Voat has a new logo! (announcements)

submitted ago by Atko

Our new logo has been designed by Chris O'Keefe and generously donated to Voat. I love how it showcases the key concept of Voat platform and how simple yet majestic it is :)

Chris also drew a few sketches of the Voat goat which is thought to replace our existing mascot.

Like it? Let us know "in comments below". Hate it? Too bad, it's too late for you to do anything now since we already started using it. We do love us some comments though and I'm sure Chris would like to hear what you guys think.

Edit: critique is also welcome, Chris is an awesome guy :)

Broc_Lia ago

I love the middle goat, but how about this: A rotation of official goats based on user submissions. Every time you reload the page you get a new goat. I'm sure we've enough talented artists to make it work.

RamblinRambo ago

My first thought was playstation. I think the best thing you could do is to have a competition. This one isn't really nice at all if I'm to be honest.

Nurdoidz ago

Thank you very much! It was my first vector-based image ever... let it be officially known!

Nurdoidz ago

I will make a matching favicon. :-)

one ago

Very simple, I like it!

(and the goats are awesome)

Nurdoidz ago

Spectacular! 12/10 would divide again.

Nurdoidz ago

9/10 — needs more GIFs.

Atko ago

It's beautiful. Also, context link to comments below first page is not behaving as it should :(

Nurdoidz ago

Just the way I like it!

Nurdoidz ago

Oh, man. Calling all web designers/developers: we need to bring back shiny gradient buttons, GIFs, and table layout pages Anything to prevent this atrocity. :-P

Atko ago

Table layout pages... never. Not even once! :D

Nurdoidz ago

C'mon, Atko. You know you miss them. In fact, I can restructure the HTML right now to use tables. You can thank me later.

Edit: All right, man, the table layout is complete and ready to be merged. I already submitted a pull request. I managed to optimize the code by tenfold in the process, which is a bonus. Note: mobile view was completely dismembered, but I doubt anyone browses the site with a phone, anyway.

Atko ago

...way to give someone like me a heart attack! Bravo! :D

Nurdoidz ago

2 color scheme, as in only two colors?

Nurdoidz ago

Inkscape. :-)

Nurdoidz ago

Hehe... I like minimalistic design, but Microsoft just went a little too far for me.

Nurdoidz ago

Yeah, I think @creep's simlified design would work perfect for minimalistic designs. Reminds me of the Windows 8.1 theme. My Minity theme is more like the transition from Windows 7 to Windows 8.1. I like my bevels. :-P

SirFarticus ago

Can anyone link me to the old logo? I just joined today

Nurdoidz ago

Here it is.

SirFarticus ago

Thankd

Nurdoidz ago

> In fact, while looking at the image expandos in the preview, I can only see the up and down vote arrows, the O and T are as good as invisible. :X

I definitely agree, here. I wasn't too satisfied with the outcome because of how light I made the 'o' and 't'. I'm going to see if I can work with the outlines to make it less invisible and post later. However, it still does not solve the night mode issue. :-/

Edit: I darkened the outlines of the 'o' and 't' and reuploaded here

DickTwaddler ago

I'm getting a serious 80's vibe from the logo.

daemonaux ago

It's nice. As /u/Nurdoidz said, black outline is problematic. It is neither here nor there. I would make it thinner.

Now be smart and replace upvote/downvote arrows with the one from the logo. It'll tie the room together.

EDIT: Something...

Atko ago

Umm... @nurdoidz designed those arrows :) But I agree, either logo or the arrows should be adjusted so they look the same.

Nurdoidz ago

I tried my hand at recreating the logo that fits exactly with the rest of the site's theme.

  • This is the full-sized logo.
  • This is the logo scaled down to front page width.
  • This is what it looks like on the front page.
  • This is a fun timelapse I made of the process creating the raster-based logo (before I created the vector-based).

The concept of this logo is the version similar to Mr. O'Keefe's but using the official Minity color pallet. Here is the source SVG source link: Voat-logo.svg (9 KiB).

Polling @SchrodingersCatPics, @DanielFlamino for thoughts.

