AndyMark - Super Shifter gearbox logo design contest [Archive]

Andy Baker

28-06-2007, 14:49

ChiefDelphi community:

Mark and I at AndyMark are finishing up the development of a new shifting gearbox. Our plan is to have it available to be seen at IRI (July 20-21), and ready for sale this coming fall. It has some new features, including an added external shaft with a reduced speed for direct drive applications, an encoder, and fully-enclosed sides. Each gearbox could be swapped between pneumatic or servo shifting without buying any new parts.

Essentially, we have considered many improvements and implemented most of them.

We're calling this gearbox the "Super Shifter".

So, we need some help. Many of you are better at graphic design that we are. We need a logo for this Super Shifter. We're willing to pay for a design that we choose and use. Make a design that does not infringe on someone else's trademark, and post it on this thread (or just send it to us).

We are open for any sort of design. You may want to check out our AndyMark website (http://www.andymark.biz) for a start, regarding our logo and color scheme.

We will pick one design, and buy hi-res versions from the designer for $100.

<edit: timeframe: a design will be picked by July 13th>

Sincerely,
Andy Baker

ps... For those who have purchased our AM Shifters (and all versions): We will still be selling all of the current Shifting gearboxes (AM Shifter, AM Shifter Gen.2, AM Servo Shifter), and continuing to support those designs. Also, we will be offering an AM Servo Shifter of the Gen. 1 design.

Rosiebotboss

28-06-2007, 15:20

How about a pair of shifters for the 2008 season instead of $100???:eek:

Michelle Celio

28-06-2007, 15:54

What will be the general purpose use of this logo? Will it be for advertising, use on the product etc. What size do you consider hi-res since it is always easier to make smaller than to make bigger when it comes to imaging. What do you want included with the logo things such as Company Name (AndyMark) Product Name (Super Shifter) maybe even pictures of the product if it is going to be used for marketing? Some more information on what you are looking for could be quite helpful.

MrForbes

28-06-2007, 16:24

I think the name has already been taken....

Billfred

28-06-2007, 17:21

I've got three questions, beyond Michelle's:

1) Is vector art required, or will hi-res raster images do?
2) Is there any limitation on number of colors?
3) What file formats will you accept?

--Billfred

JaneYoung

28-06-2007, 18:45

I'm wondering if the questions that Michelle and Billfred are asking wouldn't make a good white paper to have available for someone who would like some work done like Andy has requested. Good stuff.

Andy Baker

28-06-2007, 19:45

How about a pair of shifters for the 2008 season instead of $100???:eek:

A guy can dream. :)

What will be the general purpose use of this logo? Will it be for advertising, use on the product etc. What size do you consider hi-res since it is always easier to make smaller than to make bigger when it comes to imaging. What do you want included with the logo things such as Company Name (AndyMark) Product Name (Super Shifter) maybe even pictures of the product if it is going to be used for marketing? Some more information on what you are looking for could be quite helpful.

The logo will definitely go on the website, and will be made into stickers that will be placed on the product. It may even be put onto a t-shirt. The winner would also get a couple of t-shirts and a few stickers.

We don't need the product picture in the logo, just the name. This is not a flyer. Maybe the AndyMark logo also, but I don't want to constrain you to that.

I am not sure what sort of resolution we need at this point (I need to investigate that). And, for us to pick a winner, a high resolution version is not needed.

I think the name has already been taken....

Good point, Jim. We should probably call it "AM Super Shifter", with a nickname of "Super Shifter" for short. Yeah, that works.

I've got three questions, beyond Michelle's:

1) Is vector art required, or will hi-res raster images do?
2) Is there any limitation on number of colors?
3) What file formats will you accept?

--Billfred

1) Vector art would be nice, but I am open for other options.
2) Go crazy.
3) Formats - initially, any is fine (jpg, gif, bmp) for evaluation. Once we pick a winner, that may need to be more specific. My "sticker guy" likes vector art.

Andy

MrForbes

28-06-2007, 19:48

Jeremiah Johnson

28-06-2007, 22:14

"Supa' Shifter", anyone?

kramarczyk

28-06-2007, 22:32

The little R with a circle around it gives Hurst (or whoever owns them now) a good chance of winning a lawsuit against you if they feel the need to file one. They still sell the Super Shifter 3. Anyone who was into drag racing in the 70s knows the brand name well....

