Checkers Diner - Logo For Client

[ManJonStudios]

Help me out guys, this logo is not what I would call my best work and I don't like it all that much, but it is to the customers specs. There's just something about it doesn't make me say wow, what do you think?

http://www.manjonstudios.com/checkers/images/04.gif

[vladiman]

Hey man,

What would be the use of the logo: print, signage, web etc.
let me know.

Cheers.

[ManJonStudios]

The logo is going to be used for eveything you mentioned and then some. I am in charge of coming up with a complete marketing identity for the client.

[grease]

Unfortunately, in Graphic design, the customer is not always right, and it is very difficult to let them know it. You are the professional and need to guide them - within their general preferences towards an effective design. You have a nice piece of artwork here, but it is very busy for a logo. A solid brand mark requires simplicity. There is no reason why all of these elements couldn't be used to decorate the diner, the menus, sign...and so on, but a simple, memorable, high-impact logo will build the brand.

[rubytuesday]

I think that if I had to do something with this logo, I would take the car and enlarge it making it semi-transparent behind the words. Also, I think that "Checkers" should be larger than the rest as that is the name.
I agree that sometimes the customer has an idea in their head and when trying to get the designer to make it can be a real task. Sometimes, the customer is all wrong, and sometimes they can just be bad at relating what they want. Good luck with this one!

[MidnightWhispers]

I think the car itself is okay, but I'd like to see it in a cartoon form, and add a girl in a skirt (waitress preferably). Try a blue car.

Drop the top edge of that frame and have the car sticking out the top. Leave the semi circle part, just lower the level so half the car is on the outside.

Take the bottom wording and put it on top, curling in a semi circle. Having it on the bottom it's easily missed by the bright red sign. But it's good wording so add it to the top for some attention.

Great idea by the way! Love that checkerboard.

[matauri]

The main thing that hit me that turned me off, was the font/size of the word 'Diner'. It throws rest of image off.

Personally I would have the text in the restrains of the framing, and would emboss (or similar) the frame to give it more definition.

Is there any reason why the bottom text is outside the parameters of the sign? It looks disconnected. I think if you made the 'diner' part smaller you could include that part under it.


Cindy

[awesomes]

I agree with Cindy, it needs something to bring it alive. The text does not do it.
The Customer is always right, but it is up to you to steer them in the right direction. The car, the checks, and the frame would do it all with just the name, no diner added in.
Keep it simple may be a good rule here.