LogoMotion (Week 8)
by skocko on Oct.24, 2009, under Blog
A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
— Antoine de Saint Exupéry
Here we are at Mac Lab Saturday School™ number two. Early on, I threw out a challenge to the kids: Who’s going to provide this week’s blog image? Fadi G had about a dozen ideas in various stages of completion and when he tried to submit this one I asked him to zoom out to see what it looked like when reproduced small. As the rest of the page came into view, I immediately pointed to a different design and said, “That’s brilliant!” (No larger version yet and this still needs a little editing, like any work-in-progress.)
When you’re designing your own logo, you should always strive to make it relevant to your skills and interests. Make it both personal and professional. The reason I was so immediately taken with this idea is that Fadi’s becoming an Illustrator expert. Out of all the ideas on his page, this is the one that shouted FADI! to me. To him though, it was just another idea. No big deal. I’m still not sure if he really likes it or not but it’s too late to escape this week’s claim to fame. Sometimes, especially when designing logos, less is more. Check the quote at the top of the page again. That message will be with us the rest of the year. Count on it. Perhaps some clever student will design a poster with typographic finesse that captures the essence of those words. I sure would like to display that quote forevermore on the Wall of Fame. (Hint, hint.)
Oh, and for anyone else considering the Adobe-esque logo angle, it’s officially been taken. You’re going to have to come up with some other brilliant idea. Lucky for you I got up in the middle of the night to begin constructing third party logo galleries to help you to get a feel for what I’m looking for: 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | More are on the way. Check out the other links on our Inspiration page to feed your imagination.
This post is subject to editing as it was written in the midst of MLSS chaos. 
International Update: The Republic of Haiti and the Republic of Kazakhstan bring us to 127 countries (the countries in white have yet to visit).
1026: The Republic of Moldova just joined the Mac Lab party. If 128 have now visited, how many does that leave? (Didn’t think you’d learn about geography or global politics in the Mac Lab, did you?) Now, back to our irregularly unscheduled deprogramming…
Simplify: While you’re trying to simplify your design, think about simplifying your name as well. George M was working on his design this past Saturday. When he asked for a critique, I suggested shortening the four-word grouping he was playing with. After a few minutes, George M (last name spelled out) Graphic Design had become GeoGraphics. He’s not only got a catchier name (and his own TV channel!), his design challenge just became more manageable. Simplify!
Inspiration: Back in the day, whenever I was working on a new design, I’d have my morgue file handy and I’d page through it over and over again. To say I’d seen some of those images over 1,000 times would be an understatement. Only a fool would believe I was wasting time. I was feeding my imagination. A morgue file is a living breathing resource. It changes just like you do. Are you the same person you were five years ago? Five months ago? Five days ago? No, of course you’re not. The imagery may not have changed but you have. With each new viewing, new connections are established. Plus, new imagery is always being added to a morgue file. It’s one of the lessons my first graphic design professor taught me back in 1974 and it’s a lesson I took to heart because it worked for me time and time again.
As with many things, today’s morgue file may be digital rather than physical. Though I’d encourage you to begin your own, I’d caution you that it can be a time consuming process. For me, it’s a labor of love rather than on onerous task. (I brought in one of my old morgue files if you’re interested.)
Think about this: You only have 180 hours per class each year. If the Mac Lab were a full-time job, that’s only four and one-half weeks on the job. (And you wonder why I encourage you to come in early or on Saturdays.) I know you don’t have time to build a solid morgue file so I’m building one for you. It’s right here. I’ve already spent far more than 180 hours on this project. When I saw that many of you were becoming overwhelmed sorting through the thousands of logos found via Grand Central Linkage, I spent about 20 hours sorting through the pile and pulled out 100 of the best examples for you to focus on: 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | This morning I found a page featuring negative space in logo design. I continue to search for resources to help you to succeed and I’ll be adding more logos as I find them. All that remains is your commitment.
Look through these pages: 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | (Yes, again.) Now, work on your own design. Begin by simplifying the name of your business. Think: GeoGraphics. (No, you can’t use that name. It’s just an example.) How might you simplify your business name? If possible, think: alliteration. Continue to produce thumbnails. Hint: These will be scanned and included in your portfolio.
Reminder: Simplify!
Updates: Period 1 just had 3 simplicity home runs! Three long names shrank and three designs saw the light by shedding unnecessary clutter. Example: Christian L was using CML Design & Illustration as his business name. Check this out. Simplified! Period 2: Katie Photography + Simplification = PhotoKat. Yes! Period 3: Ryan Inkel got simplified. Last period, one budding designer was trying to work out a simplified name. I pointed to the last three letters of his last name. DNA is a pretty evocative name for a creative firm, isn’t it?
