Do you think the logo has to be done in just simple shapes. like the starbucks logo and many others?
I was thinking of going in a more illustrative direction with this.

I like the first one. But you should play a little more with the rope (it's pretty rigid at the moment, especially in the top right corner). Also, you should spell the name fully under it (including initial C).
As for illustrative vs simplified, it depends on display size and means of reproduction (that applies to the tiny type at the bottm too)

I like this idea, it seems to work. I am not sure the distinction you are making between illustrative and simple shapes, in many ways I see this as both. I would try to illustrate the ends of the rope rather than cut them. Maybe try a cut perpendicular to the rope, or some sort of ends of the fibers. I didn't get the bomb idea at all, but there seems to be potential to amp up that aspect. Good start! I do like the organic feel of rope weave together with a sort of geometric overall shape. The needle feels a little like an afterthought. Looking forward to seeing this develop.

The pattern probably needs to be a lot bolder or it won't reproduce well in small sizes (like on a business card or small web ad).

> the client wants a letter C that looks like rope

Keep in mind that a client's initial ideas aren't always the best solution. Maybe the "rope" idea is the best approach; maybe not. You might want to present other options too.

Okay. I did a lot of editing

How do they look when reduced to postage-stamp size (like on a business card)?

at stamp size, it doesn't look as obvious as to what it is. do you feel that is a problem that should be fixed?

That's my concern, too; the details are too small to hold up when the logo is small.

And perhaps it's just me, but the pin bothers me. I know pins are used in sewing, but I associate it with sticking myself and it really bothers me to see a sharp pin in a clothing logo.

i would seriously rather use the middle/2nd C instead of the 3rd. i don't feel confident using the 3rd C. All those little details make it hard to control or keep track of. The simpler crafted D seems easier to control/handle. But I know the person I am designing this for is going to choose the 3rd because he likes those details. As for the pin, i know what you mean. It makes the logo seem kind of dangerous, like you might get poked.

> I know the person I am designing this for is
> going to choose the 3rd because he likes those details

Personally I wouldn't even show the client the third one.

If your client wants tiny details that you know won't reproduce well, you need to educate them about the requirements for a proper logo. Show them how the tiny details become a blur when reduced down to postage stamp size to fit on a business card or in a small ad. And show them examples of good logos which reproduce cleanly in small sizes.

If you do a Google images search for Rope Logo or Thread Logo (or similar phrases) you'll find examples of logos which represent those materials and yet are simple enough to reproduce cleanly in a small size.

This comment comes for an instruction writer for a needlecraft kit manufacturer, not a designer. However, I know fiber and needles. What you are depicting is not rope, it's a braid. Rope is a single twist; it is not interwoven. Look at a piece of rope, twine, or thread for that matter and you will know what I mean. It would also help if you had the "rope" go more convincingly through the eye of the needle, along with the needle actually piercing the rope. Enlarge the eye if need be. I think this is why some are reading it as a pin instead of a needle. Hope this along with the other comments helps.

yeah. i should have never shown the 3rd sample. he told me that he and his friends like the 3rd one. not to be pessimistic, but I don't think my opinion is going to change the decision he and his friends have made.

> i should have never shown the 3rd sample.

My rule of thumb is that a client will always pick your least-favorite concept. ;)

Have you seen this?

What is the market positioning for the new logo, is there a specific demographic that will be targeted by the brand. To me the name seems to have 2 distinct connotations, the first is that this work is hand crafted, the second - now this may be a local perception - I am a New Zealander - to us, crafty means clever, cunning, normally with a negative spin. In the latter context, it would work well for a street label, in that case it would need attitude. Rereading the first entry I see that you mention a bomb symbol or graphic and T shirts so i assume it is a street brand. If this is the case maybe you need to get a bit more funky, especially if it is a label that you want to built a culture behind. The use of the letters C R F T Y reminds me of the very successful UK brand FCUK.

Don't get caught up in the details before you have worked out the strategy and market positioning of the finished brand. I agree with the other responses that mention issues that can arise from being able to embroider the labels.

I think the needle graphic has some great potential

Hi guys. Thanks for the responses.
Haloguy3, yes the products will do for street styles.
as for the meaning of crfty, yes its supposed to mean cunning and clever.
but we're also using the handmade crafty definition as well.
thanks a lot for your responses. the client has already started printing.
he has been declined several times when it came time to embroider the logo, so now he will have no choice but to choose the simpler looking version.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/etahchen/6442812383/sizes/l/in/photostream/