Tuesday, November 4, 2014

A New Brand?

I'm thinking about changing my branding to my name.  Maybe something like this.  What do you think?
Based on your feedback, I did a little tweaking adding my first name.
Thoughts?




Orange has always been my fav color and is my preference.  It always seems to be viewed as a risky choice.  I think this was written with me and my philosophy in mind.  From an article on color choice in logos:

  • "Orange is often see as the color of innovation and modern thinking. It also carries connotations of youth, fun, affordability and approachability."





110 comments:

stitchinpenny said...

More modern design, but much less distinctive.

Sharon S said...

Looks great. Drawn to the blue.

Glen QuiltSwissy said...

I like the blue. Easier on the eyes, and I like the words better.

Patty said...

What a big decision. I've really liked Tallgrass Prairie Studio, but I also recognize that you have become more recognizable by your name than the moniker of your blog. I like both options you've posted. I know you love orange and you've encouraged us all to rethink quilting. Best of luck making a decision!

Leslie Frost said...

Good idea! It will be a challenge for awhile, but you will be happier in the end. Modern online quilting is very name specific, so you would be moving in the trending direction. Go for it! I like the orange color, but the blue tagline appeals to me more.

Susan said...

I hope you posted to get honest response. When I first saw the graphic my eyes read it as "jiggering",and thought is this about bar tending? Just my two cents.

Sharon T said...

I like the color blue and the words "rethink quilting". Modern is so right now...rethink is timeless.
I miss your blog posts!

Sharon T said...

Oh, wait! After looking back again, I choose orange!

Susan Strong (strongstitches.wordpress.com) said...

Jacquie, "that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet". Both options are great and would represent you well.

Kristy said...

Wow! That is a big decision to make; but definitely one that is long overdue since you are super-star. I'm partial to the orange and especially like the "rethink" part.

Debbie said...

I think it's a fine idea and I vote orange!

DKB said...

Makes me think of a consulting or architecture firm, but maybe that's ok for you. I definitely like the blue better and the tagline 'rethink quilting'

S Staum said...

Orange! At Camp Stitchalot you told me orange was your favorite color. And you are all about "rethinking". Go for it!

Pat said...

I definitely prefer the orange and the 'rethink quilting' is so YOU. :-)

Anonymous said...

Um, this might sound stupid ... but I think JackieG might be a better (more memorable) brand...do like the 'rethink quilting' tag.

:) Linda

Sewingnanab4g said...

I like the second logo, you definitely think differently in the quilting world. Plus I like orange. Looking forward to seeing you at Quiltcon.

Andres said...

I like it! It's clean and minimalistic. My vote is on the red one.

Mania said...

Better for sure. More simple, more minimalistic, more modern. Go for it, either of the two!

Leanne said...

I like it. I would prefer to see your first name too or instead, as I find the initial,last name reads very male and professional/business like to me, much like the world I work in. I like rethinking quilting best, and I always love orange. Whatever you pick will be wonderful because it will be yours.

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

I think JacquieG would be better. JGering is more masculine to me. It sounds like a man's company and you are definitely feminine. Also rethink quilting as the catch phrase. Just my 2 cents.

Diane Koch said...

I don't know enough about the modern quilt world to comment on the changing of your brand, but I immediately liked the blue/gray combination best. It's a beautiful blue. And the words "rethink quilting" are intriguing and make me want to explore it further. But I too will enjoy anything you do.

Nicole said...

Great idea! How about using your full name?

Jo-Snow said...

Rethinking quilting doesn't limit your work.

I think Gering also works without the J. You are very well known.

jacquie said...

Thanks for all the candid feedback. This is a first stab at something new. I'll keep working on it, but I'm pretty sure the change is going to happen.

Heidi said...

love the last one best. Though all are great.

Unknown said...

Yes I think if you are going to do it use your full name, also, I would agree the design is not something that says anything about your creativity or quilting. Coming from an Advertising/Communications background, I would say quilter's would appreciate some visual that says Jackie Gering or modern quilting, something like what is on your blog and we relate to you. But if this is simply for your business cards then maybe it is ok, if not, like someone else said it simply looks like an architectural design company. But at the end of the day you have to do what feels right for you and what makes you happy!
Jodie (Not a modern quilter or normal follower but saw you on the Craftsy quilt con and your work is amazing!)

