Branding and Logos

[Wahine]

Hi Ladies.

I am expanding my little business and adding a DBA (doing business as) called Gorge Bike Fitter. I'm still in ground work phase and looking at how I am going to present my new little company branch in terms of my web presence. And there's nothing like market feedback from such an awesome group of ladies that actually use the types of services I will be providing. I already provide these services through the Physical Therapy Clinic where I work my regular job and through my coaching company but I'm trying to expand what I'm doing and work as a Bike Fitting consultant for other organizations.

As far as branding goes, a main part of what I want to convey is my expertise as a PT, multi-discipline bike racer and triathlete. I want the impression that I give online to be professional but also very approachable and to emphasize my unique background specializing in biomechanics. I'm really trying to target recreational cyclists, not just elites.

I have a couple of variations on a basic logo design, (neither of which are in digital form yet otherwise I'd share them with you). One is very basic, the feel of it is professional with much of that conveyed through the font used and the spatial organization of the type. The second one is a little freer with the font and has some whimsy to it, but not juvenile. The second definitely feels lighter with some fun and I have to admit that's the one I'm drwan to because I feel like it reflects my personality better.

So here's the question. Which bike fitter would you feel drawn to? More formal/professional vs approachable/more organic and a little arty.

Keep in mind that there will be a lot of other things about the website etc that will convey my message. I'm not relying on my logo to do it all.

Thanks in advance for your input.

[Crankin]

I think it would be more inthe words you use. For instance, if you somehow stated you are working with recreational cyclists, not just elite racers, whether they be amateur or pro, that would attract me.

[Wahine]

Thanks Crankin. The content of the website and associated blog will be very clear. What I'm not so certain on is first impression/visual impact type stuff.

[shootingstar]

Probably the 2nd one with a tiny bit of fun/whimsy and approachable in terms of visual impression....especially if you want to broaden your market base.

I assume the core message/skill is still your physical therapy expertise and experience..it needs to be since it is a skill, unlike coaching just can't be picked up without rigorous schooling plus exams and legislated certification (at least I'm aware in Canada, physiotherapists undergo lots of rigorous academic studies. But I maybe influenced having worked in a teaching/research hospital).

Wahine: I've never used a bike fitter before. Maybe it's because I spend less per bike purchase than others...under $1,000.

[rebeccaC]

When I think of the Gorge area I only think of windsurfing…..so I don’t have any idea of your market. Personally I’d want a logo to match what I want my clients to perceive of my work and me.

As to your question I'd want my bike fitter or physical therapist to be professional in action and knowledgeable.

edit...I think I’d like a different take on da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man for a bike fitters logo….most likely it’s been done though.

[Wahine]

edit...I think I’d like a different take on da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man for a bike fitters logo….most likely it’s been done though.

I actually played with this a lot. I tried to do it in a way to reflect different types of cycling postures to reinforce the idea that a bike fit can be a good thing for anyone regardless of what kind of riding they are doing. I just could not make it work. Everything I came up with was too complicated or cluttered. One simpler design I tried with an upright rider and time trial position rider kind of superimposed on each other came out looking very rated R.

That's when I gave up on that idea.

[Wahine]

Probably the 2nd one with a tiny bit of fun/whimsy and approachable in terms of visual impression....especially if you want to broaden your market base.

I assume the core message/skill is still your physical therapy expertise and experience..it needs to be since it is a skill, unlike coaching just can't be picked up without rigorous schooling plus exams and legislated certification (at least I'm aware in Canada, physiotherapists undergo lots of rigorous academic studies. But I maybe influenced having worked in a teaching/research hospital).

shootingstar, I was actually trained in Canada, at the University of Alberta and worked in Edmonton as a PT for 11 years before moving down here. PTs down here go through similar training, but honestly, it's not as rigorous as it is in Canada. Now before anyone jumps on me for that statement, my degree had to be compared to the equivalent US degree credit hour for credit hour before they would give me my OR license. I had more that twice the number of credits in PT related coursework than was required and that didn't include the work I did after I graduated. So you've meade me think that perhaps my Canadian training is something that could be a selling point.

rebeccaC, The Gorge is know for wind sports for sure but it's also become a very popular cycling destination for both road and mtn biking. Not only that, most of the wind junkies that come to visit bring bikes with them so they can get some other exercise on the no wind days. And, Portland is only an hour away. Portland is a huge cycling city and I'm really hoping that my unique background may help me draw some business from there.

[Irulan]

Probably the 2nd one with a tiny bit of fun/whimsy and approachable in terms of visual impression....especially if you want to broaden your market base.

I assume the core message/skill is still your physical therapy expertise and experience..it needs to be since it is a skill, unlike coaching just can't be picked up without rigorous schooling plus exams and legislated certification (at least I'm aware in Canada, physiotherapists undergo lots of rigorous academic studies. But I maybe influenced having worked in a teaching/research hospital).

Maybe it's different where you are, SS, but I certainly don't have the idea that coaching isn't a skill. Not just anyone can coach, just like not everyone can teach. I'm happy to discern between volunteer and paid, or certified or non-certified, or licensed. Professional coaching isn't to be discounted so lightly.

As for logos, when I was redoing mine, I showed proofs to some favored clients and professional partners. It was nice to get feedback on what they thought worked the best for image and effectiveness. It wasn't unanimous, but made it a lot easier to select the final.

[TrekDianna]

I would have to see them also, but I think not so serious. If it was too serious I would think it would not be a fun experience, it would be more like going to to a doctor's appt. And, no offense or anything, but my physical therapy appts have generally meant pain, not fun.

[Trek420]

I would have to see them also, but I think not so serious. If it was too serious I would think it would not be a fun experience, it would be more like going to to a doctor's appt. And, no offense or anything, but my physical therapy appts have generally meant pain, not fun.

You know what the difference is between a physical therapist and a terrorist? You can negotiate with the terrorist

[TrekDianna]

You know what the difference is between a physical therapist and a terrorist? You can negotiate with the terrorist

"like"

[Sky King]

without the visual is a bit tough. Sounds like you want something that doesn't brand you as bike fitter to the pros so number 2 may be the way to go. Can't wait to see them

don't forget to look into trademark and/or copyright

[Irulan]

Nice concept but for me it doesn't speak to the cycling piece.

[smittykitty]

Sounds like the perfect reason to come visit the Gorge. There is a large market out there looking for just what you offer (especially female). Good Luck and can't wait to see you're final logo.

[Wahine]

This G will be a prominent part of both logos. It's how I carry out the rest of the text that will result in two different "feels".

This is certainly not the final draft of the G

The third logo will be different all together.