Happy Atheist Forum

I'm needing to build my graphic design portfolio to include work outside of what I have done in the architectural field.  Does anyone need logos, banners etc for their websites or business?  I'd rather be designing something someone can use than just make up examples.  So, if you have something you want let me know.  Free of charge for active forum members.

Wow Whit, that's very generous of you.

It's been uber slow for me as well, so I'm kinda doing the same thing.  I just redid my demos, and I'm designing a new game.  Gotta keep sharp!

I've always been curious what a "JoeActor" logo might look like.
Branding is somewhere on my future "to-do" list (if I can figure out who I am ;-)
My site www.JoeActor.com (http://www.joeactor.com) is ok, but not, uh, really coordinated look-wise.
I also have SoundsGoodToYou.com.
Any advice greatly appreciated.

Do you have a portfolio site?  I'd be glad to pitch in what little web coding I have to help with setting one up...
Or maybe I could do a bit of Voice work for your site - dunno...

Members Helping Members,
JoeActor

Quote from: "joeactor"Wow Whit, that's very generous of you.

It's been uber slow for me as well, so I'm kinda doing the same thing.  I just redid my demos, and I'm designing a new game.  Gotta keep sharp!

I've always been curious what a "JoeActor" logo might look like.
Branding is somewhere on my future "to-do" list (if I can figure out who I am ;-)
My site http://www.JoeActor.com (http://www.joeactor.com) is ok, but not, uh, really coordinated look-wise.
I also have SoundsGoodToYou.com.
Any advice greatly appreciated.

Do you have a portfolio site?  I'd be glad to pitch in what little web coding I have to help with setting one up...
Or maybe I could do a bit of Voice work for your site - dunno...

Members Helping Members,
JoeActor

Oh fun...I'll think about what might represent you and your work.

I have a portfolio site but it is not up yet (will be archfinds.com)...I'm waiting on godaddy to finish setting up hosting later today.  I have my stuff temporarily hosted at http://www.cheapcustomgraphics.com (http://www.cheapcustomgraphics.com) (a previouslly abandonded project of mine) so I could see what it would look like online (I've been building it using word pad).  I have some other work I need to put on the site, but what is on the slideshow is my professional portfolio.  This is my first attempt at using CSS to build a page and the first time I've not used front page...so I'm going for simple and clean lines with the intention of updating later after I understandd CSS better.  How I have been able to do stuff to the forum without understanding CSS...I don't know.

Yeah, CSS is really kool - I don't use it to it's full extent, but my home page has a "Style Switcher" at the bottom that changes the css file, and the whole look of the site...

I'd like to play around with dhtml too, but I'm not sure how much it's used.  XML is another trip (learning that for the game coding)

Neat stuff at your temp site.  I'd like to see larger versions of the lighting diagrams.  I have winter depression, so light is very important to my well being.

btw, you also look kinda like my agent ;-)

Joe

Whitney, I'll take you up on this too. Funny thing is that I was just thinking about whether or not I need a logo, or design for my photography. As of right now, I just have my gallery site with my name at the top. If you feel up to being creative and trying it out, go ahead and see if anything comes to mind.

I still don't know what I'll use, if anything, but it's worth fooling around with.

Thanks for the offer!

My site: http://mcq.smugmug.com (http://mcq.smugmug.com)

McQ...cool.  I'll see what I can think of.

Quote from: "joeactor"I'd like to see larger versions of the lighting diagrams.  I have winter depression, so light is very important to my well being.

I'll have to email them to you.  I'm keeping the internet files small so people can't steal the information very easily since the information on them is the property of my old firm and their clients.  I was considering using some speeds bumps to prevent saving the images...but that really just annoys the people who are honest and only slightly slows down the rest.  Plus, I don't mind if someone downloads the image as a reminder of my work.

Hey guys ... just been looking at your sites ...

I'm impressed by your voiceovers Joe (Good Evening Children :hail:

Quote from: "Whitney"

Quote from: "joeactor"I'd like to see larger versions of the lighting diagrams.  I have winter depression, so light is very important to my well being.

I'll have to email them to you..

