Rough draft

[DevilDuck]

I came up with this tonight. I know I can't use the duck...but it fit.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/duckyz/ddpic.jpg

[DevilDuck]

And an edit...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/duckyz/ddbigedit1.jpg

[marcosauces]

horns on the duck...? very devilish..:)

[sevver]

I like it, I think I like the red label better though.

[dreamtheatervt]

The yellow label works better. Contrasts the red well.

Who ever said you can't use the duck should be kneed in the groin.

[imaguitargod]

I would love to see better sized ones (ie: 300 dpi, with no jpeg compession...aka...tif file, in printable CMYK)....

Sorry, the graphic designer in me started to act up there...I just beat him into submission...

[DevilDuck]

I would love to see better sized ones (ie: 300 dpi, with no jpeg compession...aka...tif file, in printable CMYK)....

Sorry, the graphic designer in me started to act up there...I just beat him into submission...

I hear ya!! I just don't have the programs or the ability to do it!! When it comes to graphic design, I'm a mess.

[imaguitargod]

I hear ya!! I just don't have the programs or the ability to do it!! When it comes to graphic design, I'm a mess.
Well, the design aint that bad, so good job.

[Shooty*]

Gotta say, I prefer the red as well. BUT... what colour is the sauce? if it's red, then the yellow might be a better option. I agree with the comment about the yellow label contrasting the red "boxes" better... on the red label, I would be tempted to remove the box from behind the "devil duck"

May I ask.... where does the "fair feathered friends" bit come from? Is it a pun at all on fair weather friends?

[DevilDuck]

The sauce is a yellowish green (and I didn't use mustard.) It's...well it's odd looking and it sticks to glass too.

...and yes, fair weather friends was twisted up.

If anyone was wondering, "Why Devil Duck?". Well, Duck is my last name, and I just had to go with that!

[Sickmont]

I think it dig the red more myself....especially if the sauce is a yellow-ish color.

[marcosauces]

Yeah..red label will do better

[E.Z. Earl]

"I came up with this tonight. I know I can't use the duck...but it fit."

D.D. - Why don't you run your ideas past "Angry Pepper"? Ryan is a fellow chilihead with a good grasp on professional hot sauce labels. Also, his pricing is very reasonable. You can ask Huvason about his work as a reference. This is the single most important success ingredient in your up-coming marketing program.

[Ryan@angrypepper]

Hey DD,

I'm gonna be honest here and tell you that these designs need some work. You've got a decent concept going that could end up looking great if put in the right hands. Even if it's not me, try to work work out a deal with either a professional, or student graphic designer. Correct me if I'm wrong, but think I recall you stating that you were going to start out in local gourmet and specialty shops. Whether you're in a specialty or main stram market, you're going to need a label that pops. In a sea of other sauces on a shelf, the label is what's going to set your's apart from the rest and draw attention to it. Not to mention a label design says TONS about your sauce in regard to quality. If the label looks cheap and unprofessional, odds are that your average joe shmoe consumer is going to think the contents are cheap. I know you already said that you in so many words aren't artisticly inclined and don't have the proper programs to do what it is you're striving to do, but that's why there's those of use that are able to find employment in such fields. The only time that a simple label really sells is either when a good and precise marketing stategy has been executed and/or the manufacturer is already established in the industry and name recognition alone does the trick. What I've gathered so far from your postings both here and on the HSB is that you don't have a solid game plan, so you're going to need every gimmick in the book to get off the ground. Reviews of a sauce will only go so far because the majority of consumers do not read these forums. You're gonna need something that will smack them upside the head and say "look at me!". Just some constructiive advise. If that duck that you're using is copyrighted, or is a registered trademark, you really need to come up with a logo before even thinking about a label if you're going to incorporate your logo into the prime display of the label. Anywho, I urge you to at least consult someone to get some help. Don't take this as a put down, you actually did pretty good for not having the proper resources, but it could use some improvement. Later.

