May 28, 2010 168 Comments

New Logo

I’ve got a new logo. The incredible design team at STRESSLIMITDESIGN created it for me. They were also the people who created this logo:

I’ve rocked that for a few years now. It definitely expressed what I was getting at here at [chrisbrogan.com], so I’m grateful for it.

New Logo

With my new logo, I wanted something very understated. I wanted something iconic, that could be useful in a variety of ways. My inspiration for what the guys at STRESSLIMIT did for me actually came from a bus sign in San Francisco (or some kind of route sign). I liked how it just was. It’s very functional-minded.

So, here’s the new logo (and you can see it on the header at [chrisbrogan.com] as well):

chrisbrogan.com logo

I love the heck out of it. I wanted something very simple, and very understated, and Justin Evans at STRESSLIMITDESIGN executed it perfectly.

But that’s my take. You?

The Complaints

So far, when people are disagreeing, they’re saying that the old logo was more evocative of what I do. So, what do I do? I talk a lot? I chat a lot? I invite conversations?

That’s just it. What I do has evolved a bit. I’m the last guy in the world telling people to “join the conversation.” I think talk is great. I’m looking for more. But my logo’s not about conversation any longer.

Instead, I think of it as a route, a destination, a signpost, guidance. I think of it as a way to “tab” an experience, and then move on.

But that’s just me. It’s TOTALLY okay not to like the new logo. It’s mine. : )

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http://twitter.com/mdrabik Michelle Drabik

Reminds me of the blogger.com logo more than a bus stop sign. (Bus signage in my city doesn't even remotely look like this.)

It's bold, simple, clear, and recognizable, and that's all that matters in a logo.
John Lusher

I like it Chris, it is simple but gets the point across!!
http://www.dogwalkblog.com/ Rufus Dogg

Curious, when you go to STRESSLIMITDESIGN.com, there is no social media linkage, no portfolio, nothing. Assuming you did not settle on them because of their online presence, so how did you guys link up and decide they were the people to do your logo? (I have a long logo I have been fighting with to have “squared” for SoMe use and I have not found the right designer… so, kinda selfish request.)

http://dannybrown.me Danny Brown

Just visited the site now from your comment Rufus. If I was someone looking for a designer (which I was, as I’m redeveloping my blog and online presence), I’d move on from there and look elsewhere – there’s no sell at all.

http://twitter.com/DiabloTweets Dylan

Hmm…Old one is nice, seems to indicate a conversational attitude, sharing ideas or something…This new one seems cleaner, more corporate. Why just the B? B-sides are second best, no? CB didn't work for you?
http://www.thedogfiles.com Kenn Bell

Chris, as a graphic designer, my only issue with your new logo is that the circle forces you rname to be so small. You might find that it won't work when you have to make it smaller.
http://blogs.sas.com/sascom Alison

Reminds me a lot of the Blogger logo, which seems appropriate. Even though you don't use that platform you are in a lot of ways synonymous with blogging.
Bernie

Dr. Nicholas Humphrey, a philosopher at the London School of Economics and the author of “Seeing Red: A Study in Consciousness.” “If you want to make a point, you make it in red.”

Research has shown that “Red” is the color of energy, life, movement and excitement. A word of caution, if the Brogan-mobile is red too, you can expect more tickets.

Best wishes, Bernie.
Q192

wow….. a B in a circle
a real juicy topic to write about
http://twitter.com/HollyShellner Holly Shellner

I like the change. Along with your comment on bubbles being so 2007, the name-with-no-space-but-two-color thing feels dated to me too. Great choice.
Paula

Happy to read that you took your design lead from a sign. They are totally under rated as far as design goes, and your new logo is perfect.
http://randelldesign.com/ Randy Dunning

It will make a great wax seal for when you sent out letters & invitations. Also much better for custom cuff links.

But seriously, simple is better. Nice job.
http://therealrusso.com/ MatthewRusso

Completely agree.
http://www.davidsfinch.com David Finch

First of all, I think the logo looks sweet. I like the simplicity and work that StressLimit Designs has done for both the old and new logo. I can visualize how it will look both in print and digital. However, it hasn't grabbed me in the header of the blog. Again, not that I don't like it… It just seems naked (unless you were going for the naked look). I may think different in a day or two, but that was initial reaction.

My two cents… And thanks again for all the killer content you provide.
http://www.TheFranchiseKing.com The Franchise King

Chris,

I am a huge fan of the power of red. Love it. (I liked the older one, too)

JL
elvishefer

Your new logo is clear, concise and professional. It makes your old logo look cluttered and dirty.

Logos and businesses evolve together, and hopefully you feel your new logo reflects what your business has become.

If so, you have a winner.
http://www.goofywildcat.com goofydg1

FWIW, when I look at the first one, I see conversation, interaction, community. When I look at the new one, I see you.
Eric

I like it because it's simple, bold and clean, and it should work very well across all types of media. In terms of creativity and memorability, it may take some time to become ingrained into peoples' minds because there's nothing particularly unique about it. But hey, if you feel it perfectly captures your essence, then that's all that matters. Congrats on the new logo!
http://www.begtodiffer.com/ Dennis "DenVan" VanStaalduinen

B is for Brand. And this ain't it.