Got it - love the lighting and the acoustics.  Who knows?  Maybe when I'm pullin' in the major $$$ I can get you in on my private studio design ;-)

G.Enigma: Thanks!  Years of too much cartoon watching and acting like a 5 year old are finally paying off!

This thread's going places,
JoeActor

Quote from: "G.ENIGMA"Hey guys ... just been looking at your sites ...

I'm impressed by your voiceovers Joe (Good Evening Children :hail:

I know I am new here Whitney but I would love it if you could come up with an animated banner, logo or anything you think might help enhance (my hobbysite) http://www.hawaythelads.com (http://www.hawaythelads.com)

When you are ready with your new website Whitney I have a few places where I can add a link for you which will help with your SEO.

Thanks for the nice review!

As for Joe, he may claim to be just an overstimulated cartoon watcher, but we know he's extremely talented and an expert in his craft. I go back to his site just for the hell of it fairly frequently. Dare I say I'm a big fan of his?  :D

Hey!  I got a fan!  

Thanks McQ.

When I'm uber-famous, I promise not to "release the hounds" if you visit

(threadjack over),
JoeActor

McQ, what does the camera you use to take photos look like...I'm guessing one that has all the possible attachments and the flash that sticks on top?

Quote from: "Whitney"McQ, what does the camera you use to take photos look like...I'm guessing one that has all the possible attachments and the flash that sticks on top?

It's big and black, and hard, and.....wait a minute! Sounds like I'm describing something else.  

Well, here's a photo of it. It really is big and black and hard. It's a Nikon D3. My primary camera. I also use a Nikon D200 and D300, but the D3 is the head honcho of Nikon cameras. The others are backups.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.momentcorp.com%2Ftemporary%2520files%2520for%2520website%2Fnikon_d3_comments%2Fnikon_d3.jpg&hash=88937a529b66a07cc7424f52f05e827e5a1dcb5f)

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dphotonews.com%2Fimages%2Fcms%2Fnikon_d3_01.jpg&hash=c281a9829c2a375f436f5d271c0f2a36d8cc16d8)

Makes my D40x look like a toy.   I'm assuming you also use a speedlight (that's what the big flash on top is called, Whitney). SB-800, perhaps?

Quote from: "curiosityandthecat"Makes my D40x look like a toy.  ;)

I use an SB-800. Good call, curio. I am buying a couple of Alien Bees (remote flash units) and a commander to go where the SB-800 would normally go. Makes shooting indoor sports so much easier. Mostly though, I use no flash because the D3 will shoot great photos easily at ISO 6400 (it'll go higher - up to ISO 25,600, but those images are pretty grainy).

McQ , what do you think of the attached sketches?

Joe, you're difficult, but I'm still thinking about what kind of logo would be good for you.

Quote from: "Whitney"Joe, you're difficult, but I'm still thinking about what kind of logo would be good for you.

Kool Beanz...

Yeah, I don't fit in a category very well (or play nice with others )

Whitney, I like a couple of them, but the one I keep going back to from those sketches is the one in the right hand column, in the middle. Mc on top, with the Q where the lens would be. That one catches my eye the most.

I'm doing some contract work with the Supplemental Instruction (http://www.ohio.edu/aac/supins/) department here at OU and the coordinator expressed interest in getting a new, more modern, more attractive "icon". Maybe you could come up with something, Whitney.

Quote from: "curiosityandthecat"I'm doing some contract work with the Supplemental Instruction (http://www.ohio.edu/aac/supins/) department here at OU and the coordinator expressed interest in getting a new, more modern, more attractive "icon". Maybe you could come up with something, Whitney.

Curio, sounds fun.  Let me know what direction is needed.

McQ, here is what i have so far.  Honestly, I think I can do better if I think about it some more.

Quote from: "Whitney"McQ, here is what i have so far.  Honestly, I think I can do better if I think about it some more.

These are good, and I think they are headed in the right direction. If this will help, some of the design styles I have found myself attracted to have been these various styles: '50s vintage furniture, Art Deco, Modern architecture styles, and organic design. The last being more flowing shapes, yet not without structure. Think Star Trek TNG LCARS display for instance.

Don't know if that helps or not. Thanks again!