[E.Z. Earl]

I rest my case about Angry Pepper". What he presented here is right on the mark. A maker cannot piece-meal his or her way into the market. You first need to pull together a complete business plan (sales & marketing is a sub-heading) that is fully integrated. Then your label has to be a sharp representation of the image you intend to push into the marketplace. The SBA's SCORE (Senior Corp of Retired Executives) program might be a good place to receive some fairly cheap consultation on the business plan. - E.Z.

[ABurningMouth]

http://aburningmouth.isgreat.org/niceduck.jpg
Copywrited but cool. It's from an application called cyberduck for mac.
DD,
Are you using yellow mushroom habs for your sauce?
Tony

[DevilDuck]

Nope, just regular orange habs.

Ryan and EZ--
I know what I came up with isn't ready for production. I was messing around with ideas and that's what I came up with. I didn't think it was all that bad for using stock pieces from Print Shop Deluxe. ...and yes I agree that even if/when I become a business, there has to be a master plan. In a sea of sauce, I'm a nobody. This is why I bounce some ideas off you guys. I need to know if I'm on the right track or need to do a complete rethink. Right now, I don't have money to pay anyone to do work for me, so I have to do what I can on my own. I'm sucking up as much information as my little brain can handle and have to process everything. When I'm ready, I'll make a few calls and see what happens.

I really appreciate the constructive criticism. Because if anyone needs it, it's me.

[marcosauces]

DD,
you are on the right track, at least you got an idea of what your label is going to look like. To make it professional looking you have to shell out some money unfortunately, but it won't be much as you have the basic idea. Plus we have many labels designers in this forum, so i am sure you can get a discount..:)

[E.Z. Earl]

I really appreciate the constructive criticism. Because if anyone needs it, it's me.

What I said (and Ryan) is not to be considered critisim at all - constructive or otherwise! What we are providing is simply good advise (based on experience) on how to begin, and then how to keep your ducks-in-a-row (sorry, couldn't reisist). I know what it means to live my life on the ragged edge of a dream, like all self-made entrepreneurs. It's a long, tough path but that is what makes the succuss so sweet-tasting when you finally achieve it. All I am saying is have a road map - a firm progressive plan-of-action where every interim goal leads to the next interim goal. That way you'll be less likely to lose your way and end up as debris alongside life's highway. - E.Z.

[DevilDuck]

I understand. I'm in no way ready to take the plunge, just yet. Lot's to do, and I want to do this right. I really don't want 850 bottles of sauce taking up a spare bedroom and can't sell it.

[E.Z. Earl]

I understand. I'm in no way ready to take the plunge, just yet. Lot's to do, and I want to do this right. I really don't want 850 bottles of sauce taking up a spare bedroom and can't sell it.

DD - We all have to start in a way where our grasp doesn't exceed our reach. I disagree - you have started - just in a a small way. However, there is nothing wrong with that. Just know, preferably in writing, which goals you have undertaken - which you have already achieved - and, most important, which is your next one to undertake. A road map to success, plain & simple. - E.Z.

[marcosauces]

Amen E.Z.

[woody]

Hey DD just a thought.......why not open an ebay shop to start with.
Woody

[DevilDuck]

Woody-- Not too fond of the e-bay stores. They like to grab some of the profit off the top plus a monthly fee and I'm not in a position for that.

I'm looking into a few other options that are a little more feasable. ;)

[woody]

For about $100 for the year you can make your own using templates at www.123-reg.com its all there and no website knoledge is needed,have a look anyway, its the cheapest option out there.( i have no ties with this company) its just the cheapest package i could find, they are hosing my site for about $30 a year!
Even with no experience you can be up and running in a day.

Woody

[DevilDuck]

Ryan...I know you just came out of eye surgery, but if you're out there, gimme a shout! We needs to talk some business...

