We’ve been talking a bit about work this week on the blog, jobs, careers – the old nine to five. To follow on from Charlottes post on Tuesday I thought I would give a quick re-cap on what I did before becoming a wedding blogger. I was a graphic designer (still am really, but more about that in a bit). If you read Charlottes post about her work life outside of Rock My Wedding you’ll be well aware that Charlotte and I used to work together – that was how we first met. I was one of the graphic designers that she mentioned who sat in the office at the top of the spiral staircase (I hasten to add I was not the one blaring out Meatloaf that fateful day*)
Anyway, one day Charlotte popped up the staircase for a chat (and to ask me to turn the volume down) and to cut to the chase – a few months later Rock My Wedding was born.
So, most of the little graphics and bits and bobs that you see on these polka dotted pages are my handywork (so don’t say anything rude about them!) including our branding and site design – obviously I get massive amounts of input from Charlotte who is herself very creative, why only yesterday she could be found bragging on twitter about her GCSE grade “A” in Art…
But where is this leading? Well, today I have a bit of fun for you all – you get to help make an executive decision on a brand new bit of RMW branding, but first of all you are going to need to know the design brief. Allow me to explain…
The Rock My Wedding Real Bride Hen Do.
Our Real brides are truly representational of the fantastic community that Rock My Wedding is built on. They are always giving each other advice, sharing ideas, plans and generally supporting each other on their journey to become a “Mrs”.
This year’s brides have gone one step beyond and have taken it upon themselves to arrange a party, a big old get together before they disappear off and tie the knot. Our six real brides will be there, as well as most of the other brides-to-be who entered our real bride competition back in May 2011.
Much of the organising for this shin-dig has been done by real bride Shirley and Kim from The Pink Pumpkin, an award winning wedding design and planning consultancy – so it is bound to be a top notch got-to-bloody-be-there event. But that’s all you lot are hearing about it (for now!).
I was asked to do a bit of branding for the party, a party which we hope will become a regular event for all our future real brides. I’ve come up with 3 ideas, each with two variations. We want you to tell us which one is your fave and help us make the final choice.
The Design Process.
So, as you now know – I used to be a graphic designer and I love a bit of branding work. I know a lot of you guys are going to be getting stuck in with a bit of D.I.Y design for your own big days so I thought I would take you very briefly through my personal design process, you never know it might just help you out. Hopefully it won’t be too much of a “lesson” everyone is different after all and if it gets boring just skip to the next section where you can see the final designs.
For me a glam party means cocktails, so initially I thought I’d draw out something geometric in silhouette to represent that, then look how the shape may be able to interact with the text.
I should probably point out that I always work in black and white initially. Why? The more restrictions I put in place the easier I find it to focus and “be creative”. If you are thinking of design and creative ideas for your big day – it’s much easier to put some boundries in place first, be them budget based, colour based or material based. It all helps to focus your mind, channel your vision on what you can achieve and prevent what I call “blank canvas syndrome” (if you give me a blank canvas and tell me to do “anything I want”, all I will manage to do is panic and then run off for a cry).
So, moving on to the next design. I liked the glass concept so I thought I’d try a variation on that but try and go for something softer, a bit more hand drawn and scrawly. So, I reached for my old dusty copy of “The Twits” to try and get a bit of Quentin Blake style inspiration. Realising that I had been sat reading for the best part of twenty minutes (that Mr Twit eh? What a joker!) I put “The Twits” down and pen to paper…
The result? A few Blake-esque champagne flutes. I thought 6 in a row would be good – one for each real bride but then I decided do an option with just three flutes. Harmony is an important part of design, and for some reason we find a grouping of three items harmonious. Three is not a crowd in the world of design!
At this point Charlotte with her GCSE grade “A” throws me a curve ball, “I like the hand drawn effect – but how about we draw a little bride” and after failing to understand how she wanted it to look, she scribbles down her vision.
So, above you can see Charlottes scrawling *ahem* masterpiece, and my “re-interpretation”. I decided to do a variation by adding in a bridesmaid (one on each side for the sake of harmony again).
Compare And Contrast.
Nearly there now – all they need is a bit of colour – back to the design lesson folks… The concept of “Harmony” extends to colour as well as composition, we humans like to look at colours that harmonise on the whole. They don’t have to match perfectly but the closer they are the more unified everything will look, and we like that very much. However, we also love a bit of contrast – a small area of striking colour contrast can really lift the overall effect of your chosen colour pallette. Think about your wedding colour scheme – most likely you will go for a few key colours or shades that sit closely together… but you can’t beat a bit of colour pop here and there – like a bright yellow bouquet for example (see below).
