I apologize in advance; this is going to be a really vague request, as I haven't figured out exactly what I am trying to do. The end goal is to design a logo for my company that looks like a PCB. I want the symbol & letters actually made from PCB traces. I'm trying to get ideas on what direction to go with it, but when I google things like "how to make a logo from PCB traces," all I get are tutorials on how to import an image to Eagle for silkscreen. Any random thoughts on this topic are welcome. Thanks

 

Examples pulled from the web:
This is along the lines of what I mean by "Logo made of PCB traces."

This is very close to what I want, except it's not PCB traces

Note in the above image how the lines do not follow the trypical rules for PCB traces. I like that.
Note in the below image how the lines DO follow the typical rules. I don't think that's really going to work for me.


The shape is only formed by the outline of where the traces end. That will be hard to fit my design. I need to manipulate the traces themselves into forming the logo, like the knot gear (second image).

 

Are you looking for a 2-color result, ie. black and white?

It seems to me it would be a better conversation starter if the design actually had a purpose or at least a symbolic meaning, as opposed to a purely abstract design. That logo with the gears that can't possibly turn is an example of what to avoid. Something maybe not obvious but that you could explain to customers as they nod approvingly.

 

Are you looking for a 2-color result, ie. black and white?

It seems to me it would be a better conversation starter if the design actually had a purpose or at least a symbolic meaning, as opposed to a purely abstract design. That logo with the gears that can't possibly turn is an example of what to avoid. Something maybe not obvious but that you could explain to customers as they nod approvingly.

I'm trying to capture the essence of "Mechatronics." A gear to represent mechanical, Electronic circuit to represent electronics.
My current logo has color gradients, shadows, etc. I really like my current logo and will continue using digitally, but I need a logo that is easily embroidered, stamped, vinyl sticker-ized, etc.

I've found that Sketchup can do almost everything I want, and it's almost easy. Below is where I'm at currently. It's too repetitive, and I haven't added the circuit for the letters. I am going to change the internal circuitry to something meaningful (but still represented with PCB traces).

 

I'm trying to capture the essence of "Mechatronics."

Say, that's a neat idea... why don't you try to draw a gear using the outline of electronic components instead of using PCB traces? Such as transistors, chips, etc...

 

First one looks like a top view of a brain. Third one similar to a side view of a brain. What do I win?

 

Say, that's a neat idea... why don't you try to draw a gear using the outline of electronic components instead of using PCB traces? Such as transistors, chips, etc...

yeah maybe I'll give that a try. I'm trying to keep it "simple"-ish but as you can see from what I already posted, that is not an easy thing for me to do.

 

yeah maybe I'll give that a try. I'm trying to keep it "simple"-ish but as you can see from what I already posted, that is not an easy thing for me to do.

It's not easy for anyone...

 

I always like line art from Patents. US Patents are considered Public doma8n so you can certainly use them as inspiration for a logo. Start with some line art and keep removing things until you have something simple enough for a logo. Mix and match different elements. Here are some possible starting points...

I thought for mechatronics you could focus on the electric motor. You can build your PCB idea into it or use some overly simplified motor coil/armature line drawing.

 

 

View attachment 143890

That's not a mechatronics thingy... that's more like, christmatronics...

 

That's not a mechatronics thingy... that's more like, christmatronics...

My (poorly made) point was to chose something where the circuit had a shape related to its function.

An optical encoder disc might be an example -- no PCB, though.

Maybe some other position encoder such as in a digital caliper? Never mind, not very interesting.

 

If I'm not mistaken, Strantor is brainstorming trying to find an appropriate logo for his newly-founded business venture (ain't that right Strantor?) ... if that's indeed the case, then whatever he comes up with has to be simple, attractive (read: cool) and easily recognizable for people not quite familiar with the field... and complying with all three requirements is not an easy task.

 

It's not easy for anyone...

This is really as much detail as I think a logo should have, but I can't friggin help myself. Look at this crap!

 

View attachment 143895
This is really as much detail as I think a logo should have, but I can't friggin help myself. Look at this crap!
View attachment 143896

Yeah... it ain't pretty... but one has to start somewhere dude! ... keep going ... simplify, simplify, simplify ... and if doesn't work, abandon the idea altogether (or at least a part of the idea) and start over

 

If I'm not mistaken, Strantor is brainstorming trying to find an appropriate logo for his newly-founded business venture (ain't that right Strantor?) ... if that's indeed the case, then whatever he comes up with has to be simple, attractive (read: cool) and easily recognizable for people not quite familiar with the field... and complying with all three requirements is not an easy task.

Right. Like I said in the OP, I wasn't really sure what I was asking for. Now I have a clearer picture. I'm wasn't so much asking for logo ideas as I was asking for a software or method to make PCB-like graphical art. I'm using SketchUp currently, which isn't ideal, but it's somewhat working.

 

Right. Like I said in the OP, I wasn't really sure what I was asking for. Now I have a clearer picture. I'm wasn't so much asking for logo ideas as I was asking for a software or method to make PCB-like graphical art. I'm using SketchUp currently, which isn't ideal, but it's somewhat working.

My advice is, don't limit yourself to PCB graphics if your business has a broader field of applications (which it does) ... make a list of keywords as someone using google would use to search for a business like yours, and work from there

 

Yeah... it ain't pretty... but one has to start somewhere dude! ... keep going ... simplify, simplify, simplify ... and if doesn't work, abandon the idea altogether (or at least a part of the idea) and start over

I have a relative whose boyfriend designs logos for a living. I thought it was kind of an unskilled profession. I couldn't believe how much he told me people will pay for his services, and the time he puts into it. I have a greater respect for it now. If you know exactly what you want before start, if you have an exact picture in mind, it should be easy. But this isn't.

The obvious question here, "why didn't/don't I just consult that guy?" - Because I still don't know what I really want. I would ust be wasting his time. And if I don't like what he comes up with, there is potential for it to put a strain on family ties.

 

My advice is, don't limit yourself to PCB graphics if your business has a broader field of applications (which it does) ... make a list of keywords as someone using google would use to search for a business like yours, and work from there

good advice. I'm going to put this logo business on a shelf for now and devote some more thought to the bigger picture. One of my main flaws is getting too deep into details too soon.

 

Because I still don't know what I really want. I would ust be wasting his time.

You wouldn't be wasting his time at all... people go to that sort of guys because they don't know what they want! .... it's their job to help you find out ... I have a side business in which I manufacture commercial signs and corporate logos that I started more than 20 years ago, and I have the advantage of being able to look at both sides of the coin ... that is, the customer's and the designer's ...

I'll stick to this thread, and let you know if I come up with any ideas ... promise .... and if you don't like them, fine ... but if you do, you'll owe me a beer ...