The Hickensian

∞ Mathew said 1402 days ago:

you know what i think of the logo via the email i sent you. but, what aboot that sketchbook? where’d you get that?

∞ fen smith said 1402 days ago:

Hey, i guess i’m a lurker around here, but felt compelled to write this time. i admired your logo from when i first saw it and love it’s vaguely 3D, 70s smoothness. It’s cool and memorable…So that’s all i have to say really.

∞ eric said 1402 days ago:

I like the sketchbook ideas of using the logo as your ‘g’ in design. That’s clever and looks good, at least on paper.

Like Adam says, it’s your logo. I don’t love it (yet!) but I don’t hate it. It works well as a bullet for your headers, too. As far as the colors go – I’m with you on the overabundance of bland colors. My latest design opted for a bright orange header, though my logo is admittedly only logo type.

∞ Jon Hicks said 1402 days ago:

The sketchbook is from Paperchase here in the UK. I don’t tend to use ‘proper’ sketchbooks like Moleskines, as I’m always too afraid of messing up the beautiful pages! Paperchase do these A5 size ringbound books with graph paper, and thats been my preferred sketchbook for a couple of years now.

∞ Adam Schilling said 1402 days ago:

I’m sold. Let’s disco! {grin!}

But seriously, I’ve transitioned – my partner, Saph, has too (she digs your ‘gun-sticking’ attitude, and so do I).

On reflection, your new logo says a hell of a lot more than your last one (which isn’t a slight on the previous one in any way). I’m looking forward to watching the rest of your site evolve over time.

Sorry the initial reaction was so poor (I think it was mainly shock). In the future, just read comments over on Flickr …

∞ Oliver said 1402 days ago:

Just a quick comment to let you know that the site is looking a bit screwy for me in Safari/Shiira. Bascially the left column is aligned way left, right up against the left side of the window. There’s no padding at all, which doesn’t look right.

Probably you are already aware, perhaps it was intentional. But just in case..

btw, nice logo. I do prefer the way the site looked last time I dropped by, but I’m sure it will grow on me.

∞ Rachel C said 1402 days ago:

Hi Jon,

I’m an RSS lurker but I read your post this morning and felt like I should comment to give you support on your new look. When I first saw it, it took me back a bit but the more I looked at it, the more I like it. Sadly, the leaf logo was overdone after you had it but your new logo is fresh, it’s different – yes it’s retro – but it’s not following all the other trends out there. That’s what I like about your designs, you seem one step ahead of the pack :)

Cheers
Rachel

∞ Jon Hicks said 1402 days ago:

Thankyou people, this is really great for me to hear. I don’t mind people not liking it/hating it, but this is what I want to do, and its great that you appreciate that! :D

∞ Jeff Hume said 1402 days ago:

Perhaps you’re currently messing around with your template, but there is no margin at all on the left side of hte page. It’s kind of awkward to read.

I like the logo

∞ Ol said 1402 days ago:

Jon, i havent read all your text about the logo nor the comments left but I saw enough to realise that you were concerned about how the logo was recieved. Come on now, you’re grown up enough and experienced enough to ignore any rude/negative comments sent to you about this. People often find it so de-stabilising to see an identity they are used to changing and ive seen this cripple so many graphic designers who mistakenly belive that logos should last forever. It’s true that a corporation should aim for a timeless logo with a lifespan of 50 years plus but for the rest of the design world, logos and identities grow old and ultimatley need replacing. People so often dont like change but it’s only the really successful graphic designers who can identify when change is needed and do something about it.

My advice? Ignore the negative comments and dont go to the bother of trying to justify the change. Overall though you should be very proud that people actually care enough to make these comments.

∞ Jon Hicks said 1402 days ago:

@ Ol – I honestly don’t mind negative comments, just the ones that call my colourblindness a reason for the mistake. Of course I’m concerned how it is received, but that doesn’t change my reasons for doing it, or make me wnat to alter it to please the crowds.

∞ Ol said 1402 days ago:

I see what you mean and agree thats out of order but you can relax in the knowlegde that despite your colourblindness you have better taste (and skill) in using colour than many others.

Anyway, what are “web presses” Dan? Do you make websites using rolls of paper??

∞ Michel Fortin said 1402 days ago:

I didn’t comment last time but I also prefer your new logo. I’m not sure it fits nicely with the shape of the comment boxes however.

Because it takes 2 minutes to draw a logo doesn’t mean that it’s a bad logo. I’ve made a logo in about the same time 10 years ago (I was fourteen then!) and I have yet to find something better as a personal identity logo — it’s the one currently on my weblog.

