The new logo designed by Jen Wolfe
Changing a logo is always a risk. Your logo brands you, it is the visual identity of your company. But I decided to take the step anyway. For years, my logo was the company name– QuinnCreative–done in graceful calligraphy by Michael Noyes. It got a lot of careful looks. It was neutral enough to identify me both as a business person and as an artist. You can see it on my business website.
When I began using Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, I broke the rules and didn’t use my photograph. Instead, I drew a yellow #2 pencil, and used the pointy end of the pencil as my avatar. It worked for all the things I do–write, develop training programs (in business communication) and teach them; the pencil also was a good association with my work as a life- and creativity coach. I loved he pencil enough to design a totem pendant and have it made in gold and silver.
One day, I handed over my business card and the recipient thought I was a calligrapher. I let it go. Just a mistake. Then it happened again. People began to ask me if I taught calligraphy (people who know my talents in that field will feel my fear). One person asked me if I taught penmanship. Good humor was not the answer, I was sending the wrong message. It was time to change the logo.
I spoke with Jen Wolfe of JenWolfeCreative (no relation) and she started to come up with ideas. She immediately understood that I needed one image for both the art side and the business side of my company. She solved the problem of the front and back of a business card. But best of all, she developed a logo that is clean, simple, colorful and easy to recognize. It incorporates the pencil (I drew a new one–Jen made me draw it facing both ways and my head nearly exploded) as well as the company name. It’s great.
My art business cards have a piece of my artwork on the front, and the logo on the back. The business card has the logo on the front and a list of how I work with clients on the back. I’m excited to see what they look like when they come from the printer.
Thanks, Jen! This is a wonderful way to include everything I do!
QuinnCreative 
…without being too loud.. I like the colours very much.
I really like your new logo. The colours give a lively effect without and the pencil is unmistakably YOU.
Good choice!
Thanks. I wanted the colors in sepia and black, because I am color-conservative. But it’s not about me, it’s about my clients, and the color choice was the brilliant designer’s!
No more requests for a calligraphy instructor? You will be so relieved! Love this — fresh, sharp, a winner.
Quinn, I think your new logo does an exellant job of defining what you do. Yes, changing your branding can be dangerous, but if it is an improvement and truely defines your business it can be very worthwhile. We recently did this for our safety supply business and almost instantly reaped the benefits. I hope your new branding strategy will work as well for you!
Me, too, Betty! And congratulations on increasing your business in this economy!