I think you could stick with a grey, red, black, and white color scheme, because together those colors have the potential to be quite striking. However, I think the bright red that appears on the toolbox’s exterior is almost too bright, kind of a “firefighter red,” that seems to signify that it needs immediate attention. Many folks subconsciously interpret this type of red as signifying alarm, danger, or anger, so for the purposes of this logo maybe a more muted red color would eliminate this unintended association.
The toolbox seems to be crowded with an excess of words. Maybe just choosing a few of the most important, powerful words might solve this problem. Currently the toolbox looks kind of overwhelming to viewers. Also, sticking to just one color for all these words might also look nice.
What is the relationship between the toolbox and the gears? I understand how gears or a toolbox could represent the program, but when used together I think they might confuse viewers.
To me, any type of “tools for success” phrase seems pretty generic, and unfortunately a bit overused, usually by educational institutions, That term seems broad and maybe not specific, or unique, enough for the JMU Ed Tech program. I know this assignment isn’t about slogan design so much as it is about logo design, but I thought I’d go ahead and just mention it.
If this logo is to represent the Ed Tech program, I think the words “JMU Educational Technology” need to be much bigger so viewers know that is the main focus. Currently, I think the toolbox itself draws the most attention.
Does the word in the top gear say “JMU”? The font is so small and hard to read, so that might be another thing worth fixing up.
The text on the outside seems too detached to the rest of the logo. I think it might be something good to use when you are elaborating on your actual logo, like a poster or instructional type handout, but I'm not sure how I like it for the actual logo. I also agree with Raleigh that there is too much going on as far as text in the tool box. I feel a bit overwhelmed as far as where my eyes are supposed to go too first, and which message is most pertinent. Again, those words would be good to include as part of an advertisement poster or something like that.
I like the idea of using tools as letters (like you did in for "JMU" in the upper left corner). Did you guys think at all trying to use them in the Ed. Tech lettering at all? Maybe not the entire title, but certain letters or something?
Overall, I like different aspects of the design, but I think there are separate parts that could stand by themselves, like either the toolbox or the gears. If you guys wanted to keep both, I would try and add the gears within the tool box rather than completely outside of it and not touching it at all. I think this is a good start, I would just try and narrow down to be concise with the actual text and think about the most important message you want to get across about the Ed. Tech. program and to work on making the actual design aspect more concise (if that makes any sense). Good job and good luck!
I agree with Raleigh's comments about the red color of the toolbox and Britney's comments about the text.
Its a nice idea but its missing a feeling of cohesiveness - it seems like something you would find on a poster, not just a logo because it could not be shrunk down and still readable.
I would suggest creating some kind of border without text - maybe one of the cogs itself could be a logo.
Also, the JMU created with the hammer and the wrench to spell the J and the U is clever but hard to interpret at first view. Consider making those images larger or using something else?
I think your graphic does a good job conveying information about the Ed Tech program. But for a logo there is to much going on. You might try to pick one of most essential elements of the program and try to show that.
I think you could stick with a grey, red, black, and white color scheme, because together those colors have the potential to be quite striking. However, I think the bright red that appears on the toolbox’s exterior is almost too bright, kind of a “firefighter red,” that seems to signify that it needs immediate attention. Many folks subconsciously interpret this type of red as signifying alarm, danger, or anger, so for the purposes of this logo maybe a more muted red color would eliminate this unintended association.
ReplyDeleteThe toolbox seems to be crowded with an excess of words. Maybe just choosing a few of the most important, powerful words might solve this problem. Currently the toolbox looks kind of overwhelming to viewers. Also, sticking to just one color for all these words might also look nice.
What is the relationship between the toolbox and the gears? I understand how gears or a toolbox could represent the program, but when used together I think they might confuse viewers.
To me, any type of “tools for success” phrase seems pretty generic, and unfortunately a bit overused, usually by educational institutions, That term seems broad and maybe not specific, or unique, enough for the JMU Ed Tech program. I know this assignment isn’t about slogan design so much as it is about logo design, but I thought I’d go ahead and just mention it.
If this logo is to represent the Ed Tech program, I think the words “JMU Educational Technology” need to be much bigger so viewers know that is the main focus. Currently, I think the toolbox itself draws the most attention.
Does the word in the top gear say “JMU”? The font is so small and hard to read, so that might be another thing worth fixing up.
The text on the outside seems too detached to the rest of the logo. I think it might be something good to use when you are elaborating on your actual logo, like a poster or instructional type handout, but I'm not sure how I like it for the actual logo. I also agree with Raleigh that there is too much going on as far as text in the tool box. I feel a bit overwhelmed as far as where my eyes are supposed to go too first, and which message is most pertinent. Again, those words would be good to include as part of an advertisement poster or something like that.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of using tools as letters (like you did in for "JMU" in the upper left corner). Did you guys think at all trying to use them in the Ed. Tech lettering at all? Maybe not the entire title, but certain letters or something?
Overall, I like different aspects of the design, but I think there are separate parts that could stand by themselves, like either the toolbox or the gears. If you guys wanted to keep both, I would try and add the gears within the tool box rather than completely outside of it and not touching it at all. I think this is a good start, I would just try and narrow down to be concise with the actual text and think about the most important message you want to get across about the Ed. Tech. program and to work on making the actual design aspect more concise (if that makes any sense). Good job and good luck!
I agree with Raleigh's comments about the red color of the toolbox and Britney's comments about the text.
ReplyDeleteIts a nice idea but its missing a feeling of cohesiveness - it seems like something you would find on a poster, not just a logo because it could not be shrunk down and still readable.
I would suggest creating some kind of border without text - maybe one of the cogs itself could be a logo.
Also, the JMU created with the hammer and the wrench to spell the J and the U is clever but hard to interpret at first view. Consider making those images larger or using something else?
Great start! The tool box idea is a good fit
Thanks for the great comments gang! We are using them as we speak to create a better design!
ReplyDeleteI think your graphic does a good job conveying information about the Ed Tech program. But for a logo there is to much going on. You might try to pick one of most essential elements of the program and try to show that.
ReplyDelete