B is also for Bland, Blech, Barf, and B-team – none of which stand for you any more than a plain old B does.

The big problem: you can't own the letter B – or even the initials CB although they're mildly more helpful. It's an initialism, from the same family as the acronym, and I rant about this a bit longer in a blog post http://www.begtodiffer.com/2009/07/25-worst-acr….

You can own “Chris Brogan” or even just “Brogan” – actually, you do – so I would have anchored your identity around a strong wordmark focusing on that. You could also own a strong symbol, icon, or metaphor, or use the B-ball as part of something more distinctive – see the “G” in Jeffery Gittomer's logo http://www.gitomer.com/.

Sorry Chris. For a guy who promotes authenticity and human relationships, this new logo is a flat, generic corporate wash. I know you're leaving the word “Rock Star” behind, but this is trading in the ripped jeans, Jack Daniels, and long hair for pinstripes, Metamucil, and a comb-over.

I don't Buy it – which also starts with a B.

Oh, B also stands for “Back to the drawing Board”. Nuff said.
http://www.begtodiffer.com/ Dennis "DenVan" VanStaalduinen

There we go. Thanks goofydg1. That's the other thing I meant to say. The other big problem with this new identity is that it moves from a metaphor of active listening, openness, and dialogue to a one-directional “this is me, deal with it” approach.

Understated yes.

But remind me: was “stating” the hard part in Social Media, or was it that other part? ;c{)}
http://www.bestcybermondaysales.com Cyber Monday Deals

very impressive site. I love it. Followed for a long time.

thanks

jay
http://www.superdumbsupervillain.com/ superdumb

Love the new typeface but something about the “B” reminds me of being pregnant. Which I suppose is not a bad thing, necessarily. I'll get used to it. The red seems more you.
http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

That's okay. I wish you had an opinion about it, though. : )

http://www.begtodiffer.com/ Dennis “DenVan” VanStaalduinen

Sorry, I’m Canadian. We’re not good at begging to differ. ;c{)}

Just wondering: was this “B-Ball” from the San Diego convention centre your inspiration?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr38/4232179101/in/photostream/

http://cynthiacutright.wordpress.com/ Cynthia C. Cutright

I can understand your desire to change your logo based on how you view your blog.
http://nivcalderon.com Niv Calderon

awesome new look Chris :)
http://twitter.com/AEJMC AEJMC

I thought of the letter grade “B” when I first looked at it. Then I thought, I'd rather have an “A.” Although, I like it because it looks fresh and current. I wonder if the old logo exchanged fonts and colors with the new logo, if it'd have the same appeal?
Emily Foshee

Chris, I like your new logo. The bright red reminds me of a stop sign, so your logo says, to me, “stop and read me!” Logos are very subjective!
Gilliebee

Yes, re the comment about the similarity with Blogger logo… It's first thing that came to mind for me… which makes it a evocative of a known brand… and the reason I don't like the new logo. Sorry. Love their previous work.
timothyodell

“”It’s TOTALLY okay not to like the new logo. It’s mine. : )”" This is true, but begs the question, Is my logo for me (you) or for my (your) clients?

http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

Awesome question. Let me ask you this: will someone stop buying from me because of the logo?

Anonymous

No I am sure they won’t STOP buying. Current clients wouldn’t be my worry. Would the logo change prevent a future buyer from being attracted to you in the first place? ….. As a side note, its funny that you are having this discussion with me of all people. I am usually all about function over form.

@MarketingJerk

A logo is (almost) never about the actual design, it's how the logo is being sold to you. If the description from the designer “clicks” with something in your head then the logo is successful no matter how “simple” or complex the design….So if it works for you, then it works for your audience.
Pingback: Changing Your Logo « John McLachlan
http://www.leadmarke.com ralf schwartz

“My vision? My vision is to be part of a whole alphabet. : )”

But at the very front (of the alphabet) and not at the middle or even the end of it :)
Please keep in mind: the B is no A at all!
And you are not going for second best, or?
The colour is great.
ralf

(sorry, can't get my reply where I would like to have it as a reply)
Bob

yawn….
http://catholicfoodie.com Jeff Young

Chris, thanks for your follow up comment on the complaints. What you say makes sense. It also affirms for me the fact that what we do evolves. And sometimes it can evolve quite quickly. There are always “birth pains” when re-branding, or changing one's image or logo, or whatever. But you are still you. And that's what people really want. Thanks for the encouragement and the “shot in the arm” that we need to do more than just join the conversation.
Colleen Clifford

It's bold. It's balanced. It's versatile. It's to the point.

