Abby Jean & Fontaine Maury Contest!
Hi everyone! We are finally settled in Boston after a brutally long week of moving. But, we arrived to PERFECT weather which makes the whole thing seem worth it.
Okay, let’s get to it. For those of you that don’t already know, Abby Jean recently joined forces with Fontaine Maury, a great custom stationery company based out of Georgia. The girls at Fontaine Maury have such a smart aesthetic, but more importantly, they have big dreams for Abby Jean and together, we are going to grow the line and introduce some wonderful new designs.
So, in honor of the “marriage” we are hoping to have YOUR help in launching one of our new pieces! The color palette for the first design is a beautiful butter yellow , chocolate brown and a creamy white. We want the invitation to be classic and timeless, using a great new monogram (something that you can thread through various elements of your wedding papers) though complimented with a contemporary pattern in the liners and perhaps accent pieces.
Take a look at the monogram choices below. Which one do you gravitate towards the most, which one do you think has the most versatility, which one would you like on your own stationery? The person that gives the best feedback will win a set of their very own personalized stationery by Fontaine Maury. Can’t beat that!!
(make sure you click on it to make it larger, and more clear)
First, congrats on your move to Boston, one of my favorite cities.
As to my vote, I'd have to say "c". I really like it individually, as well as on the invitation. I can see it being used as a stamp, (rubber stamp, wax seal stamp) and its oval-ness would work nicely on labels, etc. It seems to work well with simple as well as more elaborate typefaces.
Good luck to you!
I like B & C, but I think C is very substantial looking. The floating letters in A and D do not do the monogram any justice. Even on the invitations shown, you can see how the structure of the diamond and the oval in B & C make it easier on the eye to read the text of the invitation itself. I love the oval design of C and I love the vintage feel --- something you would want to have on all of your paper goods!
Congrats on the move...
Congratulations on being done with your move! You are lucky that there was such nice weather this week!
My favorite stationary design is C. I feel that the monograms in A and B are too light and/or small to appreciate. While I am a fan of off-centered pieces, I think that there is too much white space in A and D. For me, D is also hard to look at because my eyes are drawn in two different directions. As for the monogram design itself, I like both B and C. I like how they incorporate design elements and are not just letters. These two designs seem to typify the Abby Jean style of flowing,graceful and clean.
Like everybody before me, I liked option C the best. It's the only one I would choose of the four.
And while it is really great, there is still something about it that doesn't sit perfectly with me. Something about the little line between the two letters seems a bit off. I really like the double oval design...keep that for sure.
I prefer C. It's centered on the page and balances out what would otherwise be a bottom-heavy design, especially since yellow has less of a "heavy" feel than the darker text below. Something smaller or off-center would just look like an afterthought.
I think the oval itself is better than the diamond in B because the whole design is rather vintage-y, and the rounded shapes just look better to me for that sort of style. Also, the rounded flourishes look more cohesive with the oval than with the angular diamond shape.
Finally, the different components of the design could be used separately to tie in other stationery pieces-- the line across the top of the page could be used in a crosshatch design on envelope liners or smaller notes; the oval design would make a great outline for labels or as a pre-printed outline on envelopes for calligraphing addresses.
C, it is the easiest on the eyes. B, is the next one I would pick, it's a little more dynamic with the angles.
I prefer C as well, with D coming in second. I think the swirly letters on D are attractive, but C is more balanced and elegant. In addition, I think C is the most versatile - the monogram anchored in the horizontal line works as well on personal stationary at it would on a wedding invite. I could also see the design repeated on the envelope flap as a subtle way to carry the invite pattern to the envelope.
I like 'B' and 'C', but lean toward 'C' because of the way you have it set in the line. It balances the invite and gives the monogram strength (?, or something like that). 'B' could easily be set the same way, but I would choose 'C' for myself just because it's a little bit bolder and I could see it used on everything from favors to placecards to other notes for later on. 'A' seems to get lost up there all alone and 'D' is just to frilly.
Welcome to Boston!
I really like style A. I like the simple elegance to the invitation. The simple monogram really brings out the beauty in the font. The simplicity of the monogram allows it to be carried over onto countless other items.
