Henry and Michael,
Ok, no one should feel turned off. :-) I uploaded the same logos without the negative kerning and then you can choose:
No neg. kern: http://rauh.net/jobs/spamassassin/logo5.2.png With neg. kern: http://rauh.net/jobs/spamassassin/logo5.1.png
O also am going to put them up in the wiki page. Of course, the comments still apply.
Christian
Henry Stern wrote:
I really like your latest submission, but the negative kerning between the m and the A really turns me off. Does anyone else feel this way?
Henry
Christian Rauh wrote:
People,
I hope I haven't left anyone out in this reply. My new update can be seen at:
http://rauh.net/jobs/spamassassin/logo5.1.png
This new version deserves a few comments:
The logo conveys mainly: - Selection - Dynamism - Email vs. spam - Assassin(ation) of the spam - Apache
It uses the arrow element that is both a ninja and an apache weapon therefore tying up the previous concept with the new project affiliation. The apache feather with its distinct colors has been used in the manufacturing of the arrow, suggesting clearly but unobtrusively the identity of the umbrella project.
The logo is easily understandable by everyone. The arrow is a much more common and recognizable object than a shuriken at all age groups and user backgrounds. The letters/envelopes are a widely used metaphor for email and the red/brownish/darker envelope in contrast with the green ones clearly indicate the (evil) spam being targeted.
The visual style used is appealing to a broad target audience, it is illustrated but not too cartoonish or "gamish".
The SpamAssassin name is rendered as requested, one word with initial caps. This is a good choice to keep because when it comes to search engines queries, SpamAssassin should only bring up this software if the TM people are doing their job.
Finally, the logo is modern, professional and non-violent.
Obs:
1 - I have tried a couple of different combinations for the spam envelope color. Colors preferences are too personal to guess, so keep in mind that colors are simple to change in order to suit a particular palette. The blue background colors were chosen to suggest a 'nocturnal' ambiance.
2 - The font used is Helvetica so, as far as I know, there should be no need for licensing.
3 - The logotype design was somewhat inspired by a previous contestant entry, Thomas Wild. I have contacted him about it but got no reply, I think credit should be given to him anyway.
4 - The logo can be adapted to the smaller formats of buttons and badges by using part of it (arrow piercing one email), like suggested by someone in a previous post. Actually, I just tested scaling the whole thing down and it would still work with minor pixel adjustments.
5 - There was some consideration about maintaining the branding image that has been built. Well, in my opinion there isn't much of a true branding for SpamAssassin. I have had contact with the software for quite some long time as a user and it wasn't until this contest that I found out that it had anything to do with ninjas. I would strongly agree with Michael Douma about the stress of "rebranding" and would advice you to try to choose the logo that better represents the new state of the project and that also offers future opportunities for development.
4 - The logo is all vector so it can be scaled to very large sizes. Those would be some nice t-shirts, were is mine? :-)
I think everyone of the finalists put great work out.
Thanks,
Christian
--
��������������������������������������������������������������������� In any case, if the intelligence of the machines is superior to ours, must it be a gloomy future for the human race? May not we assume that their moral senses be more advanced than ours?
- Alison Adam (2002), Cyborgs in the Chinese Room
in Preston & Bishop (Eds.), Views Into The Chinese Room.(p.330)
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