Pen with logo

Below are some designs I produced using Maya and Photoshop. These were just merchadise tests to get an idea of what the logo would look like on some pens.

The images below show the development from model to final composite with lighting setup.

T-Shirt designs

Below are some very early t-shirt designs for the company Logo. I tried to use very simple shapes and text to visually explain the company. I tried to keep the designs simple but considered which would also reduce cost when producing the shirts. I decided to go with a limited colour palette that would lower cost and would appear more dynamic and streamlined to the consumer. Once the designs were completed we set about doing some market research to see whether people would by into the product.

Strategy

Andy had a cool idea where we would sell Ravensbourne t-shirts to fund our project. Andy and I have already done some designs for the t- shirts but we need to refine them a little.

I proposed that we would have some kind of logo on the front that says "ravenous" which means hungry. This could also be interpreted as hungry for creativity which is what Ravesnbourne is supposedly all about. Il do some designs, if anyone has any cool catch phrases or wordage that could go on the back this would be awesome.

Just to re iterate this will go hand in hand with our current e and e project. This will be our way of making some sort of collateral by the end, which could fund our website. Rather than having a t-shirt that says the third nexus which noone has any clue about, why not create a shirt they can relate to. This may spark more interest and better profit margins. If anyone has any better suggestions, expose them please.

Finalised Logos/3D renders

Below are some three dimesional logo designs created in maya and rendered using mental ray. The objective here was to produce a design which would best describe the company as well as the creative students it will support. I tried to come up with dynamic and modern designs that would best represent the college. The idea was that these images could be used on the home page of the website.

In some of the later designs I tried I added a light rig that could later be animated to reveal the logo but would also relate to the large broadcasting cohort within the college.

Initial Logo designs/3D renders

Here are some very early 3D logo designs created in Maya. These designs were still in their infant stages, however they could later be adapted and worked on to best suite the needs of the whole business. I created these images quite quickly and the idea was to produce as many ideas as possible so the group could decide which one they liked best.

Once we settled on a specific design we could then focus on refining it and adding the logo to the merchandise. Again, my efforts were primarily focused on creating a logo that was simple yet modern which could possibly relate the college and its students.

Logo Ideas/Sketches

Here are various 2 dimensional designs I created using Photoshop. When designing these logos I wanted to use a limited colour palette for each one that would save money when printing but would also be visually eye catching. The Ravensbourne college boasts creative talent in a modern era. I tried to replicate this in my work while adhering to specific guidelines set by the group. Some of the early designs were to bright and colorful and were not necessarily in keeping with the Ravensbourne logo. The logo itself should speak to the consumer in an emotional way so that they could understand what the company is all about. If the consumer could relate to the design and appreciate what the company has to offer they would be more willing to buy into it.

Logo Research

Here are a few logo designs I found on the web. It is interesting to observe the different colour tones and designs that have been best used to describe the particular company or product. Sometimes a symbol or logo have been used solely on their own to spark an emotional response in the consumers mind. I have learnt that the logo itself is primarily psychological. When designing the logo for the company I need to consider the way in which the logo conveys the company as well as what it offers while maintaining some kind of emotional response in the consumer it is associated with.

The whole idea for this project was to create a web space for students at ravensbourne with which they could showcase their work. I think it may be worth adhering to the logo of the college in some way to come up with a similar logo that is in keeping with the design. I n this way the logo would immediately be associated with the college and its students.

Logo

A logo is a graphic mark or emblem commonly used by commercial enterprises, organizations and even individuals to aid and promote instant public recognition. Logos are either purely graphic (symbols/icons) or are composed of the name of the organization (a logotype orwordmark). An example of an abstract mark is the blue octagon representing Chase Bank, while an example of a representational mark is the "everyman" icon of PBS. Examples of well-known logotypes (wordmarks) are the striped IBM design, Mobil written in blue with a red "o" and CocaCola written in flowing red script.

In the days of hot metal typesetting, a logotype was a uniquely set and arranged typeface or colophon. At the level of mass communicationor simply in the high street a company's logo is today often synonymous with its trademark or brand.

Ideograms (icons, signs, emblems) may be more effective than a written name (logotype), especially for logos being translated into manyalphabets; for instance, a name in the Arabic language would be of little help in most European markets. An ideogram would keep the general proprietary nature of the product in both markets. In non-profit areas, the Red Cross (which goes by Red Crescent in Muslim countries) is an example of an extremely well known emblem which does not need an accompanying name. Branding aims to facilitate cross-language marketing. The Coca-Cola logo can be identified in any language because of the standard color and the well known "ribbon wave" design.

Some countries have logos, e.g. Argentina, Spain, Italy, Turkey and The Islands of The Bahamas, that identify them in marketing their country solely for tourism purposes. Such logos often are used by countries whose tourism sector makes up a large portion of their economy.

