which logo do you like best? (Tracy and I get in a fight)

by Clay on May 14, 2010

I kind of screwed up with Tracy (if you don’t know, Tracy basically runs sh*t around here).

Here’s the story . . .

The other day, in the midst of pre-launch insanity, I called Tracy up and said something like:

“I HATE graphics, because I obsess about them to no end. So would you mind handling the header for our new product? Because if *I* handle this, I’ll go back and forth with the designer like a billion times and nothing else will get done.”

But this is where I dug a hole for myself.  I said something like “I trust your sense of design more than my own . . . and I’ll be 100% fine with whatever you decide.”

So last night — at like midnight — I start going through the final designs and generally screwing around with this nonsense.  I found a header I really liked and sent her this email:

Tracy, BannerX.jpg . . . this one is so sweet.  Are you OK if we go with that? I still want to try fading to blue on either side, but I REALLY like it.
–Clay

Well, turns out she had already gone back and forth with out designer to finalize ANOTHER banner.

So we’re going to put this to a vote.

And I promised her I’d go with whatever you decide. (And NO, I’m not going to tell you which one my favorite is).

“Fighting Words”

Tracy wrote this morning to say . . .

“I think ‘mine’ knocks ‘yours’ right out of the park! And I really do think you should send out an email and have a vote, because I will then have the entire community backing me up when you’re trying to give your lame-ass opinion on graphics in the future :).  Anyway, if mine wins, I expect you to address me as ‘Oh most brilliant one who is always so wise.‘”
–Tracy

Nice.

Ok, so here’s the deal.

I have the aesthetic sensibilities of a bat (and that’s being generous) . . .

. . . so I’ll probably end up losing the bet and having to call her ‘Oh most brilliant one who is always so wise.’

Dammit.

So, I’d be super grateful for your help us sort out this nonsense by telling us (in the comments) which of these two graphics you like better.

So . . . which one most EXCITES you? Header A or header B (let us know in the comments)?

Header A (click on image to see it at full size)

Header B (click on image to see it at full size)

Thanks a ton,

Clay and Tracy

Comments Closed

  • http://www.boldfish.co.uk Tony Crockford

    Header B for me…

  • http://naturalpapa.com Derek

    I like A – but I agree with Ali, the font is a bit generic.

  • http://illuminatedmind.net Jonathan Mead

    I think they both look pretty “microsoft” blandish. I know that’s not what you want to here, but to me they have no personality. Just some web 2.0 trendyness, with a corporate boring flare.

  • Keith

    A.
    More cohesive, guides the eye to your brand. B looks unfinished.
    That said, yes — it’s true what others are saying about the whole generic overall feel of it. Not my favorite logo. Bottom line: I assume you’re gonna’ deliver, Clay, and that the sales copy beneath this generic, just OK logo is gonna’ make me stand up and shout, “He’s Brilliant!” If so, generic’s fine. The logo ain;t the point, that first headline is.
    Go with A, give us a killer headline, some hot, hot value — and Clay, you’re golden.

  • http://internetmarketingformommies.com Jackie

    Have to say B.

  • http://www.josephbothwell.com Joe

    Header B, hands down!

  • http://martyink.com Marty Marsh

    Header B grabs me right away.

  • Mark

    Because you used blue letters on a blue background, you have diminished the importance of the main text due to the low contrast.
    The orange areas have the highest contrast which will attract the eyes first.

    Just squint when you look at it to see which element stands out the most.

    You have made the orange graphic areas seem like they are the most important.
    It will read: ffer then the orange graphic.
    “Interactive” will essentially get lost or passed over.

  • Glenn

    Definitely B. It has a much more solid feel to it. I like the look of A but B is awesome.

  • Marelise

    A friend and I like the bottom one better, without the grid thing. The grid thing is confusing and kinda busy. The gridless one is more dynamic.

  • Sylvie Ouaknine

    Well. At the first glance I think B is better just because it is cleaner. But, I have to admit that some of the dynamic elements, movement on A is interesting. It all depends of what message you want to convey. I would suggest to integrate some of the grid from A, with subtle graphic lines into A.