It's you. ;-)
Deb

Ah 2B or not 2B that is the question. Think it's a step in a strong direction. But I'm not a brand gal. Application is all.
ABBLAZ88

BOOORRRRRING! The previous one was very unique and though it worked just fine. This new one is a dime-a-dozen logo. With some slight modification, it could similar to the “Blogger” logo. Not a fan, but hey, do whachu want.
http://twitter.com/NathanRKing Nathan King

Chris – Do a switch test. Your new logo can represent just about anyone who's first or last name starts with a 'B'. This just blends in with the rest of the logos where you have a letter inside a circle.
sue_anne

One quick observation that I noticed when I was closing the tab, the B logo really stands out as the logo.ico in my tabs.
Mika Kiviranta

Sorry to say, but old one was nicer. Maybe some enchantment for that..
In header, text is also blurry.

I'd also like to say that this site looks more and more 90's style. Maybe that trend is coming back?
But hey, I'm not here for design ;)

This also shows that everyone has an opinion about design. And everyone has that right opinion.

Bottom line is that you like it.
http://www.socialidentities.com Hugh Briss

Not very creative or memorable.

http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

Rats. I was hoping you’d redesign my Twitter background with the update, but I’m guessing you wouldn’t want to. : )

http://www.socialidentities.com Hugh Briss

I’ll be happy to update your Twitter background with the new logo, I was just stating my honest opinion. Normally I wouldn’t do that but you did ask. ;)

Rob

I like it! Good stuff Chris.
http://www.LightTravels.com Carolyn Winter

Chris – while I liked the other logo better, for aesthetic reasons, I just love your thought process. If I just landed on your site today, this logo would do exactly what you want me to do… STOP and take a look at the tabs. The other logo got me subtly thinking I should say something here but then what? I am lost in the conversation and don't know what you are selling.

Sorry to say in all this social media discussion about building relationships etc…. I still go to a great website for the first time, and the first thing I want to do is go shopping! What is the cheapest thing I can get to sample this site and what costs the most? What can I afford. Then… whenI get into the conversation, I get educated on true value and what CAN'T I afford not to buy.

Just an observation. Energetically – red for earth chakra stability and grounding, and dark blue for brow chakra vision and manifestation, grey to attract conservative business types. Yes I think this will work.

Wishing your logo great success!

Carolyn
http://ariwriter.com Ari Herzog

I don't like it — because it looks like the B on Boston Red Sox hats. My brain also is trying to comprehend if B stands for anything beyond your last name.

Then again, I read your blog by RSS where I don't see the logo — and only see it when I click over here to add a comment.

http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

The B in the Red Sox is an old Gothic B. Mine’s round. : )

But it’s okay that you don’t like it.

jeffespo

Chris – the logo is not that original. Looks like a NYC subway stop. Is that the look you were going for?

http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

That’s exactly what I was going for.

Anonymous

Well then I like it then. Trains move quick and get things where they need to be. Kind of like your content. However you are more regular than the NYC or Boston B lines.

http://uptownuncorked.com geechee_girl

It's nice. :) *like*
http://kikolani.com/ Kristi Hines

This post shows the redesign of 50 different company / brand logos. While some stayed similar, others were unrecognizable from the original. When a brand evolves and grows, they feel their design needs to reflect that growth and change. Just like people go through a phase in life and want to get a makeover to project a new image, so do brands.

I like it. It's different. It's change, and not everyone is comfortable with change, but after a few months we'll all be used to it. And not that anyone is asking for my suggestions, but one thing I would have done was keep the somewhat one line design feel of the first logo is put the circled B in line with the text of the name. But of course, I'm just a fan of one line logos, so that is the only reason.
http://twitter.com/Marc_Meyer Marc Meyer

Take the B train.
http://twitter.com/Marc_Meyer Marc Meyer

Take the B Train and connect with the…It works. You'll brand it and it'll work. Subway analogies notwithstanding..:)
http://twitter.com/barbaragiamanco Barb Giamanco

Chris, I love the new look! Success doesn't mean you stand still or do what you've always done. In fact, I believe that it's just the opposite. In the short time that I've been following you (1.5 years), I've witnessed your professional evolution. Very cool! All the great mentors that I follow say that if you want success, you follow successful people. That is exactly why I follow you. I have learned, and continue to learn, a lot from you as a business thinker, Chris. Thank you! I think it's very appropriate that you wanted your new logo to keep pace with your journey as a business leader!
http://funnycleanvideos.wordpress.com David Mayer

I've been following your tweets on this for quite a while, though I hadn't seen it myself until just now. From all your tweets (especially the last one about liking the new logo more and more as other people don't) I really wanted to like it. Sorry to say that I also think this was a step in the wrong direction.

I understand what you are saying about the old logo not saying enough about what you are currently about, but what does this new logo say? To me, it really doesn't say anything at all. Keep in mind that I am not a branding guru… but do want brand gurus to be the only people who can extract any meaning from your logo?

I know this comment won't change your mind about the logo, (I really wouldn't want it to, since you love it so much) but you asked for feedback so I figured you wanted honesty.

New Logo

New Logo

The Complaints

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