Right, that’s the lesson over with – now for the fun bit.
The Final Designs.
I’ve put all the final designs onto luggage labels to give an idea for how the branding might be used… it also helps prevent the designs from looking like they are floating in mid air.
Please do let us know which one you prefer in our comments box – and don’t worry, we have pretty thick skin here at RMW so if you think they are all a pile of pap then feel free to let us know!
Design 1 – Cocktail Glass.
Design 2 – Champagne Flute.
Design 3 – Bride/Bridesmaids.
So that’s it – two variations of each design, a mix of composition, complimentary colours and a few doses of colour pop.
So, judge away folks and we look forward to telling you a whole lot more about the Real Bride Hen do in the near future.
Adam.
You’re so clever Adam! Am so excited, it’s mad. I think my first favourite is design 2, variation A and my second fav is design 3, variation A.
Thank you so, so much! Can’t wait to meet you xx
My fav is design 3B, closely followed by 3A and 2B.
Its quite hard to choose only one!!
I vote Design 2, Variation A! To represent the many brides-to-be celebrating! Good work tho Adam, I’m very intrigued…
This all sounds very exciting!! And great to hear a bit about your design process Adam
I like them all but my favourites would probably be Design one variation A or Design 3 variation a….can’t wait to see which one gets chosen! xx
Design 2 variation a I think – but the more I look at them the harder it is to choose! Nice Work!x
p.s. I am aware in my choices I have completely thrown your advice about Harmony out the window….haha! Sorrrrrrry I am a bad student!! xx
For me, 2B is the out and out winner!
And, I am noticing groups of threes everywhere since a little visit to the David Austin rose garden in Wolverhampton…
Our wedding flowers are coming from David Austin because the man I am marrying declared to me one day “I do not like roses”. Cue dispairing phone call to my mum; “Can I really marry a man who doesn’t like roses?”
The mother (bless her soul) declared to me that she would find a rose that the Big C (Husband to be) would love…and she did.
The great big, David Austin, blousy (favourite word so far relating to anything wedding!) rose. And the best bit…he loved the peach ones. Phew!
Anyhow, this is not a story about the Big C’s love for a DA rose…I am off track!
It’s about the fact that the rose garden there is beautiful, so I’ve been not once, but three times (and we live in Manchester so it’s hardly round the corner!). Took the mother to a bulb planting workshop…and the head gardener type person there said to plant your bulbs in groups of three…so, @Adam, if both you and the Big David Austin are saying three…I’m going with threes! For everything!
xxxx
I like design 1 because I love clean, simple design. However I would like to see the RMW at an angle as on variation B, because it echos the angle of the straw. Also really love the hand drawn flutes in design 2, (variation A) very pretty and love the colour palette.
Design 3 Variation B has to be the winer in our opinion – so cute!
Look forward to hearing which one gets chosen!
Mel And Claire
Design 1 – reminds me of holidays rather than weddings!
Design 2 – this is going to sound rude but they look a little bit phallic to me….just, this tells you everything you need to know about my pysche!
Design 3 – lurve the little bride and bridesmaids but I think they need to have a smile rather than a pout!
So, in summary, my fave would probably be Design 3, Version A which I believe is master demonstration of GCSE Art and Graphic Design combined
Really great post Adam!
I love them all! But 3A is my favourite, followed by 2A. Roll on the Real Bride Hen Do… can’t wait! They are all great Adam x
Design 2, variation B…..but with the flutes from variation A as I like the detail on them. Am I awkward???
I love things in threes, almost to the point of OCD – if I have bought someone two presents I always buy them a little extra third one as two presents looks weird to me!
Second choice would be Design 1, Variation A as I like the clean lines of it.
Awesome post Mr Crohill, I think we all learned something (like blank canvases make you cry) and it cheered me up a little after getting soaked to the skin this morning on my way to work (seriously, I was dripping as I got to my office!!!)
xx
(very sad that I cant make it)
But I hope the other girls have an amazing time!!
I vote Design 3b!
I think the champagne flutes say ‘hen do’ rather than the bride/bridesmaids. I love design 2a! Really classy but still fun and it incorporates the RMW colours so it’s all tied in together. Great post x
wow, so many votes/comments already
It’s interesting too that there is quite a lot of variation in your choices!! Just goes to show how subjective design is.
@Emma – ha ha, not a bad student… I also meant to say of course that old saying is true – RULES ARE MADE TO BE BROKEN!
