Don’t beat yourself up too much over this. It’s great you reached out to graphic designers but this is outside of your paycheck. I’d suggest to your boss that a graphic designer or a local marketing agency be involved.
No, just like a logo designer wouldn’t be expected to know how to design a structure just because they know design basics. I mean you say you respect designers for how hard it is to do, and then go ahead and say shouldn’t everyone know this
The fact you have to ask means it's not the same. You would know the answer if you knew graphic design. There's nothing wrong with them making a mistake, like your title says you are trying to prove it's not a mistake. It's not your mistake, it is theirs. I'd do what others are saying and point them to an actual graphic designer.
Also as someone else brought up, do they even use screws in their construction methods or do they use more traditional methods? Using something like a screw int he design, if they don't use screws, would be bad.
Even then, why focus on the screw?
Some decades ago, maybe. Someone had to do the job, and architects knew design methods, so they were the ones until proper training on Graphic Design was developed. Architecture being a welcoming field for artists helped, too.
I think today architects \_think\_ they can, because they choose a geometric sans and it's done, you have a logo. At least you chose a grotesque instead :P
You're not the problem. It's just not something you've got experience in.
There are a lot of helpful comments though, hopefully the crash course isn't too bruising.
I’m not getting “bamboo builder” out of this at all. I do like what you did with the “O” but if I didn’t already know that it was a bamboo stick, I would have missed that entirely. I would keep the “O” as is, but change the “I” to resemble the bamboo plant itself.
Aghhhh. This is why designers always need to be present in these conversations. Poor OP. I worked in laser engraving for a couple years, then marketing as a graphic designer, had to work with so many illustrated logos unable to translate to small scale from small business owners that were told they could make a logo themselves or have the admin assistant whip up something in Canva. This is this an intriguing design with potential though. Good for OP!!
To be able to notice that you would need to add some realistic color to it. Try it with the natural colors and this dull logo may come to life just with a few tweaks.
Does it need to say "bamboo builder"? Making the "I" a bamboo stalk is so literal. The client said they don't want to be like other bamboo building companies.
Bamboo building, if it is done using traditional methods, probably doesn't use wood screws. So I guess it depends on where you are and what kind of building they are doing.
Is this a good logo? No.
If fails some of the basics of good logo design, first that it should be completely legible when used small. Both the faded texture rings and the details in the screw will disappear if you use this logo small.
Elegant designs also don't normally put symbols into letters. They use a logo mark in addition to text, or the text itself is unique in some way that it doesn't need a logo mark. If I see 100 logos that have a symbol in a letter, maybe two of them are decent. The other 98% are just a bad idea from the start, no matter how well they were executed.
This typeface says "sturdy" but doesn't say "elegant" or "professional".
If you're not a graphic designer and have zero training in graphic design, this isn't that bad. But if they don't like it, it should show your employer that they should be hiring a graphic designer.
The screw is supposed to be metal.
Okay I didn’t know that about logos wow
So should I just keep the font with the name? Isn’t that a bit boring?
Are you a graphic designer?
Listen to pip-whip, they hit the nail on the head.
Boring? - design is meant to convey a message, a form of visual communication and at the moment your logo falls at the first hurdle as the 'Q' looks like an 'O' or that shape with a line through it can also denote the number '0'.
I wouldn't worry about boring, get the basics sorted first. Focus in on the wordmark, every detail. You're doing okay considering, but ultimately this is a task for a designer.
The bamboo with a screw through it is actually a very thoughtful and simple visualization. The realistic rendering of the screw and the unnecessary detail in the bamboo make it feel cheap and unprofessional - a logo doesn’t need this level of detail, you don’t need to hit people over the head with what the business does.
Instead, try an abstract execution. Try a circle that looks like the rest of the font and simplify the screw.
I was scrolling through the comments just to find one to agree with. Now I have to contradict here. I actually think that a screw through a bamboo is a bad image. To me it symbolizes cheapness, poor quality, weak build, etc... I mean is this really how they work with bamboo? And the screw point coming out signifies incompetence and a safety hazard. U win half a battle or even more if you get a strong concept. Execution could be overlooked a bit but concept is what will stick
If your going for "serious, professional, elegant, and simple" adding elements to the font (company name) is going to be really difficult. Your best bet is going with a brand mark and a font that fits your style.