  • http://www.germaineonline.com Germaine

    Nice work on both logos!
    I like Header A – Agree with Ali and Derek about the font. Simplicity is good but something about that font doesn’t cause movement.
    *Also – the same shade of blue text on the same shade of blue blackground (at least it looks that way) blends a lot — the text gets lost, the content fights a second or so to be seen
    *Gentle suggestion – you have “ffer” highlighted in yellow. What about highlighting the text “act” or “active” in the word “Interactive” in yellow? You would bring yellow to the left side and add some variation.
    *Yellow is also a color that improves memory — highlighting “act” or “active” may also serve you in a good way as it is suggestive of what you are looking for
    *Hope this helps!

  • http://twitter.com/katiemerth Katie

    Tough one, but A, because A literally “excites” me more because it definitely feels more dynamic.
    The trade off might be that A actually looks a tad less modern than B though…

  • bilmor

    B. The gridlines don’t work for me.

  • http://www.seanogle.com Sean

    I like the simplicity of Header B

  • http://marcquinn.net Marc Quinn

    B B B B B BBBBBBBB…..*DEEP BREATH*…BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB

    DO NOT USE A! It looks like a cheap “Internet Marketing” banner. It’s very 1990s. B is clean, chic, web 2.0 and doesn’t look like you’re still leeching off Tron’s success…

    or could you not just test and let the numbers do the talking??

  • http://www.menslifestyledesign.com Prague

    I like B…or then again, is there a C..?

  • http://tczap.com gregt

    A all the way. It kind of reminds me of tron.B is just too trendy, and the sharp-fade on the edges of the yellow spaghetti thing is messing with me.

  • http://achievesuccessandhappiness.com Isobel

    B is better than A but I don’t like the way it stops dead on the right – it looks unfinished. I wouldn’t say I love either of them though.

  • http://practicalarchivist.com Sally J. (Practical Archivist)

    I can’t get past the distracting fishnet stockings in the first one, and since this ISN’T for roller derby…my vote is for B!

  • http://www.aliventures.com Ali Hale

    I like A better. Not sure I'm quite “there” with the font on either of them … it looks a bit, dunno, generic? To me it looks kinda stuck on to the rest of the design rather than being part of it.

    I personally have about as much artistic talent as a stone (probably less) so you probably want a professional opinion here. ;-)

  • http://fitarella.com Jacqueline

    I like Header A…hope that's the one Tracy likes :-) (no offense Clay)

  • 5minutejoomla

    Design A

  • drewdagostino

    Header B – much simpler and it makes the title stand out.

  • nickkizirnis

    I like Header A, I think the swirling graphic connects better to the “O” than the fluffy stuff floating into the frame on Header B.

  • Christopher Smith

    Header A

  • http://twitter.com/ogunbase Yemi Ogunbase

    Gotta go with Header A. It looks more…High Tech to me.

  • http://www.slingluffgallery.com slingluffgallery

    B – a simple is a stronger design, generally. The name stands out more in this one.

  • john

    B…it's cleaner

  • William

    Header B

  • TracyMojave

    Clay left out one really important piece. If he wins, I have to address him from now as, “Oh Most Wise One Whose Taste I Never Should Have Questioned.” I *really* hope his design doesn't win! :)

  • mikeurizar

    Header B. You have too much going on in header A, the logo gets lost in it. In design simple is always better.

  • http://www.mindcue.com/ Tim Gary

    Header A by a long shot, it shows motion/interactivity

  • SusanGreene

    I prefer B. The techie graph-paper look in A has been over-used.

  • elteeone

    Banner 'B'. It has a flow. It's easier to read.

    With Banner 'A' my attention gets caught up in the twisted window screen – too much going on.

  • JeromeHarrison

    Header B, the Swoop, for sure! The grid makes me feel like I'm being contained, whereas the Swoop offers limitless possibilities!

  • http://www.highiqpro.com Mark A Smith

    B – cleaner. If you shield off the headers with your hand or paper, it looks even better.