OK...I this more like it?  If not, let me know.  I just looked at images of things you said you liked and determined that they all had curved yet clean and simple lines.  I went light on the curves but could make the corners be more curvy (I'm thinking it needs to be more curvy but wanted to make sure I was on the right track).  Btw, the colors are easy to change, I based them on the Star Trek computer display.

Quote from: "Whitney"

Quote from: "curiosityandthecat"I'm doing some contract work with the Supplemental Instruction (http://www.ohio.edu/aac/supins/) department here at OU and the coordinator expressed interest in getting a new, more modern, more attractive "icon". Maybe you could come up with something, Whitney. :)

Quote from: "Whitney"OK...I this more like it?  If not, let me know.  I just looked at images of things you said you liked and determined that they all had curved yet clean and simple lines.  I went light on the curves but could make the corners be more curvy (I'm thinking it needs to be more curvy but wanted to make sure I was on the right track).  Btw, the colors are easy to change, I based them on the Star Trek computer display.

Wow, Whitney, you are very creative! Definitely on the right track here. Very cool. Hey, feel free to go nuts with creativity and see what comes out. This is already great, so do whatever you feel inspired to do.

Quote from: "curiosityandthecat"

Quote from: "Whitney"

Quote from: "curiosityandthecat"I'm doing some contract work with the Supplemental Instruction (http://www.ohio.edu/aac/supins/) department here at OU and the coordinator expressed interest in getting a new, more modern, more attractive "icon". Maybe you could come up with something, Whitney. :)

One thing that I am noticing is that it is hard to navigate from one link to another without using the back button.  So, I would suggest placing all the links on either the header or a side bar leaving a space in middle/center for content.  Two of the links are downloads yet aren't clearly labeled as such.  I'd make a heading called "downloads" and put all downloadable content under it.

I noticed it matches AAC home, so she might not want to change much more than the clickable graphics unless she has some control over the home page design too.  I'd suggest making them both more similar to the ohio university main page http://www.ohio.edu/ (http://www.ohio.edu/) layout (which is also dated in both coding type and style, but I think it looks best if the site flows as a whole).

Quote from: "McQ"

Quote from: "Whitney"Wow, Whitney, you are very creative! Definitely on the right track here. Very cool. Hey, feel free to go nuts with creativity and see what comes out. This is already great, so do whatever you feel inspired to do.

Thanks.  I still might try the one with the eagle carrying away the camera and see how that goes...maybe kinda go with a retro poster look.  I mainly just think it might be fun to make a graphic of an Eagle stealing a camera.  I'll also see how the above look with stronger curves...maybe throw some red onto the Q to make it pop.

Quote from: "Whitney"One thing that I am noticing is that it is hard to navigate from one link to another without using the back button.  So, I would suggest placing all the links on either the header or a side bar leaving a space in middle/center for content.  Two of the links are downloads yet aren't clearly labeled as such.  I'd make a heading called "downloads" and put all downloadable content under it.

I noticed it matches AAC home, so she might not want to change much more than the clickable graphics unless she has some control over the home page design too.  I'd suggest making them both more similar to the ohio university main page http://www.ohio.edu/ (http://www.ohio.edu/) layout (which is also dated in both coding type and style, but I think it looks best if the site flows as a whole).

As far as I know she doesn't have any control over the website per se, but just wants a new "icon" to use in marketing. I hate the site layout, too. :/

Quote from: "Whitney"OK...I this more like it?  If not, let me know.  I just looked at images of things you said you liked and determined that they all had curved yet clean and simple lines.  I went light on the curves but could make the corners be more curvy (I'm thinking it needs to be more curvy but wanted to make sure I was on the right track).  Btw, the colors are easy to change, I based them on the Star Trek computer display.

Nice job! Just out of curiosity it seems to be that you are using .gif for the file formatting, i'm interested as to why you chose to create a logo using raster graphics instead of vector.

Very nice job though, Graphic design has always been a hobby for me, are you looking to become a freelancer?

Quote from: "Phillysoul11"Nice job! Just out of curiosity it seems to be that you are using .gif for the file formatting, i'm interested as to why you chose to create a logo using raster graphics instead of vector.

