[How To] Handle a rejected logo template

There has been quite a few threads with rejected logo templates and I thought I’d share one of my most recent rejected files. This can be frustrating if you are not open minded to constructive criticism.

The first thing I do when I receive a rejection notice:

1. Carefully read the rejection email.
2. Make notes of the “Why We’ve Declined Your Submission” section.
3. Evaluate the current design and start make improvements.

I’m going to share my current rejection letter.

=== Why We’ve Declined Your Submission ===

The overall aesthetics of the design could be improved with a font that’s better suited to the concept and refining the shape of the image.

The illustration is fairly complex, consider ways to scale and simplify the illustration to create a more balanced design and upload the strongest concept.

The reviewers for the logo category are very good with providing in-depth information for increasing the quality of your logo design. From reading the reason provided above, I know right off the bat I need to change the font face and simply the illustration.

I’m going to show you what I uploaded so you can get an idea of what I’m working with here.

After looking at the logo, I agree that the font needs to be changed. It looks a bit horsey and not well thought out. It seems a bit thin and could use a more modern looking font. I can admit that I didn’t spend as much time on the font, as I did with the illustration. Right off the bat I think I will try Century Gothic.

The illustration could also use refinements. At the time I thought the concept was pretty good, but now I think it’s a bit busy and it doesn’t feel like one concept. It kinda feels like two different concepts thrown to make one. Right now, I think I’m going to lose the gear, and also remove the gradients around the logo and give it a 2 color look. I will begin sketching some ideas and placing them next to the current logo to see if I’m on the right track of improving the quality.

The reviewer has given me more than enough information to get this file accepted. All I have to do is follow their directions and create a stronger concept.

I will update this thread when my file gets approved and show you the final outcome. You might ask “how do you know it will get approved next time?” All I can say is if it doesn’t get accepted the second round, there will always be round 3. Never give up, sometimes you have to create two items to get one approved.

I hope this helps with your rejections!

well i agree with ya , i do find that reviewers have a strong keen eye, i dont know how they got that talent BUT THEY ARE ONE HELL OF PROFESSIONALS

its like they dont fall in love with the design

The one thing that struck me most first was that I found it all a little too dark. The two gradient logos seem to blend into the background instead of standing out from them.

I agree with them being very busy, but it only really struck me on the white on black version. The gradient versions do not seem so saturated.

Fonts are always a bit of a personal issue of course, I don’t see much wrong with the choice. Of course It can always be thicker, but I’m not sure it would be an issue for rejection here.

Nice detail on the centre punch out!

Looking forward to seeing your progress

Cheers

Chris

The way I handle logo rejections is the same way I handle other rejections: I jump through a (closed) window, screaming “there will be vengeance!” and shaking a stick.

Just wanted to let you all know that I just resubmitted the logo design and will provide an update if it is approved!

Good luck, looking forward to seeing it … Why don’t you post a quick preview

Chris

After a little hard work and dedication. This is the final outcome of the logo:

Thanks for showing us youre design progress. It looks very good now.

Thanks for this thread Xtortionist. It’s great to see an “in progress” work from another designer, it’s hard to work in isolation. Something else i have realised is that the preview image must show the logo with a suitable amount of negative space. It has taken me several rejections to figure this out I now have the encouragement i needed to try again!

joiaco said
Thanks for this thread Xtortionist. It’s great to see an “in progress” work from another designer, it’s hard to work in isolation. Something else i have realised is that the preview image must show the logo with a suitable amount of negative space. It has taken me several rejections to figure this out I now have the encouragement i needed to try again!

Yes, never give up! Took me 3 tries to get this approved, but I just kept working on it.

I do believe that the logo category is getting saturated with the same style logos being refurbished, so I keep trying to do things differently.