Stop Designing Obvious Logo Designs

[@abiconnick]

16:09 this part of the video hit hard. Loved everything about this Ceej. A huge huge inspiration. Keep showing up and sharing what you do🧡🔥

[@Kero_db]

abi i cant get ideas

[@cjcawleydesign]

Ahhh Abs, your praise it truly appreciated. Thank you so so so much for being a supporter and friend. 🖤

[@the-good-chad]

A huge FUCK YEAH to not giving a damn what people who just wanna be needlessly negative think. There are so many people online who seem to exist solely to find reasons to put others down. Their opinions don't matter. Not even a little.

[@cjcawleydesign]

I couldn't have said it better myself dude! Thank you so much matey!

[@simtulipan]

I don’t even know if you’ll read this, but you have no idea how much I needed this video, I had just started graphic design a month away from turning 30, I have two kids and I am a stay at home mum. I used to be a dance instructor but after knee surgery and complications I was forced to look elsewhere as a professional calling. I found graphic design and I was loving it but I started to doubt myself, I didn’t I was creative enough and I was really finding hard to find the time and energy to actually learn the craft, I was about to shut down the program and give up. Until I saw this video. I will definitely save it to watch when I need that push again. Thank you so much, you are a treasure! ❤

[@saketnagrale3761]

You got this! Please do not give up. Here are a few lines from a book that might help you - If you have two or three real passions, don’t feel like you have to pick and choose between them. Don’t discard. Keep all your passions in your life. This is something I learned from the playwright Steven Tomlinson. Tomlinson suggests that if you love different things, you just keep spending time with them. “Let them talk to each other. Something will begin to happen.” The thing is, you can cut off a couple passions and only focus on one, but after a while, you’ll start to feel phantom limb pain. I spent my teenage years obsessed with songwriting and playing in bands, but then I decided I needed to focus on just writing, so I spent half a decade hardly playing any music at all. The phantom limb pain got worse and worse. About a year ago I started playing in a band again. Now, I’m starting to feel whole. And the crazy thing is, rather than the music taking away from my writing, I find it interacting with my writing and making it better-I can tell that new synapses in my brain are firing, and new connections are being made. About half the people I work with are musicians (this is not uncommon in Austin, Texas), and they’re not all “creatives,” either-a lot of them are account executives, developers, and the like. However, they’ll all tell you the same thing: Music feeds into their work. It’s so important to have a hobby. A hobby is something creative that’s just for you. You don’t try to make money or get famous off it, you just do it because it makes you happy. A hobby is something that gives but doesn’t take. While my art is for the world to see, music is only for me and my friends. We get together every Sunday and make noise for a couple of hours. No pressure, no plans. It’s regenerative. It’s like church. Don’t throw any of yourself away. Don’t worry about a grand scheme or unified vision for your work. Don’t worry about unity-what unifies your work is the fact that you made it. One day, you’ll look back and it will all make sense. “It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique.” A wonderful flaw about human beings is that we’re incapable of making perfect copies. Our failure to copy our heroes is where we discover where our own thing lives. That is how we evolve. So: Copy your heroes. Examine where you fall short. What’s in there that makes you different? That’s what you should amplify and transform into your own work. In the end, merely imitating your heroes is not flattering them. Transforming their work into something of your own is how you flatter them. Adding something to the world that only you can add.

[@brentclaes]

Dude, I rarely comment on youtube videos, but you’re one of the greatest inspirations to ever cross my TikTok feed. After years of doing a job I hate, you got me pursuing that dream of becoming a freelance designer someday. Keep at it CJ because you’re a beautiful human being, and like you said, fuck the people hating on you. 🤘🔥

[@chittco]

My forever inspo 😍 the amount of effort and skill it takes to create a 20 minute video and keep it engaging whilst weaving a narrative throughout is too bonkers for my brain to comprehend. You're literally the best at this dude, much love xxx

[@cjcawleydesign]

Ahhhhh my boy! So glad you liked it homie. Thank you for being a big part of that 10 year journey!

