Logo design, logo designer | Logo design for KnowFree

50 spot-on reader comments to “Logo design for KnowFree”

1. E.T.Cook, on August 29th, 2008 said:

   David,

   You are infinitely more talented than I am, so please take my words as opinion only. Personally, I am not too fond of the logo. There is something about the font choice, particularly weight, that just doesn’t seem to jive well. Maybe the bold domain, and the slim TLD aren’t distinctive enough for the look to “work”, but it almost seems like it was a mistake.

   Kudos on how the “avatar” part of the logo scales.

   Thanks for hearing me out!

2. Brian Yerkes, on August 29th, 2008 said:

   Wow, that’s probably the most simplistic logo you have ever created!! I like it, it works on so many levels. Amazing how something as small as a favicon is so important to some website owners these days.

   Looks like you were drawing palm trees in some of your sketches up there David! :)

3. Alec Rios, on August 29th, 2008 said:

   I love looking at logo design sketches and seeing how ideas evolve. Thanks for sharing, David. Keep up the good work.

   Alec Rios’s last blog post…Some Gorilla Photos

4. Jacob Cass, on August 29th, 2008 said:

   HI David,
   It would be good if you show your inspirations when you post these posts… it is something I usually forget to do but I always want to see them when other designers talk about their process. I really like the logo on the black background, it really pops out at you… would you be able to describe the concept behind the icon? Thanks.

5. Tammy Lenski, on August 29th, 2008 said:

   Another lovely design, David — clean and direct, a pleasure to look at, yet adaptable across uses. I like seeing how your mind works its way through the idea phases.

   Tammy Lenski’s last blog post…Wired for compassion

6. pete, on August 29th, 2008 said:

   Hi David
   I enjoy your blog; keep up the good work!
   I can’t help but think of the old Kodak logo when I see this design. I’m sure it wasn’t intentional, and I definitely see how the design meets the needs of this client. I’m just curious: has anyone else commented on this?

7. Peter Sullivan, on August 29th, 2008 said:

   I’d like to see some of the designs that didn’t make it. Could you post some of those? Sometimes those show train of thought.

8. adi priyanto, on August 29th, 2008 said:

   Hai David,

   I’m your fans, im following each article about your design process.

   I like the Knowfree logo, very simple and easy to remember. I just want to ask you about KODAK logo, its look a like a same graphic element. Can you explain about it. thank you

9. Richard, Peacock Carter, on August 29th, 2008 said:

   I liked the ‘fountain of knowledge’ idea in the sketches, but can see how the detail of that would be lost in smaller replications - such as the favicon.

   Not sure what it is, but the logo does feel a bit web 2.0 to me, but it’s a vast improvement on the previous logo!

10. Richard, Peacock Carter, on August 29th, 2008 said:

    (Sorry for the double post - feel free to merge comments)

    Deja vu - was looking at that very website yesterday!

11. Mat, on August 29th, 2008 said:

    first impression - nice, second - http://www.adtechblog.com/uploads/kodak-old-logo.jpg

12. Michael, on August 29th, 2008 said:

    Can’t say I’m that impressed you created a logo for a site which pirates ebooks (knowfree), including one of my own…I’ve reported the site to the publishers.

13. David Airey, on August 29th, 2008 said:
    E.T.Cook,

    Of course, you are very welcome to leave positive or negative comments. Actually, I’d prefer the latter, even if the former is always nice too. Thanks for dropping by.

    Brian,

    Yep, perhaps I was dreaming of some sunshine. Not had much here this summer. I hope you’re getting a decent season.

    Alec, Tammy

    You’re very welcome, and thank you both.

    Jacob,

    That’s something I missed, thanks for pointing it out. The post was in draft format for a while until I received permission from my client, and a few edits took place. I’ve added the following rationale to the post:

    The chosen mark uses negative space to form the letter ‘K’, for knowledge. The arms of the ‘K’ also represent the leaves of a book, spreading out from the book spine (on the left of the square).

    Pete, Adi, Mat,

    There are clear similarities. You’re right. Unintentional of course.

    Peter,

    I’ll revisit the initial ideas and post a new comment if the images are updated. Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll be sure to offer variations in the next portfolio instalment.

    Richard,

    That’s odd how the logo gives you a web 2.0 feeling. I always steer clear of reflections, gradients and the like. Perhaps it’s the slight weight difference through the text?

    Michael,

    Sorry to learn of your issues with the website. I hope you can appreciate that I wasn’t aware of any wrong-doings. I’ll see what I can find out.

