Part 3 of Logo Redesign — and Win a Free Logo Design Yourself


Part 3 of Logo Redesign — and Win a Free Logo Design Yourself

 

Editor’s Note: This is Part 3 in our series about designing a new logo. In the previous installments, I outlined steps in the process of having a professional logo designed through Logoworks by HP. I now have been through three different rounds of of logo design and revisions. (Go here to read Part 1 and Part 2.) With each successive step we kept refining the design concepts. At this point, it is time to make a final choice.

If you recall from the earlier two installments of this series, I commissioned a new logo for another business website I own, called SellingtoSmallBusinesses.com.

I received 8 initial design concepts. Based on reader feedback (thank you!) I settled on this particular design as the one to focus on:

Logo concept 1

However, the design composition still needed some tweaking. So in my last article I outlined how I went to Logoworks and gave feedback about the design. The feedback I gave was based largely on your feedback last time around.

Fast forward to today: I received back from Logoworks two separate rounds of design tweaks and improvements — 16 revisions in all.

At this point in the process, I have narrowed it down to four revisions. At the end of this article I will present the four variations and ask you to vote for your top choice.  That choice will become the logo I use for my other website.  And I have a surprise for you — woohoo! — you will be entered in a random drawing to receive a Gold Logoworks package to design or overhaul your own logo.

 

But first, let me recap my overall impressions of the Logoworks system.

My Impressions Using Logoworks

Overall, I have to say that the process of using Logoworks to design a new logo has been very satisfying. It was a lot easier than I expected. There was a lot more communication and back-and-forth collaboration than I expected. Here are my specific thoughts about the process:

  • The Logoworks logo design process did a nice job bringing out my needs and desires for a new brand image for a neglected website. The structured process worked very well for me. It guided me each step of the way. It prompted me how to express my needs. Without prompting, I would not have been able to convey my thoughts as effectively.
  • In all, I received a total of 24 different logo design variations. It cost $349 (normal price is $399 — Logoworks was running a special at the time I signed up). I thought I got excellent value for that price. FYI: the package I chose offered unlimited design revisions, so I could have continued to ask for revisions.
  • I was able to set my own pace. When I was ready, I could log on to my admin panel at Logoworks. Most of the time, I logged on in the evenings when I had more time to concentrate than during the day. And if I was slammed with other projects, I could just put everything on hold for a week or so, and know that it would all be in one place when I was able to free up time to get back to it. No hunting through my disaster of an inbox to find email messages or image attachments.
  • Getting a logo fast wasn’t my main need, but for some of you, I know speed is critical. You get designs back within 3 to 5 business days (for me it was 3 business days). All deadlines were met. If I got a message that it would take 3 business days to get design concepts or revisions back, I received the designs as committed. Every single time.
  • I liked the communication process. There are real designers — human beings — behind the scenes at Logoworks and I liked being able to exchange written comments with them. I have to admit being a little leery at first about using an online system for a logo design. My biggest fear was that I would not be heard and that I wouldn’t be able to carry on a dialogue with the designers. But as it turns out, communicating in writing back and forth was easy and a rather elegant online solution.
  • The affordability of Logoworks and the self-serve process got me to a professional-looking logo much sooner than I would have otherwise. If I’d had to go out and find a designer on my own and pay more, I just would not have started a redesign project right now. I would have continued using my homegrown logo.
  • With Logoworks I will get a logo that includes files in JPG and GIF format suitable for the Web, and print-ready formats of TIF and EPS. A mistake I made once in the past was to have someone design a logo for a website, but I never got a print-quality version of the logo. The version I’d received was fine online but looked fuzzy and pixelated when printed. In that situation, my original designer subsequently got a job in a large company and was no longer available for freelance work. In the end, I had to pay another designer to re-create my existing logo in a printable version. Ai yi yi.
  • If I wanted to, I could easily upgrade and get stationery created with my logo. Same goes for getting a website design to match. So it would be a pretty efficient process to commission a coordinated business identity, based off of my chosen logo design.
  • As far as downsides, I experienced no major downsides. If you are looking for one-on-one verbal discussion, I suppose that would be a downside to using an online system like Logoworks. But since I preferred doing everything on my own time in the evenings, and enjoyed the written communication, I considered it an advantage, not a downside. But you’ll have to make that decision as to what works best for you.
  • The other point I’ll mention is that once you narrow down your choices for a particular design, most of the designs you did not choose to disappear from your admin panel at Logoworks.  For instance, if you wanted to go back and look again at one of the earlier designs, you can’t find them all in the admin panel. But there’s an easy workaround — just save all the compositions on your hard drive. Luckily I had done that and could refer back.
  • Would I recommend Logoworks after having been through the process myself? Definitely.