  • lsaul

    I'm trying to avoid guessing what logo you prefer, but I think you might end up having to address Tracy with her new honorific :)

    I studied design, and based on my background I have to say that header B is the way to go. It's clear, clean and has a nice flow to it. Header A's background distracts from the text too much for my liking. Although header A looks 'cool', you will probably have a better conversion, and wider appeal with header B. I could go on, but I don't want to be accused of art snobbery.

    Just offering my 2 cents. Good luck with the decision.

  • JoshW

    B, because it is cleaner. I like A except that burst of yellow at the end with the lines is just too much.

  • http://sustainablog.org Jeff McIntire-Strasburg

    I like B better… like the repetition of the color scheme in the “swoop” and the lettering. Agree with others on the font, though…

  • Lasse

    B, the fadeout kills it though. Try to let it run to the edge.

  • gloriatiede

    The design on Header A is way more sophisticated but I think you should experiment with other fonts.

  • Anita

    You're asking me? Okay… Honestly, one of these would have a shot at exciting me if the color combination was like, blue and green or pink or purple, then, MAYBE I could pick one. But I have a reputation for driving my creative collaborators out of their minds, so, uuh, okay, I'll shut up now : ]

  • matthewgerring

    B. Tron isn't that cool

  • jared

    it's b, guys. no doubt about it. “A” looks like a cheeze from 1998, and the swooshing behind it detracts from the instant readability of the copy. despite one of you being wrong and one right in the case, over all you both get very high marks from me :)

  • Mike

    B. A looks very early 90s, and not in a good way.

  • http://www.sexycopy.org k0zm0zs0ul

    I'd have to vote be…it looks cleaner and more finished. The other looks a bit amateur. :)

    C

  • http://cuberules.com Scot Herrick

    Header B.

  • http://www.liberateyourlifeproject.com LiberateYourLifeProject

    well i prefer B.

    The top one just look more suited for techie, programming type of work!

  • http://www.phoenixcentre.com/blog wayne

    B – not sure what all of that swirly line stuff in the top header “means,” but it certainly pulls the eye away from the text, which is likely not the point…

  • nateraynor

    I'm all about banner A.

  • http://nathanhangen.com/blog Nathan Hangen

    Top one.

  • drgail

    The swoop is prettier, but A has motion. I vote A.

  • matthewneedham

    Header B looks a bit like Firefox to me…

  • http://twitter.com/MeekaStella Mary R. Canfield

    I like A, because it has an interactive feel with the netting or webbing. It includes the wording as part of the design, too.

  • http://www.bidsketch.com Ruben

    Hmm… I can't say I'm a big fan of either, but if I had to pick one, I'd pick B. The grid lines are tough to take in on A, too busy. Though B seems incomplete at the far right and left because of the fade out.

  • http://www.howtomatter.com Jeb Dickerson

    A does more for me. The grid communicates connection…interaction.

  • http://www.wilsonusman.com/ Wilson Usman

    I like B

  • Matt

    Choice B! When in doubt, go simple… the grid squares make the first one seem too busy.

  • the_bw

    Banner A

  • http://anitacharlot.wordpress.com Anita Charlot

    I like A…has a lot more movement. B is “too plain/safe”

  • http://twitter.com/misskrin Karinne Taylor

    Banner B, it's cleaner, flows better, your eye moves across the banner, rather than getting confused on the grid section.

  • http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/ASOLUGRJWPCAIPBC5WLGGEMG3A Selene

    Don't like the grid lines on A, but I find B a bit too simple. And I like the fade of colors better on A. I'd say another round of working on it, losing the grid lines in A and then seeing how to make the design work without them.

  • http://www.nuaberlos.de meikegw

    I like B because it's clear and simple.

  • http://twitter.com/Sanford49 D Richard Sanford

    I like A. It's much more dynamic and attention getting.

  • justinknorr

    B is my vote! Cleaner. Where A looks too busy with the grid lines

  • chris

    I like A

    B is nice, but there are a lot of wave type logos out there. “A” in more unique. Also with the wave, after you read the name your eye flow of the header and to the right. (unless that is where you want the eye to go)

    “A” is more dynamic and unique. Usually I prefer very simple logos, but I like the way this one plays. Also the way the grid line flow, your eyes, after reading the name flow to the grid and the movement of the grid actually bring your eyes back to the name.