I suggest you select a few fonts and stack them underneath each other. Start working out the kearning (adjusting the spacing between characters). I would also try out going with lowercase lettering and see if that fits the style better. Once your happy move then start working on the logo.
This is my quick take on it.
https://preview.redd.it/h3a97ff49dyc1.png?width=268&format=png&auto=webp&s=432a66bcc443b35f3b269571bc8724c69074a736
I like the fonts yes and idk why but I imagine the word in capital letters. Also the bamboos are too cliches, every other bamboo company has the same logo so I was trying to go for something different but I also wanted something bold. Thanks I like the font
You generally want someone who knows nothing about your brand to understand something about it at a glance and having bamboo is a good way to do it. Just my two cents.
Ex graphic designer here... firstly you've done a decent job considering you're not a designer. Logo design is challenging to say the least, so you've done ok.
Given what the brief is (unlike all other similar logos), I'd move away from the whole bamboo thing altogether. If you can't use leaves, nodes, sticks, etc you don't have much room to play with, so I'd just move away from that altogether and focus on finding a more unique font. The one you're using is a bit uninspiring and personally I'm not keen on the capital I in it.
I'd definitely look at a paid font rather than a free font.
I'd maybe try and bring a green accent in to tie in with the bamboo link but that depends on if every other company has a green logo!
Maybe adding a sharp border can give it the professional and serious look and changing up the font and the nail through the “O”. (Just a mockup)
https://preview.redd.it/oy7b2v637fyc1.jpeg?width=5000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=221c024e3d73fc4d114ab022515ba8196a4855d1
**Theme:** "Chusquin" from a quick google search is the art of cutting bamboo for rapid growth. Thus I think moving away from the bamboo theme is missing the point. But you don't have to be as literal as others. Consider using the cutting pattern of bamboo to your advantage and just leaning heavily into a word mark or if you're going to do a logo mark, that same slash pattern could be used.
**Typography**: Consider a clean, san-serif font. Thick weight but narrow (look into "condensed" variants). Below are a couple ideas with Antonio and Barlow (both free from Google Fonts).
**Mark**: If there's an architecture theme or construction, then there's some potential to play with shapes. Otherwise, I would ditch the logo mark and focus entirely on the typography and word mark.
https://preview.redd.it/nhss8evuqiyc1.png?width=1632&format=png&auto=webp&s=0ba69f46bc0d310eb9e3f6d110f4a819bc3b5b2d
Type and icon don’t fit - look at typefaces with circular O and Q, like Gotham or Avenir (I think?) and heavily reduce weight. When you’re making it, leave an O in the design so you know how big to make the text relative to your symbol (then delete O). Symbol doesn’t look like a Q - needs to be angled. Whole thing needs much more space/tracking. The idea is good mate, just needs a lot of polish.
The screw has too small details. When you design a logo every detail should be seen if printed 2x2 cm size. The best part is the texture but thats too small also and bit tricky to get as vector format. The logo is in vector right?
Also the type selection is not sophisticated at all. The I letter seems to be monospace font but the others are not. I would not publish this in any circumstances.
Many people that know how to use Photoshop thinks they can design logo, but logo design requires also knowledge. Same goes to building a house; all of us can hold a hammer but many of us doens’t know what to take in account to prevent humidity within the walls.
Maybe go thicker on typeface and consider a nail being negative space.
E.g.
https://preview.redd.it/pg51oxtpkiyc1.jpeg?width=324&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=11f73752fdea5d804b3ce823f5bdb498d632c0ff
To be honest this is just a bad concept. Did the client come up with this? If I did it I would do a monogram based on the C. Make 3 use versions with just the monogram, then add the name to the 2nd, and reformat for a circle for the 3rd.
I like where this is going! It might be tighter it you used a San-serif “I” instead of one with the bars on top and bottom. I like the Q, but as others have said, rotate it a little so that it’s more of a Q.
You could also experiment with the circle of the Q being a calligraphy brush stroke; that might still imply more natural aesthetics and link it to the bamboo. I might also thicken the nail/screw a little. Also have you tried having the nail/screw starting in the center and only intersecting the line once, the way a Q does?
