Site Logo (Typography Style)

**Medyman** · 10-06-2008, 12:49 AM

Have you considered a typeface with a bit more personality? I'm appreciating that you're going for visual interest and playfulness but Myriad Pro (to me) invokes a less playful, more corporate or at least clean, rigid and banal feeling. When I think Myriad Pro, I think WalMart and iPods. I don't see your site fitting into that sort of branding.

I'm making some huge assumptions here. Ignore them if I'm totally off-base.

**the penguin** · 10-06-2008, 08:45 PM

Wow, much different from the last one. That was a total 180 from the last treatment. Here are my thoughts, feedback:

Again just like the leaf, it's confusing why you threw an image in there. I have no clue why the question mark is there. What is its significance?

The unbalanced dotted "i" also makes no sense to me.

I completely agree with Medyman about the font. It has no character, no personality. Your logo should convey a feeling of learning, creating, and inspiring without adding those words.

If you're going to incorporate an image, it should have those three meanings behind it in a very simplistic way.

**TheJoshMan** · 10-06-2008, 09:19 PM

@medyman:

I was actually going for a "clean" look. I didn't want anything which looked to "playful" because I wanted to be taken seriously. However, I suppose I may try something a little different font-wise, as I don't want to be mistaken as "stiff", "stuck-up", or "posh".

@penguin:

The question mark actually has a purpose. The "?" is the global symbol for information. This is what my site is all about. Information and learning. Learning happens through questions, also affiliated with the "?".

Also, the "unbalanced" dot for the "i" was meant to tie in the color of the seven.

@anyone:

I suppose the reason it is so hard to achieve a logo which "makes sense" is due to the fact that the actual name of the site itself really has nothing to do with what the site is about. The name was derived from the date of my marriage. (FYI) LOL

**Medyman** · 10-07-2008, 02:02 AM

I was actually going for a "clean" look. I didn't want anything which looked to "playful" because I wanted to be taken seriously. However, I suppose I may try something a little different font-wise, as I don't want to be mistaken as "stiff", "stuck-up", or "posh".

In that case, the logo is sending mixed messages. The typeface might work with a more regular presentation. What would serve you best is to see what fits the general aesthetic of your site/brand. A well done logo/logotype will proclaim your professionalism a lot more than a "formal" font. In your case, I don't see the use of a less strict typeface being or alluding to lack of professionalism.

I'd say add some visual interest in your choice of typeface rather than going with an unconventional layout/presentation. You have a website related to a creative industry. Don't be afraid to experiment a little and do something on the more playful side (maybe not this, but this or this could work).

Sorry if I'm being annoying. Just tell me to shut up when you've had enough of my pretentious typophile talk.

**the penguin** · 10-07-2008, 02:56 PM

Although Dafont is a great resource for fonts. 90% of good logos are created with well known fonts that have been created by type specialists. Just my opinion, but your on the right track with the second one. Myriad Pro could work if used the right way. I would recommend staying away from Dafont for this logo inparticular.

You're probably already familiar with these resources, but if you're not, they are good:

fonts

fonts

**Medyman** · 10-07-2008, 11:38 PM

Originally Posted by the penguin

Although Dafont is a great resource for fonts. 90% of good logos are created with well known fonts that have been created by type specialists.

Even though that is extremely generalized, I'd tend to agree with you for overall branding and identity purposes. But in designing a logo for a website, there is a much wider range for creativity in both presentation and choice of type.

In any case, I meant my examples to be illustrative. I wasn't recommending the use of those particular typefaces. Plus, I'm assuming Josh isn't in the market to spend hundreds of dollars on purchasing type. So, Dafont ends up being a good, creative alternative.

**TheJoshMan** · 10-08-2008, 02:42 AM

@medyman:

Right you are about me not really wanting to spend a few hundred buckaroos on a font face... However, if you would be interested... You could maybe send me a couple samples of things you've done and maybe we could come to some sort of agreement?

I'm beginning to lose interest in this quickly as I am slowly realizing that maybe I was intended to be a *coder*, not a designer.

**the penguin** · 10-08-2008, 01:26 PM

Here's an idea.

We'll have a little logo workshop. I'll design 3 treatments of your logo for you (free of charge).

Medyman will do the same (hopefully).

Then we'll post the 6 of them up here for heads to view and discuss them.

What do you think Medyman? I could tell you know your type. Do you have the time, like the idea?

I think it will be fun.

Outcome:

Nyne Lyves will have options to choose from and will end up with a dope logo.