Need logo opinions - Engraving Etc. Forum

From:	Becky (KIAIJANE)	11 Mar 2007
To:	ALL	1 of 31

6289.1
Greetings everyone, I have returned from Vegas (and a family vacation to Florida 8-O ) with renewed enthusiasm and excitement about my little fledgling business. After reading an article in a recent publication (don't remember which one) I realized that my logo may not be the greatest. At first glance, I think it looks as though I offer auto detailing or something in the automotive industry...not what I am going for obviously. :S I originally chose the flames because of the name "Phoenix" and the whole rising from the ashes symbolism and, well, 'cause they're cool :-) Now I am looking at it thinking they look kind of kitschy and the whole thing really doesn't say a whole lot about what I do. I am also realizing the name is probably somewhat lame too as that doesn't explain a whole lot about what I do either but there really isn't a whole lot I can do about the name. So I am looking for suggestions as to what I can do to make my logo look a little more professional, a little more sophisticated. There is a graphic artist in my area (yes "a" graphic artist :S ) but that person is close personally and professionally with my competitor. I offer laser engraving, sublimation, recognition programs, name badges, promotional products and some trophies. Any ideas as always are greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read this whole dissertation :B Becky

From:	Stunt Engraver (DGL)	11 Mar 2007
To:	Becky (KIAIJANE)	2 of 31

6289.2 In reply to 6289.1
Becky, Even though I know you're located in Pennsylvania, Arizona is the first thing that comes to my mind, when I see your company name. Maybe it's just me, in a solitary game of word association. :S David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri DGL Engraving Port Hueneme, CA

From:	Becky (KIAIJANE)	11 Mar 2007
To:	Stunt Engraver (DGL)	3 of 31

6289.3 In reply to 6289.2
David- I agree...the name is a poor choice. That's that ol' pesky hindsight poppin' up again. In your opinion, since it's already "legally" established with the state, banks not to mention vendors etc. is there anything I can really do about it? I mean, I could start all over again with a new name and everything but how much of a pain would that be. Not to mention the fact that I have spent the last 8+ months trying to introduce it into the community. Not that it's really a "name" around here yet. But I don't want to appear wishy washy. Becky

From:	Stunt Engraver (DGL)	11 Mar 2007
To:	Becky (KIAIJANE)	4 of 31

6289.4 In reply to 6289.3
Becky, I wasn't saying the name was a poor choice; and considering the work you've gone to, in establishing that name, I wouldn't recommend a name change. As long as the work you produce is high quality and customer service is top-notch, what's in a name? David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri DGL Engraving Port Hueneme, CA

From:	Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)	11 Mar 2007
To:	Becky (KIAIJANE)	5 of 31

6289.5 In reply to 6289.1

How about:

Phoenix
Custom Awards & Products

A little general but gets the message out in two seconds or less.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

From:	UncleSteve	11 Mar 2007
To:	Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)	6 of 31

6289.6 In reply to 6289.5
Or: PHOENIX Personalized gifts and Awards And modify the logo to have the PHOENIX either on a heat press or, like the forum logo, with some type of engraving them to it... "Good friends can be a real annoyance."

From:	LaZerDude (C_BURKE)	11 Mar 2007
To:	Becky (KIAIJANE)	7 of 31

6289.7 In reply to 6289.1
Becky, Here is a Link That give a lot of definitions of the Phoenix. You will be suprised. Personally I like the one from the original Star Trek, as the Phoenix being the first space vehicle capable of warp travel. I like that one because it is what will happen to your fledgling business. It will WARP to success. Of THAT there is no doubt in my mind. So I would say Harvey has your solution. With THAT said, it is not really that big of a deal to change the name of a company, ( I have gone through it several times) and if you should choose to do that, just send a letter to your customers, or better yet, use the name change as a reason to stop by with your new cards.....and tell them of the name change. This will give you face to face contact, which never hurts. Also, you might want to consider becoming as S-Corp. That way you can have the name of the corporation be one thing, and then have a DBA ( or several) of any businesses you might have. I have three DBA's ( Doing Business As). Just my two cents. Want change?

From:	LaZerDude (C_BURKE)	11 Mar 2007
To:	Becky (KIAIJANE)	8 of 31

6289.8 In reply to 6289.1
quote: The Phoenix without the Celestial Dragon is also well displayed in the south sector of the office or study to promote new opportunities, success and prosperity. That is an excerpt from the link I sent previously........knowing you as I do, Becky you are going to succeed beyond your wildest expectations. ;-)

From:	Becky (KIAIJANE)	11 Mar 2007
To:	Stunt Engraver (DGL)	9 of 31

6289.9 In reply to 6289.4
David- Sorry, didn't mean to put "words in your post" so to speak. :-) I meant I agreed that Phoenix makes follks think of Arizona and that I personally think the name was a poor choice. I think I am concerned about name recognition since I don't have a retail store and am not in the "public eye" so to speak. Thanks David Becky