1027: I’ll keep things short today as I hope to be adding updates with student success stories as the day progresses. There’s a new series of tutorials you might find of value. Watch this video to see what I’m talking about. Check out Abduzeedo’s Great Visual Identities.
Featured Artists: This year’s Logo Gallery is open for business.
1028: I’ll be at Kearny High School to observe The School of Digital Media Design today so continue to work on your logos. Do I have to say it? Simplify! Learn how to use the Pathfinder as well. Trust me. It’s a skill you’ll learn to love. Reminder: Misbehavior = Saturday School!
1029: Looking forward to checking progress today. Short video to share during class. Hint: Has something to do with simplicity.
1030: Overview of the Droid typographic fail: Smart vs Prime (Yes, I forgot the n in punctuation. Hey, I got up at 2:10 this morning!) | The Droid Fail | Glyphs and Tips | Update: McGarryBowen is the agency with egg on its face. Update 02: Several students have told me that they saw the Droid ad last night and it’s been altered so that all of the apostrophes are consistent. But they claim all of the apostrophes are vertical (primes). If that’s true, well, I’m going to have to see that to believe it because that borders on the inconceivable. Unbelievable Update 03: Here’s the latest version of the Droid ad (thanks to Steven K for locating it on Verizon’s site). Now all 9 apostrophes are incorrect. Typographic incompetence! Thank you McGarryBowen for providing this once in a blue moon teaching moment!
It’s a mystery to some, but in design, less really is more. More = Clutter (produced in-house by Microsoft employees in 2005.)
Next Week: Multitasking begins in earnest. The final project before 3D and Digital Arts go their separate ways. See a preview of what I’ll be looking for, design-wise, right here. (I’ll have more on Monday. 02 is complete. 03 is currently under construction.) Choice of subject matter is wide open but your design must be simple and elegant. The Elements and Principles of Design will come into play in a big way. See Looking Ahead in the 1023 update for more information.
No Mac Lab Saturday School™ tomorrow. Next dates: Nov 7 and 14. Happy Halloween! Be good. Have fun. Be safe. Don’t egg my car!
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October 24th, 2009 on 2:30 pm
goodness fadi.
October 24th, 2009 on 2:32 pm
i wanna do a “Kw” in the Flash Catalyst colours D: [just fyi]
October 24th, 2009 on 11:02 pm
You can wanna, Kyle, but you’re not gonna. [FYI back atcha]
Fadi, just found this. Might help in refining the idea.
October 25th, 2009 on 1:22 am
Hey Skocko, I just found a really neat short film you might like to show the class.
http://www.struckthefilm.com/
enjoy!
October 25th, 2009 on 5:31 am
That was great! Thanks, Luke.
October 25th, 2009 on 9:29 am
That really was a great video. Skocko do you think there would be enough time to make a short video that conveyed a strong message, sort of like World Builder or Struck?
October 25th, 2009 on 12:23 pm
With enough pre-planning, anything is possible.
I’d want to see storyboards, a script, and a shooting schedule before I’d even consider releasing cameras. (And you know there’ll be revisions to each prior to approval.)
October 25th, 2009 on 3:28 pm
And he’s gotta have more cowbell.
October 25th, 2009 on 4:59 pm
I think I need an idea before I can start on any of the other requirements.
Cowbell has … potential. *evil laughter*
October 25th, 2009 on 8:11 pm
MORE COWBELLLLLLLLLL -poofs away-
October 25th, 2009 on 9:29 pm
67 countries left(that haven’t visited the MacLab)?
October 26th, 2009 on 3:07 am
That number depends on how many countries there are. Is the number 203 or 193? Or is it 223? I’m sure other lists differ.
Plus this is but one of the dissenting opinions concerning Google Analytics’ country counting method (which is subject to change as Google knows the world is in flux).
October 26th, 2009 on 10:28 am
Yay, it is my birthday, seventeen at last… almost didn’t make it. Lol’s
October 26th, 2009 on 10:36 am
o.o k then….
October 26th, 2009 on 10:44 am
Hey Skocko, for my own time on my pc i need one
XXXXheck of a pentool challenge to keep me from doing “other things” in my spare time. If you have a project on hold I’ll take it…October 26th, 2009 on 1:10 pm
You can have your choice of two projects:
1. Compute the square root of Pi using only the Pen Tool (no calculator).
2. Compete with a few other students to design the poster for Rebel Without a Cause, the Theatre’s next production. See me for details.
October 26th, 2009 on 1:36 pm
Oh oh! Danny I want in! It better happen this time. No more, “Hey we want to do this thing with you but we don’t feel like doing said thing” mister!
Second, I have a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell.
Third, happy B-Day Michael! Please don’t elaborate on the “other things” you could be doing on the computer.
