$50 Logo/Badge design contest.

[WineGuy]

Hello,

I need a logo for a new web project -WineGenius.com

keywords - wine, genius, smart, expertise, ideas

colors - organic, wine, burgundy, green, purple, black as needed - especially organic

images- wine related, stemware/ wine glass, light bulb, genius, smart, graduation cap, brain, grapes, equations, Einstein

Some ideas - wine glass morphing into a idea lightbulb, graduation cap on half full wine glass, idea balloon with something wine related inside??

Logo itself will set the design tone for the rest of the site which will probably be created in WordPress. Logo will probably be used in top left corner of page. The URL WineGenius.com should be part of the logo but the logo should be image centric/heavy.

Tagline if any will be added after the fact.

No photo images are to be used in creating logo.

WineGenius.com will be awarding a badge to wine related websites and wine blogs we endorse, so as part of the contest we want the logo to be placed inside eight circular matching badges, award ribbon type badge (search term "seal" at istockphoto.com or image #4085201 for example),of three or four different colors with the following taglines :

"WineGenius.com Approved" (centered top of circular badge)
"Wine Shop" (centered Bottom of circular badge)

"WineGenius.com Approved" (centered top of circular badge)
"Wine Blog" (centered Bottom of circular badge)

"WineGenius.com Approved" (centered top of circular badge)
"Winery" (centered Bottom of circular badge)

"WineGenius.com Approved" (centered top of circular badge)
"Wine Gadget" (centered Bottom of circular badge)

"WineGenius.com Approved" (centered top of circular badge)
"Wine List" (centered Bottom of circular badge)

"WineGenius.com Approved" (centered top of circular badge)
"Wine Deal" (centered Bottom of circular badge)

WineGenius.com Approved" (centered top of circular badge)
"Wine Club" (centered Bottom of circular badge)

"WineGenius.com Approved" (centered top of circular badge)
"Social Network" (centered Bottom of circular badge)

The above badges should be readable and logo be fully recognizable when used in a 125x125 button/banner.

All badge images will be watermarked and delivered with the word SAMPLE from bottom left corner to top right corner for display on website.

All badge images will also be delivered unwatermarked.

Material submitted including the badge must be original to allow for possible trademarking of images in the future.

Feedback on submissions will be generated daily and publically in this forum post.

Contest will end Saturday March 29th 5 PM Central time and winner announced Sunday March 30, by 5 PM Central Time. Contest may be extended if there are less than 5 entries or if additional design changes are asked of contestants.

Winner will be awarded $60 and positive feedback upon delivery of all materials listed above in most common graphic formats. Image credit will be given to and linked if desired, to artist, on website for 60 days.

This contest starts immediately, have fun and post any questions to this post.

Good Luck and show me your best.

Cheers!

WineGuy

P.S. Title shows a $50 award but is actually $60.

[WineGuy]

Can we first work on the logo, and if our entry is chosen, then work on the badges?

Yes, very logical move but keep the general design idea in mind regarding sizing shape etc. when integrating logo into badges so you still may want to try and integrate into one badge as an example since all the badges are just based on a single design.

I hope this contest doesn't look too overwhelming as in the end you are judged on logo design and implementation into a badge.

Welcome aboard, looking forward to your design.

Cheers!

WineGuy

[l3fty]

here's mine...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v505/jimmyjaspers/ntm/winegenius.jpg

[WineGuy]

Xfactor, right direction, I like the font and general feel and while the url is important, if the image was alone it should make a statement or be regonizable on its own. The cloud is more of a comment cloud instead of a "thought" or idea cloud, I should have said 'thought bubble' with the round 'bubbles' leading up to the cloud:

http://images.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&q=thought+bubble&revid=1103434427&sa=X&oi=revisions_inline&resnum=0&ct=broad-revision&cd=1

Overall I have seen and like your work.

Cheers!