I prefer design 'C'. Classic, stylish, and the horizontal stripe both grounds and modernizes the design. Centering the monogram above the invitation text allows the eye to settle on it first, setting the tone for the invite before the eye moves on to the details. I can imagine this monogram being carried through and entire invitation suite and onto cocktail napkins, menus, seating cards, thank you notes, and personal stationery.
i have to agree with the majority and say "c" is the most immediately appealing -- it's simple and elegant. the proportions are just right, and it feels balanced and clean. that said, there are great things about the others as well. i love the clean starkness of "a" and the romantic delicacy of "d". in fact, the monogram in "d" could almost be interchanged into "c" for those seeking a more feminine look. "b" would work better and feel more centered and solid with a band across like in "c". finally, i think the overall problem with "a" and "d" is the expanse of white space between the monogram and the text. Because the monogram and the text in those are in opposite corners, the eye is drawn in two directions, which is distracting. "d" would work better with the text higher up, and "a" would work better with the text justified to the left and higher up as well.
Congratulations on finishing your move! Also, congratulations on the new venture with Fontaine Maury. I'm sure you will create beautiful paper [products] together.
My favorites are [A] and [C], with [C] as the winner. [A] embodies "classic monogram with a modern sensibility," to me. However, it has too much potential to feel like it's floating or just not quite enough. [C] is classic, elegant, and somewhat fresh as wedding monograms go. It's so versatile as witness by your pairing it with a simple line, but it's also substantial enough to work on its own throughout an event.
Now for why I do not like the other two as much:
[D] - Been there, done that. I've been to two weddings in the past year that used the exact same monogram in similar if not the same typeface. One was even AF, just as you've shown! ;)
[B] - The geometry of the "surround" overwhelms the monogram proper (er, the letters themselves). The letters get lost. Also, the proportions aren't quite balanced for some reason. Maybe the outer lines need a little more weight (maybe a double stack of solid & dotted lines like [C]?), and the flourishes need to be scaled down a bit. In any case, the letters get sort of lost in this one.
I love the scroll-y (is that a word? it is now) font used for the couple's names in C, but like the clean layout of D. And the monogram in D "looks" like a wedding... but it may be hard to replicate that monogram across multiple wedding items. So I reluctantly vote for C based on its ability to translate easily.
My vote goes to 'B' Keeping in mind that potential customers may see your logo before ever viewing the product, I would think you'd want a logo that represents it all! B strikes the best balance between formality and spontaneity. A and D represent opposite ends of the spectrum; A is the straight & narrow and D is flying off the handle. It's clear why everyone adores C. This is a logo we have all seen again and again while B has a bit of the unexpected mixed in. I'd increase the font size just a bit, however.
I vote C!
Congrats on the move!
Congrats on your move! I am so excited that you are back online... I discovered your blog mid last week and have scoured every inch of it!
I really like "B" and "C"... the girl in me that loves all things classic gravitates to "C"... you chose a wonderful scroll shape the oval is graceful, and I really like the line/band that extends across the top of the page out from the oval.
So with that said, as much as I love "C" I am going to place my vote on "B"! I think that the diamond shape gives the monogram a uniqueness and flair and will make it stand out more. I wonder if you could incorporate the extra border around the diamond that is seen in th oval? And perhaps try extending the line across the top of the page as in "C"?
You really wont lose with any of the choices though... they are all beautiful!
Happy Friday!
Definitely B or C.
A looks like the top initial is being divided by the lower one - not something you want ("you divide me" is not quite as sweet as "you complete me.")
D looks like it's floating off the page, but not really in a good way.
Both B and C do a good job of having two separate initials joined into one monogram - the line between them and the border around them is the perfect combination. I think either would be fine, and am actually kind of drawn to the angularity in B, but ultimately love the ribbon feeling you get in C with the stripe going around - it feels like a ribbon is tied around the paper and stuck there with a seal - very classy.
But like others have said, all are beautiful, so in the end you're safe no matter what you go with!
Abby, you never cease to amaze me. I think they are all beautiful but if I have to pick one I would choose C. =) Congratulations on your new partnership and I am 100% certain you will be wildly successful! =)
i choose D, alone the monograms are all equally lovely but when you put it on the invitation, the first one looks lost on the page and the other two are good, but D really stands out. i think it's the most versatile also
I like A and D. I really like simple. But they are all beautiful. I love Abby Jean's work. You really can't go wrong on any of her lines. />
http://freshfloralart.typepad.com/ " rel="nofollow">http://freshfloralart.typepad.com/
Another C vote here. It's got a modern classiness to it. The oval and the accents around it have a light, yet still refined feel to them. The combo could translate well to more casual elements requiring a monogram throughout the wedding festivities. The horizontal line anchors the monogram and sort of keeps it nicely weighted against the text on the invite.
