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Your opinions would be greatly appreciated...

Discussion in 'Lounge' started by Fin D, Sep 11, 2009.

  1. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    ***UPDATE***Your opinions would be greatly appreciated...

    UPDATE: The site is now live!!!!! It can be found at:

    www.island-mind.com

    Thank you to all who gave feedback.:hi5::knucks:

    ----------------------------------------------------








    [​IMG]

    I mentioned in another thread that my boss and I are starting a new product line. It is called Island Mindâ„¢. It is essentially window decals, hats, shirts, etc. with the Island Mindâ„¢ logo and/or coordinates to popular beach/island locations. Our first one is Key West. The coordinate decals look like this:

    [​IMG]

    Bare in mind these do not have a black background for real. These are like any other vinyl decals you see on the rear windows of cars. There are the decals, baseball hats, t-shirts, polos, visors & tank tops. The hats, visors and polos are embroidered, the others are silk screen.

    We'll be offering custom merchandise where you supply the coordinates to your favorite location. It could be a fishing spot or grandma's house.

    The web site is unfortunately not finished at this point, but will be next week and I'll post a link then.

    Anyway, please tell me your thoughts. Is this something you'd buy? Is it "cool"? Do you hate it?
     
  2. Alex44

    Alex44 Boshosaurus Rex

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    It's not bad, I'm sure people who are into that sort of thing will eat it up.

    Side note: Do you have a screen/embroidery company you use? I used to work for a great one and I could hook you up with them if you'd like. Only thing is they don't do decals. The rest of the stuff yes though.
     
    Fin D likes this.
  3. DrAstroZoom

    DrAstroZoom Canary in a Coal Mine Luxury Box

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    The logo is ok, but I still don't think I "get" it. Is Island Mind a product or a service?
     
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  4. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    A product. Think "Salt Life".
     
    opfinistic likes this.
  5. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    We might in the near future if this takes off. Thank you.
     
  6. Vengeful Odin

    Vengeful Odin Norse Mod

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    The first thing I see in the first logo is the Red X. If that's intentional, then you've accomplished what you want.

    But I initially read it as Island X Mind, and I was confused ... you could go subtle, moving the X behind the Island Mind type, or loud, by reversing the color scheme.

    Another option would be to use two smaller X's to dot your i's in your primary word type. It would look a little less cluttered and might make things easier to read.

    I've got no qualms with the secondary logo. Simple, easy to read, and effective.
     
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  7. Miamian

    Miamian Senior Member

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    It sounds very interesting to me. However, I did major in Geography.
     
    Fin D likes this.
  8. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    Thank you.

    Yes the "X" is the first thing we wanted people to see. It reinforces the main concept which is, essentially "x marks the spot", hence the coordinates. This is all about people displaying their favorite places, but in a way that is different than just a bumper sticker that says "The Keys". Plus with using Google Earth, people can give specific coordinates to their favorite places. Its a little like a secret code. Does that make sense?
     
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  9. HardKoreXXX

    HardKoreXXX Insensitive to the Touch

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    If you rebranded the concept as 'Island XXX Mind' I see this being a gold mine.
     
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  10. unluckyluciano

    unluckyluciano For My Hero JetsSuck

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    i would have gone with pensacola mind X , but thats just me.
     
    Fin D likes this.
  11. DrAstroZoom

    DrAstroZoom Canary in a Coal Mine Luxury Box

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    Well, to show how out-of-touch I am, I had to Google "Salt Life." Now I'm with you.

    In closing, I'd like to say, "Get off my lawn!"
     
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  12. Ultra

    Ultra Lazy

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    cool concept. I personally don't like bumper stickers so that is out for me. Might buy a t-shirt if it was available at the tourist places.
     
    Fin D likes this.
  13. Tone_E

    Tone_E Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I think it is a great premise, but you are limiting yourself to a certain niche when you said yourself the locations can be anywhere.