[Hillbilly Chili]

Hey DD......Just my opinion here.....I think the horns look like a hair bow and its a female duck??:-)?

just one hillbilly opinion though bro

[DevilDuck]

The duck will change...trust me!

[Hillbilly Chili]

you da man DD

[Dyce51]

HEy DD...

I understand that you are in the "beginning" stages right now. Keep in mind when you go to a co-paker or commercial kitchen to commercially bottle your sauce part of the discussion will be about your label. Two of the facilities I looked into (here in Ohio) had a graphics department to help develop a label and had a list of (seriously discounted) printers they work with alot. The co-paker that I am going to be useing passes alot of discounts on to their clients. Which is nice. But there are several options out there for you to use.

As for unsold bottles takin up space...Shop aroun when looking into commercial kitchens...For instance there is one I spoke to in Athens Ohio. Great People. They have their own store that they will put your product in to sell and the have hook ups with other stores in the Tri-State area that buys from them. They simply submit your product to the stores. It's a great way for you to get your name out if a commercial kitchen has the same type of program in your area. Most Co-pakers and Commercial Kitchen have a list of contacts of the major food stores in the area and can put you in touch with the right people. Saves you a lot of footwork and phone calls.

Just my $.02

[DevilDuck]

Thanks Dyce...I'm one step ahead of you on that!

[DevilDuck]

Here's something else I'm toying with...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/duckyz/devilduckv3.jpg

[thehotpepper.com]

That label doesn't grab me. Too many little icons here and there and no central focus.

[Pam]

Why scurvy?

[DevilDuck]

Well...It goes like this...

I'm part of an online Datsun/Nissan Z club that has annual meets in different cities all over the country. We consider ourselves to be "Pirate Bastards". So, there's a lot of pirate lingo flying around.

When I ran for "Bastard Of The Month", my tag line was "...and hot sauce for all." Needless to say I got elected, but I didn't have a name for my sauce. So I held a contest with the winner getting two free bottles.

Well, the annual "Gathering Of The Bastards" was coming up, but it was in Cleveland, and there was no way I could make it. So instead, I made two cases of my "Nuclear Scurvy" and sent it up to the meet for everyone to enjoy.

Also...Look at this stuff. What would you call it?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/duckyz/zoneOnez.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/duckyz/scurvy2.jpg

[marcosauces]

the jellow stuff..:)
but i agree with thp...no central focus. Try to reverse the cloud with the center icon and take those corner icons out...
just my 2 cents.

[Pam]

Well...It goes like this...

I'm part of an online Datsun/Nissan Z club that has annual meets in different cities all over the country. We consider ourselves to be "Pirate Bastards". So, there's a lot of pirate lingo flying around.

Ahhhhh...


Also...Look at this stuff. What would you call it?


Yellow Jack

...to keep with the pirate theme.

[Cap'n Bones]

Yellow Jack

...to keep with the pirate theme.


Ummmm, nope sorry. I live my life on the water and that name reminds me of whale sperm.

I agree with the majority on the fact that there's way too much going on with the label.

[DevilDuck]

Yeah...I just need to hire a professional.

[Uncle Big]

Yeah...I just need to hire a professional.

DD,

You need to be more focused and concise with your label design. It's a little too "all over the place". I'm not saying my labels are all that and a bag of chips, it's just that I have seen thousands upon thousands of labels in my day and I know what works for sales and what doesn't.

Shoot me a PM, I could hook you up with some graphics help if you need it. All it will cost you is a batch of your sauces. Deal??
Ryan from Angry Pepper should be up and running soon as well I believe, he's great and reasonable if you wanted someone that's a "pro". I just noodle with my own labelling, it's like therapy for me.

You could also talk to Dan and BLP for label pricing. They have a digital press, high quality stuff, no minimums (at least I don't think so yet?) and it's all you'll ever need to start out. Once you're competing it Blair and Cajohn, you'll need to go Flexo, but for now the digi labels are the cat's ass.


Let me know.

