Public Sphere Web Design

[publicsphere]

This is at the bottom of my page - see link in signature.

http://www.publicsphere.co.uk/images/logo.gif

Firstly I would appreciate opinions on the logo itself - this is a very early version.

Additionally if anyone has an opinion on the logos placement on the page I would also appreciate that.

Whilst designing the logo I had the intention of placing it above the home and contact links.

[webhost1]

I get a page not there error. Might see if the address is right.

[publicsphere]

The address is right. It may have been a temporary server problem.

[webhost1]

You might want to put your logo at the top of the page. At the bottom it reminds me of stat counters, hosting companies, etc.

You might want to add little bits of color to the painting thingy.

[Steve W]

Could I ask how the image relates to the Public Sphere name, maybe I'm missing something? The image looks like an artists easle ?spelling? and a paintbrush... correct?

[JMuncy]

Could I ask how the image relates to the Public Sphere name, maybe I'm missing something?

I feel the same way, when first seeing your logo, I think of "painting" or "art"...

How and why does the artist slant on the logo benefit you?

[publicsphere]

Thanks for your input.

Yeah I agree, thinking about it - the bottom is a bad place to put it. Originally I didn't want a logo in my design but I decided I needed a logo so I just wapped it in at the bottom.

On how it relates. It doesn't really. But then I didn't want to make something that related to the public sphere (a concept to do with democracy and public opinion, developed by jurgen Habermas in the 70's). So the art theme is basically relating to creativity - as in web design.

Anyway I'm curently in the stages of redesigning the site again so I may re-think the logo.

A question out of curiosity for everyone -

If you are designing a complete website with logo and design, do you usually design the logo first or the layout first?

[Steve W]

IMO the logo should relate to the business, the layout should relate to the content, they're completely separate.

That doesn't mean you can't infuse the site design / layout with the logo, I just don't think you should choose a layout just because it suits your logo or vice versa.

[grease]

Your logo should be the foundation stone for your visual identity system. A professional logo embodies the personality of an organization in a pure visual form. Your identity (letterhead, website, print collateral, signage - whatever) should only compliment the logo.

[MuNKyonline]

I would take advantage of the 'sphere' and make a really cool 3D looking logo. Something like the sony ericcson logo maybe. That would then relate to the initial interpretation of the name and not it's concept.

You could simply replace the easel with a sphere. Keep it simple and as a vector so you can resize it with out losing any quality.