Logo Variations

Here a seven of my brainchildren. Only one is most successful and one is least successful out of both groups. I'm looking for more opinions on how well they read and what they communicate. Please comment on what works, what doesn't and why!

Monograms!

It occured to me while researching other logos that the first project for intro to graphic design is to make something very similar to a personal monogram. So I google image searched the word and wanted to share what I saw.

http://www.google.com/images?rlz=1C1SKPC_enUS327US333&q=monograms&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1280&bih=711

The Idea and Process Behind my First Personal Logo (Prt. 1)

    As I was beginning the daunting task of designing my personal logo, I listed some attributes that I like and sketched various ideas of how to unite the two first initials of my name, "K" and "A". I came up with a few designs that I thought looked good, but I soon realized they did not represent me as accurately as I would have liked. After researching logo design and why various companies have the logos they have, I started my process over.

    This time I knew what I wanted the logo to describe about me. I wanted it to be a portrait of my personality and my aspirations as a design student. The idea is that the logo would communicate that I am personable, unity-oriented and unorthodox. I want it to show that I aspire to be majestic, skilled, detailed. If it is successful and if my future designs portray me and what I would like to improve on, then the logo will be effective as a memorable signature for my future projects.

    I was advised to start my designs by researching and choosing a typeface. I thought I would be unorthodox and use a typeface that I already use, my handwriting. I wrote out the alphabet in caps and lowercase over and over again so that I could identify what makes my handwriting mine. I also wrote sentences. I tried to write very fast and naturally and then I tried to write very slow and calculated in order to compare the attributes of the two. I figured that my handwriting would automatically express my personality so it would be a great starting point. After seeing some common aspects in my letters, I designed an official "A" and "K" using the rules of my handwriting.

    I already had a rough idea of what direction I wanted my composition to go so I spent hours sketching various interactions between my designed "K" and "A". From that I chose a design that had potential to be personable and depict unity while still being easily read as KA. I redrew the design in Illustrator and I am currently in the process of fine tuning the general design.

The Essence of a "Logo"

     While reading a book about designing identity, I came across a section written by Paul Rand about what a logo truly is. By understanding the essence of a logo, one should be able to create more effective logo designs.
     After reading, I realized that I had confused a logo for an advertisement. I thought they were used as a simple image to catch ones eye. Rather they are signatures, much like my own when I sign my name. They do not have to be attractive nor do they have to directly show the content or the person or group they are representing. They are simply a visual name or fingerprint. In that light, I believe a logo to be a functional tool, rather than an aesthetic addition to a companies title. They should be designed with function in mind and nothing more.

According to Paul Rand:


A logo:
-is a flag.
-does not sell, it identifies.
-is usually not a description of a business.
-derives its meaning from the quality of the business, not the other way around.
-is less important than the product it signifies.

Effectiveness of a logo depends on:
-Distinctiveness
-Visibility
-Usability
-Universality
-Durability
-Timelessness

Lastly I love this quote: "If in the business of communication "image is king", the essence of this image, the logo, is a jewel in its crown." - Paul Rand.