Edit 1: I darkened the outlines of the 'o' and 't', reuploaded, and updated the link. The legacy logo is still available here. Updated Paint.NET source link. Updated comment formatting.

Edit 2: I created a vector-based image of the logo. Updated SVG source link. Updated logo and front page preview image link. Updated comment body to reflect the latest version.

squiremarcus ago

holy shit they used your logo, i DO like it better btw

Atko ago

Since @SchrodingersCatPics seems to be away, I'll take down this version (which I amateurishly digitalized from a rough sketch made by @SchrodingersCatPics) and replace it with your version. If @SchrodingersCatPics comes up with another solution and people like it, I'll be happy to make the switch but I have a feeling he will like your version too :)

SchrodingersCatPics ago

Oh wow! I love this new version! It's nice and soft and the rounded edges definitely make it pleasant to look at! Great work, /u/Nurdoidz! I totally approve; this is a great logo!

Nurdoidz ago

Wow, I'm glad you like it! :-)

SchrodingersCatPics ago

I love it! It seems much more approachable and friendly, if you will, and I like the way the triangles have a distinct top and bottom now, that better mimics the upvote and downvote arrows!

Nurdoidz ago

Awesome! I almost forgot about it, to be honest. :-P Wonder when he'll be back.

Atko ago

Wow, you're on fire again! :) Thanks for giving it a go. I like it a lot. We will need a vector version though if we are to make it official.

@SchrodingersCatPics is probably also working on his own v2 so I suggest we wait for his input as well.

Nurdoidz ago

Well, I learned a whole new program for vector-based images and recreated the logo in a vector-based format:

I am not sure why I didn't learn this program before because, man, it scales easier, edits better, and I don't have to manually design the anti-aliasing. Looks like I have another tool on my design toolbelt! :-)

Anyway, I'd love to see what @SchrodingersCatPics comes up with, though. I will be waiting patiently!

Polling @DanielFlamino as well.

Atko ago

Now we're talking! I think it looks great. Good job on learning to create vector graphics so fast btw!

Nurdoidz ago

Ah, yes, of course. There's no need to rush it. I am excited to see what he comes up with!

daemonaux ago

Ooops. :)

Atko ago

Haha :p

creep ago

I would have further simplified it: http://i.imgur.com/dbKxl0q.png

SchrodingersCatPics ago

Oh damn, this looks really clean. Now I'm torn on all theses alts...

itweeb ago

Yeah, I definitely prefer this one.

Atko ago

That looks pretty good :)

motherfucker ago

It's okay, I guess. It's just.... sterile. I miss the cat.

meister_eckhart ago

I don't care for the derp goats. If a goat is to be the mascot, then use a mountain goat. Strong, dignified and majestic.

Slug ago

ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT

I think it's fantastic, and despite what Nurdoidz said, I actually like the thick black outline. Though I do agree with FourtyTwo on the thickness of the T.

Only one complaint: I'm going to have to update my subverse logos!

As for the goats, I don't really like the overly cartoonish/goofy style. I feel like it clashes with the streamlined look of the rest of the site.

Enchant ago

I like it

Atko ago

Oh wow, that was your first comment on Voat! Have an upvoat! :)

JudasHSnyder ago

I'm new here, but I really love the Voat Goat and can't wait to see him implemented into the site.

Thank you Chris O'Keefe! And of course thank you Atko!

totorox ago

Hate it? Too bad, it's too late for you to do anything now

Nice power-to-the-people site.

totorox ago

The goat symbolizes Satan. Fools.

QuestionEverything ago

The pyramid thing has been done so many times -its just not original. Sorry.

(edit: saw it on black background. It's much more striking).

We're an organic website: people contributing and sharing information and items of interest. That has flow to it.. How about a script style? And find your own symbol too! (Pyramid, yuck..) How about a stylized ballot?

Ok, 2c from my design mind.

-wannabe Illuminanti thing was already mentioned..

Khaaan ago

looks like Illuminati symbolism to me

QuestionEverything ago

Seriously.. glad I wasn't only one who thought that.

Enchant ago

I'm not 100% on this, but I think pyramids pre-date illuminati

Nurdoidz ago

Triangles pre-date illuminati.

