[Novalug] T-Shirt design rendering

[Mark A. Metz]

I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm taking note of all the 
suggestions about the t-shirt design.  I hope to have one or two more 
done this weekend before the next meeting.

The font I used in the "supernova" design is called "Saved by Zero."  
It's classified as a decorative font, and doesn't have any lower case 
letters.  It's a Typodermic font and available for commercial use, but 
it cannot be edited.  I can change to another font rather easily, 
however, . . . I anticipate that as soon as I make any changes to the 
design, 3-4 other people will write that they liked the original 
better.  That's typically the way it goes.

I can make all kinds of changes to the text and layout of the 
"supernova" design, but I won't until the group decides on a protocol 
for deciding upon a design.  I think Jerry W alluded to this earlier.

So, somebody should take ownership of this project.  In my opinion that 
person should either be Miles (He instigated the process.) or Greg (I 
perceive him as the de facto leader of NOVALUG.), but like I said 
before, I'm new to the group so que sera, sera.  Said person then needs 
to decide if the final design(s) will be determined by leader-choice, 
majority, or consensus.  And if not by individual choice, how will 
consensus or majority be determined (e.g., What determines a quorum?)

That being said, I can always make all my design files available to the 
group.  This means that anyone would be at liberty to customize their 
own design and have it printed locally or at a site like Zazzle.  Again, 
I don't know how this could/would/should be sanctioned by NOVALUG.

Here are some other professional observations/suggestions:
1.  Few in the group know me from Adam so perhaps some background is in 
order.  I am an evolutionary biologist with a Ph.D. in phylogenetic 
systematics.  I am a published author in the sciences so I am accustomed 
to critique and have very thick skin.  I have been doing digital 
illustration and graphic design in one way or another for over 20 
years.  My wife, however, is the professional artist.  She is my 
ultimate authority for design questions.  I do get credit for dragging 
her kicking and screaming to the digital medium. ; )
2.  I couldn't find any "official branding" for NOVALUG.  This includes 
a lack of iconography (e.g., a logo), typography or type design 
(NOVALUG, novalug, NoVALug, novaLug, traditional or custom font, etc.), 
or slogan.  Dave Aronson showed his wisdom by pointing out branding as a 
consideration.  If NOVALUG wants to get branded and make a logo, the 
questions I asked last month about history, philosophy, mission, etc. of 
the group are important to capture proper symbology.  This points back 
to the logo for Nova Labs.  It is a great example of a good logo and of 
good graphic design.
3.  The "supernova" design (and all I've put together except one) is for 
a t-shirt.  It is not a logo.  It could be incorporated as such if 
needed.  I have every expectation that the current digital printing 
methods can render the design well on apparel, stickers, buttons, mouse 
pads, etc..  I'm considering having a sample t-shirt made for the next 
meeting.
4.  I'm making these designs for fun so there's no need to worry if 
they're not used.  That being said, I don't want this to become a chore 
either so please take note of the above suggestions about getting this 
project organized.
5.  If the design(s) are placed on a site like Zazzle, they can be 
registered by NOVALUG and earn 10% of sales for the group.

All for now.

Mark











On 04/05/2012 05:46 PM, Daniel Hauck wrote:
> Concur.  Or so something that sets NOVA and LUG apart... Inverted
> colors, Underscore, Bold, Different color, Different tone, something.
>
> I didn't mean to start anything by pointing out something that can only
> be seen with fresh eyes, but at the same time, I didn't want an
> injustice done to Linux or the LUG.  Last thing I'd want people to see
> is a Linux penguin with the perception of "novalue,"  Yikes! Right?
>
> Anyway, once the shirt design is decided, I'll be ordering several and
> sending them to my friends in other areas.