Topic: Trying to sort out a logo

[JP]

Hey guys,
Just trying to see witch looks best, or if either look good at all.  Would like to here your views on which I should go with or if I should just start over.
JP

[ProTeal55]

My 4cents.....
Start over with something different.
A logo should be eye catching , and most importantly easy to read at a glance...

[92t0rider]

My 2
Piggyback on ProTeal55 about keeping it easy to read, keep the bike but make the  custom cafe bigger and maybe italicized? Ok so it wont flow with the bike but it will be easier to read.

[cbjunkie]

the graphics you are using to define the body of the bike compete too much with the text.

either use a photo or drawing of a bike with the text in a more traditional way, or make the text the body (and wheels) of the the bike...

[ProTeal55]

Don't try and copy The Orange County Boys with their logo , that would automatically
put you at their level, which is not a level I would want to be on...

[JP]

Thanks for all the input fellas,
I will try to revamp the project, but I deffinately want to keep the bike- maybe I'll just wright out the Custom Cafe like in and arc over the top?  What do you think?  The big thing is, should I keep the "Ton Up" in or out?

PT-  I deffinately get the meaning with OCC, and I don't want to be compared to them in any way, quality or type of bike.  However, it gives me a chance to vent my frustrations towards those guys, here goes:  As far as all the big names go, Jesse James, Chico, Amen, Martin Bros., Billy whoever down in florida, etc. etc- I think that OCC doesn't even deserve to be mentioned with them.  They have become way too popular due to the tv show.  If my pockets were deep enough, I could build a bike just as good as thiers.  I'd just order every single part, have what needs to be painted, painted by someone else, and then just assemble it.

In fact, I could make a better bike by simply ordering as many parts as possible from West Coast Choppers.  A true bike builder can fabricate his own stuff.  And on their level, they should be fabricating nearly every part of the bike, and be able to figure out why their brand new builds won't start.  Jeez, those guys just call in a mechanic to figure it out for them!  They don't have a clue how to make a bike perform.  Man, that just chaps my ass!  Maybe I should start yelling at everyone and acting way cooler than I am (wait a minute, I already do the later ) and then I'll get my own show.
JP

[upperlake04]

Not knowing your design goals my first impression is..
  -  as CBJ states, the custom cafe text doesn't show up enough, maybe beef up that part
  -  the bold T and P dominate, but don't relate to ton up or custom cafe- maybe I'm missing something
  -  the angled ends of the bike give a braced planted look - not consistent with ton up or custom cafe which imply speed and movement.  You could try slanting everything one way

  Just a quick impression whatever it's worth

[JP]

Better?  Just plain goofy?

[Tim.]

Build a bike, then build a logo 

[Uncle Ernie]

I've had a little design and copy experience... I'd like to know the history of the current design and why you're attached to it.  As someone else mentioned, what is this for and what do you hope to accomplish?  Letterhead? Patch? Logo in general? Hot air balloon design? A poster that can handle some detail?

When I first saw your avatar, it took me several looks before I realized it was a motorcycle.  Seems a little... high-tech/futuristic for a traditional ton-up kind of thing.  The last picture showing speed/movement is closer. Perhaps you could incorporate some type into that?

BTW- when you're brainstorming, nothing is considered goofy.

[JP]

Ernie,

I am in the early stages of getting my name established as someone that works with these bikes.  The Logo will be used on any letterhead or business cards with the shop name on it.  Also, it will probably be on the back of my jacket- that's why I am trying to stick with one solid color.  It will actually be white on black leather.  I made the logo from my head, the only thing that even remotely got me to thinking is (and I'm ashamed to admit it) the OCC logo.  Thanks for not calling it goofy, Earnie.

Tintin, you can kiss my ass.  After just a couple of weeks, it is already evident that you just run your mouth on here and are of no real value to anyone.  Just because I am new to these forums does not mean that I am new to the bike world.  I will not attempt to justify myself to you, you are a lost cause.

JP

[3 sticks]

woah! didnt you see the ""? Its all in good fun, mate!

idk about anyone else but i took it as somthing along the lines of model the logo after somthing thats unique to your personal design.

I like that last one the most so far, showing movement. Mabe you could incorporate the name into the movement lines somehow? I just threw this together in paint, but you get the idea. Mine is obviously non useable, because you wouldnt be able to make out the words from farther than 2 millimeters...

[JP]

Sorry,
Ever since my first thread on this site I've been a little jumpy when I see tintin's replies.  If you were not being an ass on purpose, I apologize tintin.  However, I still think it was a personal jab, and IMO- we don't know each other well enough for that yet.