October 26th, 2009 on 1:44 pm
Hi guys. Thought I’d share http://www.ralphlgoings.com/ but Sko’s probably seen him before. WOW!
p.s. I have an ear infection… dorp…. I wanna come in soon and talk about logos…
October 26th, 2009 on 2:15 pm
Shaun not “other things” on the computer. Other things just period.
October 26th, 2009 on 4:21 pm
Other things as in emocore activities… Like poetry, music, sadness, etc. Lol’s
October 26th, 2009 on 4:25 pm
Hey Danny… What are you doing *evil laughter* is my clique. Oh well, props for perfect use of *evil laughter* lol’s
October 27th, 2009 on 3:21 am
Poetry and music are good. Sadness is overrated. Reading old Mac Lab Blog posts is a real pick-me-up. I highly recommend it! Classic posts like Collaboration 2.0, The Digital Renaissance, and Snake’s Eye View. And don’t even get me started on those summer posts. (Start here and read forward.) Great reading!
Hannah, Goings is a mutant talent. Strange choice of subject matter though. Feel better soon. Let me know when you’re up to talkin’ logos. (Read the blog this week so you know where I’m pushing them.)
Should I tell you I’m out Wednesday?
October 27th, 2009 on 9:25 am
Way to go skocko, good way to knock out these stupid nickelodeon theme songs (dora, blues clues, spongebob, ect.) although i think ba ba barand would’ve been amazing at this level too.
Right Shaun?
October 27th, 2009 on 10:13 am
[For those not in 3rd period, Kyle's referring to my playing Crazy Train at high decibels to drown out the PA system between classes.]
October 27th, 2009 on 1:28 pm
Barbara Aaaaaan! Take my haaaaand! Barbara Aaaaaan! You got me rockin’ and a rollin’, rockin’ and a reelin’. Barbra Aaaan Ba Ba Ba Barbara Ann.
I heard about the Nickelodeon theme for homecoming… yikes. Do they get a royalty check for it? Oh and are they ACTUALLY playing Nick tunes over the PA SYSTEM?!
I leave and an apocalypse ensues.
October 27th, 2009 on 2:04 pm
all of the above Shaun.
I feel like i’m dead until i enter the Mac Lab where Skocko blasts songs for 6 minutes until it all ends.
-wipes sweat off head- phew.
October 27th, 2009 on 5:16 pm
It would’ve been much better if they stuck to the original Blues Clues theme song…
October 27th, 2009 on 8:09 pm
Which would be a better Twitter account name for me?
xxPhotoshopedRazorxx
xxPoeticLiesxx
xxEmo247xx
or a combination of any except “emo” and “razor”. I can’t decide…
October 27th, 2009 on 8:17 pm
I seriously wonder which ASB member came up with that genius idea, but at least someone is doing something to negate the horrible noise coming out of the PA system. Thank you Skocko.
October 27th, 2009 on 9:14 pm
Skocko I challenge you to find a song more annoying than the PA to drown it out. *evil laughter*
October 28th, 2009 on 2:34 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_moia-oVI
Done.
October 28th, 2009 on 3:39 am
Why do I think that Werner had that video bookmarked?
Twitter account name? I think you should stay away from razors. Unless perhaps…
RaisingDeadPixels
October 28th, 2009 on 9:04 am
How ’bout you calm the heck down Michael.
It’s MW (#1) Skocko.
October 28th, 2009 on 9:09 am
xxRaisingDeadPixelsxx
hmm i like that. Lol’s
October 28th, 2009 on 9:53 am
bored right now
October 28th, 2009 on 11:28 am
How’s this for simplification:
Christ graphics
[chuckle]
October 28th, 2009 on 12:02 pm
Christ Graphics!?
insult!
October 28th, 2009 on 4:56 pm
Considering your natural ability and recent efforts, I’m thinking O-pher Graphics would be a more apt name, Christopher. (Hey, if you’re going to groove a fastball, I’m going to rip it outta the park!)
[PWN]
John B, bored? You must have mastered typography, the Pathfinder, and have your logo ready for the gallery. If not, we’re going to talk.
[MLSS™]
October 28th, 2009 on 5:15 pm
This should have been understood from all the comments he makes, but Skocko does read the comments on the blog.
On a side note I had a great idea for a 10 min. video today.
October 28th, 2009 on 7:17 pm
Curse you Kyle! I’ve been listening to Barbara Ann non stop for two days now. I can’t get it out of my head!!!
I want in on the 10 minute video Danny!
Oh anyone got a project for me to do? I’ve been creatively dead inside since I started the terrible computer class up here.
October 28th, 2009 on 9:32 pm
How about RotoBall. There is no animation required so unless you have any other skills I am unaware of I can’t think of a job for you.
October 29th, 2009 on 3:46 am
Seems to me there was this tutorial remake someone was going to do. And follow-up videos.
Danny’s right about starting your own RotoBall entry too. All the rules and regs are over here.
Google: RotoBall 2010 for more info.