[@husseinkhudair-d3v]

"CJ, you are a whole other world in logo design. I’m addicted to your designs and eagerly waiting for more. May God bless you."❤

[@cjcawleydesign]

Thank you so much matey! 🤙

[@adamenkor35]

Same

[@shonthelawn]

I love that you went outside for this video instead of filming everything from your desk. Also, fuck the haters. People are the worst.

[@cjcawleydesign]

Im so glad you liked that too! This story NEEDED me to get out and about and show you exactly where it all started.

[@jo_d]

I've been designing professionally for 25 years and am a Creative Director of a branding agency, but you continue to inspire me and to push myself to think outside the box (although I wish it was easier to convince big corporate clients to do so too, LOL).

[@cjcawleydesign]

Ahhh wow, thats a serious compliment right there! Thank you! I do not envy you my friend. I have had a taste of working with the bigger guys and it's not as 'fun' as you hoped it would be. Working on the smaller, more intimate projects really does make your heart sing.

[@4drianLoco]

Love your videos so much, and your creative mind is insane! I first thought it was a camel with the 2 humps as the camera parts, but this is even cooler! KEEP IT UP

[@benruehltalks]

What makes you different is your attention to detail and intention to your designs. That's what brought us here. That, especially, is what brought me to you. As a uni student studying the craft, more and more of what I learn and do is because of you. The critics will always be there, but they will always be overshadowed by those who continue to like and share your work. So keep it up, you creative legend! I cannot wait to see what you come up with next.

[@jackwatsondesigns]

Such a great video CJ. Was fully engaged from a-z which is rare for me 😂

[@RugemaQudra]

You're actually changing my life, Keep doing these videos

[@cjcawleydesign]

Ahhh man...thats amazing to hear. Thank you 🥹

[@diabovici]

This is one of the videos that really makes a change in perspective. Love from Egypt ♥

[@cjcawleydesign]

Thank you so much matey!

[@stickerbrosfactory]

Great work CJ. You are very talented in many ways! Love seeing how great the videos are on top of your design creativity. Keep crushing it 👊🏼

[@cjcawleydesign]

Ahhh thank you so much Tom! I really really appreciate that!

[@heather.creates]

Thank you for being a creator that explains the why/where/how/who! Your videos are impactful and they surely help me get back into the groove, especially after my current rut I’m in with design!

[@bricideas]

Amazing video as usual! I've been following you for a while and you never stop inspiring me! I'm 27, I lived in the UK for the past 7 years where was thrown in the deep end of hospitality management and I forgot how much I love graphic design until recently. There's days where I feel like a lost cause but you, as well as other creators, remind me that if I want I can. Thank you!

[@cjcawleydesign]

Come back to creativity matey, we are all welcoming you back with open arms. 🤗

[@bricideas]

@@cjcawleydesign I just bought your visual identity client workbook and I am going through it to design my brand identity. I'm happy to write your name in the "who are your competitors" section!

[@byshirls]

17:26 is my fav part of this whole video hahaha! Loved the whole journey from Baby CJ days to now sharing everything you've learned in your new studio! Thank you for sharing this powerful message : to bolder and riskier designs 🚀

[@cjcawleydesign]

Thank you so much for the feedback! Go get em matey! 🥹

[@kevintony5735]

Amazing video! That "FUCK THAT!" hit hard alright! Also the "love letter" logo is just too good!especially the gap between the thumb and index finger making a heart silhouette... chef's kiss 🤌✨️

[@cjcawleydesign]

Ahhh brother, thank you so so much!

[@hahadarsh]

let's goo lol. the logo was hilarious but had a strong concept! also if you need a lil designer working with you then i'd be so happy to make an impact with you :'))

[@Paul._avv]

The final... What a vibeeeeee, omg lov u broo 🤙

[@Baronboley]

I enjoyed watching this entire video. I bought into the emotion and then waiting at the end to know how you dealt with all the negativity. Well Done!

[@ZackBehlDesignCo]

Incredible storytelling matched with incredible design. This is quickly becoming my favorite KZbin channel!

