How Low Can You Logo?

Recently, we entered a graphic design contest called "How Low Can Your Logo?"  The object of the contest was to design the worst logo possible for a client called Excellencico - a global e-commerce company.  Normally, Abby is in charge of all design work for our firm, but this particular job she was happy to hand to me.  I could hardly quell my excitement!  I get to design something without the slightest concern that the end product would be liked by a client?  In fact, I want it to be disliked?  What could be better than that?

After hours of planning and dreaming, I created this: a logo that is almost trying to be good, but is really quite awful.

Abby looked at it and shuddered - which was a good sign.  I sent it off to the judges at "How Low Can You Logo?" and wondered what would become of my best attempt at badness.

We received notice tonight that my logo, out of the 1400 entries, has been selected to be one of the 12 finalists in the contest! I couldn't be more pleased to be bad.

Abby claims that you need to know what good is in order to create something that is truly bad.  She insists that this means I have a secret and hidden talent towards visual arts.  Perhaps.  Maybe the pressure to create something good had been cramping my inner muse.  It is possible that this is just the beginning of my creative genius...  or, I should stick to blog writing.  I'll let you know what I decide!

Check out our logo and its competition, and read all about the contest and the fictional client, at www.howlowcanyourlogo.com

Christmas Confessions

I have a confession to make.  I absolutely HATE baking for Christmas.  Baking for any reason, really.  It's too restrictive and controlled for my style; since I can't eat wheat, it is a tremendous amount of work for something I'm not allowed to enjoy.  Christmas baking seems especially laborious to me because it is expected.  I resent walking past the rows and rows of baking supplies in the grocery stores - the ones that shout at me "You aren't part of an awesome holiday tradition!  You are seriously lacking in all things maternal and womanly!"  So, in response to these horrible baking voices, I have devised a plan.  I scour the local bakeries for Christmas goodies and let the professionals do the work for me.

One of my recent trips took me to Putnam Market in Saratoga Springs, NY.  It is among my favorite guilty pleasures.  Just walking through the store and admiring the shelves of fresh baked goods, specialty items, and delicious savories makes my mouth water. 

 

Since my husband was born and raised in the UK, I love that I can bring him some Christmas 'biscuits' and tea from the homeland.  As for me, I stock up on the things that I can eat - cheese, olives, marinades and sauces - to make holiday entertaining that much easier.

On my way out?  I indulge in the purchase of a gift basket for the upcoming holiday party.  And all of this is infinitely more fun than baking.

Just don't tell my kids.  They still think I slaved over those ginger cookies.