October 29th, 2009 on 5:49 am
Shaun,
Make a giant life-sized toast popping out of a toaster with clay. Find creativity outside the computer screen.
October 29th, 2009 on 6:11 am
Christian, since we haven’t seen Shaun since last year, we can’t be sure he hasn’t gone Kevin Flynn on us. His destiny may lie within the ones and zeros. I could’a sworn I saw him near the end of this. Poor kid.
Danny, ten minutes is an ETERNITY! Scale it back and pitch me the idea. Remember: if you can’t say it in one sentence (ten words or so), you’ll be sent back to the salt mines.
October 29th, 2009 on 9:25 am
Great logo in class today… Kyle to bad that only a select few get the inside joke though… Lol’s
October 29th, 2009 on 9:26 am
…? huh?
and there ya go skocko, fixed my gravatar!
October 29th, 2009 on 9:28 am
uh… is it showing for those who are reading? should be KW combined. not ALT+F4
October 29th, 2009 on 11:04 am
you know me Skocko, so far I haven’t even mastered anything yet since I first entered the Mac Lab
October 29th, 2009 on 12:46 pm
That was my point, John. No one has mastered anything in the Mac Lab. We’re all learning and learning should be fun.
October 29th, 2009 on 2:03 pm
I have mastered not mastering anything.
Win?
October 29th, 2009 on 2:44 pm
Wasn’t there today– I’m just guesing: was the short video of Paula Scher?
If I’m right, I’m great.
If not…whatever.
October 29th, 2009 on 2:47 pm
O-pher strikes again!
October 29th, 2009 on 5:10 pm
the commercial was a fail
the phone?
no way..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07OE7jvl02M&feature=related
October 29th, 2009 on 5:28 pm
I don’t know why, but when I’m at home or at school viewing the blog, the Twitter widget doesn’t appear. Am I missing a plug-in?
October 29th, 2009 on 6:38 pm
You are not missing a plug-in.
The disappearing twitter is a new error within the last day or so.
If only it would happen to twitter.com
October 29th, 2009 on 6:50 pm
The Twitter feed is sporadic. The plugin is Flash. Twitter can be useful if you don’t tweet about mundanities.
Speaking of Fail, what’s with that anemic K, Kyle?
October 29th, 2009 on 9:22 pm
hey, hey, hey.
He’s got feelings too, he’s just… fat-challenged.
October 29th, 2009 on 11:26 pm
Hmm this site seems familiar :p
Great to see some work being pounded out of the 09 Mac Lab but Skocko … I have failed to find any solid 3D posts yet. Whats the deal?
October 30th, 2009 on 1:21 am
I’m bad with names (especially when given half the data).
Anthony?
October 30th, 2009 on 2:26 am
Alex.
Good to see you Stockwell! All 3D student are required to attain a level of mastery of the Pen Tool, typography, and a few other assorted vector, compositional, and attention to detail skill sets prior to launching Cinema in hopes that we’ll raise to overall quality of the 3D projects.
Plus I was hoping to have received 11.5 by now to avoid upgrade/interface confusion.
The 3D kids will also have a few new projects utilizing vectors (including typography). Trying to jump-start the class.
October 30th, 2009 on 2:49 am
I must admit to not following the blog on a day to day basis anymore. But I have tried to make sure i don’t forget everything I learned in your class. I had a flashback to the weeks we spent learning about and working with typography and I ran across this. Thought you might like it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxkM3YTWu9s
October 30th, 2009 on 3:37 am
That’s brilliant! Thanks, Trevor. We’ll be getting into kinetic typography this year.
What are you doing up before 3:00? Extra early class at UCSB?
October 30th, 2009 on 3:50 am
Something like that. A little last minute cramming for my last midterm of the week. I figured you would probably be up so I threw in a late night/early morning comment for you to check out.
I agree with Stockwell. We’re how far into the school year now?
Where is the 3D? Tell your students to step it up already.
October 30th, 2009 on 4:57 am
If you’re still looking for distractions, Trevor, there’s a bit on an epic typographic fail in today’s update. Next up, what agency produced the inconsistent and often incorrect apostrophe in the ad?
October 30th, 2009 on 8:07 am
Excellent video on simplicity in design/advertising and how Apple has nailed it.
October 30th, 2009 on 9:26 am
working… working… working… hmm *evil (halloween eve) laughter*
October 30th, 2009 on 10:28 am
Skocko some of the songs you have on your computer i either have them on my mp3 player or on my lap top
October 30th, 2009 on 10:33 am
don’t worry i don’t have any eggs to egg your car with XD
October 30th, 2009 on 11:37 am
I Can’t promise anything about the car egging haha
October 30th, 2009 on 10:29 pm
Forgot to mention that I made my icon/logo letters transparent; it’s now fully adobe-like :).