Non-Profit Toolbox

New Consulting Firm Needs Your Talent! The Non-Profit Toolbox is a new company and needs a new logo to set the tone, theme, look, feel, and image for the company. The logo will be used on the website, business cards, letterhead, etc.

Non-Profit Toolbox

The Design: I am looking for a logo that may or may not include the company name/website address (Non-ProfitToolbox.com). The logo would be used primarily on the website, on letterhead, business cards, marketing materials, etc. I would like the design to be simple but distinctive - be able to be synonymous with the company name. Reviewing a limited number of stock images available, I like the istockphoto image "workman with hammer and toolbox" (File # 6272068).  What I like about the picture is that it is clean, functional, professionally fun but not whimiscal and animated "human" which fits with the social perspective of the business; it is not intimidating and shows we are approachable.  However this is after limited review of images. Please feel free to create something new if you are so inspired or build upon this. I want to capture the feeling of the stock image more than I am specifically concerned with building on the image, so please do not limit your designs to this image or to the specific concept of the little man with the toolbox.  My purpose in launching this design search is to find the "right" image for my company that conveys our understanding of the softer, human side of non-profit organziations, as well as our clear, simple expertise in business.

Why? I believe that the image you present, often the first impression of your company conveys a great deal about you, your company and your values. I want potential customers to know that I too run a non-profit and see my business as helping social causes, but that through my understanding and expertise in business, I can help them better achieve success in their social goals.  Business and non-profit do not always meld well, nor do 'for-profit' business practices always have credibility in the non-profit arena, so I believe setting the tone from the start is vital. The look and feel of the website, starting with the logo, must convey credibility and expertise without being flashy or overly complicated.  Think functional and professional, not flashy, though the design should not overly simplistic or plain. The logo will also set the look and feel for the website.

The Company: The Non-Profit Toolbox is new online community for starting and growing a non-profit business, though many of the offered resources can also be applied to the for-profit world. The goal of the Non-Profit Toolbox is to help those who want to help others.

Myself: The Non-Profit Toolbox is my second company, my first company, Kinetic Flow, also works with non-profit agencies, though in a slightly different capacity.  I started Kinetic Flow 6 years ago to support agencies supporting people with developmental disabilities.  I am looking to make a difference in social goals, I believe this is the next step in doing so, and that a sound image is a vital tool in this effort.

- Image may or may not include the use of the company website: Non-ProfitToolbox.com;
- Design is not limited to particular color schemes, though I believe staying with no more than 3-4 colors is usually best, and I prefer primary colors (though not green, unless you're truly inspired);
- Style should be simple and clean, readable in color and black/white reproduction;
- All aspects of the design should be relevant to the goal, look and feel - nothing too frilly or superfluous
- *The image should convey that we are skilled experts, recognized as leaders in our area.  While we are not going for uptight formality, we are going to be recognized as top notch

- Nothing too frilly, no pink, no neon green, no pea green
- *Non-profit businesses have to run lean to be effective, the look should reflect top-notch expertise, but not have a 'brass nameplate' look that also conveys high expense