Hello, community. I should first introduce myself to this list. I'm a semi-long time exit relay operator. Although I'm still a newcomer, I have a few years of graphics design experience, I'm good with Linux systems and decent with servers, I do a bit of web development and design, and I'm currently learning Javascript. In addition, I can be useful when it comes to writing. Although I have a lot on my plate at the moment, I'm a big fan of the Tor project and I'm willing to help out wherever I can (whenever I can).
I have a total of 1 (one!) website, which is a Tor exit relay notice site (http://68.118.171.187/) that I've put way too much work into, since it's the only thing that I can work on as far as websites go.
I thought I'd offer some input into this discussion. As has been said before, we really should get a style guide going before we design any actual branding, logos, etc. I'm not too sure about where we're at in this undertaking, but has anybody tried reaching out to the EFF about this? They have a knack for good design, and they've done artwork for Tor before. They're never reluctant to help out the Tor project. Maybe they can help with this. Just an idea.
Now, in complete disregard for what I just said, I'd like to talk a bit about the logo. This is, I think, the most important part of our project's presentation. Once the style guide is finished, it should be one of the first things to (re-)design.
Marck Al's visual identity mockup is a start. Thanks for putting in some work, Marck. The onion layers concept is something I'd like to see be kept in the new logo. It's an homage to the design of Tor itself. I like the 'O' design. In a way, it gives an impression of the layers of an onion (which is the goal of this design, of course). It's alright, but it would be better to give more emphasis on the concept of layers. Perhaps add more 'layers' to the 'O' and make them less thick? I also like the way the layers get darker as they move outward, once again in homage to the way Tor itself is designed (more and more layers of encryption added as data moves through the circuit).
As noted in a post to the Tor subreddit (https://pay.reddit.com/r/TOR/comments/1vvren/green_a_good_colour_for_tor/), the rest of the logo is a bit generic. It's a bit corporate-looking as well. I prefer the rounded corners of the original logo's typeface; it gives off a more friendly vibe. As a sidenode, getting more involved with the subreddit about the redesign is a great way to get some discussion going and opinions formed.
I'm not much for designing from scratch, but I've attached a little something that I threw together which replaces the middle onion symbol with Marck's 'O' symbol. We haven't yet decided upon the new color palette, but I've colored it a nice earthy blue color (blue chill to be exact) for now. Inkscape SVG and regular PNG versions are attached. Don't be too hard on it. It's just a rough mockup. :)
Hope this wasn't too long of a message. Interested in your feedback. Regards, Robert