I think your new logo is a good one because it is recognisable easily and should not be hard to render nicely in grayscale or black-and-white if you ever need that. And it looks good with Sim Daltonism. ;-)

∞ Jon Hicks said 1402 days ago:

@ Jeff – “Keep up the great work, man. “Stuff them,” indeed (is that British slang? If so, is it okay for us Americans to adopt it?).”

It certainly is Jeff! If you’re unlucky to ever get cornered by street gangs in the UK, just shout “Stuff you chaps!” at high volume and those felons will run!

@ Ol and Dan – Aren’t web presses what you use to extract google juice?

∞ Nathan Pitman said 1402 days ago:

Personally I think the logo is great, and I just spotted now the whole ‘infinite loop’ thing (which is kinda cool).

Even better is the passionate discussion that such a simple form has given birth to. Don’t ever think that you don’t have the right to express your creativity through this medium. ;)

∞ Miko Walczuk said 1402 days ago:

Props, my man. A personal identity is probably the most difficult task.

∞ Marcus said 1402 days ago:

Personally I like the new logo. It looks like something off a “Lemon Jelly” album cover! -:o) Good work!

∞ Jon Hicks said 1402 days ago:

@Marcus – Yes, Lemon Jelly too! I think that one was subconscious, but yes!

∞ Eric Gideon said 1402 days ago:

It does look Lemon Jelly-ish. Can’t go wrong with Lemon Jelly.

∞ Joshua Marshall said 1402 days ago:

Thank you for the pointer to Kazuya Sakai!

Maybe it’s just because I’m a child of the 70’s, but I look at it and see Scalectrix tracks and Super Sprint

∞ steve mcfarland said 1402 days ago:

John, I didn’t chime in last time, but wish I had – I watched all those trolls and such pile up. I also liked the logo when you unveiled it, but this post really solidified it for me. Knowing what went into your development process not only helps us to understand the meaning behind it (important in my eyes), but is instrcutional for those of us seeking our own logotype identities.

The colors are groovy, the new font is even better, and I can’t wait to see where you go with the site design – this is easily one of my favorite sites i my RSS reader!

∞ Joshua Bryant said 1402 days ago:

Jon,

I’ve noticed a couple times now that you have go “hung up” on the “it’s not you” comments. I can understand where you are coming from, that all these people on the internet really have no idea who you are, what you are about and what is exactly “you” so who the hell are they to tell you what is or isn’t you? I wasn’t one of the ones who made this comment, but I think I can also see why they are saying this.

I’d encourage you to maybe take another look at it. The fact that they see a certain logo as “you” is because whether you like it or not, your branding effort has been outstanding. The fact that they have formed an image in their head of what “you” are based on a logo is exactly the kind of response you are looking for. Most businesses would KILL for that recognition.

You basically have a bunch of people clicking through the internet who every-time they see a leaf logo thing of none-other than you!

Don’t get me wrong, I am happy for you that you changed your logo and identity, especially if it’s one that you have put much more though into and for you, it feels more like “you.” But the fact that it is hard for people to get used to, you should view this as a good thing. Seriously, it means people take YOU seriously.

I don’t have time right now for a full thought out response right now unfortunately, and I hope this is coming across clear, but I guess to sum it up, I’d really encourage you to take a look at those comments through different glasses and see the absolute genius business model that you have come up with that has worked so well. You are a brand, and people love you.

Just as you were upset when the chip bag changed, so people will be upset when you do. Who knows, the new chip bag, in all of it’s horrible typography goodness might be more “them,” but that doesn’t make you more comfortable with it. It will take time. And I guarantee you, after a few years, every time you see one of those chip bags, a thought deep in your mind will trigger some “ah, remember when nostalgia” but overall you will see them correctly in their new light.

The new logo is a work of art. It’s you because you say it is. It will work. Just give the mob some time.

Cheers,

∞ Alex said 1402 days ago:

No reason you have to humor me, but I’d like to see the single color, grayscale and b&w version of the logo. Regardless of liking/disliking the design (I don’t have strong feelings either way), I’m not exactly sure how you plan to “degrade” it in those situations (and also in the “really small” situation with the rather thin typeface).

∞ Carolyn Wood said 1402 days ago:

Wow, I love the new typeface. It is such a great reflection of the logo – the curves of the S’s, the circular d and g and c. I think it’s a perfect choice.
You know, artists always shake things up. Just when people are all comfy cozy with what they’ve admired in the past, artists have a tendency to jolt their “audience” when they need to move things to a new level. It’s the nature of the artist to have a drive to create something new, and so often the nature of us – your admirers – to be reluctant to let go of what we thought was already perfect. So, that’s what we have now: the new Perfect from a greatly admired artist. It looks great to me and I’m eagerly looking forward to watching the site develop.

∞ Andrea said 1402 days ago:

I want to echo what Carloyn said about the new typeface—those Ss look great next to the logo. Also, I loved it before, but I love it more everytime I see it.