The Four Final Logo Design Revisions

In a moment I will reveal to you the 4 finalist design revisions. But first, let me say a few words about the designs I did not choose.

I had asked for some “Web 2.0 style” compositions. I got several back. I liked two of them, but they had a gloss treatment to the words. They looked fabulous online. But when I printed them just to get a sense of how they would look on a business card or letterhead, I did not like that special effect. The gloss effect made the logo appear as if it had partially “faded out” on the document.

Also, another of the revisions made the font taller and bolder. But that caused the letters to be closer together. Again, when I printed it, the cramped lettering made it hard to read. So I also eliminated it, too.

(As an aside, ALWAYS print out a logo to see how it will look on paper.)

I narrowed it down to the following four revisions, which I include below. You can actually see the designer’s comments on the side next to each revision, explaining the changes.

Revision #1 is straight forward. It’s easy to read:

Logoworks logo revision 1

Revision #2 is similar to #1, but makes the words “small businesses” stand out due to the different color:

Logoworks logo revision 2

Revision #4 makes the letters slightly higher and bigger. However the font is different:

Logoworks logo revision 4

Revision #8 was something I wasn’t expecting — and was pleasantly surprised to get. It changes the paper clip graphic to tilt it slightly. Also, the letters are much larger. It’s different and unusual:

Logoworks logo revision 8

So now comes the moment of truth. It’s time to choose one of the four.

Whichever one of the four revisions gets the most votes will become the logo I use on the SellingtoSmallBusinesses.com site.

Vote and Enter Drawing to Win a Logo Package

Please vote for one of the 4 logo revisions, by leaving a comment below. The voting will remain open through April 30, 2008.

After that I will hold a random drawing of those who voted. Logoworks has graciously agreed to contribute a Gold logo package to one lucky reader (I was thrilled when they agreed to provide it when I asked them for it).  So leave a vote below. You’ll be helping me out AND you’ll be entered in the drawing and one lucky reader will win a Gold logo package worth $399.

UPDATE: COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED BECAUSE WE HAVE A DRAWING WINNER.

Image: Shutterstock

114 Comments ▼

Anita Campbell Anita Campbell is the Founder, CEO and Publisher of Small Business Trends and has been following trends in small businesses since 2003. She is the owner of BizSugar, a social media site for small businesses.

114 Reactions
  1. I vote for Revision 8. It has the best proportions and the tilted paper clip definitely adds energy.

  2. Martin Lindeskog

    I vote for #1.

  3. I have to say I like #4 for the reasons that I read in the comments left by the designer. I like the larger and more condense text layout.

  4. I think revision #8 is the most dynamic. All are attractive, but #8 appears to be on the move.

  5. And by #4, I mean #8… Argh.

  6. Revision 8 is best in my opinion. I have several points about it.

    The name being long is drawn out when justplacednexttoitself.com

    The condenced “picture of words on top of eachother” aids in memorizing that it’s about “Selling” and “SmallBusinesses”. The connection of “L’s” adds to the inflection of those words also aiding in memorizing the domain name. The word “to” is coincidental to this and is added by a persons memory to finish the complete phrasing.

    Personally, I have 100 domains… 70 of which needed unique logos so I understand the need for strong domain logos.

    Best of Luck,

    John

  7. Revision #8. Definitely.

    It’s balanced well and you’ll be able to use it in more spaces.

