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Post by copperx on Jun 27, 2023 18:30:51 GMT -6
100% with you Wiz. The logo and badge are a terrible design, very adolescent and void of any real design merit in both layout and fonting. The jumbo size badge looks like a bad happy meal toy idea.
Adolescent? If this was the 2000's, I would agree, because it reminds me of something you would find in a Hot Topic or T-Shirt in that era. But today, 1/4 of a century later? I think it looks vintage. I think the problem is not the logo, but that we are old. |
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Post by gmichael on Jun 27, 2023 18:44:28 GMT -6
100% with you Wiz. The logo and badge are a terrible design, very adolescent and void of any real design merit in both layout and fonting. The jumbo size badge looks like a bad happy meal toy idea.
Adolescent? If this was the 2000's, I would agree, because it reminds me of something you would find in a Hot Topic or T-Shirt in that era. But today, 1/4 of a century later? I think it looks vintage. I think the problem is not the logo, but that we are old. lol. Actually, I live in Australia and to me it looks like an under 16 regional footy team inspired logo from some bygone 1950's era.
I'm not too old yet, and far as I'm concerned taste is timeless and ageless.
Some people just don't have the taste touch and are completely clueless about what looks refined and dignified versus not! But the problem is absolutely the logo, 100%
lol
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Post by bikescene on Jun 27, 2023 19:00:07 GMT -6
I perceive BeesNeez as a higher end brand.
A refresh with a more understated badge would probably be welcome in 2023, although it played no role in checking out the brand.
I have a BU87I C and a Lulu FET. The badge on the BU87 isn’t all that noticeable to me when I use the microphone. But perhaps that is because I don’t have a preconceived notion of what a classic badge should look like on a LDC.
The same badge on the Lulu FET, however, is distracting. It’s big enough to be a slight nuisance with certain SDC mounts. It’s on this mic that would benefit from a different badge in a functional way.
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Post by gravesnumber9 on Jun 27, 2023 19:04:10 GMT -6
Here is the question that really should be asked, for those who haven’t purchased Bens mics, honestly how much would a branding or logo change make a difference in pushing you to purchase? Second for those who have purchased in the past would either change keep you from buying again? Or encourage you to purchase more? Everybody be honest because this is really the question Ben has and will decide if it’s worth the investment in time and money. I have purchased in the past and probably will again at some point no matter what you do, don’t care about logo or brand when it comes to the decision to purchase it’s the value Beesneez presents that is the biggest influence. I am not ashamed to admit that I am highly swayed by aesthetic. If I were shopping for a high end mic, it would have a big impact for me. |
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Post by gmichael on Jun 27, 2023 19:07:50 GMT -6
Would also suggest monochrome hue. I'm not big on round badges at all but the drilled holes of a capsule could make for a nice refined looking monochromatic field with a clever design that fuses together the letters B and N. I see a portion of an unclosed capital B morphing into or out of an equally portion of the N, perhaps on it's side or something that asserts itself with less saying more.
There is little need for the entire name to be spelled out. The nomenclature sticker details down at the base of the mic is more suited for spelling out the whole word beesneez. Avoiding literal references for badging is quite strong but there is always the classic Neumann logo everyone pinches something from, too.
I would avoid any term like "pro audio", pro audio users don't need to be reminded their buying a proven gun from a gunsmith. The term pro audio on a product is more of a nudge to budget/impressionable entry level buyers that need to be convinced that something that is in fact prosumer, is pro audio enough for them to consider the product pro. I just looked through my room and I can't find "pro audio" written on any of my equipment. The target is pro audio workers, they know the difference without it being spelled out on a logo. |
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Post by paulcheeba on Jun 27, 2023 19:09:17 GMT -6
BZNZ for the logo but keep the brand name it’s established. That takes time.
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Post by chessparov on Jun 27, 2023 19:12:52 GMT -6
I like that too. Or even just a "B". The simpler the badge the better. I love the idea of a sexy rounded B. At least I know THEE funniest post (so far)  Will ketchup later tonight. At least I can reflect on all these thought provoking posts. Chris |
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Post by gmichael on Jun 27, 2023 19:14:33 GMT -6
thats not bad at all dude. Bit much maybe but definitely has an appeal. The NZ part might be a bit much for an Aussie manufacturer to wear though lol
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Post by gmichael on Jun 27, 2023 19:16:45 GMT -6
Here is the question that really should be asked, for those who haven’t purchased Bens mics, honestly how much would a branding or logo change make a difference in pushing you to purchase? It's massive. A builder under estimates the importance of quality branding and logo affixing to their products at great peril to growth. |
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Post by chessparov on Jun 27, 2023 19:16:49 GMT -6
(Best Monty Python voice)...
"Beezsneeze is right out".
An homage to the Holy Hand Grenade.
Chris
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Post by chipbuttie on Jun 27, 2023 19:44:19 GMT -6
I’ve always found the logo to be too much for my taste. More like something a brand of motocross clothing would use than a high end microphone. Something more subtle and simple would be nice
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Post by ml on Jun 27, 2023 19:47:02 GMT -6
I agree keep the name. But I think you can do better than the suggested Neumann style with letter B or BN badge, it seems too basic for a company with such a colorful name like BeesNeez. Maybe a honeycomb / hexagon badge with a tasteful art deco Honey Bee incorporated somewhere inside. You could also just offer a smaller version of your current badge as an option at checkout and see what paying customers choose. Good luck!
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Post by chessparov on Jun 27, 2023 19:59:06 GMT -6
Art Deco honeycomb is cool. Chris |
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Post by wiz on Jun 27, 2023 20:00:39 GMT -6
I owned an Arabella and a T1 and 2 Judas... and now the BN67
the 67 is 1000 times better looking than any of those other mics...The size of the badge is quite proportionate...whilst not exactly a fan of the red.. its tolerable against the neumanesque design of the BN67.
