on white/light gray.

http://images34.fotki.com/v1123/photos/8/825806/4187436/ZorzStudioLogocopy-vi.jpg

[tim]

The OR3 thing looks like it's been scrawled by a child. Not seeing the face isn't a good thing I think. I like the general idea, but I think you need to choose a better image and change your typography.

[Nortelbert]

The OR3 thing ...

It's actually "Zorz", his name. The first Z is the purple swirl. Took me a while to figure out, so maybe that's not a god sign for a logo.

[zorz]

This should help with letter separation. I don't think the font type is childish. Might change it but will keep the idea. Smooth and traditional fonts are too aplenty out there... As for the image itself, it has a history to prove its impact as is so I am certainly sticking to it.

http://images34.fotki.com/v1123/photos/8/825806/4187436/ZorzStudioLogo_1-vi.jpg

[tim]

Looks like a kid who can't write on a straight line to me. I'm not trying to be rude, i'm just telling you what I think, and what others will possibly think. It's not obvious what you're trying to do.

What's the point of your logo? What are you trying to achieve with it? I would think one key point would be people being able to read it without too much effort.

[zorz]

No problem, Tim, I understand. Perhaps, I don't think that every logo needs to be read without effort. I certainly see the appeal of clean logos,and not throwing out this idea yet.

The logo presented, I believe, will draw and grab attention, keep the eye wandering. I have a feeling it would also pull the finger to click on it and see what's behind. With all due respect, I don't get that feeling upon looking at your logo (unless there is another one that I missed - I only see three words in variable color). I know your mastery and wouldn't pass your name but what about an uninformed viewer?

In other words, I am not designing jumbo-size dial pads, I am competing for attention. Put our logos next to each other and decide.

[tim]

I don't have a logo on display anywhere, just words in color, like you said. I should, and I have one designed, I just don't have it anywhere yet. I'm just trying to find time for the website redevelopment.

[zorz]

Sorry, then it's not a fair comparison from my part. I still see some logos as just nice writings and keep thinking that they are just that, nice writings...

What I think about this draft of mine is actually converting the photograph of the young lady into a stylized illustration. That would certainly require a professional. Never done that.

[haisai-ojisan]

Just a newbie, to this forum, throwing in a few words.

First I must say you have awesome photos on your site and the site itself is very nice too.
I think the original image that you used in your logo design is very nice.

But I will have to side with tim on the logo design. It is a little difficult to read and using 3 type faces makes the text look too busy. If it was to catch the attention of a curious customer, the lady will definitely be the thing to do that as your photos speak for itself. If this is the look you're going for....more power to you!

[cdifoto]

The reason smooth and traditional fonts/logos are so common is that they stand up well to photocopying and/or B&W laser printing.

[zorz]

The reason smooth and traditional fonts/logos are so common is that they stand up well to photocopying and/or B&W laser printing.

Agree.

[Hikin Mike]

At first it looked like a OR3 too. If you lose the image and pick a different font for the "ORZ", I think you'd have a winner. As it is, the image is lost in the text.

[zorz]

If you lose the image and pick a different font for the "ORZ", I think you'd have a winner.

I'm afraid it won't be a logo anymore... :) At least from my standpoint.

[th3r0m]

As it is, I did not immediately connect the ORZ as together with the each other or the twined Z.

What if you kept the woman with the Z twining around her, dropped the ORZ script and just had "zorz" over "studios" to the side or below it in the same font as "studios"? I really like the twining Z and the woman and think that by itself it would probably work for a logo...you may want to simplify the woman a bit...maybe do a find edges on the photo and clean it up a bit for easier black and white reproduction.

Great shot by the way!

[zorz]

As it is, I did not immediately connect the ORZ as together with the each other or the twined Z.

What if you kept the woman with the Z twining around her, dropped the ORZ script and just had "zorz" over "studios" to the side or below it in the same font as "studios"? I really like the twining Z and the woman and think that by itself it would probably work for a logo...you may want to simplify the woman a bit...maybe do a find edges on the photo and clean it up a bit for easier black and white reproduction.

Great shot by the way!

Ah! These kind of modifications would be more in line with my ideas. Just, what is "find edges"? Thank you kindly.