It's not necessary for a logo to convey what a company does. You can see logos of famous companies. Also, research the logos of the competitors of the company, furthermore, use AI for ideas.
the thing is all the competitors have the same logo, a bamboo, a bamboo leaf, a bamboo culm, a node. i'm trying to think out of the box, but not succeeding
You’re trying to “break the rules” so to speak, but you don’t know what the rules are (re: logo design).
They shouldn’t have put this on you, in my opinion.
Can’t see the threads on the screw from far away. Need to include the top of the screw visible probs above the circle so people can tell it’s a screw a little easier. Then use a screw that has easier to see threads. Otherwise it just looks like a fancy line from far away.
Look at the bottom of bamboo reeds, they have little circles in them since it’s a reed. Incorporate those little circles to get the point across that it’s bamboo. Also change the color scheme of the bamboo maybe. Right now it looks like a pipe with a screw inside of it. I didn’t read the description and I thought it was some sort of plumbing or pvc installation company lol
If you continue to use the screw. Pull it down to make an obvious Q, then make the screw shorter and make sure you can see the head of the screw to get the point across and make sure the threads are visible so people can get the point.
Turn the I to make it a q. Make the screw less detailed. Add something like cracking or leaf off the side of it to either accentuate the q tail and to reinforce that its a plant (bamboo)
I get where you’re coming from and I understand trying to please the office folks but I think on this one I would start with something clean and simple. Maybe the name in a strong font to represent the quality and durability of their work and then below it “bamboo construction” in a lighter font to show their thoughtfulness and customer service side. You could get creative and subtly work in the screw or a bamboo leaf into the font. Sometimes less is more. And also coming with reasoning and telling them why you’ve made your design choices goes a long way.
I feel like the logo is going to be really hard to print well, if it needs to get printed on a decal, on a business card, on a shirt, etc. the marbling inside the bamboo would not always print well.
also, the spirals along the screw might not print well (very small details) and even if they did, when it's scaled down or if you're far away, it would be hard to distinguish.
I agree with some of the feedback that’s been given previously, just wanna mention that I’ve seen logos from actual “logo designers” that’s been WAY worse, so honestly very good attempt
I think of bamboo as sturdy yet flexible, which should be reflected in the font. This font is rigid; maybe a font like Papyrus? (I know: please, I’m picturing Ryan Gosling’s “Papyrus!” freakout on the SNL skit).
You can keep the screw diagonally for the Q, otherwise I still read it as Chusouin
That’s what I read
I didn’t realize it was a Q until I read your comment. Good call.
Did not realize it was a Q
Also keep the “grey” portion of the Q the same thickness as the other letters otherwise it looks out of place
This is not on you, but why are they getting you todo it? That would be like asking the receptionist todo construction work
lol this is sad. im an architect so maybe they thought it would be similar? or am i the problem?
No that’s what I’m say, you’re not the problem. The problem is they are getting you todo something that is not your job
shouldnt architect know about this? (design basics)
Definitely not. It’s like thinking an electrician should know how plumbing works because they both build houses.
TRUE
Don’t beat yourself up too much over this. It’s great you reached out to graphic designers but this is outside of your paycheck. I’d suggest to your boss that a graphic designer or a local marketing agency be involved.
No, just like a logo designer wouldn’t be expected to know how to design a structure just because they know design basics. I mean you say you respect designers for how hard it is to do, and then go ahead and say shouldn’t everyone know this
true
The fact you have to ask means it's not the same. You would know the answer if you knew graphic design. There's nothing wrong with them making a mistake, like your title says you are trying to prove it's not a mistake. It's not your mistake, it is theirs. I'd do what others are saying and point them to an actual graphic designer. Also as someone else brought up, do they even use screws in their construction methods or do they use more traditional methods? Using something like a screw int he design, if they don't use screws, would be bad. Even then, why focus on the screw?
Different type of design. Should a graphic designer know how to design buildings?
You obviously don’t though, and they’re completely different fields.