[@cjcawleydesign]

Ahhh man thats so sweet of you to say! 🥹

[@cronoklee10]

Cuánta pasión transmites en la historia, me ha encantado el proceso de la creación del logo y he llegado a sentir la nostalgia y los valores expresados en el brief del festival. Abrazos desde Lima, Perú

[@chriseccles5493]

And this is just another example of how you are changing the design industry. You're just incredible at this whole schtick. Plus I'm really jealous of your scooterboard thingy 🤣

[@cjcawleydesign]

Wow man, what a compliment! Thank you so much! You should get one. It's an Evolve Skateboard! ;)

[@SylionGFX]

One of the most GOATED logo designer out there!! Theres always something new to learn from you CJ!! Appreciate you being so open about your stuff and giving us designers valuable lessons to learn from 🤙🏼

[@paulkody1616]

Amazing CJ, As a young graphic designer, that's an inspirational boost, i personally follow your work on instagram, Keep Pushing forward, hope that one day we'll catch up and work on a project

[@fletcher5296]

Keep being who you are. Absolute gem to have in the graphic design community ‼️

[@jessicayeend425]

Impressed by how timely this video has managed to be for me. I am not a graphic designer, but I am a creative person with an interest in graphic design and a habit of gifting handmade gifts to people and making a lot of things for myself. I recently decided I wanted to make a logo for myself, I don't have a brand or any plans to open a shop, but I wanted something to put in my gifts and things I made so that when people looked at it, they would know it was by me. I have been STRUGGLING with what my logo should be. I'm now going to try and follow the advice in this video and come up with something fun and different that represents me and the things I make. Thanks CJ.

[@CraigMcCormickDesign]

Your storytelling skills REALLY translate to long form, man. I was hooked for the whole 20 mins. Thanks always for the inspiration ❤

[@tavareseditorial]

HELL YEAH! Don’t ever quit, you are an inspiration to many of us.

[@RolandoCortorreal]

Keep smashing it Cj. Greetings from the Dominican Republic.

[@InkCityClothing]

Going to the weird and specific area is the best! Love your work and style! Keep being weird and unique CJ!

[@cjcawleydesign]

Thank you my friend! I always will!

[@christaylor5905]

Cj, you're the shit man. This is a beautifully shot and engaging video and the message is so important. I'm over twenty years into this business, going through a bit of a mid-career crisis, looking for a little reinvention and injection of fresh passion. I'm coming to accept that as a designer who has enjoyed a career almost entirely referral based, I'm likely going to have to break out of that and risk putting myself "Out There" in order to find a bit of what I'm craving. Seeing your videos have been a reminder that all of us, even old guys like me, have stories to tell that could be important for the creative who needs to hear it. It's not just the slick how-tos or timesaving tricks that add value to our profession. Personally, I've been a little reluctant, especially at the risk of my good clients discovering some of my hiccups, struggles and trepidations, BUT I also know that you never know how far what you put out there may ripple, and I want to thank you for taking that chance yourself, time and time again, so a wave of inspiration and encouragement could find me. Keep doing what you're doing man, you deserve every good thing that comes from it.

[@designsbyfabio]

Probably the best video I’ve seen on KZbin in years! You’re killing it-and rightfully so!

[@cjcawleydesign]

Daaaaamn...what a compliment 🥹

[@designsbyfabio]

@@cjcawleydesign Well deserved, mate!

[@deeplo22]

People who are happy also wish other people happiness. Hate and negative comments about your appearance are really weak. Don't let something like that get you down. And: Very cool logo! I love the idea and concept.

[@ddjzx171]

Well, I can't say that I am capable of filming videos yet, but I can brand my work with more confidence. Thank you, CJ.

[@emillyhansen3898]

Dude, you had me at “fuck that!” 🎉❤ You, my friend, are an inspiration!

