I've designed a logo. Opinions and ideas for improvement, please.

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I think Polo mints might be on the phone for royalties.

Not necessarily a bad thing, perhaps?  A polo is an iconic and memorable image.  :)

A pair of red eyes in the polo hole.

Many thanks for the comments, but what do you think of the logo, gentlemen?  Is it good, bad, or somehere in between?

look better with some hair around it

why is it not straight ?

I thought it looked better slightly skewed, a bit yin yangish.

Is it a logo to try and sell something/ promote a business or are you trying to impress some art school chick.

Needs to be straight and in yer face and have some form of alcohol/bottle clue thing going on.

Needs to be bold, the blue and yellow colours are the only good bits imho at this stage.

It's a general logo for a shop, something to go on their vehicles, above the door, stationery, etc.

I deliberately didn't go down the bottle, bunch of grapes, etc route as I thought it might appear prosaic and amateurish.

I studied many famous logos beforehand and the best of them (to my eyes anyway) are very simple with stylised shapes rather than too much detail.

It`s crap tbh.

I can accept that, TMM, but why is it crap exactly, sir?  How can I improve upon it?

The colours are all wrong to begin with. Not colours that one would associate with alcohol, more like alcopops. It`s far too simplistic and something that one would forget one minute after viewing it. You need a stronger image with stronger colours that leaps off the page and is lodged in ones memory banks upon viewing. Just my honest opinion. Good luck.

The turquoise and green colours need changing to Red and Rose.

I can accept that the colours are not what one might expect.  I chose them because this particular off licence is virtually on the beach, the colours seemed to fit in with its surroundings and existing decor.

As to your comment about the logo being too simplistic, I actively endeavoured to make it simple in the belief that would be the best approach.  Perhaps I am wrong in this assumption.  Disappointed that you considered the logo unmemorable, too, as this was another aspect I tried to achieve. 

Many thanks for your input all the same, sir.

Colours off putting as mac says. Kinda kids tv. The teletubbies sprang to mind.

I should point out that the colours appear far brighter on the computer screen than in real life, the backlight renders them almost luminous here but they're actually a bit more subdued.

They certainly are suitable for the area you describe but not the business.

I kind of agree about the colours, I don't mind the sign being off skew though. Perhaps something could go in the middle (if there is a middle, or is it hollow?) like the obvious newspaper, or bottle? I always look for a ciggie sign when I'm looking for an off licence but I've found myself wondering if they're still allowed?

Some of the greatest business logos in history are simplistic, so that`s not a major problem. The colours are the main snag and the blank white circle in the middle. Forget the seaside image and try some stronger colours. Something that will catch your eye. Is it your own business?

I did originally draw the logo with silhouettes of three different-shaped bottles in the centre, SK, but removed them as the simpler design looked better to my eye.

No, sir, not my business, just doing a favour.

I quite like the sign being off skew. Stronger colours needed though.

Full Red Circle Background.

Woolacombe (as you have it) in Black on White Background

Off Licence (as you have it) in Black on White Background

.... and a fancy Beer Stein in the middle

Would putting a brand name in there be allowed? Coca-Cola, The Sun, Benson & Hedges.

People are pretty daft, and I'd say many would see a picture, or a brand name, before they see the name of the off licence.

That's amazing, TMM! 

One of the first designs was almost exactly as you describe, sir.  Full red circle with black and white lettering and bottle silhouettes in the centre.  It's a shame it takes so long for the moderators to approve images, otherwise I could post up images as we chat.

.... aye, a bottle of Buckie in the middle and he`ll be over run with customers.

.... that was to kenbo

..... yes mate, if you could post photos it would be easier to surmise. You need to ditch them original colours. One would walk right past the shop without noticing it.

Liar!!!!!!!!!! You've never walked past an off licence in yer life.