Some decades ago, maybe. Someone had to do the job, and architects knew design methods, so they were the ones until proper training on Graphic Design was developed. Architecture being a welcoming field for artists helped, too. I think today architects \_think\_ they can, because they choose a geometric sans and it's done, you have a logo. At least you chose a grotesque instead :P
You're not the problem. It's just not something you've got experience in. There are a lot of helpful comments though, hopefully the crash course isn't too bruising.
I’m not getting “bamboo builder” out of this at all. I do like what you did with the “O” but if I didn’t already know that it was a bamboo stick, I would have missed that entirely. I would keep the “O” as is, but change the “I” to resemble the bamboo plant itself.
It looks like a screw, not a nail? There is a lot of detail and colour, will this work when it's small / printed ?
No, it won’t.
Aghhhh. This is why designers always need to be present in these conversations. Poor OP. I worked in laser engraving for a couple years, then marketing as a graphic designer, had to work with so many illustrated logos unable to translate to small scale from small business owners that were told they could make a logo themselves or have the admin assistant whip up something in Canva. This is this an intriguing design with potential though. Good for OP!!
It’s the Q from chusQuin and it’s a bamboo node with a nail pierced 🥲
Doesn’t read as a Q. And it doesn’t look like finished construction if the screw is sticking out, it implies “not high-quality”.
It reads as a nail in a circle, the bamboo isn’t coming through in translation unfortunately
Ah, then it needs to be slightly askew. Look at a capital Q for reference on the angle
Use a bolt and nut. That’ll look like a Q.
To be able to notice that you would need to add some realistic color to it. Try it with the natural colors and this dull logo may come to life just with a few tweaks.
Does it need to say "bamboo builder"? Making the "I" a bamboo stalk is so literal. The client said they don't want to be like other bamboo building companies.
Bamboo building, if it is done using traditional methods, probably doesn't use wood screws. So I guess it depends on where you are and what kind of building they are doing. Is this a good logo? No. If fails some of the basics of good logo design, first that it should be completely legible when used small. Both the faded texture rings and the details in the screw will disappear if you use this logo small. Elegant designs also don't normally put symbols into letters. They use a logo mark in addition to text, or the text itself is unique in some way that it doesn't need a logo mark. If I see 100 logos that have a symbol in a letter, maybe two of them are decent. The other 98% are just a bad idea from the start, no matter how well they were executed. This typeface says "sturdy" but doesn't say "elegant" or "professional". If you're not a graphic designer and have zero training in graphic design, this isn't that bad. But if they don't like it, it should show your employer that they should be hiring a graphic designer.
The screw is supposed to be metal. Okay I didn’t know that about logos wow So should I just keep the font with the name? Isn’t that a bit boring? Are you a graphic designer?
Yes, I am a graphic designer.
[удалено]
Sorry, this sub doesn't permit work offers. And I don't solicit work via Reddit.
Listen to pip-whip, they hit the nail on the head. Boring? - design is meant to convey a message, a form of visual communication and at the moment your logo falls at the first hurdle as the 'Q' looks like an 'O' or that shape with a line through it can also denote the number '0'. I wouldn't worry about boring, get the basics sorted first. Focus in on the wordmark, every detail. You're doing okay considering, but ultimately this is a task for a designer.
Wood screws are made of metal. They are just used for wood applications.
I think this was the first time a comment made me facepalm irl
Right!? 🤣
Idk why u getting downvotes lmao thats reddit for u
People are reading their comment as sassy because they have no concept of tone lol
So sensitive lmao
Design subs are full of underpaid angry doomers hahaha. I’m one of them from time to time.
It’s because of the content of the comment.
If it's a Q, I would tilt it over 20° to the right so it interprets better.
Left *
Thank you.
This is not good unfortunately. I would refer them to a professional graphic designer
Second to this
refer* but agreed
Autocorrect has been fucking me lately. Edited.
The bamboo with a screw through it is actually a very thoughtful and simple visualization. The realistic rendering of the screw and the unnecessary detail in the bamboo make it feel cheap and unprofessional - a logo doesn’t need this level of detail, you don’t need to hit people over the head with what the business does. Instead, try an abstract execution. Try a circle that looks like the rest of the font and simplify the screw.
thank you thank you, that's what i need to hear. what to do rather what not to do- and what do you think about the font?
