Computer Graphics - Summer 2012 IV (Logo)

Logo

At this point in the course we moved to Adobe Illustrator.  Professor MacIlwraith reviewed the important differences between it and PhotoShop focusing on the creation and purpose of vector graphics. 

This particular project focused on the use and purpose of logos.  It involved some analysis of a variety of existing logos from large and small businesses as well as local businesses.  As a step in this project students had to look for local logos that they found appealing/effective and then describe why they found them to be so.

Here are a couple of examples that I found:

BURGERS AND MORE BY EMERIL is a restaurant inside the Sands Casino, Bethlehem. It's a clever design that includes a hamburger and the establishment's name using some limited color to depict a hamburger's layers: the bun top, ketchup, lettuce, a patty, and the bun bottom with Emeril at its foundation. It appeals as a "fast food" icon, even borrowing hints from other brands. The restaurant's logo broadcasts a very clean and modern aesthetic and could easily communicate its message to a diverse audience. Cleverly as well, the logo goes by the name "bam-logo" that tags on to Emeril's trademark word.

AMERICAN HAIRLINES, just in case my other choice isn't seen as local enough. The name refers to one of several businesses that are housed under one roof at the corner of Main and Broad Streets in Bethlehem. The business' name is of course a play on words and meanings. Its logo incorporates the same sort of image play with its wings that look like they could almost adorn a flight attendant's uniform. The logo's art is a throwback to a '60's style of work that reminds me of comic books; even the strong-jawed face that adorns it makes me flash back to Superman.

Overall, American Hairlines' logo fits in very well with the "kitchsy" styles that make up the other businesses at their location. It's a good example of the use of only black and white to convey a message.

The assignment itself involved each student designing their version of a logo for a local extermination service business.  We were allowed plenty of leeway but had to keep in mind the client's existing website and perhaps other features of his business in approaching the new logo design.  Once again the variety of results proved to be very interesting, some results certainly more artistic than others, but a good collection of possible alternatives.  Each of us had to incorporate the logo into stationery for the business.

Here was my approach:

Logo itself in color, black, and greyscale:

...on an envelope:

 

...on letterhead stationery:

 ...and finally, on a business card: