iheartlogos » iheartlogos

designer conversations // Gyula Németh

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:45:37 +0000

name // Gyula Németh
current employer // independent designer
location // Budapest, Hungary
twitter // @gynemeth78
website // gynemeth.com
blog // Sea Devil Works
dribbble // gynemeth78
facebook // NMTH

my favorite killed logo: Landshut Cannibals.

Because: I liked everything about it, but the client didn’t. They wanted to stay with the old cartoonish look instead.

With every new logo design, I always try to: make it compact and memorable. Well, if they let me do it.

When I get stuck, I usually: slap myself and start again.

The most ridiculous thing a client actually said: “This is ‘cute’! But I want ‘adorable’! There is a huge difference!”

I knew I had made it as a logo designer when: In my opinion there is no such thing as a logo designer. Every graphic designer should be able to work on logos and identity.

I wish I had thought of Batman first.

My least favorite part of being a logo designer is: when I don’t have enough time to flesh out the concept.

My favorite aspect of iheartlogos is: it’s a nice and fresh platform for every designer with a competitive mindset

Anything else we should know about or check out?
I do lots of sports related illustrations lately. Check out Panini America’s Triple Play card set in July to see some examples.

designer conversations // Jeff Fisher

admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 12:39:30 +0000

name // Jeff Fisher
current employer // Jeff Fisher Logo Motives
location // Portland, Oregon, USA
twitter // @LogoMotives
website // jfisherlogomotives.com
other // facebook.com/JFisherLogoMotives

my favorite killed logo: Cat Adoption Team.

Because: I was asked to create the identity as a pro bono project and then it was rejected by the Board of Directors as not being “warm and fuzzy enough.” It has gone on to win numerous design awards, is published in 16 books to date and is now one of my most ripped-off logo designs. The logo was published in “iheartlogos, season one.”

With every new logo design, I always try to: take a totally unique approach to each project, usually in a direction that will totally surprise the client. Often that means initially giving the client exactly what they want–and then what I really think will work best to identify the business, organization, product or event.

When I get stuck, I usually: go play in the dirt of my garden. Many logo design challenges have been resolved by way of “brain farts” during what may be hours of gardening.

The most ridiculous thing a client actually said: Could you rotate the logo 5 degrees? (I rotated 2.5 degrees and they never knew the difference)

I knew I had made it as a logo designer when: as a one-person firm, in 1991, I was asked to design the identity and all branding elements for a luxury hotel.

I wish I had thought of Instagram first. ($1 billion…sheesh!)

My least favorite part of being a logo designer is: handling the day-to-day business dealings of running a design firm.

My favorite aspect of iheartlogos is: that the volume of inspiring logo design creations is selected by the votes of a community of international industry peers.

Anything else we should know about or check out?
I am the author of the books “Identity Crisis!: 50 Redesigns That Transformed Stale Identities Into Successful Brands” and “The Savvy Designer’s Guide to Success.” Other books are currently in the works. I have written for HOW Magazine, other industry publications, many webzines and additional design resources. I am also an international lecturer and educator, making numerous presentations each year on the topics of identity, branding, promotion and social media to design organization, design school, university and business group audiences.

designer conversations // Matthew Walker

admin — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:39:56 +0000

name // Matthew Walker
current employer // ESPN
location // Farmington, Connecticut, USA
twitter // @walkdesign
website // walkdesign.com
other // facebook.com/walkdesign

my favorite killed logo: Lunar Sports Group.

Because: it had texture, it was traditional, but bold and fun.

With every new logo design, I always try to: keep it simple, clean and identifiable

When I get stuck, I usually: go as far as I can go and then go to bed or take a long break with a fresh perspective.

The most ridiculous thing a client actually said: I can’t think of anything off hand, but it usually involves price. I think most people think a logo only costs $200 tops. It still amazes me that I need to explain the value of something so pivotal to their business.

I knew I had made it as a logo designer when: I saw my logo on a Zamboni. That was and still is a mind blowing concept to me.

I wish I had thought of Twitter first.

My least favorite part of being a logo designer is: having to explain with almost every project that a logo is not a mural. It’s a simple idea, not a long drawn out story.

My favorite aspect of iheartlogos is: seeing other great logos.

Anything else we should know about or check out?
I think Lost Type Co-op is one of the greatest examples of our industry.

designer conversations // Leighton Hubbell

admin — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:49:19 +0000

name // Leighton Hubbell
current employer // Self-employed | leightonhubbell.com
location // Southern California, USA
twitter // @leightonhubbell
website // leightonhubbell.com
other // hubbelldesignhub.com

my favorite killed logo: most recently, the Imagine 2011 logo I designed for last year’s Magento conference.

Because: Not sure why, but none of the work I was commissioned to design was used. I thought it fit the conference theme concept rather well and subtly incorporated the Magento hexagon into the mark. Probably another reason I like it is because it’s an unusual design for a conference and shows some creative thinking, which is what that type of conference is all about, right? Oh, well.

With every new logo design, I always try to: reach a little beyond my comfort level. If I’m not pushing it, then I’m not growing as a designer.

When I get stuck, I usually: step away from the project and try to come back to it later, hopefully with a fresh perspective – maybe go for a mountain bike ride.

The most ridiculous thing a client actually said: “I like the logo concepts, but can you make the horses not look so, you know – girly?” Whatever.

I knew I had made it as a logo designer when: I had my first logo design appear in the PRINT Regional Design Annual. That was a huge surge in my confidence as a logo designer and creative person.

I wish I had thought of Post-it Notes first.

My least favorite part of being a logo designer is: when working with untrusting or indecisive people and the project goes sour. A few times I’ve completed a project and felt like I’ve failed them, only to look back at the work much later and realize I gave it a good effort, but the information was bad or communication wasn’t there. It’s healthy to question yourself, but sometimes it’s not you. Sometimes the client/designer relationship just isn’t a good fit and it may not ever be – and that’s okay.

My favorite aspect of iheartlogos is: the community-driven aspect of the competition. There are no judges, just peers that are voting on the work. I think that makes appearing in the book that much more special. It’s like affirmation from your fellow designers.

Anything else we should know about or check out?
As an extension of my logo design and illustration work, I have been doing quite a bit of icon design these days. So, a personal project of mine has been my 300 Random Icons design challenge. You can get the full scoop on that here. Feel free to follow along.