Very nice job though, Graphic design has always been a hobby for me, are you looking to become a freelancer?

Thanks

I'm trying to expand my employment options since I got laid off and did some basic freelance graphic work during school (nothing special, I don't think I have the files anymore either).  My training is in architecture...I don't know what the difference is between raster and vector.  I work in photoshop then just save the file as a gif or jpg...or whatever is needed.  gif is fairly common on websites and so I tend to save that way for the web.  Um...why does it matter which way I save it if it looks the same and displays the transparency?  

btw, Joe.  I have some stuff for you sketched out, I'll scan in my sketchbook in a while.

Quote from: "Whitney"btw, Joe.  I have some stuff for you sketched out, I'll scan in my sketchbook in a while.

Kool beanz! XD

btw, jpeg and gif are raster (ie. bitmaps) - if you expand them they get all stair-steppy.
Vector graphics are basically a description of curves and lines, and can be expanded and shrunk to make them whatever size you need - handy!  Can't recall which formats are Vector, but I bet your tools will handle them too...

Offline for now,
JoeActor

Quote from: "Whitney"

Quote from: "Phillysoul11"Nice job! Just out of curiosity it seems to be that you are using .gif for the file formatting, i'm interested as to why you chose to create a logo using raster graphics instead of vector.

Very nice job though, Graphic design has always been a hobby for me, are you looking to become a freelancer?

Thanks

I'm trying to expand my employment options since I got laid off and did some basic freelance graphic work during school (nothing special, I don't think I have the files anymore either).  My training is in architecture...I don't know what the difference is between raster and vector.  I work in photoshop then just save the file as a gif or jpg...or whatever is needed.  gif is fairly common on websites and so I tend to save that way for the web.  Um...why does it matter which way I save it if it looks the same and displays the transparency?  

Nice! Good luck with the search, I do freelance work in between classes, just something fun to do (while making $$). Logo design is hot right now, just finished a 3000$ project that only took me two weeks, and at my age that's good money. There are some excellent resources available for graphic designers.


Creating logos like the one you made, can be much easier if you use a vector based program (like illustrator). Vector graphics don't need to be large, you can make a logo at whatever resolution you want and then enlarge it whenever you want without reducing quality (as seen below).

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2Fb%2Fb4%2FVectorBitmapExample.png&hash=d15e8845de2e5fd139fd04271269c6592af59071)


Photoshop is a powerful program though, and can be used to create vector images (even though it's technically a raster/bitmap graphic program)
Companies want to be able to enlarge their logos as large as they please, and it saves space and time to use vector. For small stuff like personal websites its not to big of a deal but any commissioned based logo work should be vectorized. Also jpeg doesn't allow for transparency, gif does; however it only supports up to 256 colors making it fine for logos which only have simply colors but not so great for more complex logos. PNG (in my humble opinion) is the best ext. that supports transparency as it supports up to 16,777,216 colors, but .gif has its uses, and in your case its not really an issue, I was just wondering.

Thanks, that's helpful to know in case I need to do something for someone that might need to be able to scale up the image.

Quote from: "Phillysoul11"just finished a 3000$ project

huh? ...can I work for you?  

Quote from: "Whitney"Thanks, that's helpful to know in case I need to do something for someone that might need to be able to scale up the image.

Illustrator also has a function that allows you to choose color sets for an image, so if you have a rather complicated design and the client would like every instance of a color changed from green to blue, you just change the color profile, and voila. Makes it a lot easier to tweak. Check to see if your local library has the Total Training Illustrator program. It comes on two or three DVD-ROMs. I went from zero knowledge of Illustrator to intermediate with that training. Really good stuff. Illustrator is a lot harder to teach yourself than Photoshop, I found. :/

Joe...attached are my sketches for your logo.  I have circled the one I like best (in the center) but let me know if you like some of the others. Um...those terrible face sketches are my attempts to draw you.  People were never really my thing.

Quote from: "Whitney"Joe...attached are my sketches for your logo.  I have circled the one I like best (in the center) but let me know if you like some of the others. Um...those terrible face sketches are my attempts to draw you.  People were never really my thing.

