Honey's Kettle Fried Chicken

Sorry but this is more a illustration than a logo…
The Cauldron, the fire and the fonts don't function

Yaaay for no gradient on the drops!! (I would disregard what Graficouno said above, perhaps he hasn't had his morning coffee yet.) And I see that you also took the stroke off of the main text- so I think it looks so much better! Now the only thing I'd consider is a slightly different font for the subtext. It kind of looks like Arial bold, which is fine and all- but maybe something with just a TITCH more personality!?

In any case, I'm glad to see that you uploaded another version as I was sad to read that you weren't going to keep us 'in the know' as to how you were doing. If this isn't a final draft I really hope we get to see it when it's done! :)

Sara, my esteemed online colleague, I've always respected your opinion on design but on this one, I have to disagree and side more with Graf (morning coffee or not lol)

Wayyyy too much detail on the flames and pot to be considered a logo. I personally have never understood a 3 colour logo. In the printing world, 1 and 2 colour jobs are put on a small press then you step up to a full colour press for full colour jobs. If you have 3 spot colours, it has to be run through twice on a small press, so there is an extra cost involved. Why not just go with full colour?

Anyway, I'm old school and was taught and learned that kinda thing on the job.... probably nothing that is taught in school anymore.

Regardless.... the logo is still too detailed and can be simplified heavily and still have the same effect if not a better one.

I totally agree with you taz, I guess I am considered new school due to my age but i am so grateful that i work as a designer for a printing company, I have been able to learn from a lot of old school pressmen n get a hands on approach to how to make the design work for everyone. including the clients pocket! The three color logo process is not cost effective, and is a pain in the butt really. Go Full color or try to drop it back on the detail a bit and get it to a two color logo. Your customer will be happy you take there pocket into consideration and keep coming back to you unlike other places that are just out to make that extra buck!

<<< applauds both Sara and Monito.....

I worked for a printing company for 15 years.... I'm happy to know that you both understand the bottom line (MONEY) which can be a HUGE consideration when you're dealing with logo design, printing, cost, etc. It does matter and must be considered all the time.

Regardless of the cost, I'm sorry if Trent does take off due to our comments on his design, but we really aren't doing our duty as freelance/amateur judges when critiquing another one of our colleagues/peers designs :)

<< maybe this old dog still has a brain left in his proverbial head after all? :p

Sara, for the record..... you're not spineless, you're sweet and I do enjoy reading all your comments as I agree with 90% of what you say :) and Monito, I think you're an excellent young artist yourself with a great eye for design.

I've read all of the comments, and honestly I'm going to have to disagree on some of them. Sure the font needs work (I get that), yea the the fire could be simplified (agreed), but as a whole I feel that this is a strong logo for a number of reasons.

In regards to the comments that the logo is a bit illustrated...YEA....thats the point. This is a logo for a fast food restaurant, and if you look at other fast food restaurants you will notice that they are all whimsical, very colorful and have an illustrated feel to them. My goal is to showcase a KETTLE, HONEY, and HEAT in the most obvious way possible.

In regards to the number of colors that are being used, again .... fast food restaurant. They all are very colorful. A fast food restaurant sign and logo needs to draw ones attention as they drive through a city full of other fast food joints. A one colored logo defiantly will not achieve that.

Also Honey's Kettle is already an established restaurant with an existing logo, but the company is looking for a face lift rather than reconstructive surgery. I wanted to maintain the integrity of their original design so it looks evolved rather than completely changed.

And finally I'm not going to cower away with my tail tucked because I received some constructive criticism. I post in the critique section for a reason, to become a better designer. I've gotten so much help and feel that I'm getting so much better so I'm here for the long run.

Also Sarah, you have been a huge help to me, and you do have a back bone. Just let me know what's on your mind next time. I promise I won't cry ;)

Thanks all.