A question and a request

[markyah1983]

Hi, hope you'll fogive a dumb question, but what are you guys using to create all these cool logo's? Photoshop?

Also if anyone would like to have a go or knows where i can find a Bay Area themed league logo i'd really appreciate it.

Thanks

[StorminZ]

I use a vector creation program called CorelDraw. Its Adobe counterpart is Illustrator. These programs are vastly different from Photoshop (and the Corel counterpart, Photo-Paint) in that the graphics in CorelDraw/Illustrator are mathematically determined which, for the end-user, means the graphic can be resized without loss of resolution. With a pixel-based program, re-sizing (though depending upon the size of the original and the resolution thereof) can and often results in pixelation ... that blocky look. However, do not be fooled into thinking that a vector program is strictly better than a bitmap (pixel-based) program when it comes to logos. Bitmap programs can create some stunning effects which are far better achieved in such programs than in vector programs. All you need to do is look at the some of the logos created with a program like Photoshop.

I use a vector program because I like to alter graphics and maintain the sharpness of the resulting product. Furthermore, creating a new piece of work from scratch produces a much better image (IMHO). The Vancouver Thunderbirds logo I created (see the following thread,Vancouver Thunderbirds logo request is an illustration of what can be produced entirely from scratch using a vector program.

Hope this helps. I'd be pleased to answer any other questions you may have (and I know many others around here will gladly help, too ... that's how I got into this immersive past-time!).

[markyah1983]

Thanks StrominZ that is usefull. Can I assume that in these programs you can import pictures to use in the logo (such as the bomber in your LA logo)?

Personally i'd imagine that i'll end up going down the bitmap route cause then'll i imagine i'll be able to play with the images in python (i have a bit of a SciPy fetish).

[StorminZ]

While the CorelDraw Graphics Suite ... which includes both CorelDraw and Corel Photo-Paint ... normally retails for ~$300US, if you watch eBay, it can be had for much less. In fact, if you're not going to use it for commercial purposes, you can purchase the academic version ... current x3 ... for ~$100US (plus shipping). While the Adobe products are primo in terms of market usage, the Corel product is very, very robust ... equal on many levels to Adobe. I point this out as then you can enjoy the best of both worlds at an affordable price.

In answer to your 'importing' question, you certainly can import pictures. For example, CorelDraw allows you to import bitmap files (.bmp, .jpg, .png) as well as other vector-based files (.ai, .eps). Corel Photo-Paint will import vector images, but then converts them to bitmap on saving (in my experience, it's better to export the vector as a high res bitmap form the vector program, then open the bitmap in the paint program).

I should also note that while I post my logos as .jpg or .png, these files are an export of the vector format which explains the sharpness whether they be at 400 x 400 or 150 x 150.

[Khan]

For a Bay Area Logo, may I suggest the SF BaySox logo Logo done by Cooleyvol in this league, http://www.americanbaseballcongress.com/

Also I believe Illeracula did some "Bay Area" Logos, I don't have the site handy at the moment though, maybe later.