Pedal Sew Lightly said...

It looks a lot like the logo I designed for our business when my hubs and his partner of twenty years parted ways 2 1/2 yrs ago. Our last name is the same blue and in a lowercase font similar or maybe even the same as yours. It is followed by a bold uppercase gray BUILDS. We have commercial construction and consulting centered below. Needless to say, I do like your logo style. I like it best in Orange even though I chose blue for ours. Your name has developed into a brand and it makes sense to run with it.

Anne said...

I like the orange (blue reads tech company to me) and I actually like the jgering, but with the first names included I like the last ones best. I agree with those who have said it doesn't quite feel like a quilting brand. Perhaps add matchstick quilting lines to the letters. :D

jednoiglec said...

The last design is the best (in my opinion:). Full name is good option, however your current brand is great brand too, so it's very hard decision...

Charlotte said...

hmm, it's a tricky one. I really love your current branding, but I get that you are more recognisable by your name these days. I do have to say that I'm not loving any of the logos though, they look a bit clinical to me. Definitely prefer the orange!

liz said...

I love the last option and love "rethink quilting." perfect for your innovative style!!

Dawn said...

I hope that you were asking for honesty. Soooo, it's nothing bad. ;) I do prefer the last option. However, I think the Jacquie G would be my preference. When I thought of it I immediately thought...."Jackie O". Jacquie G just sounds so fashionable and modern to me (exactly like Jackie O was!) that it just fits you. And I like the Rethink Quilting. I'm not spot on with either of the colors you choose. Neither draw me in.
Can't wait to see how it ends up!

Fran said...

I really like them all - I think it's great to re-brand with your name rather than a location. And I prefer the design with your first name as well as your surname & I LOVE the rethink quilting tag line, it sums up your unique style brilliantly!

Yara said...

I think the rebrand is a great idea (even if I really liked the old name) and me, too, I like the «rethink» part. From a designers point of view I don't like the typography as it is now but I know its a work in progress. But to me the logos are too cold and clinical. I hope you don't mind honest comments and will keep us posted on your progress! Way to go - yay for change!

Sandra Louise said...

I like the one on the bottom that has your full name in it and the tag line "rethink quilting." If you're going to change to your name, why not use all of it? Also, there's so much debate about what modem quilting is, that the rethink quilting tag line works perfectly. Like the others have said, you've certainly taught me to rethink mine.

Jake said...

I like the simplicity of the second one....just your initial and last name....in Orange, with rethink quilting....much more original than other! But.....I also like the idea of using "Jacquie G....Rething Quilting" as opposed to your first name. And it's kinda catching! JacquieG....besides, aren't you addressed as Jacquie, not Gering? Just my thoughts, but I really like the JacquieG idea best...in Orange!

SewSewJenner said...

I like the third one, how about trying the "jacquie" in orange as well. Love all of your work!

Kristy said...

Aw crap, now you are making it harder. I vote larger Jacquie, smaller Gering; but still in orange.

Mama Spark said...

I like the idea of Jacquie G too, like someone else said, Jackie O. Good point to someone that also said you go by Jacquie not Gering. I like the orange (and I know it is your favorite) what about the faintest outline of one of your modern designs as a hint or shadow in the background of the card with your bold lettering over the top of it? I like the rethink quilting part too. I think you will choose what suits you the best and it will probably evolve over time too. Cant' wait to see what you come up with!

Dana said...

Tough choice. #2 in orange gets my vote, also like #3. Like having you first name on it......more identifiable

kathleen said...

I like the phrase 'rethink quilting' & including your full name. Thumbs up to the last version.

Millie said...

I like the last one, but I wonder if you made your first name the same color as the "rethink quilting" and I think it should be blue instead of orange. That way "Jacquie" and "rethink quilting" go together.

good luck!
Lynne

Anonymous said...

The version on the bottom struck me. Loved your Craftsy class btw.

Colleen Kole said...

I like the logos with your full name. It seems assertive but not overbearing. You have unique spelling of your first name so it will reinforce it.

whale said...