    I'd be interested in plotting co-ords of a favorite spot of mine, but the large "Island Mind" in the logo kind of throws it off as my locations are nowhere near an island. That in my mind would mislead people into believing the co-ords are caribbean or something.

    In the end, your initial target market probably is the islands, but to expand you may want to consider a subsidiary company with a different name - unless of course Island Mind blows up with brand recognition!

    Good luck. :up:
     
    Fin D likes this.
  14. BigDogsHunt

    BigDogsHunt Enough talk...prove it!

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    Well, at first blush I wasnt sure if it was an X or a + (cross) tilted. It would made a better mental connection with "X marks the spot" if it was tilted more to make it go more toward an X then a +. If you want to leave it in the slight tilt you have, just try to tuck the front leading arm of the X down more....this would make it more of a bubbled X and not confuse it with a cross in any way.

    Also, the 1st image, I still think the RED X (marks the spot) would be better served if it followed the Island Mind tag.....and not in the middle....it does read Island X Mind as it is right now. So, Island Mind(TM) X would be easier and the RED X would still stand out.

    Also, if you moved the X marks the spot to the end to follow "Mind",...you could use little white foot prints..or dash marks from the mind to the X (like shown on Treasure Maps) to lead to the X that marks the spot???

    2nd Logo....I would move the Island Mind tagline to the Center of X (that marks the spot), and still tuck the leading arm down an under more, or tilt to show it as true X vs Cross look.

    You could use the same white "foot prints" or "dashes" again....I like the coordinates.

    Curious, do the coordinates actually reflect where the ISLAND MIND is located?? I presume as you say, several ISLAND MIND locations exist????

    Those are my views....hope they give you ideas!
     
    Fin D likes this.
  15. HardKoreXXX

    HardKoreXXX Insensitive to the Touch

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    "Island" could definitely be interchangeable. '[Insert Location Here] X Mind'

    Sports is the way to go. 'Dolphins Football X Mind' and the coord. of the stadium might be a nice niche. You get licensing for that, and you're on your way.

    PS. Since part of my job is marketing, I shouldn't be giving you this advice for free... so you better cuddle tonight A-Hole!
     
  16. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    FTR, they are window stickers and not bumper stickers. Thank you for the interest. :up:

    We plan to get them into places and online.
     
  17. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    lol.

    You could get one for your theater.......
     
  18. unluckyluciano

    unluckyluciano For My Hero JetsSuck

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    inlet mind x
     
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  19. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    Thank you both.

    The web site, explains the premise better than I did. (I'm not a salesman, I make pictures). The point isn't necessarily islands, its more a state of mind. Where's your happy place so to speak.

    The demographic for this is mostly boaters, fisherman, etc. But it can be used for any place really. We have plans to launch broader concepts if this takes off.

    The coordinates reflect where ever your "place" is. Again, if you happen to love the fishing off of a random sand bar off the keys or if there's a dry land place that is your refuge, like a bar for example. Whatever it is that puts you into the "island" state of mind...relaxed, chill, etc.
     
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  20. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    You could still put the coordinates in for Landshark if you want. Again, this is all about displaying the place that brings you happiness.

    Do you want to be the big or little spoon, pumpkin?
     
  21. HardKoreXXX

    HardKoreXXX Insensitive to the Touch

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    Little spoon... duh.
     
  22. GISH

    GISH ~mUST wARN oTHERS~

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    i like it. it offers a way for people to express themselves. people tend to like doing that. IMO, it has a catchy feel to it. I got some family in exotic locations, I would consider buying Tees for them as gifts.

    the only thing that comes to mind as a negative, would be having an island name for a location that isnt an island. perhaps offer a custom shirt with just the red X, and then a smaller brand logo on the tag or on the back somewhere.
     
    Fin D likes this.
  23. BigDogsHunt

    BigDogsHunt Enough talk...prove it!

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    I really like the idea....still feel to get the most bang to define what it is that marks the spot of your PASSION...you shoud move the X, make it look more like an X...and add the dashes, or little footprints.

    Good luck...its has potential.