[@eddie_corona_artist]

CJ, your motivation and putting yourself out there is inspo for me. I totally know the feeling of giving up and doubting yourself. But as an artist/graphic designer. Negative feedback and comments only makes me stronger and more motivated to be better and to keep improving your skills. This video motivated me to go out and order a new drawing pad and some new pens, (Lincoln co brand i might add, which i love their work!!) and see if i can recreate my past work. Kinda see how much i can improve my 'outside of the box' thinking. Again thank you CJ for this video. i look forward on many more!

[@AshtonQKish]

You are my inspiration, every time I create as a young Visual Communication designer in school. You are who I want to learn from and become.

[@angelagloria8564]

I was binge watching your videos and was dissapointed when I saw that you only got 4 videos uploaded! I love your work, thankyou for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@lkk121]

You're so cool, you inspire me, I'm still studying in college for "design of graphic products" and sometimes it's so hard to make yourself work bc you don't have an idea how to stand out

[@dalmainjordaan8311]

Sick Video! Well done CJ. You're an inspiration to us all.

[@cjcawleydesign]

Thank you matey! :)

[@aj-lan284]

I like obvious logos too. Apple, Sony logo is also working best. Logo making is not a competition who creates most creative thing. It should be who solves problem, that can be simple logo and creative logo too.

[@cjcawleydesign]

This video isn't about 'simple/complex'. It's about creative thinking. Apple is a simple logo yes, but in no way is it an 'obvious' logo concept. Apple sells computers, phones and tech. An obvious logo rout would have been to design a computer-based logo. But they didn't. They challenged that idea. With their name and their identity.

[@Darlan-Machado]

People always use examples like Apple, Nike, Adidas, and so on. These are well-established brands that have become ingrained in the minds of people worldwide. A new brand doesn’t have a solid foundation to reduce and simplify itself to the point of being recognized by just a silhouette or two colors, like Marlboro. Every day, it becomes more challenging to create brands that are innovative, connect with the target audience’s imagination, and stand out among so many strong competitors. In my view, what truly matters is that the target audience associates something meaningful with the brand, creating a connection through the symbols of our daily lives. If the solution works and it’s simple, that’s fine, but I don’t think the complex side should be avoided entirely.

[@obby_obby]

Apple actually is not boring because it break all the rules of boring logo. It is so creative that if today you came from the 60s and told that that is a logo for a technology company you would think whoever designed it was nuts because it kinda looks like fruit seller logo and not technology company

[@rustyfynn]

Man, that was an awesome video. Great story, great editing, and a fantastic message! Nice work buddy! 🤟🏼

[@cjcawleydesign]

Ahhh man, that’s just the best feedback EVER! Thank you so much matey. 👊

[@rustyfynn]

@ My nephew is at uni studying Graphic Design. I’m living my graphic design life vicariously through him - I ended up choosing a different career. But shared this vid with him immediately. Every aspiring graphic designer needs to see this!

[@zanespel]

This feels like a victory lap. Forever an inspiration to the design community. 🔥🔥 Also nailing the videography as well?? Dude is crazy 🤙

[@Slinxy]

The redesign of the logo was one of the first videos of yours I saw and I still think of that logo because it's so memorable!! Love your stuff man keep it up!

[@cjcawleydesign]

Ahhhh thank you matey!

[@MrEddieHowell]

Watching your videos, seeing your work, listening to what you have to say, it’s all truly inspirational! Thank you. Thank you for sharing the ups and downs. Thank you for showing me what I can do if I just start and push myself out of my comfort zone. I don’t know why but you always make something right when I need it. 2025, this year is where I stop overthinking, just start, and get uncomfortable 🤙🏻

[@Shclby_]

Such a great way to look at it and make it motivate you even more! I wish I knew that 6 years ago. Thank you man for being an inspiration

[@cjcawleydesign]

Thank you so much for your support. It means the world to me.

[@Izmaelnoco]

Love you man. Your work and vibe. You are my motivation, because one day I want to be good and successful like you! Thanks for this stunning video 😊

[@cjcawleydesign]

Thank you so much brother!