I think one of the biggest things is the none chrome finish of it...rather than the chrome head basket on the Arabella and T1 and I wasn't really a fan of the finishes on those mics...
cheers
Wiz
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Post by Tbone81 on Jun 27, 2023 23:11:06 GMT -6
Ben,
Thanks for interacting with your customer base, it says a lot about your company and I think all of us here hope you continue to thrive.
I was aware of your company for quite a while before I realized just how good of a product you made/sold. The name was a big turn off, it sounded a little silly and made me think prosumer. My misinformed opinion was that you were probably a budget mic maker with a few sleepers in the batch that were great mics. I’ve learned that’s not true. However the name, and likewise the aesthetic of the badge turned me off.
Even after I learned of the pedigree of your mics, and heard great sounding clips, I’ve still been turned off by the name/badge. I’m not ashamed to say that aesthetics count for me. I only have so much money to spend, and I choose to spend that money on really high quality items. There are so many great gear manufacturers to choose from, and at great price points. So much great sounding stuff, so yeah looks count for me. I want things to look “pro”, “classy”, or “inspiring”. And while those may be subjective they still count. And I think quite a few people, like myself, would take the plunge into buying your mics if the badge/name looked a little better.
Anyway, best of luck to you. I think you’ll continue to thrive.
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Post by reddirt on Jun 28, 2023 0:02:24 GMT -6
My 2 cents worth Ben, get a pro designed B N logo for mics, power supplies etc but keep the full name on packaging and invoicing - would be good if you could use the B and N of the new logo design in the BeesNeez 'packaging" name as well. I've always felt the logo as is was a cost saver and looked a bit average.
Don't change the name totally as there's too much invested in it and too hard to re build.
Cheers, Ross
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Post by honkeur on Jun 28, 2023 0:28:31 GMT -6
The current badge/logo are not understated. When branding is understated, it implies confidence, intelligence, trustworthiness.
Branding is a subtle thing. It’s also hugely important. It’s crazy to think that something as minor as a typeface could “tell a story” about your brand, and that a customer might “write themselves into that story” because of it. Think of Apple or Prada or Muji…all very strong brands that present themselves with an understated style.
If you decide to change, wishing you best of luck with it.
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Post by OtisGreying on Jun 28, 2023 1:17:32 GMT -6
I think the BeesNeez name is cool. Just the actual logo is a bit loud and proud, and I guess doesn’t accent the microphones in a pleasant aesthetic way. I’d say just size the logos down a bit or make the logo a bit less aggressive/abrasive looking, with a more neutral color scheme. I don’t think a name change is at all necessary, but IDK if any change is necessary really, people should of course judge mics from the sound, but I admit myself the LOOK of gear definitely does influence my purchases to a small degree, because it’s always cool/ satisfying to stare at a cool piece of gear you’re happy to have and go oooo pretty.
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Post by chessparov on Jun 28, 2023 2:17:22 GMT -6
I really like how everyone (in their own way) are rallying to be helpful and supportive. I'm not a professional Marketing guy (obviously). So... Dialed back a little on the "likes", since I realize this.  Chris |
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Post by mics on Jun 28, 2023 7:13:44 GMT -6
Thanks guys. So far your all being very helpful. I know a few have said, get a pro marketing guru to help but realistically, that just isn't my style. I would love to see a few ideas with the BN from you guys though, and once we get close, I'll pay to have it drawn by a graphic artist. I was leaning toward the honey comb with a BN but who knows. There will be a free mic for the drawing that we choose to use as I concept for the Graphic artist. Show me some ideas.....
On a side note, thanks for keeping it nice; It's easier to spitball ideas when your not made to feel stupid!
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Post by drsax on Jun 28, 2023 7:50:47 GMT -6
I like the idea of BN with a sharp simple logo that is not too big
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Post by matt@IAA on Jun 28, 2023 9:27:16 GMT -6
I know a few have said, get a pro marketing guru to help but realistically, that just isn't my style. I’m an engineer not a marketing guy, but I was responsible for marketing for a $500m dollar business in the US for a few years (kinda by accident.. long story..) I learned a lot, and one thing is that good marketing people are worth their weight in gold. They’re also very difficult to find. I do recommend at least bouncing ideas off of someone. Done properly it should help you be more your style, bring it out, and communicate that to your customers. |
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Post by chessparov on Jun 28, 2023 10:04:25 GMT -6
On the other hand if the Logo Badge is absolutely GIANT and removable... Then it can be a terrific Reflexion Shield. And no one needs to spend any $$ on Room Treatment. * Chris * Plus I need a new snow toboggan. |
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Post by svart on Jun 28, 2023 10:47:23 GMT -6
I don't even look at the badges on gear much. Leave it.
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Post by the other mark williams on Jun 28, 2023 11:03:19 GMT -6
Hi Ben,
Very cool that you're opening yourself up for feedback on a public forum. I have a lot of respect for you.
I put myself in the camp that says looks and branding matter. However, there's obviously a lot of personal subjectivity wrapped up in design.
I think the brand name you've cultivated over the years is an increasingly identifiable one, and it would be a shame to lose that. I do think a logo and branding change would go a long way towards a company "refresh."
Bees make me think of honey, hives, and hexagons. You could allude to that by using a hexagon badge (rather than Neumann's identifiable diamond) and gold accents in the logo. If you choose the "BN" route, the "BN" could be raised gold lettering on a silver or nickel or lighter brass vertical hexagon background.
Another route could be the vertical hexagon badge with a drawn honeybee image. If you went that route, the honeybee could become a key part of your branding.
I threw together a few super quick and dirty ideas to show what I mean...
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