WineGuy

[WineGuy]

l3fty,

Close to what I had in mind RE: Grad Cap and wineglass. Would like to see it using a balloon or red wine glass rather than a champagne flute. Would rather not mix fonts but I like the GENIUS Font.

Also remeber it should fit well wthin a 125x125 space when reduced.

I will check out your other work.

Cheers!

WG

[WineGuy]

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback.

As I'm making the changes right now, would you like something else inside the thought bubble instead of the exclamation mark?
Yes but not sure what, maybe a glass of wine thinking about a bunch of grapes?

Cheers!

WG

[WineGuy]

Red Wine Glass Shape

http://www.surlatable.com/gs/stoelzle-oberglas-red-wine-glasses-9.shtml

[tnt-tek]

http://xs125.xs.to/xs125/08132/logo1exp509.png

[WineGuy]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the site is for wine rating/review?


Actually, it is a site that will just approve or endorse other wine related sites,wine blogs,wineries,wine shops,restaurant wine lists, etc. We will offer up the badges with a link embedded to a page on our site with their site review.

Kinda of a traffic aggregator that is win win for both my site and the badged sites.

Good Question!

As for the logo, still needs to be more visually self explanatory with the relationship between the glass and cloud better defined and making some sort of impression. The thought cloud is the version I wanted, thank you.

It looks like the letter 'G' is doing all the thinking. Also what does the star represent? Lastly I think it will be hard to incorporate into a badge unless you have a solution for that already in mind because it seems to be wider than tall.

Cheers!

WineGuy

[WineGuy]

tnt-tek,

On the right track. Logo is overcome by the url too much. I like images that are somewhat more 2.0 like Xfactors rather than exact repros of objects like the glass and the light bulb.

You defineately understand the badge concept, what I sort of envision is the wording placed on the inside edge and not vertically like yours. That means having the visual portion of the logo in the middle , centered and the url and tagline arced and placed top and bottom. This will probably require using one matching and readable font. Also some short ribbons on the bottom of the badges would be nice.

Cheers!

WineGuy

[JoKeRuLLz]

Here is my entry :
http://www.imagehosting.ro/files/qjleqzkkjj1q5czhlvio.png

[WineGuy]

JokeRuLLz,

I like it and what you did with the 'wIneglass' and wine color. Will definetley say it will be hard to include in a 125x125 Badge.

Think fatter and more compact.

Would like to see more from you.

cheers!

WineGuy

[JoKeRuLLz]

Here is 125x125 :
http://www.imagehosting.ro/files/i377cfyc3wsnse2f5nd4.png

[tnt-tek]

Thanks for the feedback. I included the ribbons to one of the badges per your request. With all the elements included, 125x125 becomes rather small after resizing vertically so I included unadorned badges for comparison.


http://xs125.xs.to/xs125/08133/logo2exp882.png

[WineGuy]

Here is 125x125 :
http://www.imagehosting.ro/files/i377cfyc3wsnse2f5nd4.png

How will it look in a round badge as requested?

Also would like a Black Cap and a slight outline on the left side of glass?

Cheers!

WG

[WineGuy]

tnt-tek,

Closer, let me think about a direction, as the badges are almost there, ribbon needs to be wider and over lapping but are the right length. Badges might have to be allowed to be up to 150x150?

More feedback to come on this one , let me mull it over a bit.

Thats all the feedback for tonite folks, I am really impressed with you have all done so far.

Cheers!

WineGuy

[XFactorLogo]

I guess tnt-tek has this all wrapped up (:

[WineGuy]

I guess tnt-tek has this all wrapped up (:

XFactorLogo,

Today is tuesday and the contest has been running since 10AM, there is still four days to go. Don't give up, we just got started and I like to run fair contests.

I hope to really fall in love with a design that comes out of this contest, but if not someone will still be announced a winner and the prize will be awarded.

I am not in love with anything yet but everyone has submitted darn good stuff.

Cheers!

WG

[XFactorLogo]

I'll try to submit a revised entry later on but I can't guarantee it. Thanks though! (:

[WineGuy]

So XFactorLogo,

It looks like you have pulled your entries, why??

