My exact instructions for this job were to 'give the logo a facelift'. The client still wanted to keep their existing logo, just with a newer, cleaner look.
The file I was given was a raster image, so first I traced off each letter as best I could. I changed up the shape of some a bit, specifically removing unnecessary 'splashes'. I straightened out the overall shape as well so there was less of a wave shape.
I balanced out the overall design by adding a hanging element under the 'S' to create some symmetry with the 'G'. I also continued the implied line that the 'T' creates with the serif shape on the 'K'.
Lastly I cell shaded the entire design, added gradients of color, added some very simple highlights, and a distressed texture over everything.
Although it will probably not be used, I also created a one color version of the logo. I had to cut out shapes in some of the letters so there were no confusing blobs of white.