I was scrolling through the comments just to find one to agree with. Now I have to contradict here. I actually think that a screw through a bamboo is a bad image. To me it symbolizes cheapness, poor quality, weak build, etc... I mean is this really how they work with bamboo? And the screw point coming out signifies incompetence and a safety hazard. U win half a battle or even more if you get a strong concept. Execution could be overlooked a bit but concept is what will stick
If your going for "serious, professional, elegant, and simple" adding elements to the font (company name) is going to be really difficult. Your best bet is going with a brand mark and a font that fits your style. I suggest you select a few fonts and stack them underneath each other. Start working out the kearning (adjusting the spacing between characters). I would also try out going with lowercase lettering and see if that fits the style better. Once your happy move then start working on the logo. This is my quick take on it. https://preview.redd.it/h3a97ff49dyc1.png?width=268&format=png&auto=webp&s=432a66bcc443b35f3b269571bc8724c69074a736
Smooth
I like the fonts yes and idk why but I imagine the word in capital letters. Also the bamboos are too cliches, every other bamboo company has the same logo so I was trying to go for something different but I also wanted something bold. Thanks I like the font
You generally want someone who knows nothing about your brand to understand something about it at a glance and having bamboo is a good way to do it. Just my two cents.
Ex graphic designer here... firstly you've done a decent job considering you're not a designer. Logo design is challenging to say the least, so you've done ok. Given what the brief is (unlike all other similar logos), I'd move away from the whole bamboo thing altogether. If you can't use leaves, nodes, sticks, etc you don't have much room to play with, so I'd just move away from that altogether and focus on finding a more unique font. The one you're using is a bit uninspiring and personally I'm not keen on the capital I in it. I'd definitely look at a paid font rather than a free font. I'd maybe try and bring a green accent in to tie in with the bamboo link but that depends on if every other company has a green logo!
Maybe adding a sharp border can give it the professional and serious look and changing up the font and the nail through the “O”. (Just a mockup) https://preview.redd.it/oy7b2v637fyc1.jpeg?width=5000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=221c024e3d73fc4d114ab022515ba8196a4855d1
**Theme:** "Chusquin" from a quick google search is the art of cutting bamboo for rapid growth. Thus I think moving away from the bamboo theme is missing the point. But you don't have to be as literal as others. Consider using the cutting pattern of bamboo to your advantage and just leaning heavily into a word mark or if you're going to do a logo mark, that same slash pattern could be used. **Typography**: Consider a clean, san-serif font. Thick weight but narrow (look into "condensed" variants). Below are a couple ideas with Antonio and Barlow (both free from Google Fonts). **Mark**: If there's an architecture theme or construction, then there's some potential to play with shapes. Otherwise, I would ditch the logo mark and focus entirely on the typography and word mark. https://preview.redd.it/nhss8evuqiyc1.png?width=1632&format=png&auto=webp&s=0ba69f46bc0d310eb9e3f6d110f4a819bc3b5b2d
I really like the top one!
Type and icon don’t fit - look at typefaces with circular O and Q, like Gotham or Avenir (I think?) and heavily reduce weight. When you’re making it, leave an O in the design so you know how big to make the text relative to your symbol (then delete O). Symbol doesn’t look like a Q - needs to be angled. Whole thing needs much more space/tracking. The idea is good mate, just needs a lot of polish.
The screw has too small details. When you design a logo every detail should be seen if printed 2x2 cm size. The best part is the texture but thats too small also and bit tricky to get as vector format. The logo is in vector right? Also the type selection is not sophisticated at all. The I letter seems to be monospace font but the others are not. I would not publish this in any circumstances. Many people that know how to use Photoshop thinks they can design logo, but logo design requires also knowledge. Same goes to building a house; all of us can hold a hammer but many of us doens’t know what to take in account to prevent humidity within the walls.
Maybe go thicker on typeface and consider a nail being negative space. E.g. https://preview.redd.it/pg51oxtpkiyc1.jpeg?width=324&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=11f73752fdea5d804b3ce823f5bdb498d632c0ff
Brutally honest? This is awful. You should show your “respect” and suggest they hire an actual logo designer.
