Brothers and Sisters -
Today I heard from Arina Chen at the shipyard with their spin on the SMOG logo for our colors. See attachment one.
We are making good progress - the yacht itself looks perfect IMO. The artist did not understand the importance of some parts of the original design, such as the necessity to have “MC” on the logo or the meaning of the lightning bolts (power). I very much like the perspective which puts the biker out ON the water in front of the boat rather than feet in the water as I designed initially.
IMO, the draft needs edits as follows: The boat and biker are a bit too large and need to be downsized maybe 15%. “MC” must be included on the right side of logo to comply with motorcycle colors etiquette and indicate that we are in fact a “Motorcycle Club” and not outlaws. The lightning bolts should be included because they look cool, are a real thing on the road and on the water, and they give the patch some real zap. The “FF” was retained but I think we can delete that and replace it on the left side at 9:00 o’clock with “USA” to show our chapter location since we are from all over; If we want to demonstrate Founding Father (“FF”) or some other status, rank or designation, we can do so with supplemental patches worn elsewhere on a vest or jacket; This lets us have one primary patch for all members without having to edit the patch design. Finally, the water surface drawn by the artist is flat and I prefer a little wave action as in my edited version (and the real world).
My edited version of Arina’s design is attachment two and includes all of the changes mentioned above, except the size of the central logo has not been downsized 15% as I don’t readily have the technology. Another thing that is missing is the “Planet Earth” language below the “SMOG” acronym which, in colors layout, demonstrates our territory. However, we do state “BORN TO RIDE THE SEVEN SEAS” which may be sufficient, but please comment. Keep in mind the less type the easier to design, create and read the colors.
Finally - colors - Arina sent her draft in black and white which I would expect. I propose that we go with white boat, gray sky, blue water, and gold lightning bolts, wings and headlight (we all do ride with our headlight on).
PLEASE COMMENT ON THIS ASAP as it has taken me a minute to get this far with this project (thought I was ghosted) and I would like to get back to Arina right away so that we can take the next step. I will visit the shipyard in MARCH and maybe I can bring some patches home to distribute if lucky.
Easy Ridin’ Jack
Jack Burgess, Shangri-La 6047