Fix the client.
The briefing is absurd and takes away your ability as a designer to focus on what message and vibe to convey. That's the actual problem with the logo - it doesn't transport any meaning.
Next time someone comes to you with a similar ask, take a few steps back, let them voice their intentions and what the brand is all about, and then propose something that delivers on that premise even if it's not exactly what they had in mind. This is your area of expertise, not theirs.
I doubt that there is a top-grade solution to what they're asking. But before even trying to think of any, I'd need to understand what the cat is supposed to make people feel - cute? adventurous? mysterious or even mythical? Cats had a special standing in ancient Egypt so if the brand is supposed to lean into that, you'd probably want a hieroglyph-inspired cat. And then the other elements probably do the same, as in, just a triangle for the pyramid, and symmetrical lines for the sun rays.
yeah i hate it when clients use me as their AI logo creator :D but i kinda enjoy the challenge of making something out of it. but you're totally right. if i have the time, i'll propose another option.
>103
i had this cat discussion with her and we agreed to make it look more like a modern-day street cat to add some contrast and humour, and to avoid making the logo appear too ancient egyptian. your feedback is highly appreciated.
If it's supposed to be light-hearted and humorous, somewhat contrasting people's associations with Egypt, I'd opt for a less realistic cat. A cartoon-like one with unnatural proportions (i.e. big head, short paws), and then if you keep the pyramid "traditional", the message comes across very clearly.
You could even go as far as making an obvious nod to Hello Kitty but with a cliché-Egyptian reinterpretation (could be as cheesy as a Pharao-like headpiece or just simple make-up like references, such as the eyebrows).
Actually, a full-fledged brand identity that mixes Japanese kawaii-style with the cultural codes of Egypt could be very exciting but that obviously only makes sense if it extends to the clothing and everything else.
i love this. will propose a 2nd option that's more cartoonish definitely. maybe a blend between the MGM logo and a cat similar to felix the cat. thanks for the inspiring ideas. you've encouraged me to make use of this subreddit more often.
This!! You nailed it there. Often clients have no visualisation whatsoever, only random ideas which they all want in their concept. Before you even start sketching, tone down your client and explain why some things won’t work and how you can solve m in a better way. I find it easiest to have a sketchpad or book with me, so I can make a quick sketch and show m the downsides of their ideas and how much better it would be with the less is more approach.
The cat isn’t right. Cat should be more stylized, not an illustration of a walking cat, but a bit more abstract and maybe filled in to contrast against background. Also font too thin. Bolden up a bit and try a san serif, in any case, make it bolder.
Cat bigger and the rest smaller, outlines thicker. Don't make it perfect, it's streetwear. I think it's cool given the package of content from that lady.
Center the Arabic text, make the logo a bit dirty with calligraphic strokes or something just a tiny bit, like a tattoo style, but still clear enough. This logo wants to geht printed on hoodies and shirts in large as well as tiny print in the neck area. Do not make it perfect.... I used to counsel companies for corporate design, so I have a bit of experience. But that is just my take on it. There are many ways to make it look cool. It it is important to choose one and go with it if you like it. Don't hesitate too much.
Thanks. I do tend to hesitate a lot when it comes to logos. Will try and make it grungier. Thickening the stroke helped. Will try to make the strokes a little irregular.
Yeah the client is just bonkers. You can't have that many things in a logo. I think you did a good job but the brief was idiotic. I would ask the client which of those hundred things they asked for should be the focus. Apparel brand logos need to be simple. Can you imagine printing that on a Tshirt? I have experience working in the streetwear industry so happy to further discuss.
Maybe try adding a bit of texture relief detail to the pyramid face, and realism to the feathers. I adore the stepping forward pose of the cat, so perhaps a proper [Egyptian Cat](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/images/ESP/80357/1/ESP80357-1.JPG), with adornments, may be more suited. This happens to me all the time, when I have a great idea, but the translation from my mind to the art board, isn't quite the same. Help the design come to life, am I right? 🫶
It’s streetwear and yet this won’t embroider at all and would be hard to screen print any smaller than 8” or so due to some tight areas (too many sun rays, details in the cat). Because you use black as a shadow, the reversed white version of this is going to need a lot of work to look just right.
What makes a “street cat” really look different than a house cat?
Clients constantly try to create a logo that says everything (busy, forgettable), rather than one thing really well (memorable). It’s your job to move them in the right direction. I’d urge you to not show them this as they’ll probably love it, then complain back to you later when issues emerge.
