Cheers!

1. Simple (not too busy)
2. Memorable (easy to remember)
3. Unique (it’s the identity, represents the company)
4. Applicable (can be used in any medium)
5. Scalable (still looks good in small size (favicon?)
6. Black & White version (for fax, photocopy, yellow pages or low budget print)

Here are some good articles about “successful logo”…

http://www.logolauncher.com/five_rules.htm

http://www.logocreationcenter.com/6keystosuccess.html

http://www.redmoonmedia.com/clients/how_to_design_successful_logos.html

~Jeffro

George R. #2 Tweaked
Ed P. #1 Tweaked
Pieter T. #1 Tweaked
Juan G. #1 Tweaked
Javier S. #2

The top seven have been chosen based on my many years as an artist, designer, and web master. These designs either make the grade as brand marks, or are unique enough to stand alone as effective logos for AppleiPhoneSchool.com. As many of us know; logo design is a balance of form, function, and simplicity; and these seven have done it very well in my opinion.

All of that said, this is but my opinion. It may help, it may not. Either way, I hope it’s taken in stride. It’s been a pleasure viewing the submissions for this contest; and antics aside, it’s been great to take part in the review of the submitted designs.

Here’s my personal opinion as to what the top seven designs are.

7. Andy O. #3
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/appleiphoneschool/2433027642)

I really dig the simplicity of this design. This one goes to show that the simplest methods are often the best. The icon in particular shows up well, and the green color goes well with the AppleiPhoneSchool site in its current form. (Why didn’t I think of using Green!?)

6. Jason G. #6
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/appleiphoneschool/2437295163)

This one is on the list for its potential. I think if Jason added the same gloss that Richard H, Paul F, or even I did on some of mine, his would easily be in the top three. Some work needs to be done to make this design more representative of a ‘school house’, and the icon needs work to make it more distinct at its native size.

5. Mario T. #6
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/appleiphoneschool/2433907933)

I love the concepts he uses here. While the rounded square has been used, and re-used (and is so played as a result ) Mario took his to new heights by adding elements of realism. It doesn’t rate higher to me because its stark nature doesn’t mesh well with the existing site, but it definitely has potential.

4. Paul F. #1
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/appleiphoneschool/2435255185)

Paul F’s is clearly the favorite; it’s been viewed the most and ‘favorited’ most often (3 times at this writing). It doesn’t rate #1 on my list because it uses elements of the iphone’s design, and overall it looks ‘familar’. If the book were flipped horizontally (such that the cover were facing the viewer), the apple enlarged and the iphone elements removed, it would be a much stronger peice. I would also recommend some time go into this design to make it less ‘windows’ in nature, and more unique. The book itself is a very simple 3D shape, and could be made more customized by rounding the edges or using other treatments to make it stand out. All of that said, there’s no question this one is a phenominal design.

3. Javier S. #5
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/appleiphoneschool/2433220750)

This one rates highly because it’s unique. It’s not the winner because it’s a bit too close to the Apple logo for comfort. That said, its obvious that the shape of the apple itself is intended to on some level represent the shape of the iphone. And here, it’s clear that it’s done with subtlety. If selected, I’d recommend that he too flip his design horizontally so the bites on the other side, and perhaps reduce the design’s height so that it uses space on a 60×60 icon more efficiently.

2. Richard H #1
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/appleiphoneschool/2437495966)

I love the shape of his apple! (lol) All kidding aside, I like the gloss of this peice. It incorporates the home button without being blatant about it, and the apple serves well as a brand-mark. This is one that could truely last a very long time.

1. Ed P. #1
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/appleiphoneschool/2438178626)

Aside from my designs… (kidding!) This one’s the best. Its simplicity is king, and its tie-in with the iphone’s fundamental action (Slide to Unlock) is obvious. If selected as a final, I’d recommend that Ed swap the ‘Button’ frames for iPhone and School (Take all but the text, and rotate it 180 degrees). While the site is one of learning, that learning is occurring about the iPhone and related apps; and to me that gives it a higher spot in the heirarchy than ‘School’ itself. I’d also recommend he use Electric Green. Seriously, Great job on this design Ed!

Anyways, that does it for me. It is but a few hours from April 30th where I am, and while I desperately want to win, I know that my works went toe-to-toe with some heavy-weight, phenominal artists. I wanted to fairly review the designs that aren’t mine to help Doug and Brooke make thier decision; which is by no means an easy task for them. I hope this was of help. Thanks to everyone for taking part; this has been a great experience.

Best of luck to everyone!