  8. While number #8 is striking, SmallBusinesses.com gets lost, as in #1 & #4.

    #2 is my choice because SmallBusinesses.com jumps out as the focal point should.

    #8 would become my forst choice if SmallBusinesses.com was in red!

  9. I agree with Gary and the others: I like #8, but would put the “Small Businesses” in red.

  10. I really enjoy the ‘active’ feel of #8. It is my favourite of all the designs. I don’t know how I feel about the almost connected Ls… but something does bug me.

    The Ls throw me off in #4 with their backwards J like loop.

    If you have to go with the long name all condensed, then the .com a different colour works, where as Small Businesses in Red is off balance.

  11. First things first – I’m torn between #2 and #8.

    I love the overall simplicity of #2 and the small business in red.

    I love the “unexpectedness” of #8. Not thrilled with the connected “L’s” but really LOVE the tilted clip. I also like the fact that important words are on their own line i.e. selling on top, then small business on a separate line. I know I should like #8 better – but I still like 2. See – I’m torn.

    Now, I have to tell you that I have absolutely LOVED this entire series. I found myself looking forward to the installments and when I hit refresh today and saw that you had this up – I actually got excited. (How sad to be that excited about a blog post)

    I enjoyed following your experience – I also enjoyed your summary at the end of the process. I liked the interaction of your asking for us to vote.

    Overall, I would love to see more of these kinds of articles – maybe even the SmallBizTrends community could contribute our new product journies and experiences. I’m actually sad that this is almost over — but glad you’ll have a cost effective and quality logo you love.

  12. I vote for #8 also. Thank you for including us and giving us the opportunity to win a logo package. A nice added bonus.

  13. I vote for Revision #2 as it promotes the crux of your business…which is selling to SMALL BUSINESSES. It does the best job of stressing this point.

  14. I’d also cast my vote for #8. It is nicely condensed to use in other applications. I am not a fan of the red lettering on #2.

  15. Although torn between #1 and #8, my final vote goes to #8. I think it will create more interest in the mind of the reader and is a more dynamic presentation.

  16. I vote for revision #8… it was the one that caught my eye the best.

  17. #2 is the clear winner. Highlighting the Small Business in red really helps with processing the logo quickly. It also adheres (roughly) to the favored dimensions of logo design.

  18. I would vote for #2

    Placing your domain name on several levels is a big usability no-no.

  19. I vote for 2 as it is simple, clean and your eye follows the words easily.

    It has been an interesting process Anita and thank you for letting us be a part of it.

  20. For the sake of simplicity and overall contrast, I’d plump for #2.

    I do like the larger font and slant of #8, but every letter seems like it’s a different font size.

    I went through the whole rigmarole of doing the online logo thing not too long ago and I couldn’t for the life of me choose anything. ‘Twas a nightmare – paralyzed by my own inability to choose or explain a design revision.

    God forbid I should open it up to the wisdom of the crowds. 😉

  21. I’ll be contrarian here. I’m not in favor of #8 because at quick glance the ‘Selling’ and ‘Small’ fuse into “Smelling.’ It’s cute, but I prefer simple and straightforward #1. It gets the idea across the most efficiently.

  22. I vote for #2. But, if you were to make another change, I’d try making it all one word with the first letter of each individual word in red.

  23. I like revision #2 because it keeps the focus on the small business. This is the market your market is dealing with and I believe that focus on the customer (small biz) should be their goal, if they hope to stand out in a “sea of sameness” to quote Julie Braun of Julie Braun Design.

  24. I can see how #8 has that initial WOW factor, but I think the odd shape will frustrate you over time and you will grow to hate it. If your business is called “Selling to Small Businesses” and the words should have equal weight, then I’d select #1. If you want the “Small Businesses” to stand out as the important component in the name of the business, then select #2. Either will work and be easy to work with in any media.

  25. Your ValuesCoach, Karyn Clarke

    Love Revision 2. Red stands out.

  26. While I very much like #8, I have gone over the pictures a dozen times and I have to say that the linear versions seem more professional. I vote for #2.