14. Peter, on August 29th, 2008 said:

    I like the logo but I can’t say I’m crazy about it. It remind me of the old Kodak logo much like Pete’s comment above. It does work at all sizes which is very important for this particular logo as it’s also going to be a favicon. I don’t know if it’s just me but i am slightly struggling to see the leaves of a book it it although i do see what you mean. Keep up the great work.

15. Stuart, on August 29th, 2008 said:

    I’m thinking Kodak?

16. Clarissa, on August 29th, 2008 said:

    Thanks for showing us behind your process a little bit. Very energizing! Congrats on a great concept!

17. Craig Farrall, on August 29th, 2008 said:

    You are very talented, I always find making logos the most difficult part of webdesign because I can never think of anything that works, or goes nicely with a website and so on.
    But you always seem to create great logos, so all I can say is, keep up the good work.

    Craig Farrall’s last blog post…Wordpress Plugin - Snazzy Archives

18. Andrew Kelsall, on August 29th, 2008 said:

    Great logo David,
    I don’t know if it’s just the way I’m seeing it, but I think the full-stop should be moved a slight, very slight, fraction to the left. This would offset the negative-space created by the curvature of the right side of the ‘e’.

    But, it’s a very small image and I can’t be absolutely-sure and make a full assessment.

    That said, it’s a well-structured logo, with a good colour scheme and serves its purpose well.

19. AzAkers, on August 29th, 2008 said:

    Nicely done

    Like Jacob I’m particularly fond of the treatment of the mark against the black background, although the green does pop nicely on the white as well.

    I do see Mat’s point regarding some similarities between Kodaks image and this, however I would chalk it up to inspiration, rather than imitation.

    The ‘open book’ concept and the “k” are both well represented, and the complete mark does a great job of emphasising the “.net” interestingly enough by de-emphasising it - fantastic!

    AzAkers’s last blog post…Introducing Pixlr: The Best Online Image Editor Yet

20. Richard, Peacock Carter, on August 29th, 2008 said:

    I think it is the weight difference; that and the ‘.net’ at the end (which is necessary since the .com version is not owned! Just an observation

21. Paul, on August 29th, 2008 said:

    David, I like it. simple and to the point.

    More than likely there was a logo in existence before the Kodak logo that resembles the Kodak logo. any new logo created these days has a high probability that it will have similarities to another logo. Not sure why people always have to initially say “remind me of such and such”. I guess it’s human nature to on first impression to relate what they see with something they’ve seen before. kind of like when you meet someone for the first time and they often remind you of someone you already know or have met before. This feels like I’m having a conversation with myself, so I better stop. Keep up the good work D.A.

22. alon, on August 29th, 2008 said:

    Great review!

23. David Pache, on August 29th, 2008 said:

    Hey David, nice article and I like the logo. Well maybe not so much the ‘.net’ but that is just the nature of certain projects.

    I just wanted to comment on your use of grid paper for sketchs. I used to use a similar kind but I found my designs were a tiny bit influenced by its geometry. I use plain white paper for initial sketchs but only use grids later on when my ideas are clearer. Out of the box design maybe? :)
    I think for this specific solution where the favicon is a priority it’s actually a really smart approach. I have started implementing a system where I blow up the favicon grid of 4×4 squares and color them in individually although it can be a long process depending on the project of course.

    Everyone their own way of course, just thought I’d make the observation. All the best

24. LaurenMarie - Creative Curio, on August 29th, 2008 said:

    I think it’s interesting to note that he particularly asked for something that would work with a favicon. It’s a website, so naturally he should ask, but I bet that more and more we will see people keeping that usage in mind when designing logos.

    While I like the mark–it’s simple and clean–I’m not sure it’s memorable. I like the thought process behind it and the use of negative space for the K, but I think most won’t get that part and only see it like a flashlight/torch beam (that’s what I thought at first anyway). Of course, that might work, too, as the search for knowledge. I think it wants those strokes to curve up (top) and down (bottom) slightly to better depict the book aspect.

    The fountain idea would’ve been interesting, but probably too complicated for the favicon aspect.

    I didn’t see the Kodak logo at first, though now that it’s mentioned… well, sorta see it, but the color really helps differentiate; it’s a very lovely shade of green.

    LaurenMarie - Creative Curio’s last blog post…Enhance Your Designs with the Principle of Economy

25. David Airey, on August 29th, 2008 said:
    Peter,

    Think of the leaves as quite stylized and simplified. :)

    Stuart,

    Have you seen this post of mine? When logos look alike. It’s not suprising to find two logos that appear similar. Especially when the designs are simple.

    Clarissa, Craig,

    You’re very welcome. Thank you.

    Andrew,

    A very valid point about the position of the dot. Nice attention to detail.

    AzAkers,

    I greatly appreciate your recent email, and thoughts left here. I like your style.

    Richard,

    Thanks for the additional comment. Regarding Michael’s previous message, I do hope no offence has been caused to you and the team and Peacock Carter. I’ve sent Michael an email.

    Paul,

    …any new logo created these days has a high probability that it will have similarities to another logo.

    I completely agree, and you’re certainly not ‘conversing alone’. Good of you to comment.

    David,

    I’d also have preferred to omit the .net, but in this case I can fully understand the need, given that the .com address is owned by a different company. Interesting observations about the use of graph paper. I can see how the geometrics could influence sketches, and you’ve prompted me to also begin on plain paper, only using grids further in the logo process. Thanks for that. You’re right though about this instance, and how it can help with the need for an effective favicon.

    Lauren,

    I’ve actually found more and more clients mentioning favicons when talking with me. Still not the majority by any means, but it’s definitely noticeable. Glad you like the green used, and I hope you enjoy the weekend.

26. Mike Smith, on August 30th, 2008 said:

    Reading these posts where you outline your logo design process for new logos is by far one of my favorite times of the day when I’m reading through my RSS reader. Awesome work here as usual.

27. Jennie, on August 30th, 2008 said:

    I have been lurking on your blog for some time but never got round to commenting, (until now!)..

    I really like your design, its so simple and cute, I like what you have done for the font weights also. I did not see the book leaves at first glance but even so I did see the K very clearly and liked its elegance and colours.

    Also - i visited the website in question and found a great book on PHP, I downloaded it and then promptly bought it on Amazon after a good flick (scroll?) through, I think it is good for showing people exactly what is in a book so they can make an informed decision at whether to buy it or not.

    Jennie

28. David Airey, on August 30th, 2008 said:
    Mike,

    Great of you to let me know. You help keep me motivated to continue. Off topic, there are some excellent testimonials on your testimonial page. Nice job!

    Jennie,

    Thanks for coming out of the shadows and commenting. Glad to have you as a reader. I had a quick look at your photos. Beautiful shots! I studied photography very briefly in my younger years, and like to think of myself as a semi-amateur. ;)

29. Karl, on August 31st, 2008 said:

    My initial reaction is that the text has a greater impact than the logo itself, as viewed above. This I feel is an outcome of the client’s desire to not have something “Big, Loud, and gaudy…”.

    I would have to view the logo a number of times in use before I would offer much more feedback.

30. Doug C., on August 31st, 2008 said:

    David, I have the utmost respect for your ability, devotion, and professionalism. All of which have been an inspiration to me. However, I have to be brutally honest here and say that this effort falls completely flat. Of course, this is just my opinion. Obviously the client was pleased and in the end that is all that matters.

    Doug C.’s last blog post…No More Cartoon Face

31. Dainis Graveris, on August 31st, 2008 said:

    Really love that sketching part - I just like process and..yeah as already said..interesting thing would be Your work behind the scenes with that inspirational part.

32. David Airey, on September 1st, 2008 said:
    Karl,

    I too was hoping the logo would be implemented online prior to publishing this article. Viewing a design in context always helps a great deal. Bobby’s Burger Palace logo is a relevant example.

    Doug,

    I always welcome constructive criticism and would appreciate your thoughts on why you feel it’s a bad logo.

    Dainis,

    Glad you like the sketches. They’re a vital part of the design process.

33. Richard, Peacock Carter, on September 1st, 2008 said:

    No offence taken - clients are a factor beyond everyone’s control, and I don’t think it reflects badly on yourself.

    Keep the good blog posts coming!

34. Doug C., on September 1st, 2008 said:

    First, the typeface itself seems to be lacking in personality. Something like Dienstag (http://www.myfonts.com/fonts/insigne/dienstag/) has more of a stately quality - noble and learned. I know the logo had to be made so it could be legible as a favicon, but it lacks a great deal of imagination. I just felt it was too plain. I liked where you were going with the book ideas.

    Doug C.’s last blog post…He Who Holds the Pencil

35. David Airey, on September 1st, 2008 said:
    Thanks very much, Richard.

    Doug,

    I’ve updated the post to show another logo design I presented to my client. This option uses both a different mark (following the book idea) and typeface, but was rejected in favour of the logo you’ve commented on.

36. Doug C., on September 2nd, 2008 said:

    David, I guess what it all boils down to is sometimes us designers have to put out stuff that we may not be crazy about simply because the client preferred it. There’s no accounting for taste or opinion.

    On an altogether unrelated note have you got settled in yet?