[GotDesign01]

A few thoughts...

What do you want to convey with your logo? Because this logo -- to me -- conveys clutter. Once you figure out what messages/concepts you want the logo to convey, then begin putting together imagery (text, shapes, etc.) that best get the point across.

A logo is probably the most important part of your brand identity. When you see two golden arches, your mind almost screams "McDonald's." You want to try to establish a logo that automatically identifies you to the viewer/market.

Beyond that, think about the practical matters. How will the logo appear in different uses -- letterhead, on prints, coming across a fax machine, on the web, silk screened/embroidered shirts, etc. Adjust accordingly.

In other words, be sure you put a great deal of thought into the design of your logo. It will become the one icon that identifies you to the market.

Good luck.

[Hikin Mike]

Ah! These kind of modifications would be more in line with my ideas. Just, what is "find edges"? Thank you kindly.

I can see what you're trying to do and I agree with Ben. If you could do a "trendy" graphic-looking woman, rather than a real picture I think it would look classy.

As far as the ORZ font, my wife could read it either. I might suggest a different font.

[Hikin Mike]

A logo is probably the most important part of your brand identity. When you see two golden arches, your mind almost screams "McDonald's." You want to try to establish a logo that automatically identifies you to the viewer/market.

A side note, I saw recently that the two arches were just for purely structural reasons.

[th3r0m]

Ah! These kind of modifications would be more in line with my ideas. Just, what is "find edges"? Thank you kindly.

"find edges" as a filter in photoshop...not sure which editing program you use though. Basically you could do the same thing by tracing over the stronger lines of your photo with a black paintbrush, just enough to give the viewer a good impression of what you are trying to get across without tracing the whole thing (kind of an outline basically) Good luck and again nice shot!

[I Simonius]

I only tried hiring a professional logo designer once but unfortunately, got burned... The results were mediocre despite not bad a compensation, $150. As a result, decided to try it myself, for better or worse... Application used: PS CS3, fonts: Asa Rocks and trusted Century Gothic. The image is mine, obviously. It also looks cool on white/light gray.

]

I like it - but only just.. I couldnt see that the swirl was a 'Z" until I read that it was and the word just isn't clear, maybe the "Z" needs to be the same coluras the rest of the text?

[zorz]

I like it - but only just.. I couldnt see that the swirl was a 'Z" until I read that it was and the word just isn't clear, maybe the "Z" needs to be the same coluras the rest of the text?

Note that I posted an update with changed color for the entire word "Zorz" to improve readability and letter connection. Here's an alternative with same color handling but different font type:

http://images31.fotki.com/v1087/photos/8/825806/4187436/ZorzStudioLogo_2-vi.jpg

[I Simonius]

Note that I posted an update with changed color for the entire word "Zorz" to improve readability and letter connection. Here's an alternative with same color handling but different font type:

]

much better (but I'd also like to see a version with less border top and bottom (esp top) if being used for Business cards?)

btw your site takes way too long to load;-)

[zorz]

btw your site takes way too long to load;-)

This happens, although rarely. Are you on broadband? Even on broadband (widespread enough here to target such clients), I noticed a slow loading twice, possibly due to my host's performance.

The new site design will address this.

[Hikin Mike]

Note that I posted an update with changed color for the entire word "Zorz" to improve readability and letter connection. Here's an alternative with same color handling but different font type:



Better!

I still think you need to come up with a graphic rather than a photo. Try printing this or better yet, embroidering it in a nice shirt. ;)

[zorz]

I think I am getting persuaded regarding impracticality of photographic element in logo. Using a graphic version of this photo was in my mind from the beginning -- this is what the first designer couldn't do so I decided to give full photo a try... <sigh> The search is on.

[th3r0m]

Nice!

[BenMottram]

On the subject of fonts/founts.... an old typesetter's rule went something like
"Use 1 fount. Use 2 if your life depends on it and 3 only if the world is about to end"

Words are there to be read. If someone has to make an effort to read what is written, the chances are that they won't bother.

Having said that, I quite like the effort in post #21... although logos typically don't include photos. You need to find a way to stylise the dancer.

Ben