designing the olympic “brand”
As a designer, there are so many processes both big and small that I go through to to reach the end result. Some jobs are bigger than others, but no job goes without research. Whether an invitation for the most elegant and beautiful wedding, or a logo that will express a life coach, or a brochure to talk its readers through company information, each job has one common denominator – research! Some might wonder…”research?” Why yes, research I tell you. In order to achieve the best design for any given assignment, research is part of the process. To me, it is one of my favorite parts. I’m able to dissect the project, the people involved and the objectives.
My friend Christy Ann sent me an interesting article about how the 2010 Olympics were branded. Since we are now a few days into the games, i thought it would be really cool to share with you all. It is quite amazing- and especially for my readers in the non-creative industry, it is both educational and inspirational!
logo reveal
I have been so excited to share my latest logo design with you! The last few weekly wrap-ups I have talked about this logo. I think I get so attached to my designs because I truly enjoy my work and my clients. In Deborah’s case, I think it was kismet that we met and now have become friends! It is quite amazing and I can’t wait to share her business cards which are being letterpressed. We will also be working on oodles of goodies for her new business. So I will certainly share along the way too!
When I design logos, it is very important that the logo looks great in both black and white and color. I start my sketches and brainstorming in all black and white. I’ll use shades of gray to distinguish where color might go as an option. I like to compare it to a person. If you like someone for simply what is on the outside, then you are missing out on the inside. So if the strength of a logo is based solely on color, it isn’t a strong mark. The strength of a logo needs to survive photocopies, scanning and uses of all sizes and medium.
The challenge:
Starting from scratch, the challenge was to create a logo for Deborah that represents her personality, but also the wide scope of what she does. Rather than have a list, or add one particular strength of hers, we simply used her name and added ‘designs’ to it. The word although simple, really works for her.
The next part was how to represent Deborah and her business. She is a smart savvy business woman, who is fun, feminine and knows what she wants… and stands by it! Without going ultra feminine and full of flourish, I worked in a clean and modern mark while complimenting it with a feminine touch.
The process:
The overall process is always so much fun. For this project, because Deborah and I are so much alike, I went a bit crazy and presented a bit too much to her. (I just couldn’t resist). 
After presenting a variety of concepts to Deborah, we started working with color. She knew she wanted shades of sherbet. Think summer fun, light and contemporary. Deborah had a vision and we worked through it all together. I love, love, love the final result!
The result:
a new look for lead
Most of what i design on a day to day basis is wedding related, which i just love to do. However, that little extra percentage is spent on non-wedding items such as cards, birthday goodies, shower invitations, brochures and logos. Most recently, Diane contacted me. She is a life coach and really interesting to listen to how she can help. Her business, while rather new was in the need of a makeover.
The challenge:
To take the words that represent her business – leadership, empowers, action and development and turn them into a timeless logo that represents strength and growth.
Diane knew she wanted an image of a tree, but not anything like she had been using, which literally was, a tree. She requested a more abstract image that would be enticing to either male or female and really, any age.
The process:
We worked through a variety of concepts, color combinations and different feelings. I love working through this process with each client because as brainstorming happens, I’m never sure what will happen. After reviewing initial concepts with Diane, we selected “the one” that we loved and moved forward. With some tweaks and color combinations, the final result is great! I worked the logo into business cards and off Diane went to her first big seminar. I’m anxious to hear how it went!
The result:
