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LightWaver-67 · Dec 21, 2003, 02:19 PM

I usually hold Apple in high regards to putting-forward a polished image and usually taking time on "most" of the fit & finish... but how could this make it to the home page of their site...?

Look at this image:

The only consistent stroke-weight is around the circle/head... but look how HORRIBLE the black contour outline is around the REST of the AOL-guy. Not only is it not centered and/or following the same arc offset(s)... but it is jagged in places.

And look at the stroke of the headphone cord...

Am I missing something...? Is this supposed to be INTENTIONAL stylization of their logo...? If so, I'm just not getting it.

Am I alone here...?

EDIT: Bad spelling

graphicpush · Dec 21, 2003, 06:47 PM

I agree. It looks like very sloppy/amateur illustrator work. I can see maybe the stroke discrepencies in the AOL figure can add a certain dynamic element, but the iPod looks pretty bad.

Kevin
graphicPUSh

art_director · Dec 22, 2003, 10:00 AM

i can guarantee that this does not live up to the graphic standards for the aol mark.

velodev · Dec 23, 2003, 10:10 AM

Well, I would make the first assumption that the artwork came from AOL.

I work at Volkswagen and numerous times when we do promotion or artwork needs to be placed, the vendor will hack our logo or try to use an similar VW font. Typically, we ask for the master and say we have final creative freedom with the artwork.

Hmm, this isn't even aqua-ie fresh.

art_director · Dec 24, 2003, 08:08 AM

Originally posted by velodev:
Well, I would make the first assumption that the artwork came from AOL.

I work at Volkswagen and numerous times when we do promotion or artwork needs to be placed, the vendor will hack our logo or try to use an similar VW font. Typically, we ask for the master and say we have final creative freedom with the artwork.

Hmm, this isn't even aqua-ie fresh.

having worked on many an multinational brand i am amazed that apple would even allow this to go live. they are quite rigid with their own branding and, one would assume, respectful of the brands they partner with.

somewhere at apple lies an aol brand book covered with dust...

godzookie2k · Dec 24, 2003, 04:08 PM

yeah its pretty surprising that they let that through, but who knows, maybe it was a rush job and it'll only be up for a bit.

Carrot · Dec 24, 2003, 10:20 PM

yeah, like "working" with aol hasn't been bad enough already...

LightWaver-67 · Dec 26, 2003, 07:43 AM

Good! I'm glad it's not just me.

As a former Creative Director... there is NO WAY I'd have let that go live. The only way I'd let that go live is if it actually WERE the 100% correct version of the logo and it was INTENTIONALLY designed that way.

Even then, I would contact the Marketing department of the company in-question, point-out the visual inconsistencies and notable 'flaws' and ask them to confirm in-writing that it is in-fact what they want, regardless of our recommendations to fix or alter the imagery.

Yes, I can be overly "anal" about such things, but it's good to know I'm not alone.

TheDisaster · Dec 28, 2003, 08:14 PM

It's been up there way too long now, I can't believe now bad that iPod looks.