∞ Michael Moncur said 1402 days ago:

Nicely done – I thought the logo was fine, myself, but it’s great to hear some of the story behind it.

Also, the new font is MUCH better than the previous “why is there a line under the ‘O’?” font.

∞ .oOo. said 1401 days ago:

personally, i think the new logo is beautiful and quite unique, especially the colors.

∞ Göran said 1401 days ago:

I´m a lurker and decided to make my first comment.

First of all, I really like the new logo. It´s different and feels “new” and you can look at it for a long time. I appreciated your explanation on how you were thinking and what inspired you. It gives an extra depth to the logo. It´s wonderful in the sense that it´s powerful and will remain recognized with different colors, or seasons.

Perhaps though, the neagtive uproar also indicates that it is indeed a good design? People reacted to it instead of just overlooking it?

I find it interesting that the internet which is a rather new media has so many conservative volunteers working with it. There is too much fashion involved with webdesign and I find that limiting at times. I guess I´m part of it too because no matter what you do you get inspiration from what you see. But still, alittle more daredevil would benefitial to the world of design.

It´ll be interesting to follow your work and thoughts here!

∞ Aurélien Bottazini said 1401 days ago:

I LOVE your new logo :)
I like the colors you used too! And you are right i can feel the 70’s feeling !

Don’t listen to rude and insensitive people. I think we all know that sometimes people on the internet feel more powerful when they are rude, malicious and so on…

∞ Chris Williams said 1401 days ago:

Hey Jon,

Just want to add my name to the weight of people jumping on the “your new logo is cool” bandwagon. I completely understand why you needed to change – even now new sites are still popping up with the leaf logos, so it’s nice to see you say goodbye to the Center Parcs-esque favour and onto something new.

Even though some are being negative, I can see a time (maybe in 3 years or so) where we’re having this same discussion again, as you’ve grown sick of all the scaletrix logo designs out there! :o)

∞ Alexander Kinnunen said 1401 days ago:

I really really like it, I acutally love it!

Great great job :)

∞ David said 1401 days ago:

Colour changs with the seasons – a neat subliminal message hangover from the leaf eh! (I’ve had my leaf for years – ad yes it does mean something – well to me anyway.)

∞ Dave said 1401 days ago:

Hi Jon,

I still don’t like the colour combinations – I just don’t think they work together.

Having said that, you satisfied the brief you gave yourself and I love the shape. Keep up the good work.

∞ Phil Balchin said 1401 days ago:

Although i do like the logo, pissing off jon does sound rather more fun, so here i go, how do you like this. I don’t want to talk to you no more, you empty headed animal food trough wiper of a designer. I fart in your general direction. Your new twisty logo is stupid, your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!

∞ Jon Hicks said 1401 days ago:

Yeah. I’ve never managed to solve that one. I’m kinda loathe to solve it now – its like its a part of me.

∞ Joost van der Borg said 1401 days ago:

I’m glad I didn’t post late yesterday-evening to give my opinion on the logo, because my thoughts weren’t very positive at that moment. Now I am going to say things that have been said here already, but I’ll do it anyway: Coming back about 16 hours later, I suddenly really like the logo. It might have something to do with the new typeface, or the fact that I’m no longer falling asleep, but I really like it a lot now. O well, maybe you’re just as good at this as I thought you were after all!

∞ Ben said 1401 days ago:

I am a long time lurker and felt obliged to post.

When I first saw the new design, I had mixed thoughts on it. I loved the form and continuity of the design as well as the new typeface. The colors were a bit odd to me at first, but I think that was part of the beauty, it made me stare at it longer and eventually I thought to myself “how cool!!”. Now with the whole process of your design brought forth, it gives the logo meaning and a foundation (not that you were required to do that for people to like it).

I think the clashing of opinions for this new design is a great thing for you. It brings discussion (although I agree, the rude remarks could have been done without). There is nothing wrong with oposing views, but when the remarks are personal, it is no longer constructive criticism!

I also think a debate such as this, brings out new posters (such as myself!) :-)

∞ Patrick Haney said 1401 days ago:

Hopefully you didn’t take my comment of “I’m not a big fan” to heart because it’s not a bad logo. In fact, I believe I mentioned that it reminded me of a race track, which I immediately likened to constant movement, one thing I actually do like about it.

At any rate, if it helps represent who you are, than it works. People are upset because the leaves identified you to them in the past and they now have to change that thought process, but this new logo is completely different from anything else I’ve seen out there, so it’ll be easier to see and it say “oh, that’s Jon Hicks.” From that point of view, it’s a sucessful design.

∞ Sebhelyesfarku said 1401 days ago:

Much ado about nothing.