Looks like the Hurst trademark has expired... Hurst only has this one (Reg # 2442587 - http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=h1lbsr.8.1)in the US Patent and Trademark Office Database...
Although there is a "Super Shifter" entry to BOB'S SPACE RACERS, INC. (Reg # 1689139 - http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=h1lbsr.9.19), but it appears to have expired in March 2003.
Looks like you're in the clear. :D

'course I kind of like "Supa' Shifter" :cool:

MrForbes

28-06-2007, 22:38

well that's nice to know! I still think you need a logo that shows the heritage of the "Super Shifter" name...I wonder if any of these ideas could be incorporated? :)

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/primer.gif

Michelle Celio

28-06-2007, 23:44

Is there anyway we can get the the font/font name used on the AndyMark website for the AndyMark name?

Jaine Perotti

29-06-2007, 10:18

The logo will definitely go on the website, and will be made into stickers that will be placed on the product. It may even be put onto a t-shirt. The winner would also get a couple of t-shirts and a few stickers. How, exactly, will the logo be used on the website? I don't see any individual logos (apart from the AM one) on any of your other products. Do you think it may be placed below the image of the product (as in this photo (http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-33833170891817_1954_13498403)), or will it be similar to a banner ad, located at the top of the page? Is there a particular shape or aspect ratio you are looking for? Does it matter whether the logo is round, square, or long and rectangular?

Sorry to bug you with nitpicky questions, but size and usage makes a huge difference when you are trying to come up with a design. A logo that will be small (i.e. a little badge/sticker on the product) needs to look good small - simple and graphic. A logo that will be used in a large size can afford to be more detailed.

Thanks,
Jaine

Tim Baird

29-06-2007, 10:41

I need to get out more often...

http://www.timbaird.com/pics/first/2007/supershifter_tb.jpg

Dan Richardson

29-06-2007, 10:56

LoL you guys should do some strategic marketing with the producers of the Transformers! Both are SUPER SHIFTERS! Maybe the product can shift into a crime fighting robot the likes of which the world has never seen!!!!

AdamHeard

29-06-2007, 11:31

I need to get out more often...

http://www.timbaird.com/pics/first/2007/supershifter_tb.jpg

To be honest, I really don't think you can beat that.... It's not the best logo, but it is the best slogan for it ever.

Nuttyman54

29-06-2007, 11:33

To be honest, I really don't think you can beat that.... It's not the best logo, but it is the best slogan for it ever.

Ain't that the truth..way to go Timmy

Jeremiah Johnson

29-06-2007, 11:45

Andy Baker

29-06-2007, 12:54

How, exactly, will the logo be used on the website? I don't see any individual logos (apart from the AM one) on any of your other products. Do you think it may be placed below the image of the product (as in this photo (http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-33833170891817_1954_13498403)), or will it be similar to a banner ad, located at the top of the page? Is there a particular shape or aspect ratio you are looking for? Does it matter whether the logo is round, square, or long and rectangular?

Sorry to bug you with nitpicky questions, but size and usage makes a huge difference when you are trying to come up with a design. A logo that will be small (i.e. a little badge/sticker on the product) needs to look good small - simple and graphic. A logo that will be used in a large size can afford to be more detailed.

Thanks,
Jaine

I prefer simple logos. In this case, it will mostly be used as stickers located on the products. Even if it's big, like on a shirt, simple is good. As for shape, there are no constraints.

AB

Jay Trzaskos

29-06-2007, 13:20

Times like these make me wish I was better at things like this, but I'm not so here is my idea. The link goes to the larger image and I also attached a thumbnail.

http://229pics.googlepages.com/AMSuperShifter.jpg

dlavery

29-06-2007, 14:28

http://www.team116.org/Images/AndyMark.jpg

I just couldn't resist... :)

-dave (proud owner of multiple AM Gen II shifting transmissions!)

Jeff Rodriguez

29-06-2007, 14:37

Is there a high res version of the AM logo we can use?

Pavan Dave

29-06-2007, 15:20

http://www.team116.org/Images/AndyMark.jpg

I just couldn't resist... :)

-dave (proud owner of multiple AM Gen II shifting transmissions!)

It goes well with their "Shift Happens" line of products... .Maybe this can be another T-shirt I can buy from AM? I got one at ATL, can I expect a new one at IRI?

CraigHickman

29-06-2007, 16:38

Here's my idea:

Schnabel

29-06-2007, 17:09

Here's my take at it. Kinda simple.
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/2505/supershifterfinalws9.png

Rich Ross

29-06-2007, 19:54

How many entries are allowed?

