Vent: I had to pick between a clean logo and a 'fun' one for my coffee cart

So I launched a mobile coffee cart here in Portland about six months ago. The big choice was the logo: a simple, modern wordmark with a nice coffee bean icon, or this hand-drawn, quirky design with a smiling steam cloud. My designer friend pushed hard for the clean one, saying it would look more professional on cups and the cart. But I loved the fun one, it felt more like my personality. I went with the clean logo, thinking it was the safe bet. Honestly, I regret it. People see the cart and just walk by, it doesn't stand out at all. A guy last week even said it looked like a bank logo. I'm thinking of switching to the fun design, but I already printed a bunch of stuff. Has anyone else rebranded a small business early on because the logo just didn't connect?

3 comments

3 Comments

daniel_lopez13d ago

How much would you pay to actually enjoy looking at your own cart every day? That clean logo sounds like it's draining the fun out of your own business for you, not just customers. Cutting your losses now on the old stuff is cheaper than being stuck with a brand you hate.

amy3027d ago

How much did I pay to stare at a logo that makes me want to nap? Too much, clearly.

nathanh4413d ago

What kind of bank serves espresso, a 401k match with your latte? Look, you sell fun drinks from a cart, not financial advice. That clean logo probably looks great on a spreadsheet. But if people are walking past, your printed stuff is just expensive confetti now. Switch to the fun one before you blend in with a sidewalk bench.