The monogram draws your attention into the invitation and sets the stage for something classic with hits of what's fresh and current.
I didn't choose A because the monogram seems kind of held back...I'm not sure if it's the size alone or the fact that it feels a little masculine to me...
I didn't chose B because the monogram just seems to float, though I DO like that monogram on it's own. It feels kind of disconnected from the rest of the invite. C is much more cohesive.
My initial thought was that D was a little froo froo. However, I think I'd really like it if the monogram were oversized and partially layered underneath the text of the invite. ...I'm liking this idea the more I think about it. I guess that would be less traditional though.
Hope this helps!
Best of luck in Boston!
At first glance, I definitely gravitated toward A and C -- very clean and modern, simple yet stunning.
But then I started thinking about my own wedding and the understated elegance that I'm aiming for, but most definitely struggling to achieve. And all of a sudden, D jumped out at me as a positively gorgeous option. It looks a lot like the ideas I've had for my own monograms, although I've encountered stumbling blocks due to the fact that my fiance and I both have the same first initial.
What I really like about D is that you have to look at it for a minute. Take a quick glance, and you really only see a lovely design. But there's more there, and I so appreciate the symbolism of the overlapping letters.
Your work is just lovely, and I look forward to more posts about your partnership with Fontaine Maury (particularly as a Georgia girl myself)!
Wow Abby, congrats are in order for so many things! Way to go- so exciting! =) I think I'm going to be an odd ball and vote for A and D. I love their simplicity and free and open feel since there is no border around them. I also love the negative space and asymmetrical layout of them in the invitations. It seems like a modern way to use a classic monogram. Lovely!
I love the look of C. It is really remenescent of mid-century aethetics, with the curly-cues at top and the oval shape, but could be made very contemporary depending on the colors used and the scale (it could be REALLY large scale, or very small scale and repeated over and over like wallpaper.) I could see this on everything from cocktail napkins to gift tags, and the oval shape would make a great label to put on favors, etc.
Definitely without a doubt C. It is the perfect blend of traditional and contemporary. It fills the page nicely whereas the others leave you feel like something is missing. It is appropriately proportionate whereas the other choices are minimalistic and bland. It is the only one that can carry the yellow color all on its own whereas the others are not substantial enough to do the pale hue justice.
I believe C creates a "motif" whereas the others are just letters put together in a lazy haphazard manner. Monograms are all the rage lately. Everyone wants their own and choice C is something that would leave people wishing their monogram could be reminiscent of The Abby Jean/Fountaine Maury motif...can't you hear it? Please make my monogram Abby Jean/Fountaine Maury-esque.
Nice!!! My instant and total choice is C. Like the previous person mentions, C gives you a total experience where as the others do not look finished. And the monogram is the best as well. Keep working on the others though. I am sure there are folks out there that would like those in the direction you are heading, just try and develop them a bit more... You rock!
For a wedding I prefer D. It is classic and timeless. I'm a little uncertain about all the dead space on the 'inside' of the invitation however. Both B and C I feel are not universal enough. I know when I got married it was important that the invitations could be both from me and my (now) husband. I do not feel that universality in those two, especially on the front page. It may have something to do with the bows on the top and the bottom of the geometrical shapes surrounding the monograms. A i really liked, I almost chose that, but for a wedding I felt that it is a little too businesslike and alittle too boxy. If however it is a daytime, maybe a second wedding, then maybe it's ok?
Thinking about it, I would have liked to have seen the D monogram on the inside, having the stripe going across the page, and the text more centred as we see in C. That way the beautiful monogram isn't pushed to the corner, and really comes to it's right.
To be make the best decision I went to their respective websites to get a feel for them seperately & to have an understanding of them united (Very similar to any couple...or what happens when 2 marry)
Fontine Maury's website said it best
"because traditional and modern don’t have to be mutually exclusive" and where designs are "timeless in simplicity, yet current in sensibility."
I chose: C.
HANDS DOWN
It embodies that statment perfectly;
the "A" and the "F" side by side; partners, encapsulated by an oval and ornaments.
A truly traditional and modern statement without a doubt.
The yellow is disctracting almost like its yellow marker that was used in college to highligth text, not very classical imo, or wedding like, as far as the designs, C- if you chandge the yellow would be the best one up.