Nice.  Yeah, I kinda like the curvy-stylized-JA-with-waves one you circled.  Definitely going in a good direction with that one.

As for the heads - you're still doing WAY better than I would!

Thanks much!
JoeActor

Cool..I'll play with the one in the center more then.

Quote from: "curiosityandthecat"Really good stuff. Illustrator is a lot harder to teach yourself than Photoshop, I found. :/

Ya, I just downloaded Illustrator (trial) and have been watching a few of their online tutorials.  It seems that you still need to have photoshop to create the graphics and then bring them into Illustrator.  I'm guessing that Illustrator is a replacement for InDesign.

Edit...ooh, a pen tool.  Now I see how Illustrator is important.

I got a pen tablet today for my computer..it makes using photoshop much easier.  Not to mention that it came with free Photoshop Elements 6.  Not the latest version but will work fine for now.

Joe, what do you think?  I can't decide if I like the blue star.  It adds color but I'm not sure if it fits.

Quote from: "Whitney"I got a pen tablet today for my computer..it makes using photoshop much easier.  Not to mention that it came with free Photoshop Elements 6.  Not the latest version but will work fine for now.

Joe, what do you think?  I can't decide if I like the blue star.  It adds color but I'm not sure if it fits.

I like it - seems like you're having fun with your new tools and direction!

Yeah, the star makes it look a bit too... uh, comunistic?

Might could have the waves bend the other way too, so they look more like sound waves coming out of the JA.
Here's my logo from my other site as a "cliched speaker" sample:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.soundsgoodtoyou.com%2Fimages%2Fsg2u_logo.jpg&hash=a77b4a06dfab4bada8d268c81dd84afc1b9dbe48)

Thanks much,
JoeActor

Hey Whitney, the boss lady said the SI logo should be "minimalistic with a splash of modern"... if that makes sense. Hah.

Quote from: "curiosityandthecat"Hey Whitney, the boss lady said the SI logo should be "minimalistic with a splash of modern"... if that makes sense. Hah.

hmm...modern is minimalistic.  I think I might know what she means though.

Hey Whitney,

just a quick note...

My wife likes it (without the star), but thinks it may be a bit "feminine" for me.
(well, I am an actor!)

Maybe give it some pecs, a hair-piece, and put it in a Ferrari?
(just kidding...)

Thanks again - off to din-din,
JoeActor

Has anyone ever used this?  http://www.inkscape.org/ (http://www.inkscape.org/)  It's an open source vector editor.  I figured out how to use the pen tool pretty well in Illustrator but was trying to find a replacement till I can afford to buy Illustrator.  Below is what I did with Illustrator....potential business card design (not sure if I like it yet).

Quote from: "joeactor"Maybe give it some pecs, a hair-piece, and put it in a Ferrari?

lol...I think it can make it less feminine if I bulk it up a bit.

Quote from: "Whitney"Has anyone ever used this?  http://www.inkscape.org/ (http://www.inkscape.org/)  It's an open source vector editor.  I figured out how to use the pen tool pretty well in Illustrator but was trying to find a replacement till I can afford to buy Illustrator.  Below is what I did with Illustrator....potential business card design (not sure if I like it yet).

Hmmm... InkScape?  Nope, haven't used that, but I'll have to check it out.  Love open source.

Card's kinda cool.  A bit cartoony, but subtle.

Quote from: "joeactor"Card's kinda cool.  A bit cartoony, but subtle.

Ya, I'm trying to decide if I went too far towards the artsy side with it.  I just don't want to have a boring business card.

Maybe I'll go ultra modern and have a card that says "whitney" on a solid color background with my info going up one of the sides or on the back.

I've been very indecisive lately...

Quote from: "Whitney"Maybe I'll go ultra modern and have a card that says "whitney" on a solid color background with my info going up one of the sides or on the back.

I've been very indecisive lately...

Maybe you should integrate that indecisiveness into the design.  

Ok...I think the card looks better now.  I reversed it and used stronger colors.

Snazzy card - like the quote too...

I've used overnightprints.com for printing before.  Good prices and you can upload your designs.

Quote from: "Whitney"Ok...I think the card looks better now.  I reversed it and used stronger colors.

very nice! The quote is a great touch.