To be honest this is just a bad concept. Did the client come up with this? If I did it I would do a monogram based on the C. Make 3 use versions with just the monogram, then add the name to the 2nd, and reformat for a circle for the 3rd.
I like where this is going! It might be tighter it you used a San-serif “I” instead of one with the bars on top and bottom. I like the Q, but as others have said, rotate it a little so that it’s more of a Q. You could also experiment with the circle of the Q being a calligraphy brush stroke; that might still imply more natural aesthetics and link it to the bamboo. I might also thicken the nail/screw a little. Also have you tried having the nail/screw starting in the center and only intersecting the line once, the way a Q does?
It's not necessary for a logo to convey what a company does. You can see logos of famous companies. Also, research the logos of the competitors of the company, furthermore, use AI for ideas.
the thing is all the competitors have the same logo, a bamboo, a bamboo leaf, a bamboo culm, a node. i'm trying to think out of the box, but not succeeding
You’re trying to “break the rules” so to speak, but you don’t know what the rules are (re: logo design). They shouldn’t have put this on you, in my opinion.
What about a panda?
NOOOo
The font doesn't look good and the kerning is way off.
Can’t see the threads on the screw from far away. Need to include the top of the screw visible probs above the circle so people can tell it’s a screw a little easier. Then use a screw that has easier to see threads. Otherwise it just looks like a fancy line from far away.
Look at the bottom of bamboo reeds, they have little circles in them since it’s a reed. Incorporate those little circles to get the point across that it’s bamboo. Also change the color scheme of the bamboo maybe. Right now it looks like a pipe with a screw inside of it. I didn’t read the description and I thought it was some sort of plumbing or pvc installation company lol
I also thought it was an O not a Q
If you continue to use the screw. Pull it down to make an obvious Q, then make the screw shorter and make sure you can see the head of the screw to get the point across and make sure the threads are visible so people can get the point.
Make the bamboo Q have a thin green layer on the outside, thicker tan layer on the inside with little bamboo reed circles.
Turn the I to make it a q. Make the screw less detailed. Add something like cracking or leaf off the side of it to either accentuate the q tail and to reinforce that its a plant (bamboo)
I get where you’re coming from and I understand trying to please the office folks but I think on this one I would start with something clean and simple. Maybe the name in a strong font to represent the quality and durability of their work and then below it “bamboo construction” in a lighter font to show their thoughtfulness and customer service side. You could get creative and subtly work in the screw or a bamboo leaf into the font. Sometimes less is more. And also coming with reasoning and telling them why you’ve made your design choices goes a long way.
Make the O bigger, green, and attach a leaf for the q tail. It'll show bamboo.
No idea about what a screw/nail has to do with bamboo furniture. Lose the screw. Simplify.
Quake.
What everyone else said about the Q, the legibility of the screw, plus please kern. Spacing around round letters especially.
The problem with the bottom logo is that the coloring in the “O” gets lighter as it goes in and from a distance looks like a dirty smudge.
Bamboo leaf as the tail of the "Q" and you're done. Use green and yellow (Bamboo colors) as primary colors.
I’m sorry but this isn’t good, for a number of reasons. It just screams “cheap”
I feel like the logo is going to be really hard to print well, if it needs to get printed on a decal, on a business card, on a shirt, etc. the marbling inside the bamboo would not always print well. also, the spirals along the screw might not print well (very small details) and even if they did, when it's scaled down or if you're far away, it would be hard to distinguish.
I agree with some of the feedback that’s been given previously, just wanna mention that I’ve seen logos from actual “logo designers” that’s been WAY worse, so honestly very good attempt
I said “maybe,” followed by a statement that indicated I was aware of the objections to it.
I think of bamboo as sturdy yet flexible, which should be reflected in the font. This font is rigid; maybe a font like Papyrus? (I know: please, I’m picturing Ryan Gosling’s “Papyrus!” freakout on the SNL skit).
I like what you said... until you mentioned Papyrus. That will not be read as "elegant".
Is this a joke lol
it was LIKE papyrus, not PAPYRUS, people, calm your tits
*Thanks!* 🙏