JP

[seaweb11]

Try shortening the wheel base.
Looks a bit long to me

[Uncle Ernie]

It occurs to me that you may need to check copywrites in case someone is already using "TonUp" commercially- Seems like I've heard of the Ton-Up Club...?

[cbjunkie]

i'm gonna get you, tintin...and your little dog snowy too!!! ahahahahahahaha!!!

[Tim.]

I'm a complete and total ass - no question about that.  Frankly, whatever exchange I might have had with you in the past here escapes me - although whatever I said, I'm sure I was right 

So, considering that, I went back and refreshed myself on my posts here related to you.  I presume this thread is the one you are at odds with?

http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=11421.30

Looks like I'm in the #$%*head club as well - if you're not with me, you're against me!  Maybe that could be your tag line for your logo.

You actually suggest in that thread that if your auctioned bike had had a clear title, it would have likely sold for closer to $3,000 than the $1,700 it sold for.  WTF are you smoking?  Since when is a title on a bike worth $1,300?

So, you've been around a LOOONG time, building bikes?

PS- at the bottom is me on my first ever sort-of-cafe build about 3 years ago out of a 1980 DOHC 750.  I know, I know- at least I was trying.

So, three years ago, you worked up a 750, call it a 'build', which I get such a kick out of, and to the best of anyone's knowledge have only put together one other project which you sold on eBay.  Now, with a whopping 25 odd posts of contribution to this community, most of which is #$%*ing about the people here, you start a thread asking for input on the logo for your Custom Cafe business.

What an illustrious history of blood, sweat, tears, dedication, devotion and contribution to the industry.  I said it once, and I'll say it again WITHOUT the winking smilie - build a bike, then build a logo.

I'm no veteran, to be sure.  I'm a young 36, have only been riding/working on these old Hondas since the late '90's, and have only owned three of them.  I've been part of this community since that time, participating on the Greenspun boards way back when.  I've learned a hell of a lot in my short time here, and like to think I've been able to begin paying it back in recent years with my own contributions based on my restoring my three Hondas.

If you have a differing opinion as to my contribution, feel free to read through the 1,000 posts I've made on this latest iteration of the board and get back to me with a summary of my lack of value.  If I've spent all that time and effort making 1,000 useless posts full of drivel, I'd sure like to know.

Oh, and if you want to be taken seriously, lose the fancy way-too-white sneakers and get a jacket that fits.  Your wrists are gonna get sunburned.

[Chris Schneiter]

The thing about a logo is that it's what identifies you to the public, and once you start using it, it stays with you, until you change it....and if it's wrong, it does you no good, and can in fact damage you.
I'm a photographer, (so I should have known better!) but when I started my first studio, I came up with a really stupid name and logo. I did ok, but people just didn't remember me as much as I'd like. Then 3 years later, I incorporated with 2 other Photogs. We came up with a logo and a name, and were all set to launch, when we ran it past an old Ad Man friend in his '70's. "THAT SUCKS!" he said..."Don't do Anything! Call me tomorrow!"...Agghh! All that work, and now he says it sucks!
So we called him the next day and went in..."From now on, you guys are Green Frog Photo!" he says, holding up a little plastic frog...I especially, thought that that was about the dummest thing I'd ever heard....then the day after that, we all came into the studio, and dumb or not, all of us came in bursting with promo ideas, using that stupid frog!...about two weeks later, we heard a story about how we had come up in conversation...One woman was talking about us...the other woman suddenly bursts out with "Oh, Green Frog Photo! I love their work!"...We had never met the woman, but somehow, though the magic of "Branding", our name sounded familiar, even though she didn't really know us.
Branding is the science of making a company memorable. It can come through persistance and reputation (look at how long JC Whitney has been around), or through branding (look at Arlen Ness's logo). Believe me, a poor logo design can wreck you, but a good one can make you.
After coming up with our logo, it was carried through to our Website, stationary, and anything else having to do with the company..we even have a frog rubber stamp, and right now, I'm wearing a Frog polo shirt. Within 6 months, both our website and our stationary had won awards. If you want to see our branding in action, go to our website: www.greenfrogphoto.com.
It's very important to utilize a designer who specializes in Branding. They are trained in developing an entire package that will portray what you are about, and give you a look that will "Brand" you in peoples minds.

[Rushoid]

Try shortening the wheel base.
Looks a bit long to me

That's what I was thinking. I couldn't decide if it was too long or if the wheels were too small. Just doesn't seem proportioned right.

