C&C requested on Logo

[mercphoto]

Been trying to put together a logo and have an example here. Really looking for feedback. I'm pretty happy with the typography but I feel the checkered flag banner is lacking something.

Hoping (fingers crossed) to get back out to the track in September and get the biz rolling again!

[d2creative]

What if the type was just plain white and the checkers were transparent white?

The white outlines don't work well, especially at small sizes.

[mercphoto]

I was hoping that the outline would help make the logo stand out no matter what the logo was placed over. For example, white text is fine if the logo is over grass or something dark, but would be difficult to see if it happened to be over relatively bright pavement. But I'm also having trouble with the checkered flag showing up when placed over certain types of backgrounds. This logo might be a bit too complicated...

[r0xikat]

stick to white/translucent whites. maybe have the 'mercury' more of a 'cut out' text instead of solid to emphasize the name. keep 'photography' as is with more opacity.

[ttruelove]

Hi Bill,

I like the checkered flag, but I can foresee a potential design issue. Right now, the logo appears correct since you have the right and bottom edges creating 'walls' for your logo. Almost as if the logo is getting cut off. However, when the logo is used on other things, shirts, websites, business cards, flyers, etc, there may not always be an edge to 'stop' the flag. The logo needs to be independent from its environment. It needs to be able to 'stand alone' on anything. Possibly creating a tapered end on the right side similar to the left side and fitting text more into the flag.

Also, black on black is never a really good idea in small designs. There is a white stroke over 'Photography', but if the logo was made smaller, the stroke would be less visible and the flag and 'photography' may bleed together. The flag doesn't have to be black. It can be shades of gray or lower the opacity.

Something that helps me in logo design is creating a black and white version first. If the logo has acceptable contrast and everything is visible and scalable, then add color. My rule of thumb is 'if it works in black and white, it works in color.'

Otherwise, I like the concept; it has great motion. Keep us posted.

[auddii]

What if you had a transparent white version, and a transparent color version (maybe all one color whether black, red, or maybe several depending on the background).

[d2creative]

I don't think it's too complicated to work.
Here's some examples of mine. Translucent white and translucent black.
And then most recently I'm trying just text on a bar.

[mercphoto]

Ok, I've changed my logo, I'm now using it primarily as an online watermark. Thanks for feedback guys.