Finalist in 'Logo of the Month' July 2011

Red Lace Design was a finalist in the July 2011 Logo of the Month awards.  Two logos designed by Red Lace Design were finalists, Oregon Rain Harvesting (top 20) and Portland Neurosurgery (top 30), both logos were designed this year.  The Logo of the Month awards are voted on by other graphic and logo designers across the globe.

Oregon Rain Harvesting 'Logo of the Month' Top 20 Finalist

The Logo Evolution: Famous Brands

A quick look into the evolution of famous brand logos and how they have evolved over the many years.

Apple Inc.

Boeing

Ford

Kodak

Mazda

MasterCard

Nike

Pepsi-Cola

Shell - Jacksons

Texaco

Volkswagon

Logos in the News: Committee of Organ Donation

Today, we are taking a look at the new logo for the Committee of Organ Donation in Lebanon.

Logo for the Committee of Organ Donation Lebanon. Designer: Unknown

The Design Brief: To design the corporate identity for an organ donation initiative. Since it was our only tool of communication, the design had to instantly convey the message of organ donation.

Overall, the simple, modern design instantly says "giving the gift of life" and "organ donation".  The design works well as a stand alone icon and translates easily to black and white.

Starbucks Drops Name and Coffee

Today Starbucks announced that its logo has been simplified removing the words "Starbucks" and "Coffee" from their famous emblem.  The simplified design marks the 40th anniversary of the first Starbucks store in Seattle in 1971.  The new logo (shown right) will be phased in, starting March 2011.  The possible reason for the change? A logo that better represents a company that is now much more than just coffee. 

From Starbucks website: "Our new evolution liberates the Siren from the outer ring, making her the true, welcoming face of Starbucks."

The 10 Best Logo Redesigns of 2010

Redesigning a logo can do wonders for a company's image but on the other hand, you must do a lot of marketing after the redesign to ensure you do not disrupt your brand recognition. The positives of redesigning a logo is that it can keep a brand feeling fresh and up to date while increasing the businesses credibility.  Often businesses will keep their redesign similar to their original logo to minimize the disruption of the brand during the transition.  Let's take a look at this past year's 10 best logo redesigns of 2010.

1. Google

2. Seattle's Best Coffee

3. MTV

4. Skittles

5. Missle Defense Agency

6. Yellow Pages

7. Argos

8. Rhapsody

9. The Library of Congress

10. Bausch & Lomb

If you are in need of a logo redesign or a logo, contact Red Lace Design and receive a free business card layout with your logo design. Offer valid for new clients only.

Urban Outfitters "Word Art" Logo

Urban Outfitters has put up a new website for their trendy retail store with what they are calling their new "logo".  However, anyone that remembers the infamous "Word Art" from back in the day will quickly wonder what the hell they were thinking.  Not sure if they are just going for some free media press after hearing about what happen to GAP but this new look is anything but trendy.


Urban Outfitters Short-lived "Word Art" Logo



This new "logo" went live about one week ago and just like GAP, they have removed this new logo and quickly went back to their original, more simplistic, logo which can be seen on their website http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

GAP is Changing their Logo, After 20+ Years

Some think that change is good, but in the world of logos, my opinion is that if isn't broke, don't fix it.  GAP, the popular retail store is changing their logo that they have had for the past 20+ years to a new, less visually appealing, less recognizable logo.  The great thing I have always thought about GAP's logo in the navy box, is that is has a timeless look and feel, it can transition through the ages and it identifies well with their brand and customers.

The new logo (shown above, right) has started a lot of controversy, mostly among designers, who all feel the new logo is flat in personality and are amazed as to why the retailer would think it is a better fit than the original.  Here is what Marka Hansen, President of GAP North America, had to say to, "We chose this design as it's more contemporary and current. It honors our heritage through the blue box while still taking it forward. Now, given the passionate outpouring from customers that followed, we've decided to engage in the dialogue, take their feedback on board and work together as we move ahead and evolve to the next phase of Gap."

In this particular case, the change is bad.  Hopefully, they stick with the original or decide upon something other that what they currently have chosen as the new face of GAP.

UPDATE (11.01.2010): Gap has decided to stick with their current logo in the navy blue box after much controversy arose regarding their new design.  The did say that for the 2010 Holiday Season they will be changing the color of the box to a red but will then return to their classic navy box logo design. Well done Gap, thanks for listening!