I love the tagline rethink quilting, but I'm not sure whether the full name or initial is best. However, I do kind of miss the bridge. Is there any way you could do it in the background as almost a "ghost" image? Kind of like a white on white fabric?

SheriB said...

I like the last one the best. And I like the orange because it ties in with your current blog branding. Also, I'm not sure orange is as prevalent, so that would help you stand out.

I would be sad to see "Tallgrass Prairie Studio" go by the wayside, though -- especially since you've just returned to Kansas.

Linda said...

I like orange and the modern quilt design as that is what you are know for.

Pam said...

I like the idea of Jacquie G, and the rethink quilting. Maybe you could use an image of one of your quilts as the background, or a portion of one. I think Modern Quilting sounds like you may quilt other peoples quilts.

Beth said...

I like the last image the best. I agree with others who have said: orange (b/c it is YOUR color), rethink quilting(b/c it is about more than modern). Also, I'd love to see a nod to quilting in the logo--your bridge design, some stitches, the corner flipped forward like a quilt, the words superimposed on a grey log cabin block?

Debbie said...

quite a change, but reflective of the past few years of your work. Glad you added your first name.. it was too "cold" without it. I'm guessing this process is very similar to designing a quilt.. keep moving things around until you get the "aha!" So far, I prefer the last edition. And yes, Orange. That would be an appropriate transition from the current brand. You will always have Tallgrass prairie Studio in your heart!

Quiltdivajulie said...

I like the last version - both names (I agree with Wanda on this one).

As far as color - I think the orange connects to the color used in your existing blog header. Orange also feels warmer (hence more inviting). The blue "works" but feels cooler (more reserved or aloof).

BeckyW said...

I like either the second one or the last one. Personally, I find making one letter of a name distracting. We have a new business near my house called "Oliver Orthodontics". They made the O in Oliver into some special looking character. I can't drive by the place without seeing "Liver Orthodontics".

With all that said, you should trust your gut feeling and make it what speaks most to you.

SusieDW said...

I like the idea a lot. Just one suggestion. I haven't made a mock up of my idea, so bear with me on this visual description. I like using your full name. To introduce the *quilting* element how about creating the J using vertical lines top to bottom using matchstick quilting lines in orange leaving a WHITE J (maybe take that treatment into the entire left hand third of the block) and continue the remaining letters to the right in the gray. *rethink quilting* would be in the blue.

Cathy L said...

I like the tagline "rethink quilting". I also like blue. I like the full name better than the jgehring, but I like the one comment that suggested JacquieG.

andrea @ tideline quilts said...

I think the first one will get you the most powerful brand recall and also has the fastest "call to action" associated with the name. Instant recognition - as it were! (I am a professional marketer, Jacquie - and also a quilter who has taken your online course in quilting with a walking foot at Craftsy). Looking forward to seeing which one you decide on!

Stevii said...

Aren't you famous enough to just have a first name... like Cher? I think you are.
I like the blue. In marketing I think orange is suppose to denote inexpensive. And goodness knows, you aren't cheap!!!!!LOL

Stevii said...

Aren't you famous enough to just have a first name... like Cher? I think you are.
I like the blue. In marketing I think orange is suppose to denote inexpensive. And goodness knows, you aren't cheap!!!!!LOL

Heartaday said...

I, too, like Tallgrass Prairie Studio but I know that using your name is recommended these days. I like the last one, and I like "rethink quilting" best. Modern quilting is being overused and non-quilters have no idea what that means.

Susan Santistevan said...

Jacquie! I think it is perfect timing for a branding change. Although, I feel so nostalgic about your Tallgrass Prairie Studio blog, and all that it has meant to me in my journey, change will be good. The blogging world has changed, and your life has been in the fast lane for awhile. I, of course, like the logo with your first name included, and the orange. Ha! I guess I don't want too much change. I also like the vibe that "rethink quilting" instills. So you! Think beyond what comes naturally, go bold and break free. I will look forward to seeing your new brand.

Stina... said...

Love The first and The last one... Drawn to the blue since its more visible... Maybe I would have added something blue to the last one... Nice both of them...

Lynda said...

I like the second sets - but you need to add something to the background - the bridge background is what makes your current logo

Unknown said...