  27. #4 works for me. Too bad you couldn’t rearrange them randomly for everyone.

  28. Frankly, I’m shocked this was the design moved forward from round #1. The paper clip icon is very “bricks & mortar office supply retailer” and, as a small business owner myself, it doesn’t draw me in at all. What does a red paper clip have to do with selling? Did you know that office supply companies Staples, Office Max and Office Depot all use red for their logos? You risk confusing your audience about the nature of your business by using an icon and color palette similar to that of very well established brands.

    Maybe the paperclip could be green and its shadow could be shaped like a $ sign… It would add visual interest and make it less wierd that the clip has a shadow and the words do not. And it would get away from the predisposition that you are telling people how to sell office supplies to small businesses.

    Also, by including the “.com” in the logo itself you are positioning yourself exclusively as a web-based business. Make sure that’s what you intend…

    Nonetheless, you’ve already sought feedback on rounds 1 & 2, so I will weigh in on the 4 final options.

    Options #1, #2 and #4 — These are essentially 3 slight variations of one logo design. They are all predictable, ordinary and clunky. They all look like they were made with clip art and Word (sorry, HP!). And, slight changes in text color don’t constitute “variations” in my book! After all, there will be applications in the print world where your logo will appear in only one color!

    Option #8 — This is the only real variation presented in this round. I do like the movement created with the angled clip, and the asymmetric stacking of the name gives it a more organic shape that brings people back into the business. It’s the only version that gives me any “feeling” about your business, and the only one that could pass as a logo. But I would still like to see the paperclip as green and the shadow as a $ sign…

    Best of luck to you! I’ll look forward to reading future comments.

  29. I like #2. Actually, I would most prefer the tilted paperclip of #8 with the text of #2. The reason I didn’t choose 8 is because the business font is a smaller size. I think the most important focus is Small Business, therefore it’s not great to have one of those two words in a smaller font.

  30. I like #2 because it highlights what is important to you without any cheesy gimicks.

  31. I love #8. It is attractive and creative.

  32. #8. It really stands out from the rest.

  33. I vote for #2. IT’s simple and to the point.

  34. #8. Paper clip looks a bit more interesting in this one. I totally agree with April’s comment.

  35. I vote for revision #8, out of them all I think it is the most eye-catching, and it is making more efficient use of the space. Having all the text in one line leaves a lot of unused space on top and below the text. However laying the text out as in revision #8 makes effective use of space available, whilst also making the logo give more of an impact on the keywords. Should smaller version of this logo be needed, for use in letterheads, business card etc… revision #8 would also fit perfectly for those needs, since text is slightly large, resizing it in smaller dimensions still keeps it legible.

  36. Of all the examples, I vote for #8. The size of the font immediately grabs my attention – no need for glasses to make out the print. The tilted paperclip also draws the eye in and leads into the type which also delivers the perception that this business is on the go. I like it.

  37. Revision 8 is going in an interesting direction, but as several other people have pointed there are a few problems (connected L’s, lack of emphasis on Small Business, split domain). If you really like 8, I suggest going for another round, keeping what is good about 8 and exploring some ways to make it better.

    Maybe you could make Small Business red, and change the L’s. I don’t think you can just make the letters red in their current position though because it would throw off the balance. Again it might be good to look at a few new options using 8 as a starting point.

    If you are ready to be done and not do another round, my vote is with #2. It is the strongest, very readable, well balenced, and all around, pretty good.

  38. April,

    I have to admit I am not incredibly familiar with Anita’s Business, but it seems reasonable that she might be targeting business like Staples, Office Max and Office Depot, which do a lot of selling to small businesses. They would probably feel quite comfortable learning from a company with a logo similar to theirs.

    If her target is freelancers, though, you might have a point. The companies I trust have super simple monochrome logos. Think Apple.