    Hope that helps you Clay.

  • http://www.privatelabelinteractive.com/trend.html lksugarman

    Banner A communicates dynamic energy, excitement, communicates that this offer is really something special. B is really static and vanilla.

  • http://www.tonyteegarden.com Tony Teegarden

    “A” for sure.

  • remarkablogger

    AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

  • http://yusufclack.com Yusuf

    B is brighter – they're both nice but I'd vote for B

  • http://kristasummitt.com Krista

    I vote A. Tracy may also have to be seated higher than you from now on. Just sayin.

  • Daniel

    They're both good, but I like B better. It's cleaner, easier to focus on.

  • http://rawfoodswitch.com Nathalie Lussier

    I like B better because it's cleaner, and I'm not distracted by the background so I read the title more. :)

  • http://nolagrrlnyc.tumblr.com/ nolagrrlnyc

    B because it's clean. While A may have more artistic flare about it, the dashed and solid and curved lines detract from the message. B may not be as “energetic” in some senses but it's not so frenetic that the eye doesn't have anywhere to rest. If you want people to focus on the text, definitely B.

  • http://friendfeed.com/garyfpatton GaryFPatton

    Header A is more pleasing to my eye, Clay & Tracy!

  • http://blog.andrewshell.org/ Andrew Shell

    I vote for header A.

  • http://twitter.com/lakeeffects Debra Schmidt

    I pick A – more dynamci!

  • http://www.skajawills.com misty obrien

    i vote for B

  • Greg

    I go with B

  • http://jennifervalerie.com Fruitfulvine2

    I like B.

  • MichaelWW

    Option A is best.

  • Olly Dale

    A – looks more, well, interactive.

  • http://mjsuber.com mjsuber

    I like Banner A with a slight adjustment. Fade the grid more from behind the lettering so that you have a clear blue field and it will rock.

  • http://twitter.com/HansonTweets Mike Hanson

    I vote for option A.

  • Carol Frink

    I have to vote for header A.

  • http://lifestylingbook.com Adam

    Totally B…. clean, minimal, doesn’t steal from the content below it….

  • Jenny

    I like B better because of the cleaner design, but it looks like the Mozilla Firefox logo (same colors even). Even the “O” circle is reminiscent of the design (although the blue and orange colors are reversed)… I agree with the other reviewers that the grid lines look dated — it reminds me of an early PowerPoint template. I'd go with B, but tweak it so that it's a little less Firefox-y.

  • http://www.RickLord.com Rick

    They are both nice but I vote for A

  • http://twitter.com/pdxromantic Kory

    B is definitely better because of the cleaner design. I especially like the little flair that is beneath the 'Interactive.” I must say though, I'm kind of hoping Tracy wins.

  • chrislutz

    Header B doesn't make you dizzy and is easier to read.

  • http://www.smartfamilytips.com Beth

    Definitely B.
    A is on the brink of giving me a headache with all the little lines in the background. :)

  • Lisa

    B (but could you please lose the blue fade on either side or integrate it more. It is trapping the dynamic movement of the swoosh)!

  • Clarity Calls

    A.

  • willettea

    B.

  • ddriver

    I like logo A. But here's what I think — logo A has depth; Logo A is like a 'pulp' publication and logo B is like a “slick” publication — logo A draws you into the design AND the “Offer” —- Logo A gives the eye a reason to hesitate and read the text — logo B is generically slick — it's an visual 'eye-slick' that let's the eye slip past the text, diminishing it and leaving it unnoticed or worse it lets the eye-brain connection categorize the logo under “ignore”— the eye has nothing to grab onto but the text of an advertisement —- Logo B is like one of those bazillion template logos that are all unremarkable — Logo B is like the mass mailer I get in my snail mail box — I see it and throw it away before I even know what it says or who is saying it — i'm tired of a world of slick template logo B ads. Logo A is only a nano-difference better but if I have to choose — I take logo A.

    dennis

  • Andrea

    Definitely B.

  • Amanda

    A – more professional and more interesting!

