BBC Logo Ideas

So sometime earlier this year I started on a BBC One mock with a new logo, etc. I've just come back to revisit this, with hopefully some more designs coming soon, but in doing this decided to mock up the other channel's logos to be used within my BBC One mock. Here are my ideas so far...

I've used a new typeface for BBC Four, News, World, Parliament and the left Two logo. This is called Source Sans Pro and this would ideally be the new Gill Sans to the BBC, with all endboards, news graphics, etc using it.

I'm sure many will have some constructive feedback which is more than welcome, as this is just an early idea.

http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx17/itsadan/BBCLogosideas.png

They're alright. The BBC Three logo is a bit bland for the channel to be honest, and the number 2 is iconic - so much so, that I don't think it needs to change.

Is it strange to say: is it time to say goodbye to the blocks? The blocks are already 60 years old.

The blocks are timeless, are they not? Especially in their current incarnation.

Depends, if there is a good enough design to succeed them.

Yes they are. It says a lot when other companies go through many logo changes (Cough ITV Cough) and yet the BBC sticks with the same idea with a few minor changes. Channel 4 are never going to change their logo so why should the BBC. Keep them thats what i say. I wouldnt be surprised if the BBC has the same logo in 15 years.

Now, Mr Gooding... disappointed. I expect much better from you.

1/5*

I realise these are only early versions of a larger project but you should have perhaps held off on publishing until your mock was complete.

Because you are usually a good mocker i'm going to forego the vitriol.

BBC One logos have been seen before and I'm not sure they were well liked on here... i certainly think they are problematic, the "O" logo is great, but it just doesnt work with the "ne" in a different font, especially not those you have chosen.

BBC Two, i'm not closed to a replacement for the "2", but what you have is not an improvement.

The font used on the News/World/Four/2(left hand) do not work. They feel harsh. The right hand 2 is also poor... the "2" also doesnt work being integrated with the blocks.

BBC Three... just no on both counts.

How any of these would fit with the channel's overall branding is anyones guess. I know you are capable of great things so you perhaps unfairly get...

Okay, fair comments I guess.

What would you have though?

Dan, you are capable of making the right decisions when it comes to design / font choice etc. I often cite you as one of the best mockers out there which is why I was so disappointed by this mock.

I know you are capable of producing stunning work, you show that repeatedly on your youtube channel.

What you need to do is take this on the chin and use the skills and ideas you obviously got floating round in your brain to create a mock based on one of them. I don't just mean title cards or logos, i would expect title stills, astons, ident ideas... the works.

I don't expect to see anything as advanced as Martin Anderson's work, but I know you have basic animation software and some degree of photographic skills and there is no reason why these skills shouldn't be put to good use to produce one of the best mocks ever seen on here. Hows that for throwing down the gauntlet.

I quite like the rightmost BBC Two logo, actually.

But otherwise, what SomeRandomStuff said (I did warn you about him in the Guide to Mocking... )

I think my problem is I'm now stuck really. I can't produce anything very advanced, even in the way of stills. For example, your World mocks. But I'll try to come up with something anyway.

I think for logos, BBC needs to keep them simple. The BBC blocks are simplicity on a plate - and any BBC brands themselves should be identified with a simple logo. It's why after all these years, the original package still looks great - it was designed together. Now, around that - the themes - this is where creativity comes in - and you need to think of "packages". The theme of each channel/brand and how you convey that in the idents, endboards, posters, t-shirts, mugs etc.

The key to good brand design is conveying a message. Basically, what are the qualities of your product - in this case your BBC channels. The logo is just an identifier - an important, but small part of the "brand".

I think there are fundamental errors with this mock that undermine the technical ability shown.

Firstly, the typeface. The fonts you've chosen are too heavy in comparison to the rather thin Gill Sans. If you are going to use a different font, make sure the weight of it is similar to that of Gill Sans.

Secondly, there is little consistency. Although you have reused the font for some of the logos, the real consistency comes with the BBC logo. Use that as an anchor for the rest of each channel's brand. Whether that means you have a consistent alignment, or you have near-consistent alignment (with a slight difference that still shows a relationship) is up to you.

Thirdly, the typography. The BBC One, the right-hand BBC Two, and the right-hand BBC Four logos uses unusual typography that doesn't lend itself to readability. As a complete opposite, the other logos are extremely bland.

You need to have a balance between the two - make it readable and simple, yet quirky. Subtlety is key.

Fourthly, your arrangement. It's a minor point, but the logos are higgledy-piggledy. Arrange, align, and present your creations well. Also, provide a negative version to prove their versatility.


Finally, take into account how the BBC logo is used now. All of your incarnations have the BBC logo far too close to the channel names, and it looks wrong. If you were to use a different BBC logo, then fair enough. In this case, however, you need to respect the existing logo.