Tintin, you can kiss my ass. After just a couple of weeks, it is already evident that you just run your mouth on here and are of no real value to anyone... JP

Quite the contrary, Tintin has been a big help to me and countless others who look to this forum for advice. That seems pretty ballsy and arrogant to pop in after a couple of weeks and call one of the "old timers" useless. Humility goes a long way here. Nobody knows you or your work. You may indeed be one of the masters of the cafe-building world, but that title is given to you after you've been around a while, and people like your work. Time will tell. Until then, sit back, relax, and let the knowledge flow both ways. Build your bike, post your pics, and let the rest of the world decide how good you are.

Lee

PeeYes: As far as the logo goes, maybe try tracing an outline of your bike (so the proportions are correct) and fill in details off of that. Maybe fit the name in the frame area. Just my 2 cents...

[brad]

i'll design you a logo if you make me a seat for my 750 SS.

[ElCheapo]

Because I have designed many logos for many of my businesses as well as slogans. I will dip in here and give you a few pointers if you will take them.

1. When designing a logo, always design at least 5 different ones that are NOTHING alike.
2. Never make them similar until you have the super bang holy crap one.
3. If your logo is cheesy then this is the impression people will get from you.
4. Designing a logo also requires that the logo be done in Adobe Illustrator or other simlar vectoring software. This will be needed if you are ever going to print in any serious manner or do any level of manner. You can have the printer do this but he will charge you by the hour. You have to be ready to use it EVERYWHERE... Biz cards, web, emails, print, news print, ETC.
5. NEVER BEAT ON a bad idea. Just let it die.
6. LEARN WHAT YOU LIKE. Look at logos from all kinds of companies and decide why you like it.
7. Never copy anyone in anyway..This is not flattery at this point (it is legal)
8. The logo MUST be recognizable at any size from just about any distance.

I am dissapointed... You guys have whooosed out! You are being far nicer to him than you were ever to me on the same subject.

Right now Anubis Cycle does not have a slogan, really a cycle shop does not need one.

Seeing that some people have put their balls in thier wives purses this week. I will tell you how it is.... Ditch the whole thing and start over. I know you put lots of work into it, but the logo looks like a grade schooler drew it. It has no "Pop" The logo has to look like an integral part not an after thought.  Just my 1/2 pennies here 

Now try again and think vintage...... How about something that everyone sees at cafe events all the time. And not the bike. Associations always work well.

[JP]

WOW!  You guys really stepped up to the plate!  THANK YOU!!!!!  This is exactly what I was hoping for.  Thanks, thanks, thanks!  I will start from scratch.  CES, Cheapo, Rushoid, Junkie, Earnie, Seaweb, 3sticks, Upperlake, your advise will be heeded.  I am stoked up to start again now.

Tintin, do you realize that yours were the only negative posts?  Why?  Did you get picked on alot in high school, or is it just a really small pee pee that anger's you?   

[Gordon]

Tintin, do you realize that yours were the only negative posts?  Why?  Did you get picked on alot in high school, or is it just a really small pee pee that anger's you?   

Give it a rest.  We don't need any more of this #$%* around here.

[Uncle Ernie]

Being a longtime BMW owner, I like that Vintage Velocity thing. Is that a website?
Have to agree on getting a pro for art. Too many people think they're designers just because they have a computer program.  
Different people work better in different ways.  I like to do some research and forget it for a while. Most of my best ideas seeminly came out right away, but they incubate, I think... Other people "brainstorm with others and often the play off each other refines or develops the idea.
When I was designing/writing, my name was Rolling Rhino. The logo was a Durer etching of the front 1/3 of a rhino but instead of a leg/shoulder, he had the front fender and wheel of a late 30s era car.  Seems to have made an impression because it reflected HOW I worked- not what I did.  Weird, I know. Go figure.
When my wife and I went into making one-off high end lighting, I listened to her trying to come up with a name with some of her girlfriends. Finally, sitting in the backseat of the car, I said, "Curse The Darkness".  They hated me because they didn't want to admit that was the only name there could be.  But at shows, people would come to see us just to find out what we did. The name lives on...
My most famous debacle was the one I worked the hardest on. Beautiful artwork using wings in conjuntion with an old tire/wheel, gorgeous lettering in modified script across the middle; Vintagfe Winds. The first person that saw it said, "OLD FARTS?!"  I was so focused, I couldn't see the whole picture.  I still fantasize about T-shirts, though... Beautiful.
Speaking of brainstorming- I think I still have the original art. I believe I WILL get a couple T-shirts made. I'm glad we had this talk.

[Uncle Ernie]

PS- without really knowing tintin's proclivities, I have to guess the size of your peepee wouldn't really have any effect on him. 
Just guessing-