  • http://www.improveconcentration.net Toshi O.

    Initial reaction is B – because it looks cleaner BUT,
    after seeing them both in full size got to go with A because it looks more dynamic.

    Hooray for A

  • http://www.yourentwesplit.com Mike

    Option B. A looks too much like your standard generic corporate logo.

  • Kelly

    B is like riding the wave, whereas A is being trapped by a net that I have to try to escape from.

  • Ajay

    B is great

  • joycekawasaki

    B. B feels calmer, clearer, easier to read. My eye wants to pause there. A has so much movement, it feels just a tad jarring or jaggedly. If you want to combine, I liked someone's idea of using A, but clearing out the trail lights in the blue background and keeping the grid lines within the flame colors, maybe using the form of the flame in Design B.

  • http://modusvivendi.me modusvivendi

    I like the second one the most, looks more pro than the first one.

  • http://twitter.com/EMorganNY Elizabeth Morgan

    I like A. It's more dynamic and interesting

  • Written_Insight

    A feels more active, which for something that's “interactive” you definitely want. It reminds me of the blurred feel from spinning something around on the end of a rope. B is more static, and it gives me a more relaxed feel, and the yellow looks a bit like a hill to climb, challenges ahead, something along those lines.

    I pick A.

  • Fiona

    A

    B looks a bit like what you really wanted has dropped off the bottom of the image

  • dalegarden

    I like Header A better

  • Cole

    I like what A is trying to achieve, but I think B is probably the cleaner better executed or the two, though it is a little bland. Not to be a pain in the ass but a blending of the two would probably be the ultimate. If not B would be my choice, there’s just a little to much going on in A.

  • Margie D.

    Header A EXCITES more. Hope you guys play nice!!

  • http://twitter.com/Slackermomspeak Slackermom

    I like B the best.

  • Alanagh

    Out of the two, I pick B.
    I like the simplicity of B yet think it could use a bit more spice. I like the movement and texture in A but overall it's a too confusing. A mixture of the two would be my preference.

  • SEB

    I think they are both pretty cheesy. B is marginally less cheesy.

  • http://bootstrapblogger.com Karilee

    I like “A” better, although I'd get rid of some of the texture stuff around the text (on the left side). I feel the grid evokes a sense of creative potential (go holodeck!) that the swoop just doesn't.

  • http://twitter.com/richmulligan Richard Mulligan

    Hey guys,
    Bugger all in it I reckon…. but A is slightly more grabby, as it seems to have more 'depth' than the other
    Rich

  • lauriefr

    Header A.

  • http://twitter.com/AndyFossett Andy Fossett

    Banner A looks like you're offering to interact with my peacock. I vote for B.

    I also hope Clay loses, because Tracy is brilliant.

  • Jackie Swift

    B, definitely!

  • louisdp

    Header B is much cleaner and would be the best to go with.

  • http://FinanceYourFreedom.com/blog/ Clay Collins

    Right you are. Tracy IS brilliant.

  • sanderling

    B for reasons mentioned below (clean, less distracting etc)

  • LizTufte

    If the only choice is between these two, I go with B. However, I would extend the orange wave to the end of the banner, at least on the right side. You can still fade it, but it cuts off too abruptly.

    The whole concept seems too corporate to me. It looks like something from Microsoft or Firefox, and I might pass it up before reading what it's about, just b/c the colors, lettering, and graphics turn me off. If it was up to me, I would go back to the drawing board. Apologies … I'm not blaming the designer or Clay or Tracy. I'm a designer and I know how these projects go. It's not easy.

    Since I don't really know anything about the product, I can't give more specific feedback. If this banner does indeed communicate the intent of the offer, I would definitely use B with the orange wave going all the way to the end of the blue background (retaining a slight fade at the very end).

    I hope you end up with something everyone is happy with.

    Liz

  • Namaste Faustino

    Header B. Period

  • Alex

    Hi Clay
    I can see your predicament. It tends to get harder the longer you look!

    I was immediately drawn to the second one in preference, although it's not as 'dynamic' as the first one. It's more professional, and stronger in a quieter way because of the coherence of the blue.

