Step Van Logo (NEW)

I posted months ago that I bought a step van for a mobile food
service operation. I'll most likely start working on the interior
at the end of the month. And that will take some time to complete
but in the mean time I had a friend redesign my logo for the step
van. Now I would like some feed back from you. Do you like it?
Does it make you think BBQ? Does it make you think of a
professional operation?

As a whole, I like the new logo (especially the "Ribs on the Run"), but:

1. Even though I myself am a smoker, I think I would get rid of the cigar, since a professional doctor running to an emergency would not be smoking a cigar.

2. The face of the pig looks evil, instead of serious, what I think you intended. (Is he Dr. "Hog" Jekyl & Mr. "Pigskin" Hyde?) I don't know if it is the dark glasses, or the angle of the eyebrows, or the grin, or what, but the face makes me think of Red Riding Hood's big bad wolf when he said, "The better to eat you, my dear!" (Having met you, I know you are the furthest from evil that any person can be.)

Dear Dr.,

Just went through a logo design for a new cart business I am starting. I wanted something different than a cartoonish "dawg" type name and logo. I know this works well for some and there is some broad appeal with going for a large demographic. I wanted a really clean and corporate looking logo to identify myself with, my thought being, that as a hot dog cart, I am already fighting against a wide spread connotation that it is a dirty, street type business, run by a somewhat shady character, ( carts are not that common in the Detroit area ) To me, and it is only my opinion, The above logo is typical, and run of the mill. I personally would stay away from a cartoon pig wearing shades and smoking a cigar, and the pig looks like he is up to no good ( Im laughing myself, here) You know, It might be good with the NASCAR, Bud light crowd ( I'm going to get attacked for that remark) But if your serious about your 'Q and want to set yourself apart from the mediocre middle, I would stay away from that logo. On the other hand, if your targeting that crowd, go for it..and wear a ball cap with pig ears while your selling barbeque. I think that cigar alone is going to turn off people who are offended by smoking.Subconsciously customers are going to think your smoking while preparing and serving your food. I would rethink "Ribs on the Run" too, it kind of makes me think of bad fast food, not food that was prepared with attention to detail.

Wow Then you guys won't like the rest of the seasonal logos LOL

And I have a Golf, Valentines Day, Abe Lincoln, Veteran
with tons of medals, and several others, 12 in all

quote:

Originally posted by 6star

As a whole, I like the new logo (especially the "Ribs on the Run"), but:

1. Even though I myself am a smoker, I think I would get rid of the cigar, since a professional doctor running to an emergency would not be smoking a cigar.

2. The face of the pig looks evil, instead of serious, what I think you intended. (Is he Dr. "Hog" Jekyl & Mr. "Pigskin" Hyde?) I don't know if it is the dark glasses, or the angle of the eyebrows, or the grin, or what, but the face makes me think of Red Riding Hood's big bad wolf when he said, "The better to eat you, my dear!" (Having met you, I know you are the furthest from evil that any person can be.)

Come on! It's a mascot for cryin' out loud. It's a cartoon. Do you think a real "professional doctor running to an emergency" would be a pig running upright, wearing sunglasses and scrubs, or carrying a rack of ribs? So why not smoking a cigar? I think it's a nice touch.

And I also disagree about him looking evil. Bad boy, maybe, but not evil. Bad boy is good these days. Bad Boy sells, and not just to the NASCAR and credit-card biker set.

As someone with 20 plus years in advertising and graphic illustration, I'd say it's right on the mark. Very professional. It certainly get's my stamp of approval. Nice job.

quote:

Originally posted by bigcab

Dear Dr.,

. . . I wanted a really clean and corporate looking logo to identify myself with, my thought being, that as a hot dog cart, I am already fighting against a wide spread connotation that it is a dirty, street type business, run by a somewhat shady character,

. . . I think that cigar alone is going to turn off people who are offended by smoking.Subconsciously customers are going to think your smoking while preparing and serving your food. I would rethink "Ribs on the Run" too, it kind of makes me think of bad fast food, not food that was prepared with attention to detail.