CraigHickman

29-06-2007, 20:05

I didn't really like mine, and wanted to add a layer of surreal-ness to it, so here's my second idea.

bear24rw

29-06-2007, 20:19

I didn't really like mine, and wanted to add a layer of surreal-ness to it, so here's my second idea.

6 finger hands?!

TheOtherGuy

29-06-2007, 20:28

My brother and I decided to give a shot at this. The logo is already in vector format...

http://www.project1726.org/supershifter.png

MrForbes

29-06-2007, 20:39

Oh...that's what it looks like....

(I'm too lazy to get up and walk into the next room and look at it on that computer)

Dan Petrovic

29-06-2007, 21:12

Is there any size limit?

FourTwoNineZero

29-06-2007, 23:38

Is there a limit to the number of colors? I know this is a common thing when making shirts and such things.

And would you happen to have any pictures of the Super Shifter?

And a hi res verson of the AM logo as others have said?

Tedrick

artdutra04

29-06-2007, 23:46

Here's my first stab at a simple, yet classy logo*:

http://adutra.team228.org/images/super-shifter-rev1.png

* I always follow the Ron Burgundy School of Graphics Design mantra of "You Stay Classy, San Diego". http://www.team228.org/images/emoticons/read-this.gif

Dan Petrovic

30-06-2007, 00:15

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d15/InfernoX14_1990/Photoshop/supershifter.jpg

Plain and simple... minus the embossing and gradations.

Madison

30-06-2007, 00:18

Variations on a theme.

lukevanoort

30-06-2007, 00:34

This is a exported PNG, the actual file is a vector graphic, so it should scale nicely to any necessary size.
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/5449/amsslogo2qe9.th.png (http://img522.imageshack.us/my.php?image=amsslogo2qe9.png)

Jeremiah Johnson

30-06-2007, 02:21

Oh man, $100 could go nicely towards purchasing my motorcycle. I'll have some free time tomorrow night. I'll get in on this, most definitely.

Tom Line

30-06-2007, 16:33

Try #1.

Ryo Chiba

30-06-2007, 17:52

Vector formats are available on request.

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/6421/supershiftereu7.png

Good luck to everyone else who enters, and happy designing!

Nate Laverdure

30-06-2007, 18:08

Wow, I think Ryo just won. He definitely has my vote.

Lil' Lavery

30-06-2007, 18:36

A few different versions of mine.
Full version:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v178/Mystlyfe/116%20stuffage/web.jpg

Simpler versions for t-shirts etc.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v178/Mystlyfe/116%20stuffage/simple.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v178/Mystlyfe/116%20stuffage/simpleblack.jpg

More compact version for smaller stickers/buttons/etc.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v178/Mystlyfe/116%20stuffage/stick.jpg

AndyB

30-06-2007, 18:38

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/daunte2moss07/AMSSLogo1copy.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/daunte2moss07/AMSSLogo2copy.jpg

Tim Baird

30-06-2007, 19:36

6 finger hands?!

It's too super for just 5 fingers.

Jeff Rodriguez

30-06-2007, 21:52

Here's my entry:
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/1757/logokc4.png (http://imageshack.us)
I want to give the AM diamond more depth. I'll probably work an it a bit more in the next few days.

Michelle Celio

30-06-2007, 22:31

So you wanna be a playa
But your gear boxes aint fly?
You gotta shift us up
To get that high speed drive....

Click for HUGE versions.

With "Slogan"
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/2975/image5smallip4.png (http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/4635/image5io8.png)
With out "Slogan"
http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/9771/image6smallvo1.png (http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/1029/image6mm4.png)

Schnabel

30-06-2007, 22:54

Here's my entry:
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/1757/logokc4.png (http://imageshack.us)
I want to give the AM diamond more depth. I'll probably work an it a bit more in the next few days.

Hey now, the superman logo was my idea! :p

Jeff Rodriguez

30-06-2007, 22:56

Hey now, the superman logo was my idea! :p

I swear I had the idea before you posted yours and was working on it. What took me so long was making a vector AM logo.

Schnabel

30-06-2007, 23:04

Yeah but i got mine out first. :p

Rich Ross

30-06-2007, 23:13

I have two so far. Let me know what you think!