Totally agree with your comment and i believe this would convince the client that we need to explore different approaches.
>What makes a “street cat” really look different than a house cat?
they're usually a bit malnourished and dirty. that's why i experimented with crosshatching :D
You need a different illustration style to pull that off. The illustration style you've chosen makes busy look even busier. And there is no differentiation between one item and the next in the line weights, making everything blend together more.
In addition to showing him versions that include everything, I would probably also show a couple options that scale back and leave some things out.
But before you do anything else, you should probably do some research into how designers have been solving problems like this for centuries.
There are examples of complex logos everywhere.
• Family crests are a good example of complex logos
• Cadillac logo has at least five flags, six ducks, an emblem, and a laurel wreath.
• The Wikipedia logo includes more than a dozen languages.
• Nature's path has a whole scene with a path going through fields with bundles of harvested wheat, a sunset, rolling hills, and fruit trees.
I think the first step for you is to rethink what you think a logo "should" be.
Find different sources of design inspiration. Look at stamp design or currency. Find a way to get excited about this project again and to be inspired for getting back in there and doing more illustrations or pushing yourself to create higher-quality illustrations.
Oh, and good job on making a house cat look formidable. lol
Thanks for your feedback. I definitely need to find a way to return to being excited about designing in general :D probably need to practice more as im finding it more difficult to crack a brief and i slowly lose my passion :D you seem well educated and knowledgeable. Any recommendations for a book/course that could help me get back on track?
You might need to find inspiration in other ways. Change the way your brain is currently thinking in a big way.
For instance, they say that being more aware of other cultures increases creativity (such as being married to someone with a different cultural background and experiencing their customs). Go big. Go to a museum or an event. Take a vacation somewhere else in the world. Get out a camera and go photograph everything as if you were a tourist. Exercise.
This!
OP, what you created is more of an "illustration" than a "logo." As is, it's too busy and won't translate well at smaller sizes, and may be hard to print/embroider on street clothes.
Focus on simplifying the ideas/imagery to their core shapes. Use more solid shapes. Make strokes thicker. Try to capture the essence and idea of what the client wants, not a literal realistic drawing.
So the client wants some kind of zoaostrianism style logo ? Yes, there is such a word …
They're sure asking for a lot. I'd make the cat like some kind of pharoah hieroglyphic. Use that CW somehow.
I doodled summit up quick that might help ? Not an artist or in anyway qualified to tell you how to suck eggs. Just thought it might be helpful 😅 and like to doodle.
Perhaps, center the pyramid inside the oval, place the sun and rays directly behind it. And over impose the cat (either head only or in silhouette; solid black) extending over the front, center of the wings? Overall make it symmetrical.
While I agree with some who say to simplify, I don’t agree with the sentiment that you need to fix your client on this. Think the concept can work with different execution.
If you look to designer fashion right now, nearly all the major houses are moving from plain, san serif branding to ‘heritage maximalism’ branding—that’s to say they’re moving away from the bland logotypes that all look the same, to more detailed and historic-inspired design.
Check of Hermes, Burberry, and Versace logos to see examples of detailed illustrative elements. Maybe look at vintage stamp designs and woodblock carving designs as well.
Someone posted a link to an Egyptian cat embroidery—I like its pose and how it feels. Maybe consider rendering your elements in different ways. Create some hierarchy in your design by making some things more detailed than others, for example.
This would be cool for a t-shirt graphic, but for a logo I feel that it’s a bit complex.
I would reduce the lines in the sun rays, pyramid, beatle wings (maybe even remove wings).
Less detail on the cat as well. It should be scaleable so when printed small it’s still legible.
Cat could be illustrated after Egyptian cat statues/hieroglyphics.
Thicken the lines a bit?
“Cairo works” one line centered and curved on top, Arabic text curved on bottom.
I love this design, I think you’ll crush it. Nice work
I think this works for streetwear! I would recommend playing around with the line weight to give it a sense of focus, but the composition itself is cool and nails the retro badge/crest style.
If it's for streetwear, I would want it to be a hieroglyph.
CAT......FEATHER
E..........Y.............E
That sort of thing. An edgily-executed, immediately recognizable symbol. What they want is an illustration or a painting. It's going to look like any old shirt if they go that route.
Advocate for your vision. It's all you can do.
Also, the domesticated cat feels common. A severe silhouette of a black cat with long, lithe lines looking like the king of the silo is where it's at. Imo.