∞ ian said 1401 days ago:

Ooops. Perhaps a link would have helped illustrate what I wasy trying to say… www.shootexperience.com

∞ Paul Livingstone said 1401 days ago:

I love that feeling, where you see something like a piece of art or a shape and just become instantly inspired. In those few seconds, you become completely re-energised about a project and start sketching furiously.

It’s good work Jon, don’t doubt it for a second.

∞ John P said 1401 days ago:

I think it’s sharp.

∞ Jon Hicks said 1401 days ago:

@ Zac – I always use Adobe Illustrator when creating a logo, and need it to work in print and on screen. Converting the file into Fireworks gave me lots of problems with anti-aliasing, but using Photoshop got a better result this time.

∞ Doug March said 1401 days ago:

For me this new mark looks like some really amazing cheese that has some psychedelic powers. “do I eat the big cheese or the little cheese?”

∞ Brian said 1401 days ago:

First off I do like the new logo, and I hope that my comment in your previous post was not taken as overly negative. I merely didn’t see it as flowing with the site, the overall design of the site doesn’t coexist well with the new logo. But this is of course a matter of opinion and you are welcome to take it with a grain of salt. Plus I felt that the new layout made things cluttered and lost the focus of the original layout, now there just seems to be to much content and its everywhere. Either way, I love visiting you and think you are talented designer, so don’t take the negative comments to heart.

∞ Jacob Harvey said 1401 days ago:

Yeah, I stand behind my first comment… Seventies all the way. Pure Funk. ;)

∞ Dan Ridley said 1401 days ago:

first all the hate and now all the love! just because jon got upset? please!
I think part of this is that people who had immediate gut reactions were more likely to be responding negatively to change, as opposed to people who sat on it for a bit before deciding what they thought.

∞ hurricane said 1401 days ago:

There’s nothing wrong with breaking us out of our comfort zones. I like it, at least now the jaggies have been cleared up I do. The original lacked the precision that it now has which detracted from the shape.

∞ Gilles said 1401 days ago:

“I think the worst were the suggestions that my colourblindness explained the logo colours, as if somehow it was a mistake (or an April Fool’s joke). That hurt!”

Ouch. I really feel bad about this, as I’m the one who came up with both the colorblindness and the April Fool’s joke…

“I don’t like the logo, I think it has something to do with the colors (which reminds me: aren’t you colorblind?). But then again, I may still be in shock about the boot camp announcement…
I do love the typeface, though!”

“And it wasn’t April, 1st when you asked her? No seriously, it just ain’t my cup of tea but I guess you cannot please everyone…”

Honestly, I had no intentions to disrespect you, and I certainly do not think of your new logo as a mistake. But I don’t like the colors you have used. And although the French say: “Les goûts et les couleurs ne se discutent pas.”, I felt the need to tell you just that. The colorblindness and the April Fool’s joke were nothing more than some disposable words that I thought were playful and funny… But apparently they hurt you.

And therefor I sincerely would like to apologize to you.

Also, if one day you decide to change the colorsheme of the logo and I like it, I’ll make to let you know!

∞ Ian Adams said 1401 days ago:

Well, I have to say that I like the logo, except for the purple dot in the middle of the big circle. I don’t know what it is about that purple dot, but purple just doesn’t seem to go with it. I mean, yeah, it’s a complimentary colour in the colour wheel, and you’ve said you’ll be changing the colours seasonally, but there’s just something about that dot…

But the shape I like. I think that it is going to work really well for you. Now comes the wait to see how the rest of the design is going to work with it, because the current “all white except for the logo” just isn’t complimenting the new logo, in my opinion.

Man, even after reading Jason Santa Maria’s article on critiquing, I still suck at it. :)

∞ emma w said 1401 days ago:

I can’t believe how many ppl have posted about the new logo. I’d take it as a huge compliment Jon! I think it’s cool. Doing stuff differently is a good move and keeps things fresh. A thumbs up from me! :)

∞ thomas Aylott said 1401 days ago:

It is, truly, a quite hideous logo.

however

It’s a good hideous.

It has it’s own sort of thing going on there. It really does clash with the old site design. But i’m thrilled that people are finally getting out of 2005 with some freshness.

∞ Jon Hicks said 1400 days ago:

Wyatt, but I do expect them to keep it polite and constructive. Your comment is neither. Remember, you’re in someone else’s house here, don’t be an asshole.

∞ Tudor Vedeanu said 1400 days ago:

When I design corporate identity stuff, I always tell the client that asking their employees’ opinion regarding the new logo/ID is one of the worst thing that can happen during the evaluation process. What happened here in your blog, is almost the same. Why did you let people publicly express THEIR feelings about YOUR logo, I can’t possibly understand. If you feel the new logo it’s the right decision and it will help your business, then by all means go with it! And turn off the comments on this topic. :)