This is not the first time I made a logo, but this is the first logo I made that I got paid for for a freelance job.

A friend asked me if I could make them a logo for their website and immediately I said yes. This was an opportunity I couldn’t resist because finally I will get to practice what I have been reading and researching for… logo design.

I enjoy reading blogs especially design blogs that helps me grow in my craft. Blogs of JCD, TDC, and David Airey are just a few that created in me curiosity, interest and inspiration to create logos.

The so called “process”

I don’t really care much about the “creative process”, what matters to me is to get things done. But most of the time not having or following a creative process made me inefficient, it’s either I get disorganize or I waste a lot of time stuck in a  project. I find the creative process or creative flow from the blogs I mentioned above very helpful in my logo design.

1. Questionnaire – Have a client answer a questionnaire releveant to the project. This will help you focus and guide you as to what the client want or need. This will also serve as your proof in case things get out of hand.

2. Research – Do a thorough research of the company, competitor, market, and anything that would help you gather relevant information to come up with a relevant solution.

3. Mind map – I’m so glad I had a chance to attend a free mind mapping seminar. Mind mapping helps you get tons of words and ideas out of a particular subject or word you are working on.

4. Sketch – I’m not good in drawing but who cares! Sketching will save you lots of time than sitting right away in front of the computer while trying to figure out what to do. Sketching gives you the freedom to freely doodle everything you have in mind and later on figure out exactly the best possible design to render.

I wish I can post the mind map and sketches I made but sadly I threw them all away. Don’t ever do that! Keep all your notes intact, you’ll never know.

5. Render – Now it’s time for the machine to intervene. With your sketch / sketches, render it using any vector graphics editor. Vectors are great for logos because it allows you to scale images as big or as small as you want without deforming or ruining the quality.

This was the response emailed by my client…

Awesome!!! I’m uploading on the server now! You’re the best!

For me, logo design is very challenging, it stretches my thinking and creativity. Logo design takes time. For some just a few minutes but most of the time it will take hours, days or even weeks. But, it’s worth it!

Having a well designed logo is essential in any business because it represents you. It’s the visual representation of your business whether you’re just starting out or you’ve already made a name.

EasterTweetUp had a blast!

Around 62 “Tweeps” attended the Tweetup at National Sports Grill, Greenbelt 3, Makati City, Philippines.  It was nice seeing all great friends in Twitter. Great food, fun games, Yahoo collectibles and sensible conversation.

Thanks to Sherwin (@ssowy) and friends who organized the biggest Tweetup in Makati (so far).

To see more of photos, please click my Flickr Photostream here.

Another print designs but this time, inspired by Singapore. I got these poster cards during my business trip in Singapore 2008. Die cut style may be an old thing for prints but if you notice it, you may use it as bookmark. What a cute idea. Enjoy!

Coaches’ Day 2008

You may use it as bookmark.

Great idea to give away for basketball coaches – could be also your coach in life.

Caring Community 2008

Here’s the Visionary Photography Hub Website See it for yourself.

A minimalist type design with the color scheme of black and white.

On February 6, 2010, Visionary Photography Hub has launched their newly studio at New Manila, Quezon City. Visionary aims to become the only exclusive photography hub in the country for photography professionals and hobbyists that offer talent management solutions for the enhancement of their skills, strengthening of professional connections and the rightful display and distribution of the craft. Visionary aims to provide essential tools, resources, and technologies needed for the proper management, exhibition and circulation of the creations.

Below are some of the photos during launching party.

From left: Jervy Santiago (Photographer), Jojit Lorenzo (Photographer), Krista Nogueras (Artist), and Mike Pelayo (Master mind).

Three models/performers of the night. A whole body paint artwork by University of the Philippines artists. Imagine how itchy and uncomfortable it was.

The famous of them all. Photographers loved to take picture of her because of her unusual color and texture. It looks like a shiny statue powdered with glitters. Cheers to Vanessa Marie Felix Reyes !

Philippines is never left out when it comes to conceptual photography. To see more artworks of Visionary Photography Hub, I’ll be creating a new post including the website’ link. So please watch out for that. Hope you get inspired by these young performers, artists and photographers from the Philippines.

Whenever I travel locally or internationally, I always look for posters, brochures or any prints that seem interesting and would fuel my creativity. I believe that poster-design is now a trend in 2010 web design. So here are some of my collections to give you inspiration and spark ideas for web design.

Poster versions from Taiwan

A Black, yellow and white color poster. It is entitled: YOUNG STARS. NEW VISION . See how black and white poster put a yellow paint on it.

… attention to details… “2009″ number was magnified here

So, for the Blue/Red one, It’s entitled “CROWN ART FESTIVAL” and applies the “Less is more” principle. Putting one big human image can make a great impact to the design.

Let’s get into details. This is cute . A man that is about to jump (I think) is holding a small card with baby picture on it.

I love white. So simple but it rocks! This one is so “Taiwanese” with calligraphy touch on it. It’s entitled “FOX TALES”

And the details, A pink and blue Taiwanese ladies and a man also wearing Kimono.

I like the way they put the tree on the black circle paint.

Hope you enjoy those posters!

As promised, here’s the approved web layout of an international Filipino rock band, Rivermaya. I apologize for keeping you waiting. There were actually 2 reference sites that we were basing this on. Ronald suggested an orange and green color scheme with a touch of “Rockness” on it, but I prefer a green color which could be the band’s advocacy…”Rivermaya goes Green”.

How do you like it?

I attended a seminar on finance. The speaker foresighted that the trend would lead to a “Green” technology in the next few years. It’s kinda weird on how to relate this rock band web design to “environmental” thingy (sorry about that). By the way, you may check the live site here –> Rivermaya.ph

Please note: The site is not yet fully functional and may vary from the actual layout.

Related Post: RiverFlows Part I

Quote: It is not enough that we do our best, sometimes we have to do what is required. ~ Sir Winston Churchill

Did I mention that I love creating digital scrapbooking? Here’s one of my favorite artworks and my adorable niece Sophia.

oh, that’s so quick!

I call this design, “River flows“. It’s not because a river flows on it. And definitely not because I was on the side of the river while doing this. Basically, I got the word ‘River‘ from the group band  Rivermaya – a popular rock band from the Philippines, which is actually a proud client of Redmedia (web+events) - where I am currently connected with and doing this for the band. So how about the word “Flows“? well, nothing much to really think about. Dave, one of the master mind of Redmedia suggested to base the design to the current album entitled “Closest thing to Heaven” So my creativity just flowed on it and I set my mind to produce a concrete concept similar to the look and feel of their current album. The design elements should look clean and have  white, green, blue, red and yellow colors in it. So here it is.

Thanks to Lea and Aaron for some helpful critics. And Ethel, a very supportive sister. Love my siblings! Of course! the Redmedia team.

By the way, this is not the approved design. I will post the approved design once it goes online. And tell you some story behind why we need to change and make another option. You will be surprised because the other mockup is a totally different concept from this one. It is a 3 color tone – black, gray and blue green; with grunge style on it. We want to convey and transport to the audience that Rivermaya is a rock band so the team decided to put some touch of “Rockness” on the design.

So, why am I showing this first mockup (even this is not the approved design)? Because of this realization that just popped up into my mind.

Lesson bites: Nothing is wasted if you always give your best shot to every thing you do. (that’s one of my philosophy in life)

Hope you enjoy it!