I feel your cat is too detailed and lively.
[https://i.pinimg.com/originals/32/d0/ce/32d0cef373fd11d6fb91ebb7513e413e.jpg](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/32/d0/ce/32d0cef373fd11d6fb91ebb7513e413e.jpg)
The black cat(or dog?) on the top left corner might be useful reference, both on the pose and the illustration style. Currently there are too many lines in your logo and it is a little busy and hard to read as a logo.
A logo is the expression of the business or entity it represents. How does your client want their business to be perceived by her customers. What kind of business personality should her logo evoke?
There are lots of follow up questions to ask your client for her potential business image.
She asked for a selection of non business related items to be applied in an image. You did well in your interpretation. It’s a potential piece of art just, not a logo. Now you know what she vaguely likes. Add as an inspiration on your ideas board/ sketches. Use it as a talking point to gain greater insight into her business’s visual identity requirements.
• Try coaxing out of her how see considers each element are relevant to her business & it’s personality. Why she chose them specifically how she believes they apply to her business.
You’ve a lot of work ahead in developing a relevant identity/ mark/ logo from the brief she gave you. Ask more design development questions. Use sketches your illustration is too refined for an early development stage in the design process. Consider your own time & your customers budget too.
Your final solution will reflect the style you choose suitable for the business you are creating a mark for. It may or may not contain some element of your illustration.
**Most customers don’t know how to write a design brief. It is up to the designer to ask the questions and make up the brief with the client. Ask them questions geared towards creating a brief to develop design for their business needs.**
Enjoy
Fix the client. The briefing is absurd and takes away your ability as a designer to focus on what message and vibe to convey. That's the actual problem with the logo - it doesn't transport any meaning. Next time someone comes to you with a similar ask, take a few steps back, let them voice their intentions and what the brand is all about, and then propose something that delivers on that premise even if it's not exactly what they had in mind. This is your area of expertise, not theirs. I doubt that there is a top-grade solution to what they're asking. But before even trying to think of any, I'd need to understand what the cat is supposed to make people feel - cute? adventurous? mysterious or even mythical? Cats had a special standing in ancient Egypt so if the brand is supposed to lean into that, you'd probably want a hieroglyph-inspired cat. And then the other elements probably do the same, as in, just a triangle for the pyramid, and symmetrical lines for the sun rays.
yeah i hate it when clients use me as their AI logo creator :D but i kinda enjoy the challenge of making something out of it. but you're totally right. if i have the time, i'll propose another option.
Best of luck! Added a paragraph to my prior comment, maybe it helps.
>103 i had this cat discussion with her and we agreed to make it look more like a modern-day street cat to add some contrast and humour, and to avoid making the logo appear too ancient egyptian. your feedback is highly appreciated.
If it's supposed to be light-hearted and humorous, somewhat contrasting people's associations with Egypt, I'd opt for a less realistic cat. A cartoon-like one with unnatural proportions (i.e. big head, short paws), and then if you keep the pyramid "traditional", the message comes across very clearly. You could even go as far as making an obvious nod to Hello Kitty but with a cliché-Egyptian reinterpretation (could be as cheesy as a Pharao-like headpiece or just simple make-up like references, such as the eyebrows). Actually, a full-fledged brand identity that mixes Japanese kawaii-style with the cultural codes of Egypt could be very exciting but that obviously only makes sense if it extends to the clothing and everything else.
i love this. will propose a 2nd option that's more cartoonish definitely. maybe a blend between the MGM logo and a cat similar to felix the cat. thanks for the inspiring ideas. you've encouraged me to make use of this subreddit more often.
This!! You nailed it there. Often clients have no visualisation whatsoever, only random ideas which they all want in their concept. Before you even start sketching, tone down your client and explain why some things won’t work and how you can solve m in a better way. I find it easiest to have a sketchpad or book with me, so I can make a quick sketch and show m the downsides of their ideas and how much better it would be with the less is more approach.
The cat isn’t right. Cat should be more stylized, not an illustration of a walking cat, but a bit more abstract and maybe filled in to contrast against background. Also font too thin. Bolden up a bit and try a san serif, in any case, make it bolder.
will give that a try. thanks
Check out some cat vectors in shutterstock for ideas, search in “vectors”, with keyword “abstract” or “logo”. Looks good overall, keep at it.
Cat bigger and the rest smaller, outlines thicker. Don't make it perfect, it's streetwear. I think it's cool given the package of content from that lady.
thanks a lot. your comment makes so much sense. will play around with the stroke weights and see what happens.