#1. Within certian business/occupations there can be such a thing as looking TOO clean and corporate. Too upscale. Sometimes "clean and corporate" can be equated with bland and boring. That's not necessarily something you want as a street food vendor. Why do you think people go to fairs and carnivals? Because it's clean and safe?

That's not to say your operation should ever look dirty or unprofessional. But IMHO this logo in no way projects that image either.

#2. Most people will never even notice the cigar. And, of those that do, most will think nothing of it. Trust me. Cigars and cartoon characters have a long history together. It's nostalgic, therefore it's almost expected. Those who'd take issue with that should get a life. If they are that politically correct, they're probably vegetarian anyway.

I personally do not smoke, and in fact hate smoking with a passion, but find no issue at all with a cartoon mascot smoking a cigar. That's just silly.

Personally, bigcab, I think you're way overthinking this one.

Nice work.

#1. Within certian business/occupations there can be such a thing as looking TOO clean and corporate. Too upscale. Sometimes "clean and corporate" can be equated with bland and boring. That's not necessarily something you want as a street food vendor. Why do you think people go to fairs and carnivals? Because it's clean and safe?

That's not to say your operation should ever look dirty or unprofessional. But IMHO this logo in no way projects that image either.

#2. Most people will never even notice the cigar. And, of those that do, most will think nothing of it. Trust me. Cigars and cartoon characters have a long history together. It's nostalgic, therefore it's almost expected. Those who'd take issue with that should get a life. If they are that politically correct, they're probably vegetarian anyway.

I personally do not smoke, and in fact hate smoking with a passion, but find no issue at all with a cartoon mascot smoking a cigar. That's just silly.

Personally, bigcab, I think you're way overthinking this one.


I will totally agree that a logo can be TOO clean and corporate, and your right most people go to fairs and carnivals for a "taste" of something different, however I still have to argue that the cigar WILL be noticed ( and not just by vegetarian soccer moms either ) Don't you think the "cartoon pig" is overdone ? Why not do something different? But it appears from the Dr's website that He is already successful in the business of BBQ and the logo isn't going to hurt His business.

I'd put "Eat Me" on the characters logo.

quote:

Originally posted by UncleVic

I'd put "Eat Me" on the characters logo.

Perfect !

quote:

Originally posted by bigcab


Don't you think the "cartoon pig" is overdone ? Why not do something different?

Of course it's been done to death. But it's almost obligatory that a BBQ business have a cartoon pig. It's expected. You therefore can only hope that your pig looks better than everyone else's pig. And I believe the good Dr. has made sure of that exceedingly.

I'm a firm believer in the old adage "don't try to re-invent the wheel". If it works, don't mess with it.

Besides, the Doc already KNOWS this is a great logo and doesn't really need our input. He was just showing off.

quote:

Originally posted by SimonD

quote:

Originally posted by bigcab


Don't you think the "cartoon pig" is overdone ? Why not do something different?

Of course it's been done to death. But it's almost obligatory that a BBQ business have a cartoon pig. It's expected. You therefore can only hope that your pig looks better than everyone else's pig.

Here are 17 pages of Cartoon BBQ logo's for your viewing pleasure, Enjoy !

http://www.bbqlogos.com/

I'd have a "Smiley Pig" instead of a "Scrowling Pig"

quote:

Originally posted by Foodbme

I'd have a "Smiley Pig" instead of a "Scrowling Pig"

Smiley pig = boring. Now that HAS been done to death.

Besides, it's always bothered me that a pig would be smiling while serving up his relatives on a plate.

quote:

Originally posted by UncleVic

I'd put "Eat Me" on the characters logo.

OMG...I almost pee'd my pants over that comment. I LOVE IT!!!! Now that would be an eye catcher. Dr. BBQ I think the design is great but I would eliminate some of the seasonal characters. Stick with one design so that your customer can recognize with it. Whoever did these designs did a great job.
Remember Jack, you're NEVER going to be able to please everyone.

I love it Jack, great attention to detail, I Love it in everyway

I like it and I like the Cee-gar. I'd definitely give it a try. I always wonder, though, about pigs advertising BBQ, chickens advertising fried chicken, etc. Man, talk about selling out!