    So, I presume, via the website where you would order these decals, you enter your place and the coordinates come up to match...or does one have to know the coordinates and request them to be printed, etc?????
     
    Fin D likes this.
  24. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    Thank you.

    There will be decals to predetermined locations. The one in the OP is actually Mallory Square in Key West. There will be others, like the Boca Grande Lighthouse, etc. But, we will be offering the ability to provide your own coordinates for decals, in time. Next week, when the site goes live, we'll have embroidered shirts, hats & visors ready to be customized.

    As for the logo, there will be many and varied incarnations of it. This is just the first one. We plan to offer many more, with different fonts, feels, and layouts.
     
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  25. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    Thanks Gish!

    That is essentially what the second image is for in the op. It says Island Mindâ„¢, cause that's the brand, but you can have coordinates to anywhere in the world printed there.
     
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  26. The Aqua Crush

    The Aqua Crush New Member

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    I really like it. As others mentioned i would remove Island portion. focus just on the X, maybe call it State of Mind or something along those lines. As big dogs hunt pointed out have a tag line along the lines of "mark your spot"

    Its a fantastic idea and concept. It has a whole bunch of different opportunities, so limiting it to just Island might not be the best intial approach, open it up, generalize it more so anyone could buy into it in various niche's.

    The design looks good to me, others have mentioned little changes that might be more effective. Good luck Finacious D.


    EDIT/ADD: More i think about it, if you could brand it as something other than "Island Mind" initially, build awareness in a broad market for all age ranges then you could start your tierd branding for different segments...

    ___ Mind (initial brand concept)

    Island Mind
    Golf Mind
    Football Mind
    Hockey Mind
    Baseball Mind
    Soccer Mind
    ANY Company Mind
    Skiing Mind / Snowboarding Mind

    The slogan Mark Your Spot could essentially be used in any of the above categories, and would let people express their favorite places for their favorite things, so if you had Landshark Stadium coordinates on a hat for Football Mind, you may also have Florida Panthers Stadium for Hockey mind. Then it gives multiple sales angles for your retained clients who like and are committed to your brand.

    They all would have favorite local's / coordinates they could place for any of those submarkets. Then you could directly target numerous market segments with a brand everyone would be favorable with. And we all know there are numerous almost infinate subcategories to target. To further develop it you could have coordinates ALONG with a specific DATE. For say concert goers who want to purchase a Hat from a concert they were at. Like say Tenacious D, Golden Gate Park (coordinates), Sunday August 31, 2009. As that event and location was memorable for them and now your brand would let them very express that moment with a keepsake and a platform to express themselves. Which would keep them committed to your brand even further.

    Haha sorry i am in marketing, i could talk about this stuff forever!
     
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  27. GISH

    GISH ~mUST wARN oTHERS~

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    oh yeah. durrr... you can mark me as a future customer.
     
    Fin D likes this.
  28. BigDogsHunt

    BigDogsHunt Enough talk...prove it!

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    If Island Mind is the brand, removing Island from it is a non-starter I am sure......

    Fact is, most folks equate Islands and Tropics as a state of relaxation, happiness, contentment, being CARE free or free of life's normal worries....so in essence no matter where you are....you can have an Island Mind!

    That word does not simply mean an physical Island (land surrounded by water)....again, if its a Brand Name then use it wisely.

    That said, I still think the X being moved to the end of the 1st ad, and Island Mind being moved to the center of the 2nd X ad works best. I would be interested if that could be worked up and shown here....do think it would strike the right cord and balance!!!!
     
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  29. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    I am in marketing as well (Art Director for a small marketing firm), no need to apologize.

    The brand will evolve. We are starting with Island Mindâ„¢, because our research shows the market is there. Again, look at "Salt Life" or the sheer number of Jimmy Buffet fans. At this point, the licensing that would be required to incorporate pro sports would be to high. If it was generic like say just "football" then it wouldn't get the response we'd want to move forward.