@Pamela – Yep, three is the magic number – you can always spot threes in interior design and home magazines – so it’s a good rule to follow with your wedding decor plans to as well as the floristry
@Amy – good spot on the rotation of the RMW text… yeah I think I prefer it at an angle too
@Apollo – good on you, I love a bit of a critique. Saying what you truly think is important in the design process too – no point mucking about.
Thanks for all the comments so far peeps – the real brides hen do is going to ROCK!
Adam x
@LadyFushia – so it’s design 2 variation ummm C for you then…. yes that IS awkward
Glad you enjoyed the insight into my (slightly unstable) mind…. now get ourself dry or you’ll make yourself ill again.
Adam x
I was going to say Design 2, Variation A, but Apollo just ruined it for me =P
To my untrained eye, Design 3 definitely needs a bit of a smile.
Design 2, Variation B looks a bit gothy/rocky.. I think it’s the fleur-de-lis and the abundance of filled shapes.
I’m sorry but I don’t like Design 1, Variation B. Variation A on the other hand is super-minimalist, which is quite appealing.
I really enjoyed this post, thanks Adam! It’s been really insightful. I know nothing about design, but all this wedding planning is pulling at some creative strings I never knew I had. It’s all in my head though. Doubt it’ll ever come out on paper!
Design 2 variation B for me. Followed by design 1 variation B.
Great work Adam.
Charlotte, what ever Adam says about your drawing it’s a million times better than anything I can come up with. Just ask anyone who’s ever seen my ideas book and the doodles I draw in it!
THIS IS SO EXCITING!!!!! And exactly what I needed on a Thursday morning! They all look so great and I really liked the tutorial, very useful!
I’m having real trouble deciding which one I prefer I have to say…
I really like Design 3B though for this particular Hen Do, I would have been tempted to make it 3 brides rather than 1 bride and 2 bridesmaids since only brides will be present.
Otherwise, I really like both of Design 2 – if I really really had to choose, I’d say 2A, just because the more champagne glasses the better in my books!
Thanks Adam (and good work Charlotte!)
xxx
Ooh it’s between Design 2 variation B and Design 3 variation B – they are too different to decide!! Lovely work though, and great tips! Thank you!
2B is lovely – but I love them all!
Design 1 is my least favourite, it reminds me too much of an umbrella and since thinking it it’s all I can see.
Design 3 I like but I see it more for tips for brides as opposed to a night out with the girls.
Design 2 I really like, variation A! Very feminine but a little bit naughty (reminds me of cheeky underwear!)
Any of the champagne flutes designs. I don’t think the other two are very representative of RMW.x
What a great post, it’s nice to get some insight into how your minds work when you are pulling graphics and what not together for RMW.
Design 2 variation B get my vote, I think it’s awesome!
Although now I want some bubbles at 9.50am just before my annual appraisal with my boss at work
xx
2B for me….and I’m going home to dig out and re-read the Twits!
Hi,
I am a graphic designer too and found it interesting to read about your design process. I too prefer to work in black when first designing logos.
I liked the lighter champagne flutes from A but agree that 6 are too many and prefer the composition using 3 flutes. I felt the flutes from design B were a bit heavy.
I also like design 3B.
Good luck!
I like 1A or 2B – less keen on the people-y ones.
Hello RMW-ers, I not sure whether to laugh or cry at the fact Adam has put my (dreadful) drawing on the blog… and my hand-writing – it is like a 6 year old boys!
Anyway enough of that, really interesting to read your thoughts, I like all of them but Variation A, I like 1 because I think it looks like a party and is very “clean”, I like 2 because it is unique and possibly the most RMW-esque out of them all and 3 because I think it’s cute.
I am surprised by the love for 2 B, I like the design but for me it’s just too gothic/not at all hen party/wedding.
What do we think about 3 but with a different colour option for shoes/bouquet etc? suggestions most welcome.
Charlotte xxx
Design 3 says wedding rather than hen do to me, i reckon design 1 variation 1 or design 2 variation 1
@Charlotte, I agree with Laura, number three is more wedding not hen / night out with the girls…
2B doesn’t make me think gothic at all…it makes me think slightly mental, slightly off-beat queen/princess style…perhaps a bit Alice in Wonderland…
This thread is just going to run and run as everything is so subjective…
I say give the Real Brides the final say!
xx
@Charlotte…
P.S. I know you’re dying to turn those flowers peach…or even seamfoam!
x
I think I agree – Design 3 is cute for a wedding, but doesn’t scream ‘hen do’ to me (sorry Charlotte, I can sense that’s the one you want!)
