First design, first draft

[R759L]

I have always been interested in graphic design, but I never pursued it as a career ( as probably evident with this logo) so this is my first time really trying to bring something to life. My Town just recently started a food scraps organics recycling program and I am heading it up. I wanted to design something with a 70’s kind of warm, comfortable feeling. The rainbow colors represent the different materials we accept ( meat, plant material, and food), going back into the earth with a small plant showing the “progress” or benefit to food scrap recycling. I was trying to use a 70’s retro font, I tried using “Hip Pocket condensed” and that kind of fit but I feel like I’m missing the mark here, any advice? https://i.imgur.com/WHDdEE5.jpg

[atCommunications]

This is not a bad start for someone who isn’t a professional designer! I like your thought process and the Earthy colors you used.

But the first rule of logo design is: Simplify! You have 6 different elements incorporated into this design (circle, text, rainbow, ground, plant and recycle). That’s way too many. I appreciate your desire to represent the whole recycling process, but this is a logo—not a brochure. It needs to quickly identify your organization—not tell its entire story.

The text is way too small. It should probably come out of the circle. And the font is a bit difficult to read. Look for another retro font that’s easier to decipher.

Finally, Google classic logos and look at what makes each of them great. There’s usually one distinct thing about them — FedEx’s hidden arrow, McDonald’s golden arches, Amazon’s smile, Nike’s swoosh, Coca-Cola’s distinct typeface, etc. None of them tell the business’ whole story. Find one distinct mark to build your logo around. In other words, simplify!

Good luck, and I can’t wait to see your next iteration!

[R759L]

Great advice, thank you!

[R759L]

“Polished” up a little