    Also, understand that we are in Florida. My boss knows the areas like Cedar Key, intimately. We have a few boat dealerships as clients, etc.

    So, through research and consideration of market and location, we decided to begin with Island Mindâ„¢. Not too mention, the most traveled vacation spots are generally tropical in nature, so the market is broader than you might think. But we are on a small budget at this point, and just need to generate word of mouth.

    I like the way you're thinking, and those thoughts have been part of our plans, I promise this was built to evolve and has been 2 years in the making.

    I forgot to mention:

    Our slogans are, "X marks the spot". "Find your happy place". "Make Up Your Mind". "Escape".
     
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  30. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    Absolutely the concept. Thank you for explaining it better than I ever could.

    What's funny is this thread is evolving just like we plan on the market for this evolving. Sort of begins with a little head scratching, then the idea sinks in a bit, and then boom everyone has ideas about it.

    The logo is what it is at this point. I was overridden, on one that was the same font and "x", but the "X" hovered over the "slan" in island. Again, there will be more as this grows. There will be different incarnations I swear. :up:
     
  31. Section126

    Section126 We are better than you. Luxury Box

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    This is cool....I see you getting some of my money int he future....

    an assortment of different colors and color combinations in the logo would be nice.

    I would also recommend making Tins to hang in the backyard or home bar.....in the keys the custom tins are a big hit...I think this would be as well.

    I would buy one.
     
    Fin D likes this.
  32. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    Thank you sir.

    We hope to expand the line to many things, including everything from coozies to coolers to ????. And yes, the plans are already in place for different colors, fonts, treatments and concepts.
     
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  33. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    great concept fin d. think this one could be a winner for you and your boss. I do think you have to redesign the X however. On first glance, it looked like a German World 1 Cross. [​IMG]I know there are alot of German tourists in Florida but probably not enough to make you rich. I think if you make the X more obvious to the X marks the spot theme you're going for you'll have a goldmine on your hands
     
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  34. Themole

    Themole Season Ticket Holder

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    You ain't gonna get any fisherman to put the coordinates of their favorite honeyhole for all the world to exploit on his /her tee shirts. Seriously, those are closely guarded secrets.
     
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  35. NaboCane

    NaboCane Banned

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    I would clean up the font a bit...it's hard to read at first; and with attention spans what they are, well...you know.

    And use digital coordinates for a cleaner look...JMO.
     
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  36. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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  37. Jaydog57

    Jaydog57 Canes/Fins/Magic fan

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    I like the design, and I know people who are fishing fanatics who would dig the 'favorite spots' coordinates on the shirts. And if you didn't want to give up your prime location, you could always leave coordinates for a Long John's or Red Lobster.:lol: Anyways, nice job and a cool idea man. Good luck with your endeavours.:knucks:
     
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  38. charlestonphan

    charlestonphan Junior Member

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    Finacious; i think it is a good concept with a broad appeal. as you stated to Doc, the first thing that came to mind is the Salt Life stickers, but these go a step beyond, and give it a more local appeal, that mixes in local pride as well.

    i live on an island, and in the Charleston area alone, we have several Barrier Islands (James, Johns, Wadmalaw, Edisto, Kiawah, Seabrook, Sullivans, Folly, and Daniel Islands to name a few) all of which would be a niche market, so the option to make custom stickers is a good one.

    i immediately got the point of the "X" marks the spot on Treasure Map, and t-shirts and hats with the coordinates could be huge sellers in the right tourist areas.

    best of luck to y'all, good concept, take the steps to protect your intellectual property!
     
    Fin D likes this.
  39. GridIronKing34

    GridIronKing34 Silently Judging You

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    Did you do some of that stuff in Flash? Seems like a lot of the "over, down, etc. states" were down in Flash.

    I am just curious what you guys used to build the site is all, looks pretty nice IMO. :up:
     
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  40. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    Yup. from the navigation up is flash. Thank you. I basically had to learn how to do that stuff in flash.....not my forte.

    Dammit Jim, I'm designer not a programmer!!!!
     
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