Re: [libreoffice-marketing] About Jens Habermann's fine artwork

Hi Jens, :-)

Thanks for the numbering and the patient ear.

On Mon, Nov 8, 2010 at 05:28, Jens Habermann <mailing@jenshabermann.de> wrote:
> I am doing already some mascot sketches, but I think a mascot is more an addon. I personally 
> think an
> office package need some stylish minimal logo on the desktop, but having a mascot on a fair for
> example would be great. For now I don´t like my mascot drafts - a good mascot is difficult :-)
> as I wrote some time ago: a mascot is more an evolving process...

Yes, it's true that it's notoriously difficult to come up with that
magic winner. Nor indeed is a mascot the *only* possible approach,
although you undoubtedly noticed my enthusiasm for one. I think I
might post to the users list later, and try sounding out our user base
to see if that brings any interesting ideas.

Since TDF is currently going with a sheet of paper, could it perhaps
grow arms and legs, and maybe some kind of face? Any way to make that
folded corner a bit "softer" so that it morphs into a persona more
easily? (Although, technically, that's much easier to say than to
achieve.)

TDF guys, how about a competition/challenge on the front page of the
main site, or somewhere else appropriate on the Internet? Reactions?
Feel free to assign me any footwork you want in that respect. You will
probably have noted that I'm looking around for other creative brains
to add proposals to the mascot quest.

Jens, to give you some feedback to fuel your creative thought process:

I love the "Office" word in 1.2 to 1.4, with the continuation of that
styling in the paper sheet. The font is a real winner; I like the
downward sloping line of those elements. For me, that's something to
stay with and keep. The 2-tone gray softens the overall visual. Really
nice. It has a sophisticated look to it, and will work in lots of
contexts/settings.

Whereas I find the paper sheet in 1.1 is a little stark and simplistic
when seen on a white background at that large-ish size, that version
will work well and be clearly distinguishable at small sizes. Same
comments for that font - it's easily readable, yet gives a needed
little break with conventionality. Perhaps we could have a set of
different-colored versions to make it usable on all colors of
backdrop?

Coming back to 1.2 to 1.4: The "Libre" word obviously expresses
"liberty and freedom". So I visualize a font that looks done by a
human hand (I'm thinking something calligraphic/script-ish but perhaps
*not* too regular and perfectly formed). Plus, I imagine something
with attitude, confidence, unconventionality and a little fizzaz.
Something a bit signature-like? Like it's saying, "Hey, buddy! This
might be software but know that it was brought to you by creative,
free-thinking, human minds!"

The font in 1.2 to 1.4 seems a little spidery to me? Especially at small sizes?

OT: I love hanging around in artists' studios and drafting rooms, with
the mess, the inks, the paints, the discarded drafts and scribblings,
and the whole feel of creativity and outside-the-box, inventive,
shifting thought. Please can I have the smell of paint and ink in the
logo?

Obviously, all the above are my own gut reactions intended purely as
constructive fuel for discussion. There's nothing set in stone there.
Once more, a big thanks for your work. HTH. :-)

David Nelson

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