Designed by Row » image

Personalized Art

rowforbes — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 19:38:56 +0000

It’s funny how things fall together sometimes. It wasn’t long after I wrote the post Van Gogh blue & red that I stumbled across an article about a unique company called DNA11. Based in Ottawa, Ontario, Adrian Salamunovic and Nazim Ahmed started DNA11 in 2005 out of Ahmed’s apartment. Using a simple cheek swab and specialized equipment, DNA11 merges art and science in a one-of-a-kind canvas based on the DNA of each client. The Museum of Modern Art now features DNA 11 art in its stores in New York and Tokyo.

It got me thinking again about the unique images Jen had sent to me. Perhaps there is more inspiration in the microscopic than even I originally thought. If she and I can see the beauty in these images, perhaps there are others who would find them equally appealing. The image above is one of my favorites.

You can find more about DNA 11 at their site www.DNA11.com.

Van Gogh in blue and red

Round 2: RLI Solutions

rowforbes — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:55:41 +0000

I put together some adjusted versions of what Eric and I had discussed. I spent a little extra time with the version he said he kept going back to. I wanted him to be able to see it in all its various aspects. I explained that a good logo needed to be able to move between mediums, meaning print, web, t-shirts, bubble gum, etc. He responded well to this set of variation, but still wanted to see a different leaf, perhaps something a bit more stylized, uniquely RLI Solutions.

For real free-feel designing, I like to go back to the old fashioned pencil and paper. I doodle; however this doodling has a purpose. At this point I have sketched out a few different leaf forms and will present the best of them to Eric this evening.

Round 1: RLI Solutions

rowforbes — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:17:18 +0000

As I stated before, communication between myself and my client is of paramount importance. It is not a one way road either. I want a customer to feel comfortable enough with me to be completely honest about their thoughts or feelings regarding a design. After all, it is going to represent them and their business. When we part at the end of a project, I don’t want them rethinking their choices.

Okay, so back to RLI Solution’s logo. I put together a smattering of ideas, working off what Eric and I had spoken about, what I saw on his website and what I understood of Eric and his business. He didn’t want to appear stodgy, but definitely wanted to come across professional and dependable.

In brief, the first set was made up of a heavy, non-serif font and a red maple leaf. The idea came from RLI’s name (Red Leif International) and their website. The second set was based from the two sample logos and colors which Eric had indicated he liked. They also have a bit of a more relaxed feel with the lower-case lettering. The third set has a serif font and a more traditional feel, and a fiery combination of red leaves.

I sent out these samples for Eric’s initial thoughts and response.

… but I keep going back to the bottom sample on #2. *shrug* Not sure what that means… You’re the designer…

… And as the designer, this is what I like to get back. Mind you, Eric got a lot more specific in his comments as far as fonts he wanted to try and types/styles of leaves. But this comment pointed me in the direction that would lead us to a successful logo for RLI Solutions.

the Birth of a Logo

rowforbes — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:41:41 +0000

I recently had a small company owner contact me about creating a logo. RLI Solutions, owned and operated by Eric Burdo, is a web-based marketing firm. He specializes in creating a web presence for businesses, which includes domain names and hosting. He also offers website reviews and user interface reviews. So, basically he sets you up with a place to put a website and then can tell you if your website is being productive for your business. With so many businesses and customers turning to the Internet for their buying and service options, what Eric and RLI Solutions does is very valuable. For that same reason RLI Solutions needed to be able to put their best foot forward by creating a logo that represents who they are and how they want to be seen by their customers. So, Eric contacted me.

“I’m open for ideas.
Something nice looking, not too starchy, not too edgy.”

I have always felt that the best way to get a client what they want is by listening. There are a few things I need to know before I can begin on any project. I need to know how they want to be perceived, whether hip, young and able to go with the flow or more sophisticated and structured; both of which are completely legitimate ways to go. I also need to know what their business is about and who they are targeting. In other words, I don’t want to give a soft feel to a construction company.

Eric gave me a brief rundown of RLI Solutions’ direction and the history of the business name. He also gave a couple of links to other sites with colors and logos he liked. He didn’t feel that he had given me much to go on, but after a thorough look at his website and our previous conversation, I felt confident I could flesh out some concepts he might like.