WineGuy

[XFactorLogo]

So XFactorLogo,

It looks like you have pulled your entries, why??

WineGuy

I will probably be coming up with a completely different concept.

[WineGuy]

Understood, Thank you.

I do like different!

WG

[DarkX]

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/5581/winegeniuskm2.jpg

[rancari]

hi
this is my try, thx
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/3761/50logobadgend5.th.jpg (http://img413.imageshack.us/my.php?image=50logobadgend5.jpg)

[WineGuy]

DarkX and rancari,

I am working on Feedback this morning.

Cheers,

Wineguy

[WineGuy]

DarkX,

I like the font you used it conveys smart and modern. The lightbulb wineglass morphs really still look more like a lightbulb than anything and the idea behind the glass to lightbulb morph is to convey that idea or smart wine site feeling. Also the yellow color doesn't really indicate wine, red is usually better.The thought cloud containing a wine glass over the URL doesn't grab me, again I like it as part of a concept but by itself it doesn't quite do it .

The wineglass with graduation cap is getting there, because as a stand alone image one could extrapolate an idea from it, but again doesn't jump out at me. Good graphics, but nothing I am in love with.

Cheers!

WineGuy

[WineGuy]

rancari,

You have done a good job to start on the badges and have followed instruction well, kudos! The fonts will need to be bold and possible changed to a different style but they are set up the way I would like with all the placements of elements. Again would like some short ribbons at the bottom and I will come up with an example for all to see.

As for the logo itself, again a fluted or champagne glass, skinny and tall, is not as desirable as a red wine glass, see the link I provided in a previous post. Also think short and fat as I would like the logo image to fill the inside area of the badges with both height and widtha nd without a lot of dead space.

Otherwise good colors and good badges.

Cheers!

Chris

[WineGuy]

I want to reiterate that a winner will be announce Sunday and this contest will proceed through Saturday. That said I want to let everyone know that there will be another design contest following this one with several winners.I will be looking for sets of wine icons that I will define so if you have already come up with a few design elements, wine glasses, bottles, grapes, etc. you may want to save them for a jump start on the icon contest.

Cheers!

Chris

[JoKeRuLLz]

Here is in a round badge :
http://www.imagehosting.ro/files/pg1g3xo2n5csefhntv4s.png

[WineGuy]

Here is in a round badge :
http://www.imagehosting.ro/files/pg1g3xo2n5csefhntv4s.png

I like it better that way , can I see it larger?

WG

[WineGuy]

Some site logos/styles I like:

http://www.smartsco.com/
http://www.porthos.com
http://www.maverickbusinessadventures.com/ (the hand logo)
http://www.spotrunner.com
http://www.iwawine.com
http://www.winezap.com

A couple logos that won in other contests I ran a while back at NamePros.com:

http://www.rawdoggy.com
http://www.wineguy.com/winebehindimgonly2.gif

Just so you know what has inspired me in the past.

Cheers!

WineGuy

[JoKeRuLLz]

I can make it larger but you sad that you need it 125x125 ...

[WineGuy]

I need the buttons at 125x125 butthe logo will be larger.

WG

[DarkX]

---------------------------------------------------------------
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/502/winegenius2hh7.jpg

[rancari]

thx for the feedback, Chris. Here is my revision
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/3793/winewy2.th.jpg (http://img413.imageshack.us/my.php?image=winewy2.jpg)

[WineGuy]

Feedback will be given this afternoon.

Thanks everyone.

WineGuy

[WineGuy]

DarkX,

If you combine the themes of the grape logo and the glass with a hat you may be going in a right direction, i.e. the glass in a hat thinking about grapes makes a statement. Try that out. Not too keen on your lightbulb directions.

Also I need to be a little critical of the glass perspective, the base of the glass shows us looking from above but the lip of the glass gives us a straight on perspective, I don't like two persectives in one image.

Hate to be picky but I am.