[@webhead2014]

I saw this on tiktok and I loved it man. That Donkey has stuck in my head rent free

[@WarrenWintersUI]

Quality mate. Well handled, that's a massive fear of putting content (or even yourself) out there, but you've gotta do it anyway or risk being trapped. I can confirm that I too fed the donkeys and had a donkey ride along the Weston-super-Mare beach when I was a young lad, great times!

[@cjcawleydesign]

HELL YEAH DUDE!

[@davidrf10000]

Love your video men! F**CK the haters, there always will be haters. The important thing is keep going, thank you for share your knowledge! 💪💪💪❤️

[@isma2734]

Such a great video man! You truly are an inspiration for my work and I🤟

[@cjcawleydesign]

Thank you so much dude! Go get it! 🤜

[@sdeb100]

Well done CJ! The story, the filming, the attitude...

[@CarterProd]

Love the video! Kept me engaged the whole time

[@cjcawleydesign]

That's brilliant feedback! Thank you matey!

[@anum935-o5u]

OMG. This is it. CJ is a GOD. THank you very much. Don't you dare stop making these videos. Also, bit of a personal question, the agency doesn't have any other workers? Thank you again milord.

[@cjcawleydesign]

That is WAAAAY too kind of you my friend! 🥹

[@priscilaasalass]

Amazing video, i love how honest you are about your story

[@cjcawleydesign]

Thank you, my friend. Ill always be real with you.

[@Its11DK]

the people that said “how is a donkey seaside” and called you dumb should be clowned. my favorite part about design is seeing the in depth look at what makes it meaningful and the different things it symbolizes. on the surface it just looks like it means one thing but then as you look more and more and do more research you find out all the little things behind it

[@belfeen]

I loooove the energy mate, PLEASE keep up the good work, and keep doing this. good luck

[@cjcawleydesign]

Thank you brother! I will do! 😁

[@lesleymiles]

It makes me so sad that people can carelessly leave hurtful comments and not think how it might affect that person. It’s no wonder mental health is such a problem now. I need to think more like you, because letting stuff like that bother us gives these people power over us. And they just don’t deserve it. You’re an inspiration - for your mentality as well as your design skills. Bravo xx

[@uknowcheeseberry]

You’re my favorite logo designer CJ❤ Love your logos and the creativity that you have🙏🏻🔥

[@ricardoc5455]

Thank you for this video! It was greatly produced. I also appreciated that you didn’t quit. Your content is great!

[@electric-brands]

Yes dude! So beautifully done 👏

[@cjcawleydesign]

Ahhh cheers brother!

[@tommysoo]

Love this, thank you! ❤

[@nathaliaespinolaaquino2478]

I will never understand all the unnecessary hate, if you don't like someone's work, just pass by! Glad you didn't give up because of a few resentful haters. Keep up with the good work! You're such an inspiration! Greetings from Paraguay!

[@pedrogustavo8841]

You are badass man! A truly inspiration for me. I am a freelancer designer from São Paulo, Brazil and today I received my first payment from USA in dollars! It's just the beginning. 🔥🔥🔥

[@AhmedAli-ch4bd]

dude this is fire

[@eddiaz80]

This video just inspired the f#@€ out of me!!! Needed this. Don't stop ever.

[@cjcawleydesign]

Go get it pal!

[@ra_meenhaq]

Great message 👏🏼 really appreciate it

[@Bell_La]

those people that criticize your logos probably make theirs in canva... lol your designs are awesome dude you inspire me!!

[@garyvoigt321]

Sick video! Love the story, glad you kept pushing.

[@cjcawleydesign]

Thank you so much Gary!

[@ricnovillo]

Excelente trabajo, es muy inspirador mirar tus videos y tus procesos creativos para resolver los proyectos de diseño de marcas. En esta época de aplicaciones e inteligencia artificial es realmente reconfortante saber que existimos diseñadores gráficos que desarrollamos el trabajo creativo completo y siguiendo procesos que nos llevan a resultados consistentes. Te felicito y admiro mucho tu trabajo.

[@Eddy_Morton]

Awesome storytelling 🤙

[@cjcawleydesign]

Thank you Eddy!