For the Black Tie party:
http://img2.putfile.com/main/6/18023081786.jpg
For the Races:
http://img2.putfile.com/main/6/18023064846.jpg

Dan Petrovic

30-06-2007, 23:39

Hey now, the superman logo was my idea! :p

While we're all using ideas from other people, I figured I'd have a little fun and borrow the Wheaties slogan. :p

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d15/InfernoX14_1990/shifterofchampions.jpg?t=1183261124

lukevanoort

30-06-2007, 23:57

I swear I had the idea before you posted yours and was working on it. What took me so long was making a vector AM logo.
Inkscape has a tool built in to turn bitmap images into vector images. You should check it out, using it, it only took me ~10 mins to make a vector AM logo, and most of that was spent reading the manual entry on the tool. If others need a vector AM logo, I can post it in this thread tomorrow afternoon. (I'm away from the computer that has the file right now)

EDIT: I attached a vector graphic of the AM logo. I had to zip it so CD would accept it as an attachment. (*.svg files are not allowed)

artdutra04

01-07-2007, 00:57

I just had this idea, which fits more into the promotional tee shirt kind of idea, as opposed to the general logo idea.

http://adutra.team228.org/images/serious-shift.png

FourTwoNineZero

01-07-2007, 02:30

I just had this idea, which fits more into the promotional tee shirt kind of idea, as opposed to the general logo idea.

I love that! Can I buy a shirt like that just 'cause it's that cool?!

Tedrick

Cody Carey

01-07-2007, 02:57

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/8630/andybizxu6.png

Yeah, I just put this together in Photoshop really quick, I'll probably end up uploading another by the 13th, Let me know what you think. =)

-Cody

SPARKY1688

01-07-2007, 09:38

I would like it better if its was am Shifter Deluxe, I just like that word like when you got to a diner and you see deluxe,so for the logo i was thinking a animated pnuematic cylinder and a servo looking at each other and the a quoted phrase, "Looks like were in this together" Andy Mark Transmissions, or. something like "Andy Mark transmissions, making this better one shift at a time"

Justin Montois

01-07-2007, 10:23

There are some really awesome designs, AM is going to have a tough time picking one.

Andy Baker

01-07-2007, 10:38

There are some really awesome designs, AM is going to have a tough time picking one.

You've got that right... these are awesome.

Thanks to all. I'm quite overwhelmed by all of these entries. I figured that many of you would want something fun to do for a few days.

AB

JaneYoung

01-07-2007, 10:51

You've got that right... these are awesome.

Thanks to all. I'm quite overwhelmed by all of these entries. I figured that many of you would want something fun to do for a few days.

AB

It looks like they've only just begun, Andy.
Boy, do I feel sorry for you having to choose.

(these would make a great collection on something like a poster or something)

pufame

01-07-2007, 14:23

I have the vector file on my computer...

http://www.team291.org/Team291/Shifter.jpg

ParkerF

01-07-2007, 14:35

Short and sweet...

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i292/rem_bucket/AndyMarkSSlogo.png

Mike

01-07-2007, 15:45

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/daunte2moss07/AMSSLogo2copy.jpg

Vector formats are available on request.

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/6421/supershiftereu7.png

Good luck to everyone else who enters, and happy designing!
Now those are sexy.

Tom Line

01-07-2007, 19:29

Now those are sexy.

That first one is awesome. It's got my vote.

Ryan Dognaux

01-07-2007, 20:04

Here are a few configurations of the design I came up with:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/Evilstanley/SuperShifter1.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/Evilstanley/SuperShifter2.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/Evilstanley/SuperShifter3.jpg

I like the last one because it looks like it spells MASS :] I was trying to think of some funny / witty line about mass or inertia but I was drawing a blank.

Jeremiah Johnson

01-07-2007, 21:18

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a112/Budda648/AMSuperShifterLogo_4.png

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a112/Budda648/AMSuperShifterLogo_5.png

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a112/Budda648/AMSuperShifterLogo_3.png

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a112/Budda648/AMSuperShifterLogo_2.png

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a112/Budda648/AMSuperShifterLogo_1.png

My personal favorites are the first two images, but I thought the third would add a chuckle (not to mention uber-original). The others are very good logo-wise. Only three colors, compact, vector, and simple.

There's my pitch. LOL

I'm sure I'll have more before the my sister's birthday(Friday the 13th!!).

EDIT: Sorry about the size, I made them on a 1000X1000 pixel canvas in Illustrator.

Kristian Calhoun

03-07-2007, 23:59

Here's my entry, albeit a bit small:

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/6766/supershifter001zi0.png

I'll get to fixing the rough edges around the R when I have some more time. :cool:

Rich Ross

05-07-2007, 15:50

Two more:
Front View:
http://img2.putfile.com/main/7/18515440895.jpg

Or Side View:
http://img2.putfile.com/main/7/18515441092.jpg

AndyB

10-07-2007, 12:19

Did some color correction and came out with a new one.