Shirt and sweet...jgering in orange. I like the rethink quilting...it's unusual.

Lisa said...

I like the last one with your name all in gray! Good luck!

Unknown said...

Option one with the blue is easier on the eyes, and communicates your brand perfectly.

jam said...

I was originally drawn to your Tallgrass logo and still love it, but understand needing the brand. Design-wise the Capital J covering two lines misleads my eye to think the J should also be part of "gering". I prefer the last option. Love the "rethink quilting." Either color works for me. Can't wait to see your final.

Amy Verne said...

I like the last one best, but with your first name in orange too.

Irelle said...

I love the "rethink quilting" and like the last one best. Clean and basic with a great message.

Bobbie said...

I like the last one best, with both your first and last names, and motto. Go with the orange-it really pops Modern.

Chris said...

You wanted opinions...I understand wanting to incorporate your name, that makes total sense. However, I've always loved your current logo BECAUSE it speaks to your artistry, and has a modern flair. You know, saying you are an artist without having to say it? Love the orange too. Could you combine your name, but with an awesome logo, such as you have now? rather than just your name? Otherwise, does not look "arty" to me, just like any other business. :) Hope to see you at QuiltCon, my daughter just moved there so of course we will visit her in Feb.

Alli said...

I like the last one the best -- with the small "jacquie" on top and the orange "rethink quilting" on the bottom. :)

KathleenD said...

Since you're asking... the logo that grabs my attention best uses ORANGE with the gray. Its simplicity makes it more memorable than the others and doesn't feel jumbled. The winner in my opinion, is one of your first samples - the one that simply reads: jgering and tucks "rethink quilting" below gering.

I wish you the best of luck in making the decision about your new brand logo!

Sew Stitching Cute said...

Instantly drawn to the first Orange with Jgering and sneaks in "rethink quilting". It is simple and grabs you, it wouldn't make me have to think "what is her first name again now?" if I were to go searching... a simple j with that last name seems enough yet speaks a lot.

christaquilts said...

I think you nailed it with the last graphic. It includes your name which is iconic in modern quilting circles and your "rethink quilting" is a perfect tag line.

The phrase includes modern quilting but you've also given yourself room to grow and evolve if need be. I love it!

christaquilts said...

Ok I just read through all the comments.

I still think the last one is best - the type size, colors and positioning are all perfect.

However, I would love to see a mockup that subtly incorporates a background image of your iconic bridge logo in a lighter color.

Just to see whether or not that would work.

Unknown said...

I like the last one w/the emphasis on your last name and I think it was smart to add your first name. Rethink quilting is a great line!

Unknown said...

I totally agree with changing your logo. In the quilt world when someone says "Jacquie" everyone knows who is being referred to; so I do believe it should be included.

The orange and grey would not be my first choice, but it is not my logo and they fit your aesthetic perfectly. Your quilts read beautifully architectural and your use of orange is so striking. Orange represents you.

I am in the minority on the "rethink", but "innovative" is all I could come up with. I agree that "modern" is so overused.

What I do know is that whatever you do, it will be fabulous!

Andres said...

the new orange one.

Sarah said...

The very last one with the Grey for your name and the orange "rethink quilting" is my favorite. Looks great!

Janet M said...

I really like the last one with both first & last name but would like to see 'rethink quilting' in blue. The blue & grey are more striking/eye catching to me.

Kate said...

Hi Jacquie - thanks for your trust in us! Because you asked for our opinions, here are mine
- def go with orange
- the bottom option is the best of those you've presented - there is balance between the size of your name and the brightness of the orange of what you stand for
- I would like to see an element of orange in your name - not a whole letter, as I think that is too much - I'm thinking the dot over the 'i' in gering? - and if you could move jacquie over so that the 'i's align/are on top of each other, and then dot the one 'i' in orange? something like that - to me, this tie in of colours connects 'you' with 'your brand' ('rethink quilting') and it also adds a personal element (ie, 'i' = 'I' that sort of thing.)
Prob not perfect, but that's where my head is...the trick is to keep it as beautifully clean as you have already achieved...
LOVE your work btw!!!

Kate said...