    Doug C.’s last blog post…Customized Feedburner Subscription Box

37. David Airey, on September 2nd, 2008 said:
    There’s certainly give and take when it comes to working relationships.

    Off-topic, my girlfriend and I are settling in great, thanks, though in temporary accommodation until the end of the week, so quite a lot still to sort out. All for the better, and I’ll have to take a few snapshots around Northern Ireland. It’s a beautiful country.

38. Karl, on September 2nd, 2008 said:

    Excellent link to ‘Bobby’s Burger Palace’. Looking at it in isolation is very cringe-worthy, but in situ, it works.

    Ultimately yes - it is the customer’s company, the customer’s money, and the customer’s decision. Part of the process of a designer is educating the client, and opening the doorway so that the client can see how good design (and branding) can help further their business.

    An example of this is an engineering firm we did some work for. During a tour I made a point of picking up one of their tools (with their blessing), and attempting to carry out a seemingly ’simple’ process, and making a right mess of it to their great amusement. The message was received loud and clear that we should each stick to what we’re good at :-)

39. Doug C., on September 2nd, 2008 said:

    Karl, I agree. In fact, I wrote a post a bout that very thing: http://www.dcblog.net/2008/06/image-is-everything.html

    Doug C.’s last blog post…Customized Feedburner Subscription Box

40. Niyaz PK, on September 3rd, 2008 said:

    David,
    Very good logo.
    The sketches are awesome too.

41. Daniel Campos, on September 3rd, 2008 said:

    The sketches are awesome!!

    Daniel Campos’s last blog post…Logo Olimpíadas Londres 2012: inovação?

42. David Airey, on September 3rd, 2008 said:
    Excellent story, Karl, about picking up tools you’re unfamiliar with. I liked that.

    Niyaz, Daniel,

    I hope all’s well with you both. Cheers.

43. DR's Money Management, on September 4th, 2008 said:

    What a great design, and it was interesting to see the design process. I only wish I could afford to hire you to design my logo!

    DR’s Money Management’s last blog post…50 Ways to Make Money Blogging

44. Mobius, on September 6th, 2008 said:

    This logo shows, even a simple design can look very elegant. I’ve just started to do logo and banner design using photoshop and I hope one day I will be able to design something as elegant as yours!

    Mobius’s last blog post…ZIPCodeWorld Store Locator Live - service review

45. Corey Freeman, on September 6th, 2008 said:

    I’m not a fan of the added “.net” part. I think it makes the “knowfree” text look kind of heavy. I loved reading about the aesthetics and ideas behind the mini graphic. I never really understand the ideas behind the shapes graphic designers use (ironic..) and so it gave some great insight!

    Corey Freeman’s last blog post…Can You See What Isn’t There? (Designing Your Logo)

46. exigent, on September 9th, 2008 said:

    David, wonderful work as usual. Though I am not particularly thrilled about the bold, heavy typography, the mark alone is spot-on. As a fellow designer, I completely understand the almost infuriation at rejection of a truly remarkable logo and acceptance of one that really should have been left off of the table. Many times, the client has a “simple” mind when it comes to design and cannot fully grasp ones that are too beyond there “safe” style.

    Great thumbnails and insightful approach at design.

47. firebubble - logo designer, on September 10th, 2008 said:

    I really like that you show the initial sketch designs on paper. It is very interesting to see the thought process illustrated in this way. I also really love the logo in the turquoise colour. Good work David.

48. Jordan Joseph, on September 12th, 2008 said:

    Personally, I’m not a huge fan of this logo design, but it is exactly what the client asked for. One area of my design that could use a little work is being able to hit the clients request on the head - especially when the request isn’t necessarily something that I would consider ‘good design’. This being said - I think you did a great job with the logo design since its exactly what your client wanted.

    I will give your client props for putting thought into the favicon (.ico) file though. Too often I see a well designed website with a missing favicon and always wonder how something that appears above every page of the site got left out.

    Jordan Joseph’s last blog post…My Typography Toolbox

49. Budhi Dharmawan, on September 15th, 2008 said:

    simple, dynamic and warm

50. David Airey, on September 17th, 2008 said:
    Corey,

    Glad to provide a little extra insight into the design process / thoughts behind particular shapes.

    exigent, firebubble, mobius, Budhi,

    Good of you to drop by, and to take time to comment.

    Jordan,

    Thanks for considering the client as you have. Obviously they play a large part in deciding the final outcome. I also witness a lot of corporate sites that pay little, if any, attention to the favicon.

What are your thoughts?

Simply fill in the form below. All comments are moderated so you may experience a short delay before your comment appears. Comments should be respectful of other voices in the discussion. I reserve the right to edit or delete comments at my discretion.