Extended Practice Brief #6: Logotype Initial Ideas [Nina X Graphic Design 2]

I've created some initial drawing sketches for Nina's logo and used the theme of 'playful and soft' as my main themes using circular and soft shapes to further emphasise this as well. Instead of a logo, I actually leaned more towards logotypes as her name is really interesting to play around with and i figured to make it less cliche especially with the 'feather' as a part of the design rather than just placed with it giving it more purpose other than its aesthetic also, I'd rather have it actually as a supporting point of design rather than the main one.

I leaned more towards using soft and curvy sans serif (Work Sans) lettering in my sketches as I thought it worked effectively as a very playful and approachable logotype at the same time; whilst also experimenting with serif typefaces (Mazius Review) that fit a very commercial and editorial feel, just like her photography style.

As I've sketched more, I've integrated the feather in the actually letters, replacing the dot of the eye with it as I found it really fun and subtle and at the same time working effectively with her style.  Overtime, I actually started to prefer these styles, especially the once with the serif type as I felt it was more fitting to her fine art and fashion photography aesthetic. I feel like the serif logotype feels more 

• chic
• sleek
• modern and contemporary but still playful and inviting 
• somewhat luxurious and has a graceful aesthetic to it 
• quite editorial and commercial too 

From the sketches these are the onces that I preferred:

• very simplistic and minimal
• a hint of playfulness and subtle nuance of the feather 
• dynamic through the altered 'l' and 'o' to the logotype
• quite editorial and commercial fit for fashion photography aesthetic and style

• minimal again but a bit more stylish
• gives quite a 'perfume' 'accesory' brand feel though, doesn't quite feel her
• wide kerning gives it a very 'serious' tone too 
• professional but TOO professional 
• not as approachable and playful.

• very playful 
• going for an emblem style/look - inspired by designer brooches and pins
• something quite cute
• looks too clique though?
• but circular motif works will to create a very inviting and joyful tone to it 
• TOO MUCH going on with the feather 
• the serif clashes with the shaping too much.

Thoughts & Reflection:

Personally I think the first designs work the best but, I'd also need to have Nina's opinion on it on our next meeting. I'll also start implementing these designs on business cards soon.