I used to suffer from alcoholic constipation............ I could never pass a pub!

http://econtent.tauranga.govt.nz/data/alcohol/images/olaa_logo.jpg

This is quite a cool use of a bottle / beach type effect.?

aka

Many thanks for the link, Clarkson, much appreciated. 

Tell me, sir, do you think that OLAA logo is far superior to my efforts?  To my eye, mine is cleaner and more memorable but, of course, it is very easy to be blind to one's own failings and it is important to learn other views and opinions.

SK.

Apologies, sir, I missed your post.  I don't know if brand names would be permitted within the logo, I would imagine not.

No, it`s rubbish and misleading. When I first saw it, I thought it was something to do with Alcoholics Anonymous.

Correct, one can`t reproduce brand names without the written consent of the copyright holder.

Used to live close to there in Braunton. The Woolacombe/Saunton area attracts a lot of surfers - maybe put a surf related image in the middle?

a good effort ,but not keen on the colors esp for an offy , a bit too bright perhaps - more for a childrens  product maybe .

Correct, sir, there is a lot of surfers here.  An awful lot!

Many thanks, Coach.  Much appreciated, sir.  As mentioned the colours appear almost radioactive on the computer screen, they're not that bright in reality and were chosen for their seaside tones.

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yes, i think for the seaside the colors are almost perfect -bright and cheery -beach hut like.  I think the confusion in my mind is  that Off licences are somewhere i don't really associate with   bright colors  .

still, you could be setting a trend.

Once, all cars were black. 

Is that because you're always in them with sunglasses seeking a hair of the dog?

I've looked at a few online and the wording as you have it is actually not what you first see.
The circle in the middle is what attracts the eye, You need something there.

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just a thought Poker although i'm rubbish at art ideas -  but  i was thinking  the circle could resemble a bottle top rather than just a circle .

Fair point, Akabula.  Many thanks, sir.  I did have three bottle silhouettes in the centre at one stage, but removed them as I considered the effect more aesthetically pleasing.

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A photo of Rab C in his string vest.

Coach.

Exactly my original thoughts, too, sir.  I had a sort of crimped edge to the centre circle (like a bottle top) with three bottle silhouettes on it.  I eventually abandoned the design in favour of the very simple logo posted.  Maybe I was too hasty?

Many thanks, indeed, Jayco.  I must admit, sir, I quite like your second logo, very sophisticated.

Rab cannae find his way to his front door ,never mind  Woolacombe

Jayco's first more suited to Glasgow.

If anyone would like to offer their own designs, like Jayco's most generous contributions, they would be very gratefully received.

these things take time , as Morrissey once said 

I like it, neat and clean. You might consider complementary colours around the lettering, for example the complement of the cyan is a redder orange than the rather p1ssy one chosen. See this colour wheel 1 o'clock versus 7 o'clock.
http://www.tigercolor.com/color-lab/color-theory/images/color-wheel-300.gif

Absolutely ghastly

Many thanks, Foinavon, much appreciated, sir.

GHH.

Anything in particular that was not to your liking?

The colours are horrific

FIRST RULE OF DESIGN

NEVER USE CYAN

Hope this helps.

will fade in sunlight very quickly.

make it darker.

Is it just the colours you don't like, sir?  What about the rest of the design?

already in use in Ballamory

Interesting point, Zorro. 

As mentioned, the colours are significantly darker in reality, it is just the computer screen backlight that makes them appear almost radioactive on here.

I think Jayco's are fantastic.

The first one would be a complete gamble, and probably not worth risking. While the second one is very good, but possibly more 'wine bar' or 'bistro'.

Colours more suitable for an ice cream or sweet shop 

What's all this about POLO MINX?

I'll post up some alternative colour combinations later, as soon as the images are improved.  Many thanks for all your contributions so far, gentlemen, they're much appreciated.

I'll post up some alternative colour combinations later, as soon as the images are improved.  Many thanks for all your contributions so far, gentlemen, they're much appreciated.

Btw Poker, I thought your design and colour combo as posted was great - ideal for the seaside!