  39. Revision 4. It is not as “vanilla” as the other three. Still very sharp and clean.

  40. I like #8 because it really draws the eye!

  41. I, too, vote for #2. It makes the point simply, and is much easier to read. #8 has some attractive qualities, but my first impression when I glanced at it, was that it said, “Selling Small…” Not quite what you want! So I say stick with #2

  42. revision #8, I think the 2 tiers state what you are doing, and closes the loop on what you want people to do when they see your logo. Go to the URL and see what we are all about!

  43. Revision #8. For the ff reasons:

    1. The design has this unusual design that catches attention.
    2. Design can easily fit to be printed to shirts, hats, and other materials.
    3. Easy to read because of large font.

  44. I vote for #8 — definitely the most striking.

  45. I like Revision #2.

    Revision #1 is just a bit too plain for my tastes. Revision #4 the Selling to my eyes comes out looking more like Sewing, the font is just a little off on that one I think. Revision #8 is unusual true but I believe that the main point of the Logo should be that you are selling to “Small Business” and it seems that #8 is bringing out the paperclip more than anything else.

  46. I like #8.

    However, I would maybe vote for #2, if it had a tilted paperclip.

    Thanks for this series. It’s been really interesting to see the progression to a very professional logo.

  47. Your domain name is nice, but a bit long. Which makes revisions 1, 2 and 4 a bit wide when used in narrow places, maybe on a business card. And they are somewhat ordinary.

    Revision #4’s font is bad.

    Revision #1 is straight forward and easy to read. Since the .com is in different color, the subject stands out instead of full domain.

    Revision #2 is neat and highlights small businesses. The emphasis on small businesses makes it easier to read, and easier to remember; the whole sentence is chopped into understandable pieces.

    I loved revision #8, it is dynamic, creative and not as standard as the others. The font used in “Selling” and “Small” are really nice. However, they are different from “to” and “businesses” which is bad for the whole sentence.
    “Selling Small” stands out, instead of small businesses. Which may raise a thought on “selling small”, “selling small”. Also some people may read it as “selling small to businesses” when they see your logo elsewhere.

    If revision #8 might go under other variations, I may think about it.
    But in these four, I am definitely voting for revision #2!

  48. I’ll go with revision #8

  49. I like 8.. it stands out the best.. captures the eye..

  50. BTW, you may consider using Survey Monkey for your next poll 😉
    http://www.surveymonkey.com/

  51. You can change the world with a great log. The best logos should be recognized without reading are saying anything. Think Apple, Target, Chevron…I am afraid the red paper clip does not translate on the same level however but I think number one is the cleanest version. If you wanted to keep the red paper clip theme. I would move it under the words so it is next to the .Com. I could then break it out as a separate log once you have just the red paper clip and the .com and not have any words once the branding takes hold.

    The uphill fight you have is Kyle MacDonald and his crazy One Red Paper clip stunt he pulled trading a red paper clip for a house after playing bigger and better 16 times in a year. He really has a lot of traction with the red paper clip. You might consider a green one and match your site colors.

  52. Sorry all my “log” s should be logos, tired index finger day.

  53. I vote 8—really stands out.

  54. I like #2 because of the standing out of the “small business”

  55. My vote is for logo #8.

  56. My vote is logo #8. While I am not overly thrilled with the red paper clip, I think that it is the logo that is the most dynamic. The other logos don’t really capture my attention, whereas, I was more drawn to #8.

  57. #2 would be my choice – it is clean, instantly accessable, conveys what is important and is doesn’t engage me for needless cycles, to figure out what the message is.

    I did not like #8 becuase the paper clip looks awry. The density of the type was more difficult to read. Too busy, too cute and somehow disorganized.

    However the card turns out, the biggest lesson I got from this series was how you managed to snag and hold my attention for weeks, give me some real value added data, engage me in a thoughtful analysis and then drive me to do something I never do: write a comment.

    Damn, you are good…..:)

  58. Revision #8 all the way. The others seem bland by comparison.

  59. I’ll go for #8 because it is… the best 🙂

  60. A Contest Blog by valmg

    I like #2 best because of the way small business pops.
    I blogged about this contest on A Contest Blog at http://acontestblog.com/index.php/2008/small-biz-trends-logo-redesign-contest/
    Good luck.

