Logo Details

Interview With Greg Cuellar
Q:Where did the idea for this logo come from?
This logo is based off of the classic V8 logo Ford used on their vintage vehicles. This is a logo for a local rat-rod builder/classic car mechanic. His name is also Garrett…where we got the name GEAR RAT…cuz GEAR-ROD just wouldn’t sound right.
Q:What application did you use to design this logo? E.g., Illustrator.
Illustrator.
Q:What was your design process for this logo? I.e., Did you start out with pen and paper then move to the computer?
I did as I usually do…I think a lot. Before I even put pencil to paper, I think and think. If I’m not motivated to draw it, I don’t even consider it. Then, after this idea came to me, I did a quick sketch to make sure what was in my mind is how it would really look. Next, I presented it to the client, and he didn’t have to hear anymore ideas. He knew the play on V8 was exactly what he wanted.
Q:What font(s) were used in the logo?
Engschrift. It had the classic modern look I wanted, and didn’t take away from the subtle serifs used in the mark.
Q:How did you choose the color scheme for the logo?
About a week. I tried everything, from black and orange, and white on black. But, I realized I wanted something that looked aged, while still looking crisp.
Q:How long did it take to complete the logo?
About a week. I had the mark done in about 2 hours. But all the accompanying aspects of it needed a lot of tweaking.
Q:What do you feel was your biggest challenge in designing the logo?
Finding the right color palette.
Q:Now that the logo is finished, is there anything you would change about it?
I want to add texture to it…but that’s a trend, and unnecessary in communicating any further the nature of this business.