Straighten the lettering.
The lettering should be black (or a strong colour).
Nobody wants to read curved letters imo.
One colour only (two colours incl lettering).  Your three colours plus white lettering is too busy. (look at the Coca-Cola and Macdonalds logos)
The font is weak, too narrow.  Get a book of fonts and pick out on with a bit of flow.
Look at lots of logos. e.g. car manufacturers
Why a circle with a hole?  It doesn't say drink to me.
What is Woolacombe?  Is It is a town or a surname?  Irrelevant imo.  Nobody is going in there to buy a Woolacombe.  Are you selling wool or combs?

Sell the alcohol at a reasonable price and give good customer service and they won't need a logo.

It's a poor logo for various reasons especially those given by kincsem but Crisp has hit the nail on the head. You're not trying to create a multi-national company where an instantly recognisable logo is useful. People aren't going to look at your logo and the name is irrelevant. Call it We sell Dog Turds and people will buy your stuff if price is competitive and customer service is good. Provided of course that your customer base is big enough to start with. I couldn't be arsed walking another 200 yards to another offy to save a quid or two; when I run out of booze I want it quickly!

Haven't read all through this, but you will find that most successful logos don't have the name of the business or product.

Think of "Apple"....Nike"...."Starbucks"....."Firefox"...."British Rail"...."McDonald's"....."KFC"....

Re my last comment, which was a bit of a sweeping statement, the graphic needs to be recognised without the name,
but that will be a two stage exercise.

If it's only a small business, and in just one place, that isn't going to happen.

Having Googled the worlds most valuable brands, Seven out of the top ten have their name in their logo, and Sixteen in the top Twenty.

All most enlightening comments, gentlemen, thank you very much indeed.  If anyone would be so kind as to offer logos of their own design they would be most gratefully received.

I'm working on the next draft of my logo (about the sixth variation) and will post it up as soon as possible for your perusal.

I'd get a font sorted first.

As it is Woolcombe it needs to be a modern, young trendy one.

I hate the colours.  Get a Dulux catalogue or similar and see which colours go together well and match your modern font.

Wooly comb looks a lovely place - never been to north Devon  - which is weird really  'cos been to south Devon so many times

Having read some of the later comments just call it PZs or Piston Broke and be done with it.

I'm still working on my new and improved off licence logo, but here is one I completed recently for your much valued opinions. 

The client wanted a logo for his pool and billiard games venture and, I'm very pleased and surprised to report, he was satisfied with this first attempt, no ammendments required.

That's really good!

Thank you ma'am. 

Good. Assume font size is big enough to meet requirements.

Forget the poncey logo. This is a one town off licence....

Get back to basics....
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My new and improved logo is ready, just waiting for a moderator's approval.

PokerDane...I worked for almost forty years in the design business.

Started with Graphics and Advertising. In amongst that, Exhibition Design, and later Interior Design for the licensed trade.

The thing is that one can spend days in working things out, in compliance with existing structure, clients brief and budget etc, and the thinking time
goes home with you.

Then some clueless tw@t will look over your shoulder, and rub fingers all over the drawing and say "I would have put that here, and that there,
and make this bigger and that smaller"!

Give the same person a blank sheet of paper, and they wouldn't have a clue!

Good morning, AP.

Indeed, sir, I have certainly been there my friend regards taking the thinking time home!  I suffer from perfectionism and literally spend hours agonising over the tiniest detail.  I wouldn't consider myself a professional graphic designer in your league by any means, I just find the process interesting, drawing things for friends just for the challenge of it. 

As you say, sir, some criticism can be wearisome at times, but I always try to laugh it off.  Tough to do, of course, if the one doing the criticising is paying the bill!

I've posted my latest effort on a new thread entitled "Revised logo design" and would very much value your thoughts, AP.

I am Poker Dane by the way.  Sorry for the confusion, but something weird is going on.  I am logged on as Poker Dane, but my posts are appearing under my other user name of Pokermonster.