Help pick the new NCKA logo!

I kind of like the fact that one of the kayakers is paddling, and not fishing.

Yep much more realistic  and symbolic. Be cool if 1 was netting
Bill is definitely an Optimist 

Very nice Sky, I figured you probably had the layers all set up to do that quickly.

As for weather, It rained last night pretty hard, but it's actually sunny now.

Ok, It's time to throw my hat in the rain.

From all the posting and info gathered I think what's really integral to this design is to capture the experience of yakfishing while also representing where we come from.

JTF had an awesome idea that I elaborated on a little. He suggested a fishing skeleton in the style of an old Social Distortion album cover. I think it really works to represent Nor Cal in many ways. First, fishing in Nor Cal is hard core! There's frigid water, crazy ocean conditions, giant sharks, we love to fish for the evil Lings. It is dangerous! I think we all hold a lot of pride in that we brave all these elements to fish. Also, Nor Cal has a healthy reputation for being the birthplace of the Grateful Dead and hard core X Sports. I think even if we're not fans we all can still understand how it represents us. It's just a feeling. And of course this all ties in with Mooch's favorite quote.. the MADNESS.

I didn't really get to put too much time into the layout/design (The yak is too small, some lines need to thickened, etc.) yet but this can give you an idea of what I'm shooting for.  The single color makes it economical to print and simple to understand.

Also, I made one version for a bumpersticker size because they're cheaper to make and much easier to apply nice large text. The oval is more for smaller stickers.

Z

VERY COOL Z !!!! Now that's an original  and it says a lot 

Kinda reminded me of when Erik Kunz named me "dead man paddling" when I went throught some big surf at Linda Mar...everyone on the shoreline thought I was a gonner when my kayaks bow went up a big wave and was pointing towards the sky  I got lucky and survived 

That looks cool Z!  Kind of "dia de los muerto"'ish (day of the dead) but it looks really good.

Some people here really got some skillz.  Great work everyone!  It'll be intersting to see the final outcome.

I have a couple pencil drawings I wanna post to see if someone can render them on a comp....who's game?

Z.... that's really nice.  I'm liking the concept a lot.  Should try to work "NCKA.org" in there somehow as well. 

Sky... I actually really like the JTF riding the ling...  people will remember it... and that's what is really important.  Somthing that stands out enough to be memorable.

Good stuff brewing here.   I love the creativity.

Zeelander,

I was working on such an idea, but my drawing skills are sub-par to yours. Dangle 2 treble hooks from the bottom. Reverse the colors so that the skeleton is black as well as the kayak and run NCKA.org in white down the side of the kayak. Also, my idea was to put the paddle back in the skeleton's hands. one paddle would be in the water, the other would be raised as a sickle.
To show motion, I would put the yak at 45 degrees, lean the skeleton back and runs white waves over the bow of the yak.
A sickle may be over kill - lol, but it does alleviate the problem of such a thin out line for the rod.
With a simpler design, you could have this sewn on hats and such.

Sky... I think you might be overthinking it. 

To me the "JTF riding the Ling" logo says Fun!  Exciting!  Adventure!  Accomplishment!  Something to Tell People About!

There are lots of things we can do to gain comaradarie with others, but we all came together on this sport because of our enjoyment of it.  It is Fun, exciting, adventursome... it does give you a sense of accomplishment and definitely provides something to tell people about. 

Sky, I think Eric (KZReelRods) and Bryce (Zeelander) have a very good point. I respect your talent and vision--I wish I had such skill and artistic vision. But let me give my two cents on this since writing is one thing I do well.

It's difficult to represent all thoughts in a logo. And even though the old bromide is that "a picture is worth a thousand words", there are limits. For instance the words have to be close together in meaning in a message or the logo looks like a schizophrenic's daydream. Encumbering the logo with all of our principles and values is over-burdening it. We need to focus on a just a few key messages--the ones we would covey if we had 30 seconds to sum up NCKA to a stranger on the street. We need to remember this logo not only speaks for us when we are not there to talk but it also attracts future fishers to kayak fishing. So advertisiing and conveying a little adventure is not at all a bad thing provided it is done tastefully and with respect for nature.

A fisher riding a ling is metaphorical not literal. Cowboys and rodeo riders deeply respect the broncos and bulls they ride. They are in awe of their power and eager to test themselves against them. In some similar way, do we not test ourselves against the sea and the fish? I don't think that means we don't respect the sea and her life. On the contrary, the folks on this board, while I may disagree with some of them and debate them here and there, are some of the most honest and compassionate people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting--they have real character. Just look at how they treated Steve Blackwell (Chef Stefano) and what they did for him. So the real challenge is how to convey all that emotion, spirit, comradery, zest for life, awe and respect for nature, and bravado to take on the sea and her fish in one simple picture.

I don't think we can do it--but we can get close if we think of just a few things we want to convey up front to capture someone's interest and with the idea we'll fill in the details when they, drawn by the logo, seek us out for more conversation.

To me, that's what a logo does--it captures one's imagination with details to follow later.

Wow just just my 2 cents but I think we are making this way to complacated. Its the organization that makes the Logo work not the other way around. You can have the greatest Logo in the world but if you don't back it up it won't work. You might sell some T-shirts but what does it really covey? I think the most important thing about a Logo is that it is ascetically pleasing and you have people who are proud to wear it. Two of the most familiar Logos are the Nike swoop and the Apple apple, why do they work? Does apple make apples? 

Just For Fun--da Mooch!

Hey, Marmite, your rendering of Mooch takes the prize, hands down, in my book!  Those are great!

BTW, I did have your email address and didn't see it at first. My bad.

Janice aka "Big J"

Doug That's awesome

WOW!!!!!
You certainly have skill Doug!!!!!! That is one piece of smart creative work!!!!!
For lack of a better word...AWESOME!!!!!!