[Cap'n Bones]

Yeah...I just need to hire a professional.

Maybe, or maybe not....My 2cnts. If you are the one who put together the label shown on this thread, then you have what it takes to design your own, without the need to pay someone to do it for you. You're heading in the right direction DD, you just need to be patient and think through your ideas a bit more and not try to rush things. Give it more time, and I'm certain that in time, your ideas will materialize into the perfect label for your sauce. Besides, a logo for your company should come as the priority, and once you nail down a name and design for your company logo, then your label designs should fall into place with relative ease.
Hope this doesn't come off as a lecture, I'm only trying to assist and encourage.

[Pam]

Ummmm, nope sorry. I live my life on the water and that name reminds me of whale sperm.


Are you sure you aren't living your life in the gutter? How did you get from an acute viral disease to cetacean sexual emissions?


I'm not, by the way, Devil Duck, suggesting there is anything wrong with the name you have selected. You just asked what I would call it, is all.

[DevilDuck]

Hey guys....no offense taken about anything. I'm just screwing around with ideas for my label.

Pam...I appreciate your candor, but I'm keeping the name!;)

[marcosauces]

DD,
just keep on trying, it takes time so do not rush it.
And as Cap'n said, focus on the company logo first, that should be your priority numero 1..then the labels.
Don't give up bro....we here to help if you need us..

[thehotpepper.com]

Yeah, you need a killer logo before you figure out the label layout. Don't worry too much about the layout yet.

[woody]

the label is important, but if the product is naff thats worse......... as long as your making quality stuff thats the main concern, people will only buy a bad sauce with a great label once, but one that tastes great with an average label loads. Your label at present isn't that bad, just make a few little changes.
Follow your heart dd

[DEFCON Creator]

Also, be careful when using a straight Biohazard sign on the label, we were no a very loud NO by the FDA when we inquired, as that was going to be out actual company logo. Minor adjustments can be made (obviously).

[Sickmont]

Also, be careful when using a straight Biohazard sign on the label, we were no a very loud NO by the FDA when we inquired, as that was going to be out actual company logo. Minor adjustments can be made (obviously).


Just like the FDA would no-no a true skull and crossbones(poison) if you tried to put it on a food product label.

[DevilDuck]

I'd love something like this....but a little more twisted!!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/duckyz/DD1.jpg

[Cap'n Bones]

Now yer thinkin'.....May not want to go too deep into the "twisted" side though. You want the logo to be something a broad audience can relate too.

[Sickmont]

Need to have a hot pepper or two on his trident, not a slice of bread.

[DevilDuck]

Need to have a hot pepper or two on his trident, not a slice of bread.

So...who's good at photoshop? :hell:

[bubbaschili]

im no expert...love the black and white duck i agree with the peppers on the spear mabey go black and white with the eyes flame red....that and if you could make the wings look like there on fire. but not on fire like oh my God my wings are on fire but there suppose to be on fire.....know what i mean?

[bubbaschili]

the other day i recived a bottle of blues bbq sauce www.bluesbbq.net and i realy liked the look of his lable it was glossy and the colors just kinda jumped out at me..so you might see where he got his done.

[Uncle Big]

So...who's good at photoshop? :hell:

Is this the direction you were thinking about going in?
http://www.unclebigshotsauce.com/forweb/DD2.jpg
Imagine what a professional could do with it? It'll cost ya, but you can find an illustrator (not necessarily a graphic designer) to come up with something like you want.
I would look up community colleges or universities with a fine arts program. Students are usually looking for beer money and aren't established yet in their craft so they will work cheaper and usually have an interesting take on your ideas.
Just a thought.

[thehotpepper.com]

DD, PM me if you'd like me to hook you up with a great designer who will work within your budget.

[chuk hell]

Is this the direction you were thinking about going in?
http://www.unclebigshotsauce.com/forweb/DD2.jpg


Dang!

Uncle B got the mad photoshop skillz!

