Vectoring Around
I’ve been getting some emails with questions about my process for logos and layouts, so I thought I would post some of them here with my answers:
How long do you sketch before moving to the computer?
Well, the short answer is: as long as it takes. I have strong opinions about hopping on to the computer too soon, but, that is because I am very observant of my work habits and understand what works for me. It’s different for everyone, but I find that when I start moving stuff around on screen without having a solid idea, I end up losing sight of the concept. What it comes down to for me is: the computer is a precise tool and my sketchbook is an imprecise tool. By using an imprecise tool first, it allows me to get my brain working on the idea rather than my hands working on the execution. It’s a cart-before-the-horse situation.
In the case of Amigo, I did something I rarely do: I showed the Carsons (the “client”) my sketches. This doesn’t work for everyone, and you really have to get that sorta gut feeling about a client. Some clients get really freaked out by seeing just sketches, and no amount of explaining that they are roughs will quell them. I knew I could show the Carsons my initial ideas and have them understand that I wasn’t showing them final ideas. They realized that they were actually getting the better end of the deal: more ideas to choose from up front.
What’s your next step after sketches/what programs do you use?
After I am done sketching, I jump into Adobe Illustrator. I know a lot of people who have a terrible fear of Illustrator, which is a shame, because it’s a very powerful and useful program. “Why not Photoshop?,” you might ask. Well, Photoshop is a damn fine program too, but I don’t like it for logo work (unless there is something concerning the logo that Photoshop inherently does better, eg. anything dealing with photography manipulation). I learned Illustrator before Photoshop, so that may have something to do with it, but Illustrator feels very fast for fleshing out my ideas, especially for heavy shape editing or color and font play. What’s more, I think it’s extremely important to create a vector version of your logo so that you aren’t tied to specific resolutions or dimensions; you can quickly edit and be on your merry way.
What kind of sketchbook do you use?
Well, yes, it’s trendy, but I use a Moleskine Sketchbook. The binding is durable, I really like the paper quality, and it’s just the right size. Say what you will, but when you find a sketchbook you like, you stick with it.
Well, those were the most common ones I got, if you have any others, feel free to fire away in the comments.
Thanks for the tips… it’s amazing how Moleskines have gotten so popular since their “comeback.” I’m addicted to them. I have the pocket blank notebook I carry around with me and two large notebooks (blank and grid) that I keep in my bag. Never know when you need to sketch something!
Comment by Brandon — June 9, 2006 @ 6:12 am
A tip for the less fortunates among us:
I tempt to print large blogposts because it’s easier to read. This also means I’ve got a pile of used paper wich I can’t re-use for lets say school assignments so I cut them in half and staple them together with the unprinted side up. Wrap it in a coloured paper (optional) and this gives you a free sketchbook in the right size! The endresult looks like this: http://maxvoltar.be/sketchbook.jpg
Comment by Tim — June 9, 2006 @ 10:19 am
Thanks for sharing! I love seeing other designers’ process!
It’s great when you’re working with a client that understands design and the process involved and you can share it with them. It makes for a better project in the end and gets them inside the process as well.
Comment by Travis Schmeisser — June 9, 2006 @ 1:18 pm
I always carry a notebook or two from Muji
http://www.mujionline.co.uk/catalogue/catalogue.asp?Sec=1&Sub=4&PID=57
They also have one with a zip pocket that is useful.
Comment by topfunky — June 12, 2006 @ 7:40 pm
Great idea Tim! I used to make sketchbooks when I was younger (which obviously isn’t to say that they are only useful when young).
topfunky: Oooo, very nice looking too. I love a good sketchbook :D
Comment by Jason Santa Maria — June 12, 2006 @ 7:44 pm
This logo reminds me of that tiny old desktop app called Amigo that consisted of a little smiley face singing a torturous Spanish ballad about the moon.
Comment by Tim — June 20, 2006 @ 2:51 am
[…] Hoewel dit alles je wellicht niet week in de knieën zal maken (nieuwsbrieven zijn zoooo 2000) is het de blog die het verschil maakt. Hier zie je echt hoe het er in de keuken van een Web 2.0 app aan toe gaat. Bijvoorbeeld hoe je van een krabbel op je schetsblok tot een logo komt, wat er gebeurt als je een nieuw kantoor betrekt of hoe een trademark wordt behaalt. Stap voor stap kun je volgen hoe dit product richting launch-status gaat. Een kijkje in de keuken die je niet mag missen!Tags: web2.0, web 2.0, amigo, barenakedapp, email, ads […]
Pingback by BlueAce » De naakte waarheid van Amigo — June 21, 2006 @ 2:47 pm
Nice work. Reminds me of a photograph I just saw http://www.flickr.com/photos/jodyferry/51318453/in/photostream/
Comment by Liz — June 24, 2006 @ 2:04 am