Branding

[carrbowl]

So...since I've been contemplating completly diving in...instead of having my toes in the water. My biggest struggle is getting the idea...so today while I'm shopping for decorations for a friends 40th, I see this black gift bag with 6 "boxes" on the side with a black/silver design of guess what???? 6 CARRS!!! Hello...the light bulb went off..(6 Carr PHotography!!) So I thought, man these bags are already made, I just need to get some more. On the bottome of the bag is two websites.. www.design-focus.com and www.glitterwrap.com So I look them up..the second one appears to be the one I need..."the website is under construction,click her if if you want to be notified when it is up and running...click here if you want to buy something." Both emails come back bad. So I look at the first website, it appears to be the company that designed the bag. Crap!!

So what if I use the concept, but not specifically what they did...I still want to get in touch with them..but if I can't I'm still going to have to do something on my own...do I just have to keep it, so they don't look similar ??? Maybe I would have to show you the bag I bought and what I want to do....any suggestions..

[d2creative]

If you are talking about using the artwork you saw as your own personal logo, no you can not do that. That's no different than someone else using one of your photos.

[SCone]

Maybe take a "Route 66" type logo except "66 Carr" Photography?

[carrbowl]

Stephen, I like the idea. I guess I didn't explain my self very well.. I think what I'm trying to ask, is how far off the original concept do you have to be, to say you aren't stealing their idea?? And I'm not sure you can put that in words...I think you will have to compare the two ideas...

[toverman]

I can't exactly answer your last question, but the fact that you're deriving your idea from their design (to me) would make it difficult to do it legally and honestly. There have been court challenges between people who came up with similar ideas on their own, with each trying to assert that it's "their" idea. In this case, you couldn't say that is what has happened.

There are enough creative ways to market ourselves. We'll even help you reshape your ideas if you want us to without having to fudge it!

[carrbowl]

I'll come up with something and show you a photo of the original...I think that's the only way we are going to be able to tell. I'm thinking it's ok to get the concept...but not copy what they did...if that makes sense

[carrbowl]

Originally Posted by SCone

Maybe take a "Route 66" type logo except "66 Carr" Photography?

So I've been thinking about this...I like it .....so I would just put "6 Carr" in the sign? Since the official name is 6 Carr Photography, would I have to include "photography" somewhere?? Or just include that on some things???

Does "your" logo (meaning anyone) have your entire name? or does the logo just remind a person of the entire name??

[toverman]

My logo, at least right now, includes my entire name. Not going to muddle up your thread, but it's on the home page of my Web site if you want to see. It also says "photography," and even if I take my name off I'm still going to have to put "photography" unless I incorporate some kind of image that screams "photographer" or "camera" or "pictures."

I was thinking on letterhead and invoices, etc., I can probably get away with simplifying the logo. Anywhere someone who hasn't hired me comes in contact with it, though, I'm trying to make it pretty clear what I do. Hope that isn't more confusing!

[Concisus Cognatus]

Originally Posted by carrbowl

So I've been thinking about this...I like it .....so I would just put "6 Carr" in the sign? Since the official name is 6 Carr Photography, would I have to include "photography" somewhere??

Thought I'd see what it might look like. Rough, but does provide a visual reference.

[carrbowl]

Originally Posted by nikonhobbyman

Thought I'd see what it might look like. Rough, but does provide a visual reference.

So how much do you charge!!! I'm afriad it will look like too much if I put it on a photo though?? I don't like it...it's hard to see and takes away from the photo...could it be the color???

[Concisus Cognatus]

Renae, it's yours to use, no charge. Try reducing the opacity. On the surface I agree it 's not working but may be something a graphics person could take and refine into something workable. I just thought it would be a good visual reference for you.

[carrbowl]

Originally Posted by nikonhobbyman

Renae, it's yours to use, no charge. Try reducing the opacity. On the surface I agree it 's not working but may be something a graphics person could take and refine into something workable. I just thought it would be a good visual reference for you.

Sorry if I sounded ungratefull...I definitely wasn't...just the opposite...I haven't had time to mess with it..contrary to the couple of hours sleep last night...I've been thinking abuot it more than doing it...I like the idea...I just think Photography is too dang long!!! that's why I was wondering about leaving it off..I will continue to play someone and put it up again when I need some opinions...thanks for your help!!

[toverman]

I think it would be just fine if you shortened "photography" to "photo."

[carrbowl]

OK...this is what started this whole mess!!! These are the bags I bought...and I really like the concept..6 cars, different cars, different generations of cars,..

but I couldn't use it as a logo...

[Concisus Cognatus]

Idea: Six dash your name in the shape of a car ... just a thought after looking at the bags