Graphic Design Advice sought

[georgeramos]

Since i will be using the 128 wagon for work I need to design a new logo that is worthy of its shocking color and unique design. Here is my first attempt. It is the exact shape of the Abarth Shield to "tie in" with the Italian heritage. Im working on color combo.

[toplessexpat]

.. I'd have to ask why there's a VW logo in the middle I get it with the WW... maybe having the WW in the background, with the GR overlayng the front....?

Just my 2c...

A

[81SPIDERMATT]

ok i will say up front i am sorry .... not sure what graphic advice means but a lot of the info you want people to know is too small and "logo" is too big.... and again sorry... but that ribbon, although well done, is too frilly.... put at an angle and make look more like a tape measure....

[georgeramos]

No apologies needed. I am asking for advice and constructive criticism is more than welcome!

Thanks for the replies so far. i will play with the letters and the tape measure.

[georgeramos]

take 2...

[azruss]

You have to decide what you want the logo to do. If you are looking for something easily identifiable with just a glance or driving down the road, what you have is far too intricate. The rule of thumb i use is look at the design from 30' away for only one second, then turn away. Now, what did you retain from that 1 second look. For this, i retained the badge only and nothing else.

[SoFlaFiat]

Maybe the "less is more" quote is good here.
Although you might use "full custom cabinetry" on your letterhead and business cards, you probably don't need it on the car.
I think the shield part is cool. Stick the phone number in it and blast your website in big letters on the hatch and backwards across the top of your windshield.
You have some amazing work photographed on your website and the more ways you direct people to that the better.
Anyone on the road, or who sees you parked somewhere, will snap a picture of the web addy and that's all they need.
my 2 wait 10 cents!

[SoFlaFiat]

wait, 2 more cents,
I kind of like the est. 2006
Looks like it "belongs" in the shield.
I keep thinking that the shield needs to be more about looking great than conveying information.

[georgeramos]

That's funny. My original vehicle decal on my old jeep was only my web address.

My original idea for the wagon was a racing stripe that was like a big tape measure but with vintage style numbers and a sort of faded yellow color to look old. Either across the hood/roof/back or across the rocker panel like the Rally version stripe. Any thoughts on that with just the web address?

Thanks all

[bobplyler]

I like the idea of racing stripes.

[Tobi]

I would replace the Fiat logo on the hood with the shield having only your initials on there and than have the tape measure look as a stripe going on both sides with your info repeating on it.

[georgeramos]

I understand what youre saying about the importance of certain info on there. With the shield idea I was definitely going more for "style" over substance. Kind of like something id wear on a t shirt.

I dont feel like the "details" are quite as important because the car is so unusual it doesnt read as a company vehicle anyhow. Im more iterested in folks seeing the info while its parked than on the road. I do kind of like the idea of the backwards website across the windshiend however...

My wife thinks I am a total geek

I will do some more pondering/sketching, please keep the ideas/criticism etc flowing, I appreciate the help.