Chrome

Old Chrome logo

Redesign

This is the Chrome logo for Google's browser.

Initial Analysis: It's like a spinning wheel in both. Although the previous logo looks like some sort of ninja tool or a game of Simon. (You remember the old game from yesteryear?)

What is it?: I have no idea. I'm still sticking with this spinning wheel idea.

Pros: The new design is much cleaner, scales much better, and is easier for someone to remember exactly what it looks like. It's more identifiable. The colors reflect on Google's own colors which assists with consistency throughout the brand.

Cons: No one knows what it is. Doesn't really say what the brand actually is. Nothing about it suggests internet, web, browsers, etc. Nothing actually goes with the name "Chrome" although being obvious is not always desirable.

Verdict: The redesign is a bigger success than the original. It was a good move to go in this direction. It also makes for a better look on smartphones that take advantage of the simpler look.

For a funny look at other ideas of where the logo came from, check out this post.

Nike

Generally speaking, everyone in the human race seems to know what the Nike symbol is. That being said, I'm going to attempt a critique as if it was brand new and never before seen.

Initial Analysis: It looks like a check mark. It implies motion as well. Not too much to say about such a simple symbol.

What is it?: Nike is a sports company. They make athletic wear. Shoes and clothing are what people associate with them most, but they also make sports bags and things.

Pros: Minimalist. Any color combo will work. Logo implying the check mark and motion are two things that the brand does actually identify with and promotes its image.

Cons: Without the word Nike attached, people have to memorize the symbol over time. Does not ACTUALLY tell what the brand sells.

Extra pro: Nike is actually the Greek goddess of victory.

Verdict: Although there may be some bias because this logo has existed since it was formed in 1971. The logo is traditionally called the Nike "swoosh" and that is another concept that fuels this idea of fast and motion. Overall, this logo does its job and communicates a clear idea of either moving or getting it done. This is a successful logo for a successful brand.

Can you put a butt on it?

I guess a good place to start is a funny story.

I work at a place that has a yearly walkthrough for Boy Scouts. The boys, ages 4 to about 8, come in and learn about my job of setting up a newspaper, creating ads, editing files, editing photos, etc.

So everyone who took a very traditional route of learning Adobe Photoshop, especially out of the tutorial books, knows of the sample Photoshop rubber ducky.

A group of boys came in for the annual tour last year. They were largely quiet and attentive, asking very few questions and being good little students. But then we came to the duck.

The tutorial that I had remembered learning in school was the clone tool with the duck picture. I figured that was a good, fast way to show the boys a very quick edit.

Very easy and simple.

Then one little boy from the back of the group shouts (not says, but fully shouts), "CAN YOU PUT A BUTT ON IT?!"

The parents standing around were horrified, but I kept my cool.

Very calmly, I replied. "No, I don't think I can."

And so concluded the Boy Scout tour.

Stoked to be a designer

Being a graphic designer is a fantastic, rewarding career. You get to make stuff with no manual labor and you have the joy of being creative and gaining respect. I love my job.

However, I'd like to use this blog as a means of enlightenment. Being a graphic designer is not like my college professors made it out to be. Granted, a few classmates (like 4) are living that life, but more on that later.

I've been out of school for 5+ years as of this post. I've had my ups and downs.

I would never want to discourage anyone from the career. Like I said, it's genuinely great! But I want to provide a more realistic look at what graphic design is ACTUALLY LIKE to most people.

I'd also like to offer critiques of graphic design. I would like to examine corporate logos and design packages. I will even make an effort to offer up some of my own work (edited so that I don't have any run-ins). Please feel free to offer feedback and your own opinions! I would love to hear you, too!

So buckle in, hit follow, and enjoy.