WineGuy

[WineGuy]

rancari,

Small changes can win the race eh? I commend you on taking direction!

Two short ribbons on the badges are preferred like so:

http://www.simonscheese.com/_images/SimonsCheese/pdfCatalog/AwardRibbonWEB.jpg

Also switch the wineglass to the other end of the word wine and try reducing the size of the glass by 25%.

Let's see what that looks like.

WineGuy

[WineGuy]

Award upped to $75!!!! Where are my design geniuses???

I am surprised that no one has tried to use the brain or Einstein elements in this contest and only one has used the grape element. Wine is a huge subject folks use your imagination here, surprise me. Only two more days to go, I would like to see some new blood if anyone wants in.

Award is now $75 for the winner. New blood, new designs, new ideas!!!!!!

WG

[XFactorLogo]

Another try.

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg270/logographics/Untitled-1-72.png

[WineGuy]

Another wine design I like:

http://www.winerocksseattle.com/

Feedback to be given in morning.

WineGuy

[rancari]

here is my revision. Below the revision, i try G with glasses, i dont know - not sure about this, just trying. Thx
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/4202/winegenek2.th.jpg (http://img172.imageshack.us/my.php?image=winegenek2.jpg)

[IM3D]

My entry. feedback please

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/6553/winegeniuskl9.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[eruct]

http://xs225.xs.to/xs225/08135/wineg252.jpg (http://xs.to)

All art 100% original and vector.
I will post other versions later today.
Please let me know if you like the general idea.

[WineGuy]

here is my revision. Below the revision, i try G with glasses, i dont know - not sure about this, just trying. Thx
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/4202/winegenek2.th.jpg (http://img172.imageshack.us/my.php?image=winegenek2.jpg)

rancari,

I think that looks much more balanced now with the glass on other end.

RE: eye glasses, I thought you could arrange a little set of eye glasses on the letter G as if it was a man's head, little round Ben Franklin glasses to make the G with cap look smart?

Ribbons are just right.

Cheers!

WG

[WineGuy]

IM3D,

Really good submission for a first shot. Nice 2.0 feel. I like the idea with the light bulbs grouped as a bunch of grapes, pretty original and was hoping someone would try it out. you also demonstarte that the .com is not really neccesary, good move. No major comments right now for any changes until my partner takes a look.

Also I like the badge style, would like to see the ribbons wider though.

Cheers!

WG

[WineGuy]

Another try.

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg270/logographics/Untitled-1-72.png

XFactorLogo,

Thanks for giving it another shot.

I see what you are atemping and like the direction but if someyou off the street were to see it would they know it was a grape/lightbulb? Personally I had to look at it a while to see what it is.

I do like the 2.0 feel and the reflection though, maybe another image to replace the grape/bulb keeping the rest the same?

WineGuy

[WineGuy]

eruct,

Nice submission and direction, a smart corkscrew, however will probably be too tall to use within a badge. I like the look and style of the image not crazy about the font. You are definately thinking about the subject matter. I hope you will try again.

WineGuy

[WineGuy]

Another logo we had done a while ago which I still feel really fits the domain name:

http://www.winebitch.com

Just to demonstrate my thinking process a little.

WG

[DarkX]

---------------------------------------------
http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/7287/winegenius3ol3.jpg
The thing above the glass in top entry is a brain.

[brainstormingin]

my entry

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/2697/logowinedl5.jpg (http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/2697/logowinedl5.jpg)
feedback appreciated

[rancari]

here is with glasses and cap, thx
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/9393/winegenee5.th.jpg (http://img245.imageshack.us/my.php?image=winegenee5.jpg)

[WineGuy]

brainstormingin,

Really nice but doesn't use any elements that would stand alone to state "wine genius".

WineGuy

[WineGuy]

rancari,

That is what I meant for eye glasses. Take the dot off the letter I.

WineGuy

[WineGuy]

DarkX,

Need to have my partner to look at your last entries. How is the first one on the left going to look in a badge with the included verbage?