I like Design 2 – both are lovely. And I LOVE Quentin Blake’s drawings! Danny, the Champion of the World is my absolute favourite, although The Twits have to be up there. *longs for days of reading Roald Dahl books rather than studying much more boring things*
Anyway Adam, you are clearly a very talented man. I could do with some of your creativity sending my way please – my wedding logo dreams are fast fading (seriously, a 2 year old could do better). And if t’other half is reading this then “yes – I do NEED it”
x
i vote design 2 version B! xx
I’ve had another look after reading everyone’s comments
I think 3 (while its my fav) is a bit more wedding rather than hen do, but it might work if it was 3 brides rather than bride plus bridesmaids (can we have a version 3C please Adam?!). And Charlotte, I love your scribbles, much better than I could do!
I don’t think 2B looks gothic – more kinda funky know-what-you-want style, but I like both versions of 2.
The only one that doesn’t do it for me is 1, particularly 1B which is what my world looks like when I’ve been on the town a little too long!
Ooh I am loving all of your comments!
@Pamela – you got me, a peachy coral
@Ruth – ha ha don’t worry pet, I have it in mind for another project we are working on if it doesn’t work out for this, and I do appreciate how it is less “Hen Do” than the rest – and it is after all what we are designing for.
I actually like Marie-Louise’s idea of the 3 flutes but in the design of 2A… maybe we will come up with some kind of combination?
Charlotte xxx
Oh, and one last comment (and then I promise I’ll shuttup!) but if you’re planning on running a Hen Do every year then perhaps it should have the year on it somewhere? ‘Real Brides Hen Do 2012′ or ‘Real Brides Class of 2011-12′ ?!
I like the simple style of design 1a (although I appear to be in a minority) Have you thought about doing design 1a with a champagne saucer (a bit retro) and perhaps not filling it in but having some bubbles (like in design 2b) and pehaps some deo writing.
Loving the idea of a RMW hen party.
I like the simple style of design 1a (although I appear to be in a minority) Have you thought about doing design 1a with a champagne saucer (a bit retro) and perhaps not filling it in but having some bubbles (like in design 2b) and pehaps some deco writing.
Loving the idea of a RMW hen party.
2A is so in keeping with Rock My Wedding branding… I love it!!
Love this little insight into your brains as well more of these please…
This is all very exciting! I vote 2B but with the flutes in the same colour as 2A and without the fleur de lis above (and with a few bubbles of fizz coming out of one a la the far right on in 2A). So basically 2A with three flutes not six. If that makes sense xx
2A has to be my favourite, I love how it fits with RMW, and despite not being “3″, 6 looks perfect!
2a gets my vote!! Looks fabulous
xoxo
I like design 3 variation A. The bride is so cute! x
Design 2 is by far my favourite and I’m with @ladyFushia I think the flutes on A. are stronger and more suited to RMW style than B. but using just 3 flutes rather than the 6.
Oh and using the fluer icon/symbol from B. Think the font needs looking at though, maybe a more handwritten style, like the font in Design 3. Sorry to be fussy. As a designer too I really enjoyed your post Adam.
Thankyou RMW for another great post this week following the ‘Bat of Hell’ post from Charlotte, starting to feel inspired again! x
Love them all, but my favourite design which fits your brief best is 2a. I think 6 glasses looks like a very inviting party, warmer and more fun than the 3 flutes.
Good luck with the final decision!
Ooh, ‘eck, this is a toughy!
BUT, 2A is my favourite (although I do love the writing on 2B). It says RMW, it says hen do, it says bubbly (literally), sparkly fun! Plus, I LOVE Quentin Blake.
Amazing work Adam and Charlotte – we’re all SO excited about the hen do!
xx
@Adam… I wish I was you right now… I’d love to be able to design a little cartoon Me & Mike for wedding invites etc
Oh and if 3a is a bit too wedding and not hen… then I think its got to be 2a because that IS RMW!
I vote for design B variation 3
Design 1 variation a. It’s simple, clean and awesome.
Beckie K x
The design with the 6 champagne flutes is the clear winner for me – if I could incorporate it into my wedding somewhere I would!
The design with the 6 champagne flutes is the clear winner for me – if I could incorporate it into my wedding somewhere I would!
Can I just say a huge thanks to everyone that commented – it really is helpful and it’s great to hear so many different opinions… I might have to post whenever I need to make a decision from now on!! (design or otherwise)
Adam x
Definitely 2A, that says ‘hen do’ to me more than all the others.