Logo design is an important area of graphic design, and one of the most difficult to perfect. The logo (ideogram), is the image embodying an organization. Because logos are meant to represent companies' brands or corporate identities and foster their immediate customer recognition, it is counterproductive to frequently redesign logos.

Color is considered important to brand recognition, but it should not be an integral component to the logo design, which could conflict with its functionality. Some colors are formed/associated with certain emotions that the designer wants to convey. For instance loud primary colors, such as red, are meant to attract the attention of drivers on highways are appropriate for companies that require such attention. In the United States red, white, and blue are often used in logos for companies that want to project patriotic feelings. Green is often associated with the health and hygiene sector, and light blue or silver is often used to reflect diet foods. For other brands, more subdued tones and lower saturation can communicate reliability, quality, relaxation, or other traits.

Designing a good logo is not a simple task and requires a lot of involvement from the marketing team and the design agency (if outsourced). It requires clear idea about the concept and values of the brand as well as understanding of the consumer or target group as marketers call. Broad step in logo design process would be formulating concept, doing initial sketch, finalizing the logo concept, deciding the theme colours and format.

Advertising

Advertising is a form of communication used to persuade an audience (viewers, readers or listeners) to take some action with respect to products, ideas, or services. Most commonly, the desired result is to drive consumer behavior with respect to a commercial offering, although political and ideological advertising is also common. Advertising messages are usually paid for by sponsors and viewed via various media; including traditional media such as newspapers, magazines, television, radio, outdoor or direct mail; or new media such as websites and text messages.

Commercial advertisers often seek to generate increased consumption of their products or services through "branding," which involves the repetition of an image or product name in an effort to associate certain qualities with the brand in the minds of consumers. Non-commercial advertisers who spend money to advertise items other than a consumer product or service include political parties, interest groups, religious organizations and governmental agencies. Nonprofit organizations may rely on free modes of persuasion, such as a public service announcement.

Company Name

I have recently been doing some research into setting up companies referring to a useful website called businesslink.gov.uk. It states that when creating a suitable name for the company it should imply as to what the company is selling. It also states that the trading name should not be, " the same as, or too similar to, that of a business which already exists."

When conducting some research into company names I found that "The Third Network" which is currently the name we are using for our website is also being used by another company by the same name. The company itself would appear to relate itself with cell phones and trading in this area. I will inform the group members about this finding as soon as possible. There is no reason why we should scrap the idea completely, however, I think that the name needs to be changed to negate any possible confusion with this company.

I t would also appear that the company is currently setting up their own website

Set up and register as self-employed

Arranging to make National Insurance contributions

As well as registering as self-employed you'll need to arrange to pay Class 2 National Insurance contributions (NICs), unless you expect your earnings to be very low - see the later sub-section if this applies to you. For the tax year 2011-12 the Class 2 NICs rate is £2.50 a week.

The most convenient way to pay Class 2 NICs is via direct debit. Paying by Direct Debit has many advantages:

• it's easy to set up - just fill in the application form and send it to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - you will need a suitable account at a bank or building society
• it runs automatically - once set up, you don't have to remember to make payments
• you can choose to pay monthly or six monthly
• it helps your budgeting - for people in business, good cash flow and budgeting are essential and paying by Direct Debit means that your payments are always made in arrears of your liability
• it gives you peace of mind - payments are made on time, every time and there is no risk of losing benefit because you forgot to pay

Find an application form to pay Class 2 NICs by direct debit on the HMRC website- Opens in a new window.

If you are unable to pay by Direct Debit, HMRC will issue you with bill reminders in April and October showing the amount due by 31 July and 31 January respectively.

Applying to be exempt from paying Class 2 NICs

If you expect your income from your business to be low for the tax year you may not have to pay Class 2 NICs. To find out more please download form CF10 Self-employed people with small earnings.

How and when to register/Research

When you become self-employed you must register for Income Tax and National Insurance (NI) purposes with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). There are three ways that you can register:

• online using the email links below - recommended for most
• by phone - by calling the Newly Self-employed Helpline - details below
• by post - by downloading and completing Form CWF1 - link below

If you are self-employed in a partnership, each of the partners must register separately.

Your NI number

In order to register you will need your national insurance number.

When to register

You should tell HMRC as soon as you start working for yourself - you can't register in advance. If you delay registering, you may have to pay an initial penalty. You will have to pay further penalties if payments become due and have not been met.

Information you will need to provide

You will need to provide the information listed below.

Make sure you have all of this to hand if registering online as you cannot save the details and return at a later date once you start to complete the online form.

• name
• address
• NI number
• date of birth
• contact telephone number
• contact email address
• the date your self-employment commenced
• the nature of your business
• your business address
• your business telephone number
• your Unique Tax Reference (UTR) - if you were previously within Self Assessment
• the business's UTR - if you are joining an existing partnership
• where relevant, the full name(s) and date(s) of birth of your business partner(s)

Where to find your NI number and UTR

Your NI number is made up of nine letters and numbers in the following format: DQ123456A. You can find it on your NI card, letters from Social Security, documents sent to you from HMRC, on your pay slips, P45s or P60s.