Dr.
My 2.5cents if you dont mind.
I like it. But, the words on the shirt look like it was just typed on.
Have you tried an actual raised relief logo type effect?
Some type of effect i think would look better.
Especially in your menu printed type marketing material.
good luck

Jack

Those designs are awesome!!!
I love the Harry Carrey Pig (that's the cubbies fan in me)

Being in Springfield I can see why you went with both Chicago and St Louis versions.

If the other seasonals are as cute as these, they will be a big hit.


You need a contest to name your mascot to help unvail the new logos, after that the people will see your pig and instantly think of Dr of BBQ.

I do like the smile ... I like the cigar ... keep Mr. Scowl for emergencies and special occasions ... I agree the lettering can be improved, but I suspect based on the clear talent of your graphic artist friend, that is an easy fix.

Dear Dr.,I personally would stay away from a cartoon pig
wearing shades and smoking a cigar, and the pig looks like
he is up to no good It might be good with the NASCAR, Bud
light crowd I think that cigar alone is going to turn off
people who are offended by smoking.Subconsciously customers
are going to think your smoking while preparing and serving
your food. I would rethink "Ribs on the Run" too, it kind of
makes me think of bad fast food, not food that was prepared
with attention to detail.

That's funny to me, because I would love to have all
the NASCAR fans as customers.And I'm sure I get my share
but I also have a ton of Lawyers, Doctors, and other
very Professional people. But at the same time I have
long thought any Road Food business needs a touch of
Carney in their operation. It should be in my mind,
something that reminds a customer about eating at the
Illinois, Indiana, or any other big state fair. When I
asked Pat to do my first pig logo it was way to silly.
I sent him back a note that said hey I want a pig in
scrubs with an attitude, I want him smoking a big cigar
(I'm smoking meat) and I want him to have a firm stance
that says "Hey I'm the best and I dare you to refute that,
come on try me big guy." The glasses and kinda One Eyed
look,came about because I have 27 years in this market
doing a morning drive very conservative talk show with
the name "One Eyed Jack". I'm a retired USN disabled
veteran.I have interviewed most of congress, several
presidents, and all of our state governors during those
years. I was doing Rush before Rush. But all that said
if you think my basic logo and ribs on the run involve
a touch of evil check out my valentines day pig.



If it appears as Mr. Scowl that's because it's supposed to.
I really do like them but it was very interesting to read
all the comments from the forum and I appreciate everyones
honestly.

I'm Mr. Anti Politically Correct I smoke, I drink, and I
live the most enjoyable life I can. Although I work 12 or
14 hours a day I don't want to live an extra four or five
years and wonder what I missed, I want to die with a worn
out body, and have all my friends say how did he last that
long. LMAO. So that's why I love my logos and they are truly
accurate to my food and lifestyle.Oh by the way I'm Irish,
English, German.

OMG....you're my kinda guy Dr. BBQ......Rock on!!! If I weren't married I'd ask you for a date....

LOVE the pig with "HOLY COW"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holy Cow pig is my favorite also. At first glance I was turned off by the cigar, but as I read through all the comments and kept looking back at each logo, it kinda grew on me. I agree with the previous comment on the lettering, it does kind of look like an afterthought in view of the quality of the rest of the design.

Only thing I'd check into would be using the NFL likeness's on the helmets.. They'll probably want a chunk of change for licensing.. (Think Super Bowl and Churches as an example).

quote:

Originally posted by UncleVic

Only thing I'd check into would be using the NFL likeness's on the helmets.. They'll probably want a chunk of change for licensing.. (Think Super Bowl and Churches as an example).

Agreed. That might cause a problem. But I think I'd continue to use it as is until I got a cease and desist from somebody. Heck, you know many Rams and Bears sports teams there are in the country? My own pee-wee football team was called the Rams. Even used the same colors.
As long as you don't get specific like say Chicago Bears, or use a specific team logo, they probably won't bother.

Of course I'm the type who'd rather ask forgiveness than permission.

He's smokin'

Great branding.

I like em, quite impressive. Im a believer that if you have a problem with my design work because it's offensive (ie: smoking a cigar), thats your choice, my choice would be if your that much of a clown, you probably don't enjoy BBQ anyway!