Enchant ago

Weird, that's exactly what I meant to type, and instead I typed pyramids :P

Nurdoidz ago

Ah, that's understandable. Sometimes the brain does that kind of thing. :-)

Atko ago

This is a connectivity issue. If Voat server does not get a response in x amount of time, thumb is not created. This is why it sometimes works and sometimes doesn't. Retry thumb feature may be a good solution.

SchrodingersCatPics ago

I started a sub and the two posts I put up don't have a thumbnail; am I doing something wrong?

Nurdoidz ago

Is it just me or does the favicon not show up in Firefox v. 35.0.1? I tried doing a hard-refresh, but I'm still getting the cat. The favicon works for Iron (Chrome) v. 37.0.2000.0. I even tried IE11 v. 11.0.9600.17420 and it doesn't show up. Is it just because I'm the only one on Voat who doesn't use Chrome as my primary?

It's a conspiracy against non-WebKit browsers!

Polling @atko as well.

Gamerdog6482 ago

Can confirm it works just fine on Iron 39.0 as well, so it's probably a Webkit thing anyway.

Atko ago

It shows up fine in my firefox, however, the old one is cached and that's the one that gets shown on my bookmarks bar.

Nurdoidz ago

Apparently "clearing the cache" does not completely clear the cache. I had to clear my entire history/cookies/cache and now it works. Thanks, buddy!

Atko ago

No problem :) Firefox is weird about favicons :p

MatAeronautics ago

The idea is great, but it lacks personality, or maybe I was just used to the derpy whoacat face... RIP whoacat!

meister_eckhart ago

whoacat looks like he's on krokodil.

SchrodingersCatPics ago

We should turn whoacat into the early adopter/alpha tester badge. Thoughts on that, /u/Atko?

Atko ago

Sounds like a great idea :)

Nurdoidz ago

I was going to disagree with you, but then I realized that you're correct with the personality. I like the logo, but I think we can use a mascot right next to Voat to give it more personality.

SchrodingersCatPics ago

I hear you. It does look a little sterile now, but don't forget, the site's still in its early stages and there's always room for improvement. Thanks to feedback from all of you guys on here (extra thanks to you, /u/Nurdoidz), I'll be able to tweak things here and there, and maybe we will have a mascot up in the header one day, I leave that up to /u/Atko et al. and also to the rest of you, Voaters, to decide what's best for our site. Because, after all, we are the site, and especially in this alpha phase we all have the ability to sculpt this place into something beautiful and far-reaching.

At the end of the day, Voat is your site, so have your say.

Nurdoidz ago

Yes, of course! In the same vein, I'm always in search of possible improvements to Voat's design, so if something about it irks you, don't hesitate to contact me. :-)

SchrodingersCatPics ago

Will do, man. You've designed all this? It's amazing! I'll definitely let you know if I find anything is clumsy or whatnot. Very smooth so far, and nicely intuitive. Hey, so does that mean you would be the person to ask about thumbnails not showing up in the posts I've made? And again, great work dude; this place is very well put together.

Nurdoidz ago

Will do, man. You've designed all this? It's amazing! I'll definitely let you know if I find anything is clumsy or whatnot.

Thank you much! A lot of love, care, and time went into the design to transform it from a reddit look-a-like to a site that can stand on its own. In order for Voat (WhoaVerse back then) to have its own identity, it needed to look like something else while still being pretty and usable. Which is why I have a lot of respect for those who share my view, like you.

Hey, so does that mean you would be the person to ask about thumbnails not showing up in the posts I've made?

Not quite, sorry to say. @Atko, @DanielFlamino, @Puttitout, and others are a lot more experienced in that area at the moment (interactivity). I am more behind the structure and design.

And again, great work dude; this place is very well put together.

Much appreciated. I'm sure your contributions are just as needed.

xanaxinator ago

I have to agree with Nurdoidz here. An absolutely great design...I love all aspects of this site.

Teh_Sauce_Guy ago

;_; no more whoacat :''''(

rip in peace whoaverse

SchrodingersCatPics ago

Yes. The first iteration was done in haste to get it up, but I felt the exact same way when I took a closer look. Something was off with the build, and it will be corrected.