I started one a few hours ago, not sure if I will ever need to use it but they're fun to make :]
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3374%2F3495690652_12dc10a345.jpg&hash=5a670f69e3fad8f2b558a83ae97e780daf6c2faf)

Oh, and inkscape is an excellent open source vector based editor.

Joe, I updated your logo idea.

Quote from: "Phillysoul11"

Quote from: "Whitney"Ok...I think the card looks better now.  I reversed it and used stronger colors.

very nice! The quote is a great touch.

I started one a few hours ago, not sure if I will ever need to use it but they're fun to make :]
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3374/349 ... 10a345.jpg (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3374/3495690652_12dc10a345.jpg)

Oh, and inkscape is an excellent open source vector based editor.

I like the font on your name, is that something you created on your own?

Now that I have been using Illustrator I want to buy it...I'll have to give inkscape a try first since Illustrator is expensive.

Quote from: "Whitney"Joe, I updated your logo idea.

Hmmm...

I really like the way the "J" and "A" are coming along, but the waves aren't quite right.

Kinda look like they're part of the "A", and make it an "M".

Also, maybe the "waves" could look like they're coming from the "A"
I think you had it that way before, but facing the other way.

(yeah, I'm making no sense!)

Ok, how about a picture:

J A )))

--> the waves grow larger as they move right -->

Thanks for all the hard work ;-)
JoeActor

p.s. anybody else wanna pitch in an opinion?

hmm, i didn't realize we had so much graphic design talent in the HAF.  

Quote from: "joeactor"Ok, how about a picture:

J A )))

--> the waves grow larger as they move right -->

gotcha...for some reason I had thought you wanted them to go to the left.  I agree it would work better on the right.  do you like the blue J or should I stick to black and white...or a different color.

Whitney, I would suggest simplifying your current design a bit, I know it sounds nitpicky but a logo can either reel in or push away potential customers. The logo should be simple but clever enough to make the customer to spend the extra two seconds in admiration of your creation just keep it clean, fresh and clever and your good to go!

I created a mock up to illustrate what I mean.

(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3657%2F3523938907_b6de5977a4.jpg&hash=155f20cf309cf97c69a19287a1dcb59a21b94b43)

Your design is coming along very nicely, keep it up!

(oh and the font for the business card design is called moderna, I edited it a bit but you can get it here
http://www.dafont.com/moderna.font (http://www.dafont.com/moderna.font))

Quote from: "Phillysoul11"Whitney, I would suggest simplifying your current design a bit, I know it sounds nitpicky but a logo can either reel in or push away potential customers. The logo should be simple but clever enough to make the customer to spend the extra two seconds in admiration of your creation just keep it clean, fresh and clever and your good to go!

Oh no, it's not nitpicky, I actually like what you just did better than what I have come up with.  Maybe I've been looking at it for too long because simple is usually my approach.  If you don't mind, I think Joe should use your idea if he likes it.  I will also try applying the same simple yet smart concept to refining what I already had going.  Sometimes I wonder where my head is...in part I think I am purposely trying to not have a 'formula' to how I do design and in doing so end up not doing as well as I could.

Quote from: "Whitney"

Quote from: "Phillysoul11"Whitney, I would suggest simplifying your current design a bit, I know it sounds nitpicky but a logo can either reel in or push away potential customers. The logo should be simple but clever enough to make the customer to spend the extra two seconds in admiration of your creation just keep it clean, fresh and clever and your good to go!

Oh no, it's not nitpicky, I actually like what you just did better than what I have come up with.  Maybe I've been looking at it for too long because simple is usually my approach.  If you don't mind, I think Joe should use your idea if he likes it.  I will also try applying the same simple yet smart concept to refining what I already had going.  Sometimes I wonder where my head is...in part I think I am purposely trying to not have a 'formula' to how I do design and in doing so end up not doing as well as I could.

