improved rough draft logo

I've decided to go for the abstract guitarist. My instructor said that the note-head figure looked like an alien. People suggested that I put in color to keep the consistency of liveliness in the image. For me, music is calming and soothing, but it can be loud and lively. Yellow-orange and sky blue were good choices. What do you all think?

Rough Draft for logo design

Two ideas, with different alternations.
Idea 1- the note-head has 3 alternations in type and stroke width
Idea 2- the abstract guitarist has 2 alternations in type.

Type Study

I've picked out some fonts that looked good for "Braswell Music"
I tried a variety of them to see the different reactions I'd get.
You'll have to click the image in order to see the full image.

Photo research of Braswell Music

I forgot to post up photos of the shop inside. They were taken 1 week ago. I had to take these photos on a rainy day, unfortunately.

Yeah the posting of these pics is time consuming because I can't seem to get the pictures to line up as I want them to.

Research for Braswell Music complete (so far) and some inspiration

Well I've got my e-mail from the guys at "Braswell Music". They mainly target youngsters and teenagers, which is a majority of their customers. This helps me narrow down my selection on ideas. I believe some of my sketches can work after all.
Down here we're required to find at least 5 different logos from competitors, which inspire us.
Possible competition or other inspiring logos 

I love how they substitute the "G" with a guitar. The guitar subtly resembles the "G" shape, but the fact that it's a guitar, anyone can read it as "Guitar Center". I tried incorporating that idea into my sketches, but so far they don't seem to work.

Aperio is latin for "to reveal". The type seems rather script, but it's not complete script. Plus it has that retro feel which is similar to the signs is old fast-food places. Modifying a pre-existing type is a good idea, but I'd have to experiment with that on Illustrator.

The subtle outline shape of the guitar body is evident and unifies the type as one. The frame helps in that as well. The use of the guitar hole as the "o" in "store" is a good idea too. Substitution of letters is an intriguing idea.

Use of type to create the guitar body. This inspired me to think more outside the box rather than being penned in by common sense.

An interesting combination of rugged font, lines running through, and imagery. It's definitely different, but this certainly brings out the "rocker" feel.

1st Project-Logo Design: sketching storm

The 1st step of re-branding is re-designing the logo
Brasswell Music logo is this

I'm not going to blatantly talk about this logo. Other than that,
I've been given more options for designing a new logo.
Unfortunately, I haven't done enough research for this store. I hope that
the owners will respond to my e-mail soon enough.

Other than that, we were required to have 52 sketches. Unfortunately due
to lack of research, my sketches don't relate well with the store at all.

I'd appreciate it if anyone could critique my work. Also feel free to tell me which sketch relates best with representing "Braswell Music". Don't worry, the sketches are all numbered.
5 words that I think describe "Braswell Music": Friendly. Music. everyone. variety. authentic.

Beginning GRD 3200-1st task

Spring Semester GRD 3200- AKA Intermediate Graphic Design.

This is actually my 1st blog. I'm much more used to using DeviantArt.

Our goal for this class is to re-brand/ re-design for a client. They have to small local businesses; in other words "mom and pop shops."

For now, I just have to think of 5 clients.

1. Brasswell Music
   A music store in Suwanee. They sell mostly guitars, basses, amplifiers and PA gear. They provide guitar, bass, drum, and brass lessons. I take guitar lessons there and the people are absolutely friendly.
2. Jesus Glory Church
   My dad opened his church last year, though we don't have new members yet. The church's name reflects its goal to bring glory to Jesus. We are also doing an outreach program for children with autism; Love Touch Mission with Autism. FYI-the church's blog is in Korean so beware.
3. Pixel's Cafe
   A Korean cafe near the GSU campus that serves delicious sandwiches and food. I've eaten there occasionally last year. I would recommend ordering from their Bulgogi menu; Bulgogi is Korean barbeque. From personal experience, they have decent service.
4. Pica Pica
   A Japanese goods outlet store at Discover Mills Mall in Lawrenceville. It sells kimonos and katanas. I prefer to call it an anime goods store because they sell a variety of anime/manga items.
5. CNN Hair Studio
   A Korean hair salon in Suwanee. They're not restricted to solely Koreans, don't get me wrong. I've seen other people come in for appointments.

Personally, I'd go with the 1st or 2nd choice.