SchrodingersCatPics ago

Trust me, I've noticed the width differences on the top bar of the T, and it irks me something fierce. I will be making the necessary changes shortly. This first run was done somewhat hastily just to get the new look floating around out there. I'm on it!

Ninja edit: And no offense taken. As I said, this was a bit of a rush job just to get the site branded with the new name. Changes and tweaks will be coming soon.

SchrodingersCatPics ago

Thanks so much to everyone who has taken the time to comment and critique here! I'm reading all of your responses and will take your feedback into account for the next revision. I'm glad the general consensus is that you like the logo and the idea behind it, even if there are a few minor changes to be made. Also, feel free to chime in with any ideas you might have for the 'Voat Goat' mascot, as I'm just trying out some more ideas on that side of things too.

Thanks again guys,

Chris

Holly ago

Really dig it. Good work.

JuliusSeizure ago

I really like it man. Chris, you're a beast.

SchrodingersCatPics ago

Thanks man! Much appreciated; I'm hoping I can do a bunch more work for the site as it takes off!

Nurdoidz ago

If only praises are considered, then I don't think there is a point in making a comment in the first place. Even with that understood, I am going to make a critique anyway. I like the logo a lot. It's clever in the fact that it uses the arrows as the letters and even includes the color scheme of the site.

There is one detail that makes it awkward for me, though, and it's the outline. Compared to the rest of the site, the outline is too pronounced: thick and dark and stands out too much. It makes the rest of the site washed out by contrast and is the reason I avoided dark outlines in the rest of the design.

If the outline was thinner and lighter, it would be the perfect logo for the site. However, if the outlines stay, the designer inside of me would say that the rest of the site would need to be designed to reflect the new style.

Edit: I made an attempt at a minity-style logo based off of Mr. O'Keefe's logo. Here is the comment thread.

Gamerdog6482 ago

It looks perfectly fine with the dark theme, which I have a suspicion is what it was designed in mind for.

Atko ago

Oh, I didn't even test it with the dark theme, but now that I have, I have to say that it looks quite nice, even though the colors don't perfectly match.

Nurdoidz ago

Well, if you want to speculate, I can argue that it was actually designed for the light theme, since the dark theme has a completely different color pallet. Both the blue and violet shade in the logo match the light voting arrows almost exactly. White is also an almost non-existent color in the dark theme.

The logo looks better in the dark theme because the outline doesn't stand out as much.

Atko ago

Critique is also welcome, of course. You made a valid point, I agree that the outline could be less pronounced.

SchrodingersCatPics ago

Thank you for your feedback! We're all here to make the site a better place, so I'm glad you took the time to comment. I'm sure some changes to the weight of the letter outlines could be made, as I appreciate the sentiment of your critique, and you raise a good point regarding the overall visual identity of the site. I'll play with it a little more, keeping what you've said here in mind.

Sybles ago

There are minor issues, but overall I really like this new logo compared to the old one!

Nurdoidz ago

I am glad that you are receptive! Though many people here probably don't care about my small concerns for a great improvement you've made to the site, I am hardcore passionate about all aspects of Voat's design. It's probably since I poured so much time into it, I see the design as my baby, just as Atko probably sees this entire site as his.

Though the main point is that the outline is less pronounced and that I am satisfied if that's the only change you make, I would like you to consider the following features behind the core design of Voat in case you think you can make it even better somehow:

  • Bright white and cool color pallete.
  • Very, very subtle gradient.
  • Subtle yet defining contrast between objects.
  • Slightly curved edges.
  • Subtle shadows and outlines.

Consider them or just throw them out, these points are actually the template I use to design any new objects the development team throws at me (don't tell Atko this, though, since he could fire me seeing that he can easily do my job without me). :-P

vato3993 ago

How to put a bitch in check: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAIyhfHt188

obnoxious_commenter ago

Simple. Easy to digest. It looks great in night mode.

PuttItOut ago

Dig it. Use the up upvoat arrow as the favicon.

Atko ago

Done!

Alienth ago

I really like it, good work.

LoneWanderer ago

I like it.

TKCHBL ago

Pretty cool!