  61. Definetly the revision 2 is the most complete and balanced….

    The message is clear !

    I can understand what you are trying to sell.

    Enjoy

  62. I actually like the composition #1 that still had the tag line in it. For web use it describes more fully what the purpose of the site is, something I want to know quickly. All of the others make me ask “Selling WHAT to small business.” As one earlier comment said, office supplies?

    #8 seems very popular but for my eye it is too random, I tend to like symmetry, it makes my eyes have to work less. If I am spending hours on a screen during a day I want clean, simple and not too have to think too much.

    Great series Anita, as always top notch content.

  63. #2 is “glanceable.” I like “small businesses” in red. It tells me that your web site is clear and focused on small business. I want to read the rest of what you have to say.

    #8 is clever….too clever, though. My eyes don’t track left to right across it; they move right then bounce back to the left, drawn by the cleverness (the joined double-l”s). I get stuck in the middle of the logo instead of drawn through it. That leads to a feeling of being stuck, and of an energy drain. If I analyze why, it is because I perceive that the site will share that flaw, trap me, be hard to find what I need, not be clear, etc.

    One thing I’ve noticed is that good design eliminates verbiage (people just get it) and “bad” design takes lots of explaining. Another indication that #8 is not a good design…..

    Anita, nice to find you again, I introduced your work to the clients of the National Women’s Business Center in Washington DC a few years ago, and I am delighted to see how much your site has grown!

  64. #8 revision, with “Small Business” in red, “.com” in black.

  65. #8 looks the best!

  66. Definitely #2 — I like the simplicity!!!

  67. I vote for # 2. It stands out the most.

    Good luck!

  68. I like #2 the best for its simplicity but I agree with Steve that your logo would be better with the tag line because it tells me what your site is about. I had to go to your site to find out what you sell to small businesses only to find out that you are not selling anything tangible such as paper clips but are selling knowledge about how to sell to small businesses. If I were looking for that information I would not look at a site with any of the above logos because there is nothing to tell me or even to suggest that I would find such information.

  69. I prefer Revision #8, as it best communicates/utilizes the URL as a graphic element. Great feedback from everyone – perhaps community logo feedback would be a great blog in itself?

  70. I vote for #2.

  71. I’d say #2.
    #8 makes me read “Selling Small to Businesses”

  72. I like 2; it is clear and balanced, the way business should be conducted.

  73. Alyson @ 3 P's in a Pod

    I prefer #2 because the red really makes the group you are trying to reach, in this case Small Businesses, stand out.

  74. I say # 8 as well. It’s the most fully composed in my opinion.

  75. #2 looks the most professional and is my choice. Agree with Alyson above. It makes Small Businesses stand out.

  76. Wow, Anita… as expected, you have varied opinions all over the place. I have to agree with April…(she wrote on the 22nd)… that while I like the overall simplicity, I think the paperclip is cliched. The only design that caught my interest is #8 – I choose it not because it’s better than anything else (it’s better than what’s here, not better than what could be), but because it’s at least memorable. The others… they’re OK…if you just want to be OK, then fine. But, if you want to be memorable, #8 does that. A business card is a tool – it not only depicts the initial image you wish to convey – it gives the receiver instant information. Or, it should. All of these tell the receiver that you sell to small businesses…but wait, do you? Aren’t you ADVISING small businesses on sales?

    Since that is not clear, I go back to noting that #8 at least gets my attention and stays with me long enough to inspire me to go online and find out what you mean by Selling to Small Businesses. The paperclip… it superficial. It represents officework, not necessarily small businesses. But, as April said, if you change it to green, and create a $ to shadow it, that works for me.

    This was a great learning experience, as awlays, Anita.

  77. Revision 2 is great because small business is in red, and all the words are capitalized. Making the letters red will get the attention of anyone looking for small business information. Even without the gloss affect it makes a big statement. The sign is great.

  78. I like #2. Clean. Easy to read. Emphasizes your target market.

    #8 has something strange going on with all the different lettering sizes. I like the overall shape, but the composition is not unified.