I like the bottom with the bigger last name. I think I would rather see purple as I think modern when I see purple, JMHO! Rock on!

Paige said...

I am drawn to your last design, but perhaps 'Jacquie' in blue and 'modern quilt design' in place of rethink quilting. And maybe the grey a shade darker. Modern is here to stay, right?

Cheryl Arkison said...

Not a bad idea.
One comments on the log though. When you use your name, it is your full name that is the brand, not the first or the last. From a design perspective, the logo doesn't totally reflect that. Also, the one with the J makes it looks like your last name is jgering.

janequiltsslowly said...

I love the orange one with your whole name. Great design and words.

Lorinda said...

I prefer the last option with your name in all the same color. I agree that you should have your full first name (more recognizable to me at least with both names), but didn't like the options where the 'j' was bigger than the rest of your first name. It was confusing to try and read. I also think having the 'j' in a different color was throwing me off. I kept reading it as "J. Acquie Gering". Lastly, your brand color should be one you're in love with and willing to see a LOT of... I say go with your gut, stay true to you and go for that orange! So there's my two cents! :)

Yo said...

I love orange!

i like the last one.

what about making the j orange as well?

jackie said...

Go with orange!!!

I prefer the last, but in any case, I think using your first name, with its less common spelling, is a plus.

Marsha L said...

Orange! Definitely orange! Warm and outgoing orange -- just like you. And use your whole first name. That's my 2 cents.

Heather said...

I like the gray with the orange "rethinking quilting" I also like the orange without your first name :)

Karen Suemnick said...

I just love the new brand; with the initial of your 1st namd and how I love the orange and gray. Being that it is your favorite color, follow your heart. I love your blog. Karen Suemnick

Bitchisima said...

I like the orange, first name with the J emphasized, rethink quilting.

Elaine Adair said...

the last one - I love the "personal" first name, just sitting there quietly but strongly.

Tami @ Lemon Tree Tales said...

I like the idea of using your full name and in orange but I would miss some use of lines. Can you experiment with different fonts and play around with the layout of the one with the small Jacquie and larger Gering? But then again if you're going to Rethink Quilting then you don't want to limit yourself. Who knows where your quilting will take you in the years to come and you want your logo to be timeless. :-)

Robyn of Coffee and Cotton said...

Orange for sure! The full name examples look very clean and classy

Sandy B said...

Love the one with your full first name and in orange.

Christine S said...

Orange for sure!!

LucindaM said...

I like the orange. And the tagline - rethink quilting -- really works well. Tend to prefer your initial j instead of first name but either works and I know it's you.

PMookie said...

I like the orange color. The last example....what if you also put your first name in orange?
And how about 'rethinks' quilting. Then the card says it all...Jacquie Gering rethinks quilting. And if you only read the orange text...Jacquie rethinks quilting.

Lori Martin said...

from an advertising point-of-view, first initial last name with tagline looks the cleanest. Others look cluttered. Love the orange!

lulu said...

I like the last one best. Orange is my favorite too!

Charlotta said...

I'd say definitely include your first name, not just the initial. And, YES to orange. I also very much like "rethink quilting"

KathyinMN said...

My very very favorite design was the very last one with the orange. Definitely the orange. That one, with your full name, popped right off the page at me.

MJinMichigan said...

When I saw your fist possibilities I thought changing your logo to incorporate your name was a great idea but none of them appealed to me. Now that I see the last one with your name in gray and rethink quilting in irange I love it!
So that one would be my choice.

SusieDW said...

Will we soon have an unveiling?

Jen said...

The last one reminds me of your minimalism style with negative space. I also like the second to last, but only if you stack the "rethink quilting" phrase in two lines next to "gering"

Leanne said...

I like the very last one best. I wonder what that exact lay out would look like with the j orange too. I like it so much more with your first name included.

leanne said...

yay go with the orange - its such a gorgeous colour !! and the last design is my fav

Patty said...

I like the last one you posted.

Patty said...

I like the last one you posted.

Katie said...

Sorry to be so late to the party. :-) I like the ones with your full name. I don’t like “rethink quilting” because it is negative. It sounds like a rejection of something prior, not an excitement about something new. Just my two cents.

Happy Thanksgiving!