Comments on: The Oak Bar logo

By: Amanda Vlahakis

Amanda Vlahakis — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:42:28 +0000

I think it works well in context but that the monogram is better than the actual logo itself which is let down by notable flaws such as the out of place T already mentioned.

The monogram is used extensively yet to me there seems to be insufficient visual links between the monogram and the logo design.

By: David Airey

David Airey — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 18:14:07 +0000

Definitely a mixed reception overall, and zwetan, I’m not too sure what font was used.

Abbas,

If every visitor’s wearing those sandals, the carpet should be fine. :)

Thanks David, Panasit, Al. Always good to read what you’re thinking.

By: Al Woods

Al Woods — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:08:37 +0000

Well going off first glances I quite liked it, I do like a bit of Blackletter. Thing is, as mentioned before, the ‘T’ is soooo wrong and if this is clearly obvious to us then surely Pentagram would have noticed that too? I love what they’ve almost done, the monogram is a nice touch and looks really nice on all the little accents (pins, ties…etc), plus, the copper is really nice.

The problem(s) I have with it, other than the ‘T’, is that the leaves on the monogram seem a little blobby and the so-called redrawn logotype is pretty much identical to the red example on their blog.

I know pattern is everywhere at the moment but a nice, delicate yet strong use of a bespoke repeat pattern would have worked nicely in this instance. Maybe even just a section of pattern rather than an all over repeat.

Kinda just looks like all of the current bar identities around at the moment, nice, safe, but lacking balls and soul.

Al Woods’s last blog post…Let it Reyn.

By: Panasit

Panasit — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 09:21:19 +0000

The identity is very beautiful, as expected from Pentagram. But, even though they have selected a style that very well suits the client, that doesn’t mean the particular typeface they used here is the best choice. I’m not a fan of slim O. The one used here looks more like a zero (0) And as a result when combined into a logotype, both the T and the B overpowered it.

I don’t know, I’m sure there are hundreds of this Gutenberg Bible old style typeface out there (sorry, I don’t know the exact term) with better letter O.

I love the monogram. And that neck tie shown at Pentagram blog. I want one, lol.

By: zwetan

zwetan — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:52:40 +0000

Hi,

would you know the name of the typeface/font they are using by any chance ?

unless it’s a custom one ?

By: Abbas

Abbas — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:22:54 +0000

How long before the white 'O' and the beige carpet become on colour? Abbas's last blog post...designsheffield: a friend has borrowed me the beatles anthology on dvd. just watched the first dvd. it's A-mazing.

By: David Morin

David Morin — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:01:08 +0000

I have to admit, I am not familiar with the original project objectives (I failed in researching on this one) and the creative process that lead to that but I am a bit disappointed by Pentagram this time (I usually like a lot what Pentagram comes up with as I am also a fan of Siegel + Gale)… But I think the quality of the shots for the different applications of the monogram is what’s most exiting about this project…. sorry……….

David Morin’s last blog post…The 50 Dollar Logo Experiment

By: David Airey

David Airey — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:40:29 +0000

Thanks for the differing opinions, everyone — always healthy.

To be honest, I’m not keen on the window (as David mentions), and think it’d look better with less ‘O’s. Compare it to the stationery, which to me appears much more classy.

As for the carpet, try not to let the dodgey-looking sandal impair your judgement. It’s an improvement on the window because there’s less contrast, giving a more subtle impression.

By: roland

roland — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 04:24:26 +0000

David that was my first impression also, that “T” sticks out like a sore thumb. If anything I could understand emphasis on the “O” not the “T”. I am having a hard time finding what’s special about this logo too, other than the fact they spent money placing it in a carpet pattern.

By: Matt Fouty

Matt Fouty — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:31:51 +0000

I love Pentagram and their style, always have. However, when you go to Pentagram it seems like you are usually looking for something new and fresh… something that is a little outside the box. I still like the identity, but it does feel a little traditional.

However, maybe that’s what they are going for. Oak Bar is obviously proud of their tradition, hence the “since 1907″ tag. Maybe they are aiming to present themselves as established and traditional.