And Flower Art, Too
When an orchid grower and hybridizer comes to you and says “Will you design a logo for me?” you say “Yes, please!” And Mike Mims isn’t just any orchid person, he’s one of the best. He specializes in fragrant phalaenopsis orchids, and if you don’t know what that means, don’t worry. It’s a pretty niche thing. But suffice it to say, he’s a big deal in the orchid world, speaking at international conferences, etc.
Mike has been growing and selling orchids for years as Blue Ridge Orchids, but he’s never had business cards, a logo, any of that stuff. So I was surprised when he called me. And excited, too. Because logo design is fun. And orchids are awesome.
The Process - How to Work With a Designer
From sketch to final vector
I started, as I usually do, with my iPad and Procreate. Because Procreate is my happy place. So first the sketch, using some photos of the client’s orchids as a reference. I wanted the flower to be symmetrical, so I sketched it out first, then used the symmetry tool in Procreate to make sure the final line drawing was just right. Yes, I could have done this in Illustrator, but I like to do as much as I can in Procreate. Because it’s my happy place.
Once I brought the line drawing into Illustrator, and vectorized it - I love that word, vectorized, not even sure it’s a real word. Then it was time for colors and fonts. Which was a challenge. Because Mike wasn’t sure what he wanted, exactly, it was a matter of presenting options and eliminating dislikes as we moved toward a logo he was proud to show off.
Work through the options
What I’m showing here is only a taste of the whole logo design process, of course. There were options for shapes and fonts, plus a few different orchid drawings, and so on. The most important part, though, was walking Mike through the options and talking with him every step of the way. Because in the end, it’s his logo. His business. He has to love it when all is said and done. And he does!
So when it comes to getting your first logo, or redoing your logo for the umpteenth time, make sure you’re working with someone. The designer has to work with you, listen to you.
If you haven’t had this kind of experience with a designer in the past, well maybe it’s time to try something new. I’d love to talk with you about your logo design. Even if there are no flowers involved!