- 2004.04.02
I occasionally make a stab at trying to learn some sophisticated
drawing program so I can create logos and graphics for my various
websites. Invariably I get bogged down by two facts: I don't have the
artistic skills to create beautiful graphics in any medium, and I have
trouble with some simple feature of the software - like I can't figure
out how to rotate the image without jaggies.
What I need is a simple Mac application specifically geared toward
the generation of logos.
While browsing in the largest mall I've ever been in (South Coast
Plaza in Costa Mesa, California), I went in the Apple Store, and lo,
there was The
Logo Creator. I purchased the boxed copy containing the usual
installer CD and booklet for about $35.
If it worked as the box described it, it would be good enough to let
my planetarium students design products for a future gift shop we plan
to start.
I found the software capable of making
interesting logos, even if you restrict yourself to the kind of
repetitive components that are available in the default installation.
The program also contains templates with generic pre-made logos that
you can disassemble and edit.
Logos are constructed from text and objects, such as the ubiquitous
"swoosh" and any number of spheres and boxes. The logo is created using
a custom format, but it can be exported to any of a number of typical
outputs. You will need to use the custom format if you want to edit
your logo in the future.
Several logo sets are included which contain components and sample
logos for you to modify. When selected, a large window appears with
several samples to choose from. A large page turning arrow button leads
you to believe you have access to dozens more, but only one more page
is provided within each category of logos. You have to pick a drop down
menu to get to the category, and a button to switch pages.
This is typical of the major flaw in The Logo Creator - an
inconsistent and clumsy interface. It feels like a good piece of
shareware that is being released for comments prior to officially
offering it for sale. Maybe that's being unfair to beta shareware. I've
used some great shareware in the past. Paid for some of it, too.
If I'd tried this as shareware, I don't know that I would have paid
for it. Since most people only need a few logos, it was probably smart
not to make it shareware.
When opening or choosing a logo, it takes several seconds to render
the logo, even in the native format. I'm using it on a 1 GHz
machine, and it feels sluggish during this step.
The program has odd conventions that are nonstandard choices for how
the interface allows you to manipulate objects. Clicking on an object
does not provide "sizing squares" or even highlight the object
clicked. Consequently, you can accidentally move things without
realizing it.
There is no "snap to grid" or alignment tool, such as the excellent
guides you find in Keynote. I've experienced other odd problems, such
as the fact that sometimes the menus at the top of the screen
disappear. That's happening right now as I use the program to write
this review. Restarting the program fixes it, but why does it happen in
the first place?
I don't think The Logo Creator is robust enough to use in a
classroom, although if the interface were redesigned to be a little
more conventional, I would like it better. Maybe with small groups.
I do a lot of research oriented stuff, so I'm used to having to deal
with computers that tank (even Macs) when you sneeze on them. A lot of
research software written for specific purposes has odd interfaces and
can be unstable under certain circumstances. I can forgive that in a
research program, but in a commercial art program you buy in a box?
Don't forget to update the software using the built-in updater. I
wish the updater would ask me if I want to install it now or if I'm
sure before it just unceremoniously launches into the download when
selected. It seems stupid to complain about something many people find
annoying - the tendency of programs to always pause before doing the
thing you just told them to do - but since everyone does it all the
time, the lack is kind of startling.
The Logo Creator definitely needs some controls for alignment and
individual kerning of letter pairs. A few more sample logos per
category wouldn't hurt, although I like the ones provided. The big
scroll arrows make me feel like I've bought a great big box that turns
out to contain a little product.
Sometimes the kerning is inconsistent on fonts that behave normally
in other programs. You can control the overall spacing but not the
spacing between two specific letters.
I think the program has a lot of potential to be a serious tool, but
for now I wouldn't recommend it for serious production work - it just
doesn't feel finished.
In a large company, specialists more skilled than I would use
professional drawing programs to generate logos. This program is better
suited to small business and education, which is why the interface is
so important.
One might ask "How many logos do you need?" If you run a lot of
websites, maybe several. If you have an office supply store, maybe not
so many. Or like a lot of things, maybe you'll find a use for it making
special logos for St. Patrick's Day or Easter or whatever.
A sample of a The Logo Creator logo is on my ESPACE Academy home page
located.
I'll say this: Without the program I would have been seriously
challenged to create the same logo in another program. If it meets your
needs, go for it.
System Requirements:
- Macintosh OS 9.2 through OS X (Panther and Jaguar)
- 400+ MHz
- 125 MB or more of installed RAM
- 30 MB of available disk space
- 16-bit color monitor (thousands of colors) capable of 800 x 600
resolution
Windows version available as well.
is a longtime Mac user. He was using digital sensors on Apple II computers in the 1980's and has networked computers in his classroom since before the internet existed. In 2006 he was selected at the California Computer Using Educator's teacher of the year. His students have used NASA space probes and regularly participate in piloting new materials for NASA. He is the author of two books and numerous articles and scientific papers. He currently teaches astronomy and physics in California, where he lives with his twin sons, Jony and Ben.< And there's still a Mac G3 in his classroom which finds occasional use.