SS Swerve
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/daunte2moss07/AMSSLogo11copy.jpg

Tacho
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/daunte2moss07/AMSSLogo21copy.jpg

CIMs
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/daunte2moss07/AMSSLogo31copy.jpg

Pavan Dave

10-07-2007, 13:07

I love your top two, the look awesome. I still like Dave's the best! He has something that goes with the first shirt. :) Gen1: "Shift Happens" Gen2: "When You Really NEED to Take a Shift"... GL everyone...There are some very fine entries... I would hate to be in Andy's shoes right now trying to pick the best one. Good luck Andy, you'll need it ;)!

artdutra04

10-07-2007, 21:20

Another revision, another logo:

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/3695/supershifterrev3ns0.png

Andy Baker

10-07-2007, 22:35

Another revision, another logo:

Man! I thought I had a favorite... now I don't know. Sheesh. You guys are killin' me.

AB

Dan Petrovic

10-07-2007, 22:41

Tacho
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/daunte2moss07/AMSSLogo21copy.jpg

This one is definately my favorite.

AndyB

11-07-2007, 00:23

Here's one more.
v1
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/daunte2moss07/AMSSLogo4copy.jpg

v2
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/daunte2moss07/AMSSLogo41copy.jpg

=Martin=Taylor=

11-07-2007, 12:42

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1215/777129847_3d495f099e_o.jpg

This logo will only violate a few copyrights.... ;)

Jeremiah Johnson

11-07-2007, 23:30

Well, now that Art has upped the ante with that sweet looking logo design, I figured it was time to add to Andy's indecision even more with my newest design I've been cooking up for over a week now.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a112/Budda648/AMSuperShifterLogo_Love.png

Andy Baker

13-07-2007, 15:33

Thank you all for these wonderful designs. We will be deciding this weekend, and the winner will be announced soon.

Sincerely,
Andy

Jaine Perotti

13-07-2007, 17:52

Here are my two favorite designs that I came up with.

The first one is what I believe is the most practical one for the way it would be used most - small, as a sticker, and as a banner on a website. The two S shapes play on the same theme as the AM logo does - using the first two letters of the words it represents as well as the same colors. They also look a little bit like lighting bolts. :] The next few are some variations.

The last design was actually the very first thing I thought up. It's dark, and has kind of a drafting theme to it. Actually, most of the blueprint drawings collaged in there are from Andy's own gearbox designs that he published here on CD. :) Unfortunately, it's not the best choice for something like a sticker, but it would look great on a shirt or large banner. I figured I would submit it anyways, since no one else did anything much like it. =]

Stu Bloom

13-07-2007, 18:18

VERY NICE work Jaine ... although your first one looks a bit like Andrew's first submission HERE (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showpost.php?p=634560&postcount=67). I also like the dark one very much.

Chris Fultz

14-07-2007, 09:16

What if you make Mark a silent partner, and just call it

BAD A-SS

(Bad Andy - Super Shifter).

Pardon me if i have violated any post rules, but I couldn't resist :)

JaneYoung

14-07-2007, 09:36

This one would require a song to go with it.

Andy Baker

14-07-2007, 14:31

Here are my two favorite designs that I came up with.
...

Thanks, Jaine. These will be clumped in with the others and we will pick our favorites soon. These are great!

Andy

Jeremiah Johnson

14-07-2007, 20:17

What if you make Mark a silent partner, and just call it

BAD A-SS

(Bad Andy - Super Shifter).

Pardon me if i have violated any post rules, but I couldn't resist :)

Holy Super Shifter Batman! Chris Fultz made a funny!

There's a first time for everything. ;)

Andy Baker

16-07-2007, 14:22

Tacho
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/daunte2moss07/AMSSLogo21copy.jpg

We have chosen this design from Andy Burchhardt of team 269 as our SuperShifter logo. We are overly impressed with all of these entries, and thank each one of you for putting in the effort on this. There were many others that we liked also, but this one is our favorite. It's unique and simple, but yet an elegant design. Also, this design is flexible, as the tachometer can be made smaller or larger to fit a preferred aspect ratio.

We look forward to seeing the designer at IRI, and giving him the prize for this contest. Also, we plan on having 2 prototypes of this gearbox for people to see.

Thanks to all,
Andy Baker