random sketch collective

I've reviewed some of my sketches, and looking at some of these other directions I think I prefer the original concept I posted previously. It needs work but I think it is the direction I want to follow.

Here are the typefaces I'm considering. Note that I haven't purchased them and just used the online font preview so kearning has been done yet, I just threw this together quickly to get the idea across.




I haven't had time to create new sketches, I still might try out a few more ideas. Here are some of the rough sketches I've done in the past:

I kind of like the thought bubble idea for the stationery (6) which could carry into the logo, but I feel like the thought bubble idea has been overdone.

The funky megaphone (3) could have potential but I think I would tire of it.

(1) the dog. I don't know why but I like it. It's not exactly logical, but it could be fun.

Comments welcome...

Introductions

What do you hope to get out of this experience?
I've been putting off finalizing my identity for several years now and I've realized that if I want to take my freelance to the next level, I have to have a logo, website and complete identity for myself. I want to come out of this process with an identity and website that represents me and the work I that do; something I can proud of sharing.

Describe your business: services you offer, do you have a niche or specialty, who is your target market?
I offer both print and website design. I don't really have a niche or specialty, but I suppose I have built a lot of corporate design experience working in an in-house environment for over ten years. While I like some corporate work, I'd like to expand my portfolio to include more variety. A lot of my freelance work has been with non-profits, and some youth-market projects I've worked on have been a lot of fun.

What makes you as a designer or your business unique?
I believe that design is a tool for communication. My design education had an advertising design slant that taught me to look at solving every design problem with an eye towards melding words and visuals to say something that will reach the target audience. I'm also interested in examining the "humanizing" of brands and how to use this to clients' advantage to not only communicate an image but engage the target audience to interact with the brand and "own" a piece of it as well.

What kind of personality do you want to portray through your brand?
Smart. Stylish. Modern. Approachable. A Quirky Sense of Humor. Unafraid.

At what stage are you in the development of your identity?
I'm about 90% sure about the name: Speak Visual. I think the name expresses my strength and point of difference which I like. Sometimes I wonder if I would just be better off going with my own name, though. (that's the other 10% nagging at my brain)

I had developed the logo below, but now I'm not sure about it. I think it may be oversimplified; it just doesn't grab me. I don't care for the typeface used for the small type, and I think I want "Visual" moved up to the same size / style as "Speak". Although I also have some ideas running through my head of scrapping this and creating an icon from a stylized old-styled microphone. I think I have to hit the sketch books again.


Bonus: What inspires you? Find a link or a resource to share with the group so we can learn and inspire one another!
I really like these sites:
passing notes >> great presentation of samples and sense of intrigue about the company's services
nike 10 >> entertaining, great mix of video and flash, stylish

Reason for Being

Welcome to my identity story! I'm a graphic designer working on building my freelance business, but I've run into a snag that has held my up for a couple of years now. Although I design great marketing material for clients every day, somehow I cannot seem to do the same for myself. I am my own worst client; nothing is ever good enough, I don't know what I want, and I don't want to follow the standard process. To motivate me to finally accomplish this seemingly impossible mission, I started a "designers' identity support group" made up of other designers in a similar situation. Our plan is to share our work with one another through our blogs, and work to inspire, motivate and push each other. I'm hoping to change my current identity crisis into a turn-around success story. This blog will show my progress, ups and downs—and in the end—victory! (I hope)