I don't mind, but I don't want your work to go to waste, your design is getting close.  Sometimes when I work on a design for too long I start to over think things, which always leads to crappy artwork. I would suggest taking a step back and thinking about what things you can take out, and what things you need to keep. Once you have your "essential" material you should experiment with its organization. How you want to arrange things, do you want the waves getting larger as the radiate out or getting smaller ect. just little things like that.
You have some great ideas and I like where your logo is going!  :]

Philly, thanks for your critique, it was very helpful and something I miss from not being in a studio setting.

Quote from: "Phillysoul11"

Quote from: "Whitney"

Quote from: "Phillysoul11"Whitney, I would suggest simplifying your current design a bit, I know it sounds nitpicky but a logo can either reel in or push away potential customers. The logo should be simple but clever enough to make the customer to spend the extra two seconds in admiration of your creation just keep it clean, fresh and clever and your good to go!

Oh no, it's not nitpicky, I actually like what you just did better than what I have come up with.  Maybe I've been looking at it for too long because simple is usually my approach.  If you don't mind, I think Joe should use your idea if he likes it.  I will also try applying the same simple yet smart concept to refining what I already had going.  Sometimes I wonder where my head is...in part I think I am purposely trying to not have a 'formula' to how I do design and in doing so end up not doing as well as I could.

I don't mind, but I don't want your work to go to waste, your design is getting close.  Sometimes when I work on a design for too long I start to over think things, which always leads to crappy artwork. I would suggest taking a step back and thinking about what things you can take out, and what things you need to keep. Once you have your "essential" material you should experiment with its organization. How you want to arrange things, do you want the waves getting larger as the radiate out or getting smaller ect. just little things like that.
You have some great ideas and I like where your logo is going!  :]

Agreed - both designs are solidly in the ballpark!

Great ideas... thanks Whitney and Philly.

Can't wait to see what gets posted next - this is exciting to watch the creative process unfold!
JoeActor

Wow!  You guys are amazing!  I am always in awe of people with any creativity, and then saddened with my lack of any.  

If you get bored want to give a try for something for my ADHD coach website?  I've still got my my  site parked because I'm not sure where to start.  Need something along the lines of a spaz, square peg in a round hole, stick figure spinning on it's head, two blood-shot eyes?  No clue where to start.  Something starting from chaos to calm?  Or maybe the crazy smiley over there mixed with the dancing banana, hehe.

Quote from: "VanReal"Wow!  You guys are amazing!  I am always in awe of people with any creativity, and then saddened with my lack of any.  

If you get bored want to give a try for something for my ADHD coach website?  I've still got my my  site parked because I'm not sure where to start.  Need something along the lines of a spaz, square peg in a round hole, stick figure spinning on it's head, two blood-shot eyes?  No clue where to start.  Something starting from chaos to calm?  Or maybe the crazy smiley over there mixed with the dancing banana, hehe.

I'll think about that and make a quick sketch if anything comes to mind.  I'm a bit of a spaz myself so that might help me come up with something fitting, lol.

VanReal
I got bored
 
what is the name of the website?

I love it!  The exclamation point is interesting as I do tend to overuse it, and things seem real important at certain times...when they aren't    My site is ADHDcoachDFW.com so ADHD coach is perfectly fine, that way there is no confusion.  Very nice!!  Thanks!

FYI, Microsoft Expression Web  3 is very similar to Dreamweaver and is only a fraction of the cost.  I just downloaded a 2 month free trial and already plan on buying it; I think it releases soon since it is on pre-order.  It's a wysiwyg editor that seems to actually work; I tested as I went in both IE and Firefox and only had one time when I needed to make a tweak to get it to work in both browsers.  The only bug I've found is it won't show images in design view if they are above a certain size but they display fine on the live pages (probably means I made my file too big, but I was on a deadline and will fix it later).  This is also the first time I've been able to get the damned background images to work in css (it just wasn't clicking before).  So, I'm off to go fix my own website with what I wanted a few months ago.

here is what I just did:  http://tinyurl.com/nbn4pn (http://tinyurl.com/nbn4pn)  It is simple, but it was basically designed and coded in about 8-10 hours (which is really fast compared to my last attempt).

Sigh, I don't know why I couldn't figure out the css stuff before...funny how things can click randomly (I still have some to learn a bit better).  Happy dance  

If you are still taking offers, I would much appreciate it if you make my avatar fancier.