    However, I would enlarge the font…

  • http://www.emptyingofmie.blogspot.com Mie

    I like header B, and that ‘Oh most brilliant one who is always so wise.’ made me laugh! LOL

  • JLA

    I like B Better, more smooth, less corporate/cold looking, more warm/personable…indicating you have personality to offer. I like the colors. I would extend the gold colors to the edges. Both look a bit “corporate” not particulary creative like the services you are trying to offer. Not sure if either is a good fit for your concept.

  • Tony Nicholas

    Logo B is the one tog ow ith!

  • Bob

    Header B is better.

  • Kristian

    B, absolutely.

  • dams

    it’s B

  • Melanie

    This is the most hilarious comment I’ve read on this so far: “Banner A looks like you’re offering to interact with my peacock.”

    My vote is for B, although I’m not in love with either.

  • Carmen Otts Roa

    “A” is much better, clearly more in tune with the times. Also, metapohysically speaking, we are all ‘on a grid’. Love me some ‘A’!

  • http://www.weightlossnewbies.com David

    Sorry to say, neither is so great but I prefer “A” because it seems to project more energy (forward movement). Both need to have larger type size

  • alexlinsley

    Header A. But close call. A is a touch busy, but I prefer the colour profile and it is more interesting

  • alessiolr

    I'd go for B

  • http://www.freedom7312010.wordpress.com Amber

    While I generally prefer simple, I prefer A here. B is just a little to, to, “eh.”

  • monpass

    Header B for sure

  • http://www.usemeplz.com UseMePlz

    Think A is better for shore.

  • zzdianas

    “A” – it's a no brainer.
    Clay, pls say “A” is Tracey's design. I've no desire to be aligned with a bat! Cheers Diana

  • korana

    I vote for A. B looks a bit Mozilla-like…

  • chriskell

    For me its A…just

  • Ben

    Difficult to choose to be honest but I'd go with Header B.

  • http://www.ajaxeditcomments.com/ Martin

    Clay, I'm surprised that a marketer like you just doesn't use split testing to see which one works better in terms of conversions/comments/time on site etc.

    My personal favorite is B, but it has NOTHING to do with texture, readability, lines or swoops… From a psychological point of view it is better… Trust me ;)

  • Ivette

    The A design has more movement.

  • LL

    Actually, neither. They both draw the eye away from the text and the gradient is too abrupt.

  • Adi

    B for sure. Much cleaner.

  • Garth

    I like A, it is more dynamic. B feels calm, like a gentle ocean swell.

  • http://www.scottwebb.tv/ Scott Webb

    The actual logo looks exactly the same. As for banners, I like A a tiny bit more!

  • JoloMisc

    Clay B is the one but the text needs to be bigger its simple and clean i think that yoiu're trying to do too much with a

  • Mariano

    B for sure, much more simple. =)

  • http://twitter.com/triviality Peter Lindsay

    B by a country mile.

  • http://www.staying-calm.com stayingcalm

    The lines in A draw the eyes towards the text better.

  • Frank

    I like A over B – it is more dynamic and has more energy.

    I do not like the graphic “O” in “Offer” in either one. The thing with the arrows looks like it came from one of 10,000 corporate PowerPoint presentations.

  • neilsisson

    I'd have made the text bigger I think…but I like A better by a tiny fraction…

  • Barney Walsh

    I like B!

  • Rebecca

    Definitely A. B is way too bland, way too much empty space hanging out doing nothing around the words.

    I have to agree with the commenter who said they both kind of look like refugees from a PowerPoint corporate presentation, though.

  • diesel

    I like B better.

  • Dale Tendick

    I like “A” best. More contrast and interesting web texture. Interplay of dark area is nice too. B is nice but “too” clean for my taste. Not enough intrigue and interest.

  • http://swirlspice.com Erica M

    I think A sucks less.

  • http://www.Facebook.com/GeorgeKaoCommunity George Kao

    I'm more attracted to Banner B, but I vote for whichever one is voted *most* by your Ideal Client Demographic (the type of person who is most likely to buy your products and be transformed by them)!

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