[Uncle Big]

Dang!

Uncle B got the mad photoshop skillz!

Thanks Chuk!
I noodle around in between customers and phone calls.
It's a good stress reliever!!
DD should find himself a pro, this low res stuff I'm doing is purely for entertainment/idea sake.

[DevilDuck]

That's freakin' cool!!

THP...If I had a budget, I'd be able to hire someone!

[thehotpepper.com]

THP...If I had a budget, I'd be able to hire someone!
My bad... I thought you were going commercial.

[DevilDuck]

I am, but I don't have a lot of money to throw at the project at the moment. Kinda tapped out after tax day.:oops:

[thehotpepper.com]

Oh. Well it may be worth talking to him, by "working within your budget", I meant if you don't have a lot, he won't charge a lot.

[DevilDuck]

Bad pic...but I'm talking to the artist of the duck about terms of using his artwork. Uncle Big, check your PMs. Enjoy!
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/duckyz/ddproto1.jpg

[thehotpepper.com]

Cool! Good thinking.

[DevilDuck]

Still working with some things. Chuck got me back to the drawing board...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/duckyz/ddbr1.jpg

[DEFCON Creator]

Very nice dude, very nice!

[LUCKYDOG]

Looks good to me DD

[Canuk Pepperhead]

Looking good man!!looking good...Cant wait to try some lol

[DevilDuck]

Ok....here's a new one. I did it myself. There are a few things I need to adjust, but overall....................

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/duckyz/logoNS1.jpg

[AlabamaJack]

I love it DD...

[mrpepper]

Looks nice DD, I see your getting a hand with that program :)

[Canuk Pepperhead]

Man that looks awsome!!

[DevilDuck]

I've got to make a few more to match my other sauces.

[imaguitargod]

Cool cool cool!

[ABurningMouth]

Very 3-D

[DevilDuck]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/duckyz/BRLogo.jpg

I have to get some blending done, but that's the idea...

[imaguitargod]

I have to get some blending done, but that's the idea...

Ohhhhhhhhh!!

[Pam]

Way cool!

[Pepperfreak]

That is really cool. I also think that it would be great as a T shirt. You've got some talent, I would have no idea how to even start something like that.

[DevilDuck]

The program mrpepper told me about is awesome and really easy to use.

http://www.thelogocreator.com/MegaPak.htm

I'm just using the free version, but I plan on getting something a little more versatile from them soon.

[QuadShotz]

Looking great DD!

That concept UB came up with is sweet..gotta love canadians with photoshop skills. ;)

(I was born in London, ONT. jus in case ya wonder..)

If you need any help, I got time and have been using Photoshop since v3. :)

Been awhile since I did commercial work, but I'm one of the artists over at dslreports.com graphics forum and regularly help folks out.

I also know a lots of links for public-domain clipart and fonts, etc.

Here's one I like for starters: http://www.wpclipart.com/index.html

I also run a reseller webserver and have 10yrs of experience in web work in case you have the need/help.

Anything for a brother chilehead, eh?

-Q

[ring sting]

Hey DD,

For the nuclear scurvy, could you whiten out the duck, more like your avatar, and turn the duck's eyes fluorescent green? Something really vibrant, so they kinda pull you into the bottle? Just a thought..

[TheHeat]

The program mrpepper told me about is awesome and really easy to use.

http://www.thelogocreator.com/MegaPak.htm

I'm just using the free version, but I plan on getting something a little more versatile from them soon.

Didn't you win some contest on the hot sauce blog to rebrand your company? I'm sure it was you. I could be wrong.
What ever happened with that? I'm assuming nothing because you're still coming up with your own designs.
I like what I see though.
Any idea when your product will come to market?

[DevilDuck]

Yeah, that didn't work out so well for me.

As for getting to market? Not sure. Money is tight right now, and it takes some substantial cash to get off the ground.

If I'm lucky, this year...sometime.

