Know-How Exchange : Branding

I don't know what to think because I'm not sure what the logo is supposed to do. Why does Montclair need or want a logo? Who are you trying to communicate with? What is the message?

If it's a town pride thing, then maybe it's OK ... as long as everyone in town knows what the totem pole is all about. If it's to attract new businesses to town, then it may not be exactly on target. Very serene and calm, not a hotbed of business or retail activity.

I always try to evaluate creative products (like a logo) by comparing it to the stated objective and expected use of the result. Without those standards, how would you know whether it's a good logo or not? Is it a contest to see how many people like the colors and type font? If so, which people's opinions do you want? A bunch of marketing wonks around the world or people who might actually show up in Montclair one day?

I think the logo looks okay. Especially after reading your comments on the kind of town Montclair is. It very much resonates the essence of the town - a place that's laid back but steeped in history, though not at all averse to creativity and excitement! (that's what I feel from the leaning "o"!). And the colour - Orange - this further encapsulates the easy-going, almost holiday-like character of the town.

On the whole, a pretty good job.

hi nancy

its a nice logo, specially the Orange SUN and the Tower L, but i have some observations to make..

1. What is the resolution in which you have posted the logo? the reason i am asking is that when you shrink the size of the logo the "Tower L" may not be clearly distinguished as a tower, rather will look a normal L in small letter. I suggest you look into this matters as mentioned by other experts here and ensure that the logo doesnt get distortioned during printing.

2. the O is the attraction, you can even make the O horizontal from its current left tilt.

3. I like the Orange Sun behind the L.

my idea is that you have some Rays from the sun, the left-most ray reaching the top left tip of M and the right-most ray reaching tip of R.

add to this a tagline, like..

The Sunny Side of Life
or
The Sunny Side of New Jersey
or
12 Miles to Sun

combined with the Sun ray and Tagline this will give the impression of a lively city which enjoys the beauty of nature and stands apart from hustle bustle of NJ. again the umbrella rays denotes the all encompassing city where celebrities, intellectuals and general people alike live harmoniously and nature doesnt distinguish between celebrity and others.

just some wild ideas. do let us what you think of it.

cheers!!