Wonderful blog!!!
i vote for "C"
I'm new to this blog and I think it's awesome. I know that I'll get some great ideas for bridesmaid gifts.
I like B & C.
Hi Abby,
It could not be more clear to me,
Without a doubt, the answer's C,
It's fresh and cute
with a touch of elegance,
and adding the band
gives it the perfect balance.
And as with any great wedding monogram,
I can see it now on the stunning programme.
But don't stop there, it'd work on tags,
on fans, on favours, on Out of Town Bags.
So from this humble bride's point of view...
C is the winner, though and through.
My vote is for option C, hands down.
It's very well balanced, with a good amount of white space to rest the eye. My eye is immediately drawn to the most important elements, the A and F, but the rest of the design has enough interest that those two letters aren't the sole thing I want to look at. Also, while it's a horizontal design, it also has enough vertical elements to not be too strongly horizontal. I think this makes it much more versatile than A or D. The oval shape is classic, timeless and sophisticated, while the font brings a clean, simple, more modern look to the design. All in all, I think this has all the elements of a good design, at least in my book. :)
I vote for D. I don't like the font differences between the monogram and the invitation on A-C as much. It feels like the important stuff (monogram and names, etc) should all be the same and they are more the same on D. The others feel (to me) more like you had a nice stationary printed (not for invitations) and then happened to use it for the invites, but didn't match fonts or something.
I agree with the white space issue on D that was mentioned earlier. It feels too big. Perhaps if the monogram was moved out of the corner a little bit, not too much, but it feels like it should have more edge than the writing. It would also feel a little heavier, which I think it needs since it is so light compared to the writing portion of the invite. And perhaps the bottom margin should be a little larger on the writing - just a line or so.
I forgot to mention that if you were selling A-C as a blank stationary sheet w/ envelope - I would buy one of each in a minute!
congrats! how exciting. i'd say, if we're just talking about the monogram, i like "b" the best. it's classic yet modern. however i don't like the centered text, but, i love the right justified text! so hip! hope the feedback is helpful. and what girl wouldn't love personalized stationary, right?!
Unlike many of the above posts, I think that C might be a little too bold or harsh for my wedding style. I absolutely love D. I might be a little too traditional or minimalist, but I just think that D sets the tone of the event so well. My eye is drawn to the monogram, then the information, and it is just so easy to read and understand. From what little I know about graphic design, the eye most easily remembers something that it sees from top left to bottom right, so this design is perfect. I would love to have this design to set the tone of my own wedding. Unlike an earlier post, this design lets you focus on the elegance of a beautiful wedding, and not get lost in worrying about the monogram!
I agree with the other posters - C is my favourite. It is the perfect "marriage"... both feminine and masculine, contemporary yet traditional, strong yet delicate - A great combination, much like Abby Jean and Fontaine Maury. Best of luck with the joint venture!
I love C. It is timeless and classic with a touch of girly whimsy. It is bold and stands out in a crowd as something different. I think it is the Reese Witherspoon of designs- Classic, timeless, of the moment stylish, and always perfectly appropriate.
I really like B as it satisfies both sides of my personality. I have the business side that was drawn to A as it is very efficient, stylish, no-nonsense, and the bride side of my was drawn to D as it is floaty, romantic, very creative.
To me B has the best of both worlds you still have the strong lines in the font of A but the design on top and bottom of the diamond shape really appeal to the girly side of me so the best of both of my personalities (not to say I split personalities hee hee) is represented.
I looked carefully and thoughtfully at all four designs, and selected D as my favorite. Although I find all four to be aesthetically pleasing and dramatic, I decided that I don't like the "fraction bar" or dividing line between the letters, as is featured with A through C. In a sense, the line provides balance and division between the names, but in my eyes, it is separating the letters too much. I know it isn't intended to be a barrier or territory mark, but somehow my eyes just jump back and forth too much with it. The flowing design in D is sophisticated, whimsical, and graceful, and since your eyes have to linger over it for an extra second, you wind up really *seeing* it and absorbing it. Since I am a fan of dingbats, decorative icons, and logos, I do like the adornments that are set with A-C. But the fact that D doesn't need extra ornamentation is appealing to me. Some people may see it as old fashioned or generic, but I embrace it as classic, gentle, and full of personality. Gorgeous, well done!
C looks fresh and new