[TheHeat]

Yeah, that didn't work out so well for me.

As for getting to market? Not sure. Money is tight right now, and it takes some substantial cash to get off the ground.

If I'm lucky, this year...sometime.

How so, not work out? I thought that would have been an awesome opportunity.
Did they trash all of your ideas? That happened my uncle when he hired a company to rebrand.

[imaguitargod]

Ya DD, what's the scoup?

[DevilDuck]

Ok...my 60 days are up. This stays on this website, ok?

First of all, I asked her for something 1/2 way serious and not too cartoony. Definitely NOTHING with a flaming ass, or the like. This is what I got:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/duckyz/devilducksamples.jpg

Then, after a BIG sigh and several e-mails back and forth...even a 30 minute phone call to Canada on my dime, I asked about trying to give a more 3-D view with a snarl and less cartoony. This is what I got:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/duckyz/duck2.jpg

So, now you can see why I just gave up on that and went back to doing my own thing. She was also pretty much telling me what I needed and disregarding the images I was looking for. I have never been more disappointed. I guess it's a good thing I won. I sure wouldn't pay for something like that.

[Omri]

Don't wanna be mean, but that's so unprofessional. :\

[ring sting]

OH NOOOOOO

Dude, my wife just mentioned how hard it may be to use your own images in a screen print sense, but OMFG that other stuff is pretty bad.

Some of the best design ideas come from 4 yr olds. They also make good testing panels.

Ask a youngster what they think of Chuppa Chup labels.

BTW they were designed by Dali.

[TheHeat]

Wow, those suck. This is from a "professional" designer? From Canada? I apologize, our quality of work is usually much better than that. LOL!
Hmmm, sometimes I guess it's true, you get what you pay for.
I like your original design waaaayyy better. Go with that.
Maybe get that artist guy who did the cool duck to convert his image to curves or maybe someone on here that can do it in Abobe Illustrator could do it.
That would make it easier for printing.
Wow, those really suck.

[DevilDuck]

Well, yeah.

The good thing about the program I'm using, it that it seems to be Vector based. I can save the image to any size I want in damn near any format I want. Printing a t-shirt or a banner shouldn't be a problem at all. I still need to do some work on the ones I posted (blending edges, more opaque in areas...) but, I can use those.

I'm actually thinking about dropping the colored backgrounds as well. I think doing that will clean things up a little.

[TheHeat]

Well, yeah.

The good thing about the program I'm using, it that it seems to be Vector based. I can save the image to any size I want in damn near any format I want. Printing a t-shirt or a banner shouldn't be a problem at all. I still need to do some work on the ones I posted (blending edges, more opaque in areas...) but, I can use those.

I'm actually thinking about dropping the colored backgrounds as well. I think doing that will clean things up a little.

Just keep in the direction you're going. My brother and sister like what you've done. She's in marketing and thinks the new designs are crap and look like someone's 4 year old drew them.

My brother just thinks it's cool. But he's 17, so anything evil looking is "cool".

[teh purple penguins]

i like the dropping the background color idea, let the sauce color the lable and have your cool graphics on their background. nice to see a sauce

[imaguitargod]

Dude, my wife just mentioned how hard it may be to use your own images in a screen print sense, but OMFG that other stuff is pretty bad.
That's why you go for 4-color press on labels....but ya, screen printed shirts are right out. :lol:

Don't wanna be mean, but that's so unprofessional. :\
Tell me about it! I do graphic design too and those look like someone who has just started messing around with Illustrator.

[ring sting]

I'm actually thinking about dropping the colored backgrounds as well. I think doing that will clean things up a little.

i like the dropping the background color idea, let the sauce color the lable and have your cool graphics on their background. nice to see a sauce

Could your labels be printed on a clear plastic label? so the sauce is the background? Is this what you mean TPP? That might look real good.

[DevilDuck]

...and expensive!

Right now, I'm going with a white label, graphic in the center and other fun stuff on the sides.