From:	Becky (KIAIJANE)	11 Mar 2007
To:	LaZerDude (C_BURKE)	10 of 31

6289.10 In reply to 6289.7
quote: Personally I like the one from the original Star Trek, as the Phoenix being the first space vehicle capable of warp travel. I think I'm likin' that even better than the Greek mythology definition!! I didn't realize that little piece of tv trivia despite being married to a geek. 8-O That may also help me tweak my logo. quote: It will WARP to success. Of THAT there is no doubt in my mind. I wish I shared your optimism... :S But I thank you for your words of encouragement. Becky

From:	Becky (KIAIJANE)	11 Mar 2007
To:	Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY)	11 of 31

6289.11 In reply to 6289.6
Harvey- So what you and Steve are saying is keep the Phoenix but add something about awards, engraving, recognition, custom products. Ok, that I can do. That beats coming up with a whole new name! 8-O Thanks for your input guys! Becky

From:	Mike (MIKEN)	11 Mar 2007
To:	Becky (KIAIJANE)	12 of 31

6289.12 In reply to 6289.11

Wait, wait--we're not finished yet! The self proclaimed national logo expert has not spoken.

I love your logo. But if you say "custom awards and engraving" it's a lot stronger. Or "custom engraving and awards".

In the real world our logos don't mean very much--nobody but us cares. But your name is very important and what you're really after is when somebody says where can I find an engraver --the answer should be "call Phoenix."

One more thing and I'm finished. Good logos should be versatile. That is they should work on signs, web sites, invoices, business cards, vans, etc. In my less than humble opinion yours is quite good and all you need to change is what you offer in the way of service.

Mike Null
Dist. of Lazer Cutting Grid
www.stl-laser.com

EDITED: 11 Mar 2007 by MIKEN

From:	LaZerDude (C_BURKE)	11 Mar 2007
To:	Mike (MIKEN)	13 of 31

6289.13 In reply to 6289.12
quote: Good logos should be versatile. That is they should work on signs, web sites, invoices, business cards, vans, etc. In my less than humble opinion yours is quite good and all you need to change is what you offer in the way of service. Mike, Sage advice if ever there was sage advice.

From:	UncleSteve	11 Mar 2007
To:	LaZerDude (C_BURKE)	14 of 31

6289.14 In reply to 6289.13
Chuck, That is what Rosemary said... it is thyme for sage advice! :O) Ooops, sorry! :-$ "Good friends can be a real annoyance."

From:	Mike (MIKEN)	11 Mar 2007
To:	LaZerDude (C_BURKE)	15 of 31

6289.15 In reply to 6289.14

Chuck:

Great minds??????????????

When I started my business lasers were relatively new on the scene in all areas so when I named my business I did so with the idea of selling the name to somebody with a pocket full of cash and re-naming it later to something more in line with the service I was offering.

Like many of my ideas it just didn't happen. But the name's still for sale if anybody's interested. :S

Mike Null
Dist. of Lazer Cutting Grid
www.stl-laser.com

EDITED: 11 Mar 2007 by MIKEN

From:	Becky (KIAIJANE)	11 Mar 2007
To:	Mike (MIKEN)	16 of 31

6289.16 In reply to 6289.12
Mike- That is great advice. I think you're right, the name needed work more than the logo. Everyone has given me great advice and encouragement. I am going to take all of these suggestions and blend them all into the perfect name and logo. Thanks for your help Mike!! Becky

From:	Dee (DEENA-ONLY)	11 Mar 2007
To:	Becky (KIAIJANE)	17 of 31

6289.17 In reply to 6289.16

Hi Becky,
David Takes is a master at this kind of work. You may want to throw some ideas around with him.

Dee

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

From:	Becky (KIAIJANE)	11 Mar 2007
To:	Dee (DEENA-ONLY)	18 of 31

6289.18 In reply to 6289.17
Dee- You are so right!! I love his work and I think he is so talented at what he does. I also know he is pretty backed up right now too so I may pick his brain when things slow down to a hectic frenzy rather than a round the clock jam for him. :-) Thanks for the advice Dee! Becky

From:	Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)	12 Mar 2007
To:	Becky (KIAIJANE)	19 of 31

6289.19 In reply to 6289.18
Joe and Toni Hayes would never speak to me again if I didn't help them first. I'll play with both logos a little bit tonight.
EDITED: 12 Mar 2007 by DATAKES

From:	Becky (KIAIJANE)	12 Mar 2007
To:	Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)	20 of 31

6289.20 In reply to 6289.19
Dave- I wasn't even going to ask because I know how incredibly busy you are (lucky you! ;-) ) And since "Mom and Dad" are ahead of me in line, I will happily wait patiently. :-) I do appreciate your time and your expertise. As always, thanks so much. Becky