Logo Contest

Please also have a look at the discussion page Talk:Logo Contest and comment.

Should we be considering some of the content in other contests, such as the recent FreeBSD contest:

http://lists.freebsd.org/mailman/htdig/freebsd-announce/2005-February/000981.html

For judging, it might be useful to encourage the submission of a logo "collage" like what is shown here:

http://logo-contest.freebsd.org/result/160-1.png

[High Resolution]

A suggestion was made on the mailing list about having some graphic designers/branding folks on the judging board. That's probably a good idea... MPG has someone that he may be able to round up, and I believe that Gary may have volunteered some Autodesk resources for this.

Do we have any funds that we can allocate to this? Even a small prize might encourage more participation.

= OSGeo Logo Contest =

Do you have a flair for the artistic?

We need some creative minds to help us develop the "look" for OSGeo. In return you will receive recognition and the satisfaction that comes from helping the cause. Please submit your best artwork, keeping in mind the following:

Contest Parameters
The logo contest will close on March 23th, 2006. All logos must be emailed to logo@mail.osgeo.org by 11:59pm GMT, March 23th, 2006.

Anyone may submit logos for judging. Anyone from OSGeo members to family and friends may participate. We are looking for the best so spread the word.

It is preferable that your work is in a vector format for the most flexibility. Rendering with free tools is preferred but origin format will not be considered during judging.

All submissions must be converted to PNG,JPG or PDF format for judging.

In order to keep the contest manageable, voting members of the foundation will vote on which logo they prefer. Each member will indicate a primary (2 votes) and secondary (1 vote) choice. In the case of a tie, the board will have the final say. The board will also have a veto to not allow an entry based on suitability (infringes on another logo, etc.).

We are looking for a complete visual identity package. A great example of what we are looking for can be found at joomla.org, where they have developed a complete branding manual: http://www.joomla.org/content/view/259/70/

Please submit in a vector format if possible. Raster formats are unsuitable due to the need to resize the image for both small and large uses, from browser favicons to large banners at conferences.

The logo should be in color, but should also look good in gray scale, and should be visible against both white and black backgrounds. It is recommended, though not required, that you stay within the web-safe color palette:

* http://www.lynda.com/hex.html * http://www.stone.com/java/cc/ * http://the-light.com/netcol.html * http://www.visibone.com/swatches/

You may want to consider the effects that different forms of color-blindness will have. Sites like http://vischeck.com/ can help you ensure that your logo does not lose any distinctive features when viewed by a color-blind user.

Look up US and international trademark guidelines if you are feeling really industrious.

General Logo

 * submit at least a primary graphic and a copy of the same with the site name (OSGeo or OSGeo.org) text. As well, please consider submitting multiple renderings of the same shape in color, gray scale, different backgrounds, and with different text.


 * logos must support two lines of identifying text. The first mandatory line will be either OSGeo or OSGeo.org.  The second line will be an identifier, such as:  "Member", "Associate Member", "Board Member", "Supporter", "Gold Sponsor", or the like.  Feel free to specify the position and font parameters for the text to be used adjacent to the logo, as well as recommended fonts for the electronic and printed material.

Masthead/Banner Logo

 * Size matters. Since the banner is on every page, we would prefer a short logo verses a tall one. Width is more flexible, but we should be careful about the login/register links in the top right of the banner area.


 * Because of the need to stretch to different resolutions, the banner should fade to a neutral or tiled background on the right-hand side.


 * The banner should include the foundation or site URL name. Optionally a motto or descriptive saying under the name. It is agreed by most the board that a descriptive line is not necessary.

URL (Favicon) Logo

 * Most browsers support a small graphic on the location bar or with bookmarks, and we require one of these for the OSGeo.org. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Favicon  Please provide a miniature stylized version of your logo, preferably in multi-resolution .ico format, for use in this capacity.

Color swatch

 * If you have any experience with this, please submit a color swatch for use in branding the site. Some great references can be found here:
 * http://www.kolur.com/oct6/galindex.php
 * http://www.colorblender.com/

Other Logos
There are many uses for logos. While you are designing the logo, consider whether it will be adaptable to other uses. Do not be afraid of creating several logos that meet different needs for size, height, and width, or of illustrating their use in difference scenarios.

OSGeo.org Member button - for use by individuals on cards, websites, etc.

Name badges

Splash Screens for member client applications

Logos for future contests

Logos for banners

t-shirts, mugs, etc.