  79. I thought that #8 worked best. If I envision myself as the paperclip (which I did) I liked the comfortable feeling of leaning against you. It stated trust and familiarity that the others did not convey. The others were, well here I stand, and there you are with your proud name.

    I think #8 is going to account for a lot more response than with the paperclip stand-alones.

  80. revision #4, but tilt the paperclip. I don’t want to ever see my small business in the red.

  81. Numer 8#. It’ professional, creative and unique.

  82. I vote #8 but if I had a second vote it would definitively be for #2. The only thing that I don’t like about #8 is how the “ll”s line up. I am surprised at how nice these results are. I’ll have to remember these guys on my next job.

  83. I LoVe #8 because if you focus right in the middle you can see it all with your peripheral vision. To grasp the full name in the other versions you need to move your eyes back and forth.

    … and the inclined paperclip is cooool and provides movement.

  84. Revision 8 …racey..makes you want to click on it and get going.

  85. Revision #8 is by far the best – I think it is more lively than the others. Great article series – thanks!

  86. I vote # 8 because its the only one that drew me in to even want to read the logo.

  87. Revision #8 has the most potential. It still needs some changes to the position of the font and with the connecting ‘ll’points. Great to be involved in the process and quality feedback.

  88. Tough choice, and I had to give it some thought, but I’d go with #1, for the following reasons:

    #1 Clearly states what your site is about. It’s simple and very easy to read.

    #2 The red lettering changes the emphasis to “Small Businesses” and a casual reader might think your URL is SmallBusinesses.com, instead of the whole thing.

    #4 Hard to read, uses an awkward font and spacing.

    #8 Striking design because it is different from the other three, but to my eye, looks less professional. The slanted paperclip looks gimmicky and more “home-made” to me than the more crisp versions above, and the varying font sizes really draw my attention away from your message. I particularly don’t like using a smaller font for Businesses, as this is a keyword for your audience.

    So for my money, #1 it is.

  89. I like design #2 best as it is clean, simple and conveys the intended message. Design # 8 caught me by surprise, but once the surprise wore off, and I really looked at the design, I just felt it was “too much” for the business it is representing.

  90. I like #1. It looks clean and gets the point across. For some reason when I look at #8 all i see is “Selling Small” and I have to search for the dot com.

  91. I like #2. It’s clear and looks great.

    #1 is also OK, although not quite as interesting.

  92. No 8 looks modern, funky and it actually made me smile,

    Joan Bell

  93. I like #1. It is simple and not too much going on with tilted paper clips and multi coloured fonts- the others to me are a bit over-designed howver I LOVE the first one.

    They did a great job btw- I am jealous Anita!

  94. I like #2 hands because it/s simple but the two color design really makes it “pop”.

    But for voting purposed, I have to go with #8. The larger print makes for
    easier reading (without my glasses!) and the tilt of the paper clip gives it
    a nice “flare”.

  95. I would take revision 1. I like the title all in black. It gives a pattern red- black-red

    Steve

    Good Luck to All

  96. I prefer #2 – it calls attention to Small Business – the obvious target.

  97. Revision #4 is the most visually appealing to me. Its got clean lines, good readability and a fun but professional font.

    Thanks for letting us live vicariously as you went through this experience!

    sm

  98. I love number 8. Because I love the avatar world graphics looking animated is great to me.

  99. Revision #8 is my favorite.

  100. St. Louis Missouri News

    I am a hugh fan of #8 – I think it just pops out more and it would be more efficient in regards to standing out.. they are all good but i am leaning more towards #8

    Thanks for the contest! I love your blog

  101. I think Revison 2 is the ticket, although I as swyd toward 8 just because of the newness.
    I like the emphasis on small business in 2, and it’s crisp and clean.

  102. although I “was swayed” towards 7, that should read.

  103. Ad that should say “towards 8” – eegad, I’m an idjit.

  104. I personally like the 8th revision. it’s more dynamic, stands out alot more and and is memorable.

  105. Definately Revision 8 although the words seem to be of different font sizes which is a bit confusing.