I can just imagine this as a real picture taken on my hen do with my girlies glasses of Champagne all lined up ready to be quaffed!
For me its definately 2B – though its missing the RMW blue and I really like the way the RMW bit is on the first one. Ok so I actually prefer 2A but with only three glasses!
Not sure about the brides…. keep thinking its a ‘Hen’ do not the actual wedding.
High five from a fellow ‘ex-Graphic Designer-but still designs lots’.
Definitely liking all 3 options for different reasons, but would agree that 2 is the best balance between Hen Party and RMW styling. Also preferring the 2A champagne flutes, but as a group of three. Quite like the font used in 3 as it feels more fun though – would be cool to see it with the typeface used in 2 somehow.
Can’t wait to see the final design! x
Simple- Design 2 variation A!!
Although anyone will work, there great
I like 3A, so cute!
I vote for Design 3 variation B.
I am preferring Design 3 Variation 1.
But I see most people going for design 2… but for me Champagne flutes our out of vogue, did you not see Mrs Naomi’s blog post? http://www.rockedbylife.com/post/14915201178/champagne-glasses
I am biased as I have a set from the 1890s.
I am preferring Design 3 Variation 1.
But I see most people going for design 2… but for me Champagne flutes are out of vogue, did you not see Mrs Naomi’s blog post? http://www.rockedbylife.com/post/14915201178/champagne-glasses
I am biased as I have a set from the 1890s.
2B is by far the strongest design in my opinion. Although they are all pretty spectacular to be honest…great work!
Hhmmm Love design 2B – I like the lay out and in particular the fleur du lys (?) thingy, but I really like the flutes in version A…. a mix please…?
2 A defo! The brides are cool too but not sure about the font, love the flutes!
2A without a doubt – beautiful.
Excited…much! x
@ One Jolly Girl – love these coupes, but our hire company only has 50 available
Nowhere near enough for all our guests – sad times!
Love design 2, variation A
When/where is the RMW Real Grooms Stag event?? My invite hasn’t arrived yet………
Wow Adam! Tons of comments you ledge!
I am leaning towards 1A being my fave as it just seems very RMW! However, I am also leaning towards 2A also as it has bubbly and is just fab! So erm, I am a pendulum!
If I have to pick a winner….it may well be 2A! Wow…how cut throat of me!
I love it all though and am beside myself with excitement about the hen do (so glad this horrid cold is here this week and not next!!!!!)
I like the brides design too I need to add but agree possibly less hen do’ish. The maids dresses are eerily similar to the ones I got last night for our little maids!
Well done Adam you creative thing! (And Charlotte, for your amazing A in art…it shines through in that picture
Kidding pet, I can’t draw for toffee!!!
xx
Loving 1a as it’s a sophisticated and clean design, and feels most in keeping with RMW. Second choice would be 2B. x
Definitely design 1 A..
Definitely design 1 A.
I agree with the Design 2 Variation B with the glasses from A. Also maybe feel like the type possibly needs something from the Rock My Wedding logo, like the ‘O’ on end of ‘hen do’ the ring ‘O’ from logo or along those lines. Great tutorial..right off to put to practice with invitation ideas!
I like 2A the bestest….. I can not wait for next Saturday!!!!!!!!
2B does it for me. Thanks for allowing me to not have to start my work for an extra 30 mins while I was reading this……. Fab work Adam.
My fave is def design 3, option a!
I’m loving 2A-the design is really cute, the champagne flutes represent a party and a celebration (which is what it’s all about!) and the RMW colours shine through.
I do prefer the font used in number 3 though-and I think this fits in more with RMWs cool and quirky image.
Perhaps we could have a mix up of graphics and colour from 2A with the font from number 3?!
Am seriously loving all the posts this week-and have to admit i’m very jealous that I’m not a part if the ‘hen do’. Unfortunately, I couldn’t enter the Real Brides this year as I got married in September
Hope all you lovely ladies have a great time
xx
Whilst I really like all of the designs, I think the best one is 2A – really like the champagne flutes and the simplicity of the design!
This post takes me back, in my old job at a web design company I used to spend hours looking at design variations and picking the most suitable ones for my clients!
New year loves
Design 2 variation A for me…
Adam what clever cookie you are! love it!
My favourite is design 2 Varation A so in keeping with the RMW branding.
You have got me thinking of designs for our evening invitations now……*tip-toes of to sketch some designs*
I vote Design 3, variation B but they’re all good!
I also prefer variation B. Great post!:-)
Design 2b is very creative