[@OthmanAlshkaili]

you motivate me CJ thanks

[@cjcawleydesign]

Thank you my friend!

[@BeingBendsen]

Great story, great video, great logo - and an fantastic morale! 👏 thanks for sharing !

[@Phodeo13]

very inspiring!! great video

[@byjoaks]

Awesome content as always!! Yeeeahh ❤‍🔥🤘

[@cjcawleydesign]

Thank you matey!

[@Shaheer7X]

GO CJ GO! Aspiring graphic designer here! Always love your work!

[@BradOdaily]

Love this story!

[@cjcawleydesign]

Cheers Brad! 😁

[@chidubemokey-ngene4693]

This video is absolutely amazing 👏

[@cjcawleydesign]

Wow...thank you so much. 🥹

[@troutmedia1573]

Way to absorb the hate and use it for good, CJ. Keep it up!

[@superpoodlehead]

❤❤ Fuxin AWESOME!!! I love both logos ❤❤

[@DinoMargelis]

one of the best youtube videos i've watched in a long time

[@JonCarterHurst]

Love your channel dude, keep it up

[@cjcawleydesign]

Thank you so much matey! 🤙

[@peculiarphilip2424]

Thank you CJ!🙌😁 I've really learnt a lot from this!❤ And you've really inspired me 🙌✨✍️

[@hadimo4438]

amazing . go on the way because it's the right way

[@ricnovillo]

Excelente trabajo, es muy inspirador mirar tus videos y tus procesos creativos para resolver los proyectos de diseño de marcas. En esta época de aplicaciones e inteligencia artificial es realmente reconfortante saber que existimos diseñadores gráficos que desarrollamos el trabajo creativo completo y siguiendo procesos que nos llevan a resultados consistentes. Te felicito y admiro mucho tu trabajo. Saludos desde Ecuador

[@keithconneely4725]

Amazing work CJ, truly inspirational. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@shimailapinto2584]

Truly love your videos ❤❤❤so much life and fun🎉🎉 spreading confidence and motivation

[@matthewchanda]

I love it, keep going cj

[@cjcawleydesign]

Thank you matey!

[@Matt_win]

4:44 Broooooo i almost choked on my coffee 😭😭😭. Donkey getting backshots from camera 😭😭

[@cjcawleydesign]

Hahahahahaha damn... didnt even see that until you just said it!

[@Matt_win]

@@cjcawleydesign Yeah . But the new one is Sooooooo awesoommeeeeee. 🥹

[@JuliaIcksia]

Wow, did I just cried on 17min? Your work is wondeful!

[@jalinemuilwijk213]

You are so inspiring, never forget that! Keep it up! Can you explain how you did the logo for nerds? I really want to try making a mascot logo but I don't know where to start.

[@cjcawleydesign]

Ill do a video on that soon!

[@Roboto-chan_1402]

Astonishing how those keyboard warriors throw out personal insults and/or non-constructive criticism, not contributing anything useful and generally just being a waste of oxygen. Oh well, that’s haters for you… you persevered. Good for you! 👍🏼

[@cjcawleydesign]

Thank you my friend!

[@Roboto-chan_1402]

@ 🙌🏼

[@davibarboza5390]

I liked u more now hearing ur voice. Design love from brazil❤

[@cjcawleydesign]

Ahhh cheers brother!

[@oscarortega255]

beautifull video man, keep creating and fk the haters I love the donkey logo ( the new one xD )

[@hardinglax24]

I feel like England is entirely too big of a country for you and Abi Connick to be friends. 🤯 Two of my favorite designers. So cool.

[@cjcawleydesign]

@@hardinglax24 me and Abi went to the same school and worked in the same studio 😉🤙

[@oscarortega255]

@@cjcawleydesign the superman and batman of Englands graphic design hahaha

[@abiconnick]

⁠@@oscarortega255🤣🤣

[@videomandan26]

Love this.

Beautiful, thanks for sharing,your passion is truly inspiring

[@iamaqibsikandar]

You are my FOREVER DESIGN INSPIRATION 🙌❤