Are those glasses hand drawn or otherwise? As was mentioned in the instructions I need to be able to acquire a TM on the images if the time comes.

Cheers!

WG

[WineGuy]

Contest ends in just less than 24 Hours, get you entries in while you can!

Cheers!

WineGuy

[eruct]

http://xs225.xs.to/xs225/08136/winegenius2740.jpg (http://xs.to)

Revised type as well as one badge sample.
The lower right badge is 125 wide x 99 high.

[WineGuy]

http://xs225.xs.to/xs225/08136/winegenius2740.jpg (http://xs.to)

Revised type as well as one badge sample.
The lower right badge is 125 wide x 99 high.

eruct,

Definately thinking outside of the box to make it work very well. Kudos. Badge looks great.

I even like the combination of different fonts on the main logo.

I wouldn't change anything yet, badge might be a little dark, but nice.

WineGuy

[eruct]

thank you for the comments. everything is a bit darker than I thought after saving it as jpeg... I will lighten it up and possibly post a different direction before the contest end.

[DarkX]

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/1549/sealwinegeniusdx4.jpg
Badge size - 150*150.


DarkX,

Need to have my partner to look at your last entries. How is the first one on the left going to look in a badge with the included verbage?

Are those glasses hand drawn or otherwise? As was mentioned in the instructions I need to be able to acquire a TM on the images if the time comes.

Cheers!

WG

Yes, they're hand drawn, no stock or clipart.

[brainstormingin]

Another try
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/853/logowineazv6.jpg (http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/853/logowineazv6.jpg)

Thanks

[WineGuy]

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/1549/sealwinegeniusdx4.jpg
Badge size - 150*150.




Yes, they're hand drawn, no stock or clipart.


Great, Thanks for showing all of them in a badge. I guess sometimes simple does the trick.

Cheers!

WineGuy

[WineGuy]

thank you for the comments. everything is a bit darker than I thought after saving it as jpeg... I will lighten it up and possibly post a different direction before the contest end.

Thanks. I would like to see a different direction from you as I think you are capable of fresh stuff.

WG

[WineGuy]

Another try
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/853/logowineazv6.jpg (http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/853/logowineazv6.jpg)

Thanks

brainstormin,

Waiting on partner to comment with me on this submission. It does grow on you doesn't it?

Cheers!

WineGuy

[WineGuy]

No further new entries, closed for submissions.

Revisions are still accepted, winner to be announced tommorrow , Sunday, after 5PM Central time.

Thanks for all entrants!!

Cheers!

WineGuy

[WineGuy]

brainstormin,

Waiting on partner to comment with me on this submission. It does grow on you doesn't it?

Cheers!

WineGuy

brainstormin,

While nice, it is a bit Christmassy, thanks for the shot.

WineGuy

[brainstormingin]

Thanks ! I tried my best :) Good luck with your contest!

[WineGuy]

Thanks ! I tried my best :) Good luck with your contest!

I hope you will save all your wine elements, wine glass, bottle, etc. for the next contest as I will be looking for several winners 5 to 10 that will all receive a cash award and one big award for the first place winner.

This contest's winner will be announced after 5PM central today.

Cheers!

Chris

[WineGuy]

Congratulations to DarkX for his logo and badge submissions to this contest, DarkX is declared winner of this contest and the $75 prize. I also want to give special mentions to IM3D for the grape/bulb submission, very cool!! and eruct for the smart corkscrew submission.

Everyone did a bang up job and I hope you will all save your wine related elements for the next contest we will hold shortly for some icons we will be needing.

Cheers! and Thank you!!

WineGuy

[eruct]

Thanks for the kind words wineguy and congrats on the win DarkX!

[WineGuy]

All logo files received from DarkX and positive feedback en route.

Thanks Everyone!!

Cheers!

WineGuy

[DarkX]

Thank you, WineGuy. It was a great contest.
iTrader submitted.

Thanks, eruct.