Smoothstone

slacagnina · #1 (**permalink**) 04-24-2004, 04:11 PM

What do you think? Any suggestions or ideas?

chartsky · #2 (**permalink**) 04-26-2004, 12:47 AM

There are too many objects to focus on....

I get the triple-meaning of the second graphic, waves, stones, SS,..

All redundant... Think about what you actually do in your business. Is your profession about bringing people together?... or is it about polishing stones on the beach....? :)

T'wer it were me, I would focus on your actual business processes and bring some humanity to your logo. A "smooth" transition from co-dependant or hostile behaviour in the workplace to a team-oriented and friendly office environment is a required and growing professional service... Your graphic representation must be more professional than theirs.

Two people sitting comfortably back to back on a "smooth stone" would mean far more than rocks and water and the subconsciously evil "SS" symbol... even for those who may think of the "Secret Service" instead.. Come to think of it... I think there was a "Super Slinky" too.... ulitmately evil too.... (what other toy forces children to play at the top of the stairs.... LOL... )

If you have the energy, the guts, and the professionalism required for successful conflict resolution, start by getting a professional logo created for you so you can continue to concentrate on your core competency. The cost of development is minimal to the long-term benefits derived from a professionally designed logo.

Only MHO...

Cheers,

Chris

gsdickson · #3 (**permalink**) 04-26-2004, 02:54 PM

2 things

First and most importantly -- the way it is now, you've really got 2 logos here. The name feels like a very seperate element from the ripple/dots. I would try making the ripple/dots smaller than the name and put the name under them. I would also try it w/o the rule between the lines of type.

Second -- the ripples and dots feel like they need to be simplified. See maybe if you could get away recomposing it somehwo with 1 ripple and 3 dots.

Just my 2 cents.

Gary D.

slacagnina · #4 (**permalink**) 04-26-2004, 05:24 PM

I really appreciate the feedback! Any and all ideas, suggestions, and comments are greatly appreciated.

Smoothstone came from the Bible - David and Goliath - "he selected five smoothstones from the stream". If David can overcome his giant with a smoothstone, then what giant can we not overcome with faith in God. I feel this applies to us wether a business setting or an individual life decision. I consult, train, life coach , and speak. I want the logo to be simple, clean, and work in one or more colors.

Any other suggestions or ideas?

gsdickson · #5 (**permalink**) 04-27-2004, 07:58 PM

Wow, cool concept.

So, in part at least, disregard my commet about using only 3 dots and stick with 5. The rest of my comments stand -- simplfy and make the type work better WITH the logo. Maybe something like this...

Just my 2 cents...

Gary D.

chartsky · #6 (**permalink**) 04-30-2004, 04:17 AM

I like what Gary did with the textual part of the logo.... it is a natural for the serif and lower case/uppercase mix...

My visual theory is somewhat different.... I feel that people are the focus of SmoothStone Consulting, and most observers will not derive any substantial meaning from the current graphic. They may discern that there are stones and water included.. but it still does not provide them a visual clue as to what you do.... potential clients literally require to be spoon-fed your core business process message... or, they will not "get it", as their hectic lives leave no time for graphic puzzles... unless they are literally intending to waste time...

Although it looks cool, it doesn't convey purpose, intention, possibilities, opportunity, conviction and a host of other subtleties that are essential to getting your core message accross at a hurried glance....

This is a very rough idea but it serves the purpose of demonstrating the addition of the human element into your branding....

Cheers,

Chris

slacagnina · #7 (**permalink**) 04-30-2004, 11:49 AM

WOW...I really appreciate your efforts! You have got my attention and I am looking at this from a new perspective. Gary's is a cleaner look than the original, but I really like what Chris did by adding people. I teach "real world skills" such as communication, leadership, trust, sales skills, etc... so the people kind of demonstrate a conflict - back to back.

Guys - THANK YOU. Any other ideas are very welcome. I started this thing on a shoestring budget and a quick timeline. Finding this site with the talent that is out there is a gift. Thanks again.