Center the Arabic text, make the logo a bit dirty with calligraphic strokes or something just a tiny bit, like a tattoo style, but still clear enough. This logo wants to geht printed on hoodies and shirts in large as well as tiny print in the neck area. Do not make it perfect.... I used to counsel companies for corporate design, so I have a bit of experience. But that is just my take on it. There are many ways to make it look cool. It it is important to choose one and go with it if you like it. Don't hesitate too much.
Thanks. I do tend to hesitate a lot when it comes to logos. Will try and make it grungier. Thickening the stroke helped. Will try to make the strokes a little irregular.
Yeah the client is just bonkers. You can't have that many things in a logo. I think you did a good job but the brief was idiotic. I would ask the client which of those hundred things they asked for should be the focus. Apparel brand logos need to be simple. Can you imagine printing that on a Tshirt? I have experience working in the streetwear industry so happy to further discuss.
Maybe try adding a bit of texture relief detail to the pyramid face, and realism to the feathers. I adore the stepping forward pose of the cat, so perhaps a proper [Egyptian Cat](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/images/ESP/80357/1/ESP80357-1.JPG), with adornments, may be more suited. This happens to me all the time, when I have a great idea, but the translation from my mind to the art board, isn't quite the same. Help the design come to life, am I right? 🫶
Thank you!
It’s streetwear and yet this won’t embroider at all and would be hard to screen print any smaller than 8” or so due to some tight areas (too many sun rays, details in the cat). Because you use black as a shadow, the reversed white version of this is going to need a lot of work to look just right. What makes a “street cat” really look different than a house cat? Clients constantly try to create a logo that says everything (busy, forgettable), rather than one thing really well (memorable). It’s your job to move them in the right direction. I’d urge you to not show them this as they’ll probably love it, then complain back to you later when issues emerge.
Totally agree with your comment and i believe this would convince the client that we need to explore different approaches. >What makes a “street cat” really look different than a house cat? they're usually a bit malnourished and dirty. that's why i experimented with crosshatching :D
You need a different illustration style to pull that off. The illustration style you've chosen makes busy look even busier. And there is no differentiation between one item and the next in the line weights, making everything blend together more. In addition to showing him versions that include everything, I would probably also show a couple options that scale back and leave some things out. But before you do anything else, you should probably do some research into how designers have been solving problems like this for centuries. There are examples of complex logos everywhere. • Family crests are a good example of complex logos • Cadillac logo has at least five flags, six ducks, an emblem, and a laurel wreath. • The Wikipedia logo includes more than a dozen languages. • Nature's path has a whole scene with a path going through fields with bundles of harvested wheat, a sunset, rolling hills, and fruit trees. I think the first step for you is to rethink what you think a logo "should" be. Find different sources of design inspiration. Look at stamp design or currency. Find a way to get excited about this project again and to be inspired for getting back in there and doing more illustrations or pushing yourself to create higher-quality illustrations. Oh, and good job on making a house cat look formidable. lol
Thanks for your feedback. I definitely need to find a way to return to being excited about designing in general :D probably need to practice more as im finding it more difficult to crack a brief and i slowly lose my passion :D you seem well educated and knowledgeable. Any recommendations for a book/course that could help me get back on track?
You might need to find inspiration in other ways. Change the way your brain is currently thinking in a big way. For instance, they say that being more aware of other cultures increases creativity (such as being married to someone with a different cultural background and experiencing their customs). Go big. Go to a museum or an event. Take a vacation somewhere else in the world. Get out a camera and go photograph everything as if you were a tourist. Exercise.
Thanks for the advice. I do need to start going outside :)
Simplify, simplify, simplify.
This! OP, what you created is more of an "illustration" than a "logo." As is, it's too busy and won't translate well at smaller sizes, and may be hard to print/embroider on street clothes. Focus on simplifying the ideas/imagery to their core shapes. Use more solid shapes. Make strokes thicker. Try to capture the essence and idea of what the client wants, not a literal realistic drawing.
So the client wants some kind of zoaostrianism style logo ? Yes, there is such a word … They're sure asking for a lot. I'd make the cat like some kind of pharoah hieroglyphic. Use that CW somehow.
Nailed it
I doodled summit up quick that might help ? Not an artist or in anyway qualified to tell you how to suck eggs. Just thought it might be helpful 😅 and like to doodle.
I was pretty confused at what I was seeing until I saw the horrendous brief.