If you have completed a tax return previously, you will find your UTR quoted on previously issued Self Assessment correspondence, for example your Self Assessment tax return. It is made up of ten digits, for example 12345 67890. Please use the business UTR if joining an existing partnership.

Registering online

This is the quickest and most convenient way to register - although this method can't be used if you're a partner in a limited liability partnership (LLP) - see below. Note that when you submit your online application to HMRC it is secure, but the reply to you is not. As a result the email reply will not contain confidential information. If HMRC needs to send you any such information they will contact you by letter or telephone.

Please also note that for security reasons, you will be timed out after 15 minutes. Therefore please have all information to hand before you start.

Register online as self-employed (sole traders) with HMRC.

(A sole trader business is one that is owned and run by one person.)

Register online as self-employed (partner in a partnership (except LLPs)) with HMRC.

All business partners must register separately.

If you're a partner in an LLP you can only register by post - see below.

Registering by telephone

In most cases you can also register as self-employed by calling the HMRC Newly Self-Employed Helpline on Tel 0845 915 4515. Lines are open from 08.00 to 20.00 Monday to Friday, and 08.00 am to 16.00 on Saturdays. They are closed on bank holidays. You'll still need all of the information mentioned above to hand.

Note that you can't use this method if you are a partner in an LLP. You'll need to register by post - see below.

Registering by post

If you prefer to register by post please download and complete the Form CWF1 Becoming self-employed and being registered for NI contributions (NICs) and/or tax. Alternatively, you can call the HMRC Newly Self-Employed Helpline on Tel 0845 915 4515 and ask them to send you a form.

If you're a partner in an LLP you must register by post.

What is an LLP

An LLP is

A limited liability partnership (LLP) is a partnership in which some or all partners (depending on the jurisdiction) have limited liability. It therefore exhibits elements of partnerships and corporations. In an LLP one partner is not responsible or liable for another partner's misconduct or negligence. This is an important difference from that of an unlimited partnership. In an LLP, some partners have a form of limited liability similar to that of the shareholders of a corporation. In some countries, an LLP must also have at least one "general partner" with unlimited liability. Unlike corporate shareholders, the partners have the right to manage the business directly. As opposed to that, corporate shareholders have to elect a board of directors under the laws of various state charters. The board organizes itself (also under the laws of the various state charters) and hires corporate officers who then have as "corporate" individuals the legal responsibility to manage the corporation in the corporation's best interest. An LLP also contains a different level of tax liability from that of a corporation.

Limited liability partnerships are distinct from limited partnerships in some countries, which may allow all LLP partners to have limited liability, while a limited partnership may require at least one unlimited partner and allow others to assume the role of a passive and limited liability investor. As a result, in these countries the LLP is more suited for businesses where all investors wish to take an active role in management.

There is considerable confusion between LLPs as constituted in the U.S. and that introduced in the UK in 2001 and adopted elsewhere - see below - since the UK LLP is, despite the name, specifically legislated as a Corporate body rather than a Partnership.

Find Form CWF1 - becoming self-employed and being registered for NICs and/or tax on the HMRC website- Opens in a new window.

Contractors and sub-contractors in the construction industry

If you are a contractor and/or a sub-contractor in the construction industry, you must also register with the Construction Industry Scheme.

Setting Up a Business

Setting up as a self-employed sole trader is the simplest and quickest way to start a business. Setting up a company has its advantages, however, keeping the company going is a challenge and requires a collaborative effort and careful planning. There isn't much paperwork to do. There are no registration fees to pay, but we must register as self-employed. Record keeping and accounting is straightforward.

Anyone can set up in business as a sole trader, although for certain types of work we may need a licence or permission from our local authority. Restaurants, childminders, cab drivers and street traders, for example, all need to have a local authority license. Your qualifications and business premises may be inspected beforehand to ensure you comply with regulations.

Working from home

If you run a business from home, you may have to pay business rates for the part of your home that you use for your business. This mainly depends on whether the business area of your home is also used for domestic purposes. We may need to get planning permission to set up a business at home. For example, if your business could cause a nuisance to neighbours, or if we intend to do any building work to adapt our homes. If in doubt, contact the planning department of our local authorities.

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Choosing the name of your business

You can trade under your own name, or use another business name, eg Peerless Promotions.

If you decide to use a business name, you must make sure that your business stationary displays your name as well as the trading name of the business for example, M.Y.Self, trading as Peerless Promotions.

Your trading name should not be the same as, or too similar to, that of a business which already exists. Be careful that it does not contain words that people might find offensive or misleading.