Challenge
The client requested a logo refresh for their future establishment called Stoney’s Bad Decisions Bar. A logo had already been commissioned, but it didn’t fit the client’s vision. The goal was the capture the energy of a bar: relaxed, fun, and a bit playful. Also, it had to incorporate a gorilla mascot into the design.
PROCESS
The original logo was a tracing of a stock image. It was fairly easy to find while looking for inspiration for this project. I liked the direction of the original logo, but I wanted to clean it up and provide a more original design.
I gave the client a few sketches to choose from then got started. I began with a full color design, but then remembered any good logo should display well in black and white. As I worked backwards I felt like a simpler color palette was a better choice and decided to go with that for the final design.
RESULTS
The client was happy with the finished product. A few tweaks to the letter styling and we were done. I felt like I’d captured the look I was going for in the gorilla’s expression. It’s a mix of slyness, mischief, and all around fun. The best possible representation of Stoney’s Bad Decision Bar.
LESSONS LEARNED
Building trust through communication with clients allows you to offer your best work.
Good logos must work in black and white.
Drawing gorillas is hard. A few misplaced strokes and you just have a hairy person.