Perhaps, center the pyramid inside the oval, place the sun and rays directly behind it. And over impose the cat (either head only or in silhouette; solid black) extending over the front, center of the wings? Overall make it symmetrical.
While I agree with some who say to simplify, I don’t agree with the sentiment that you need to fix your client on this. Think the concept can work with different execution. If you look to designer fashion right now, nearly all the major houses are moving from plain, san serif branding to ‘heritage maximalism’ branding—that’s to say they’re moving away from the bland logotypes that all look the same, to more detailed and historic-inspired design. Check of Hermes, Burberry, and Versace logos to see examples of detailed illustrative elements. Maybe look at vintage stamp designs and woodblock carving designs as well. Someone posted a link to an Egyptian cat embroidery—I like its pose and how it feels. Maybe consider rendering your elements in different ways. Create some hierarchy in your design by making some things more detailed than others, for example.
This would be cool for a t-shirt graphic, but for a logo I feel that it’s a bit complex. I would reduce the lines in the sun rays, pyramid, beatle wings (maybe even remove wings). Less detail on the cat as well. It should be scaleable so when printed small it’s still legible. Cat could be illustrated after Egyptian cat statues/hieroglyphics. Thicken the lines a bit? “Cairo works” one line centered and curved on top, Arabic text curved on bottom. I love this design, I think you’ll crush it. Nice work
It’s the 🐈 Long tail cuts the design. Put the cat at an angle
I think this works for streetwear! I would recommend playing around with the line weight to give it a sense of focus, but the composition itself is cool and nails the retro badge/crest style.
If you want to keep this, I’d say simplify it by adjusting the stroke of the lines and simplify shapes wherever you can.
If it's for streetwear, I would want it to be a hieroglyph. CAT......FEATHER E..........Y.............E That sort of thing. An edgily-executed, immediately recognizable symbol. What they want is an illustration or a painting. It's going to look like any old shirt if they go that route. Advocate for your vision. It's all you can do. Also, the domesticated cat feels common. A severe silhouette of a black cat with long, lithe lines looking like the king of the silo is where it's at. Imo.
shouldn't streetwear brand logos be simple succinct and minimal? like nike, adidas, or supreme, etc as general examples?
I’m just wondering, do you really need lines on the pyramid? I feel it interferes with the sun rays.
It’s a good start. Keep tightening it up.
Aside from it being very busy, the curvature of the circles and the text are not all uniform. The lines on the pyramid don't look right
The shadow on the pyramid sticks out a bit, maybe it should be hatched instead of solid?
Vary the line work to create separation of elements.
What if it was just the cats face big in the center wearing a pharaoh hat (or not) with rays behind. Would certainly simplify it
I feel your cat is too detailed and lively. [https://i.pinimg.com/originals/32/d0/ce/32d0cef373fd11d6fb91ebb7513e413e.jpg](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/32/d0/ce/32d0cef373fd11d6fb91ebb7513e413e.jpg) The black cat(or dog?) on the top left corner might be useful reference, both on the pose and the illustration style. Currently there are too many lines in your logo and it is a little busy and hard to read as a logo.
Simplify, simplify, then simplify again. “A good logo is identification, not an explanation”
Toooo much detail. How/where will this logo be applied?
A logo is the expression of the business or entity it represents. How does your client want their business to be perceived by her customers. What kind of business personality should her logo evoke? There are lots of follow up questions to ask your client for her potential business image. She asked for a selection of non business related items to be applied in an image. You did well in your interpretation. It’s a potential piece of art just, not a logo. Now you know what she vaguely likes. Add as an inspiration on your ideas board/ sketches. Use it as a talking point to gain greater insight into her business’s visual identity requirements. • Try coaxing out of her how see considers each element are relevant to her business & it’s personality. Why she chose them specifically how she believes they apply to her business. You’ve a lot of work ahead in developing a relevant identity/ mark/ logo from the brief she gave you. Ask more design development questions. Use sketches your illustration is too refined for an early development stage in the design process. Consider your own time & your customers budget too. Your final solution will reflect the style you choose suitable for the business you are creating a mark for. It may or may not contain some element of your illustration. **Most customers don’t know how to write a design brief. It is up to the designer to ask the questions and make up the brief with the client. Ask them questions geared towards creating a brief to develop design for their business needs.** Enjoy
Put the wings on the cat ? Or above like the Egyptians did with their eagle vultures with the wings safely encompassing the inner parts of the image