I love the linocut quality of no.s 1 and 4, but they feel more book publishing than web design, at least to me.

I like 1 and 4 also. Nice work. I like the rounded corners of 2 a bit better than the square edges.

Sharon

no. 5 is nice

I agree with Chuck - they feel a bit stuffy. For a site like the one you describe, perhaps the mark could be a bit more friendly and accessible.

here’s another go at it. I ditched the rays emanating from the background as i think that still adds too much to the “book publisher” feel. The three stars added represent the three founders of the company. Any suggestions for different fonts to use are welcome.

these are nice, too. you have a good touch with minimal graphic illustration. a problem, though: since you’re working black figure/white ground, the stars — represented here in black — take on the “bullet holes in a road sign” look. perhaps if they had fewer arms? i don’t know.

does it have to say “the”?

I don’t necessarily think it has to. but that’s what’s in the URL. I agree I think trying to wedge it in on the top is a mistake. I did another version where I flipped the “the” on it’s side and placed in the same text line. I’ll post it in a few.

Here’s another revision. I flipped the “the” on it’s side and I also made the background grey and turned the stars white.

Bryan-
I think this is getting closer. And now the stars look like stars.