bank logo help/feedback

[Ebenezergirl]

I'm working on a logo for a new client who happens to be a bank. It is more difficult than I thought. Given the nature of the fact that it is a bank, means it needs to be consertive, but still creative. I've put together some ideas, but my boss said she didn't like ANY of them. I loved the top left one. Is she right? Are they terrible? Any suggestions?

[Toon]

Top Right is about the best I agree, have you tried anything with a unique mark next to it, rather than a pictorial object?

[lolly]

I really like the top left one, but it reminds me of more of an adventure park logo. When you brainstormed current bank logos what did you come up with. As most are so simple it's rediculous.

Welcome aboard by the way

[paddy]

All are poor. If you are going to go for an all type logo, you need to have top notch type. Draw your own letterforms if necessary and remember that a bank logo should emote strength and security as well as not looking too cold.


There are some good examples to be found on Identityworks - Tony Spaeth, Identity Consultant: corporate identity and corporate brand building.

[Ebenezergirl]

I guess I'm having a hard time coming up with a bank "icon." I don't know what depicts "Southern and banking." It's not as easy as "Bank of America" with a stylized American flag or a starburst for "SunTrust Bank". The other major bank logos I can think of are Wachovia - I don't even understand what their logo is supposed to be. And other banks like Capital One and Citibank are so simple. I hate logo icons that really have no significance, so that is where I am stuck. They want to be viewed as "old school bankers" with “top of the line technology” (they are actually going to have a Mac operating system, which is unusual for a bank). My closest idea is an oak tree. It is Southern and depicts strength and longevity, but not very modern.

By the way, I love this website, I work in a small office and I am one of 2 designers in the only agency in my town, so I’m not able to bounce ideas off/learn from other people in my field. Thank you!

[Toon]

You could try an abstract letter a bit like HSBC...



Try it with just the S for Southern. Doesn't have to be an exact S just hint at it, similar to the one here....

LogoSauce™ - Schumann-Haus

[Ebenezergirl]

how are these?

Thank you for your input!

[SidekickWD]

K, take a peek at this link. The images are very small, but seeing them ll at once like this might help with your brainstorming a bit.

I'm barely tapping into the whole logo deal myself, so I can relate to needing a little push.

http://www.fxall.com/images/bank_logos.gif

ETA: Here's another link to check out. http://bba2010.com/custom/BankLogosR3.gif

[Toon]

Originally Posted by Ebenezergirl

how are these?

Thank you for your input!

The 1st the 3rd are much better but still seem a little too detailed.

Work on the 1st one and try and separate the type and icon a little like this....



The type must play an important part but doesn't have to link to the icon in any way. By simplifying the shape it can then be used independently from the type and very small, also on a dark background easily. Also the type is clearly identifiable as part of the brand when used without the icon as shown in the bottom blue bar.

It's still the same as your original idea just a little simpler. Hope this illustrates what I mean a little clearer.

[james]

Paddy, that is a fantastic website - thanks for the link.

I'd avoid seeing the new Capital One ident as a benchmark, that truly is a dreadful logo. I've always thought that Egg's visual identity is very cool, as is First Direct ...Don't make the mistake of regarding simplicity as a bad thing - in logo design, and design in general - it is an asset