Possible patch designs

[BillJ]

Hammer asked me to develop some patch designs, and I finally got around to it. Here are three - my personal faves out of fifteen or so rough-draft designs I've developed thus far.

To keep production costs to a minimum, I deliberately designed these to be two-colored embroidery on a standard round patch (as opposed to more expensive cut-out shapes, or multi-colored embroidery).

In keeping with the inclusiveness our run embodies, I have not used logos or symbols associated with any particular fellowship or religion. We have (and hope to see at our runs) brothers and sisters who are members of one 12 Step fellowship or another, or more, and others who are not. It is my hope that the patch we choose will make everyone feel welcome.

Please note that these designs can be adapted for use as tee-shirt designs, as well.

So, in no particular order, here are my faves:

I like this one because the letter style is unique - it feels fast and tough, like a good motorcycle.


I like this one because the letters style feels "fun" to me. In addition, the one word spilling out of the circle suggests that living clean and sober is living large!


I like this one because the bar and shield (originally Harley's, but later co-opted by the motorcycling community at large) makes it clear that we're about riding clean and sober.


Again, these are rough drafts only. I have other ideas percolating that may be even more interesting. However, this should get the conversation started.

[best]

Originally Posted by BillJ

I like this one because the letters style feels "fun" to me. In addition, the one word spilling out of the circle suggests that living clean and sober is living large!

I like this one the best. Before reading your comments, my thought was...Yes this one because being sober is fun.
We are not a glum lot.

[Hurricane]

Thanks for your time Bill.
I love the bottom one , but what ever you choose will surely be appreciated by all. Now with the hope of not offending you (simply because of the artist in me needs to) I'd like to share a thought on it.
I'm thinking the circle is just on paper to show its a patch, to me it's crowding the wings in, I would like to see it without the border.
Looking good.

[sticker]

my vote is for the last one also, but I'm biased towards the bar and shield.

[recoveringnky]

I LOVE the last one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It gets my vote for sure!

Thanks for all of your hard work Bill....please know that you are appreciated!!
Hugs,
Kym

[BillJ]

Thanks, all, for your input.

As stated, these were rough drafts. Once we pick a design I can fine-tune it and start shopping prices.

And, Hurricane, as for the circle crowding the wings; I agree that it's pretty tight. Fortunately, making that circle larger will be one of the easier changes! No sweat!

[The_Hammer]

My vote is the last one. Bill, do you want to see what a minimum run on these would be at say roughly 4" X 6". Outstanding work Bill!

[Rarly Harley]

Bill: The last one gets my vote too. What about incorporating the triangle also...?

[toad]

I like the last one because it states "clean and sober", lets you know what its really about.........I like the bar and shield, but I am partial to HD. For the interest of those who do not ride HD's the winged circle would be alright....I would like it to say "clean and sober" though...........but........I will go with the group conscience..

[BillJ]

Originally Posted by Rarly Harley

What about incorporating the triangle also...?

In my original post I wrote: In keeping with the inclusiveness our run embodies, I have not used logos or symbols associated with any particular fellowship or religion. We have (and hope to see at our runs) brothers and sisters who are members of one 12 Step fellowship or another, or more, and others who are not. It is my hope that the patch we choose will make everyone feel welcome.

I stand by that. AA is central to my life, and yours, but this run is not an AA-specific function.

[BillJ]

Originally Posted by toad

I like the bar and shield, but I am partial to HD. For the interest of those who do not ride HD's the winged circle would be alright...

Well, so far the bar and shield is sweeping the poll results!

As noted above, the bar and shield was originally an HD logo, but later turned up with everything from Gary Bang to Triumph to Kawasaki on it. I have a memorial patch in the bar and shield design, and a b-&-s pin that celebrates sober motorcyclists.

However, I want our design (and our event) to be as all-inclusive as possible. If anyone feels slighted or put off by the bar and shield, or any other design element, please speak up here, or PM me in absolute confidence. A true "group conscience" must include thoughtful consideration of every member's opinions.

[BillJ]

A couple of people have asked (here and via PM) about incorporating the AA triangle into the patch design. I've stated my reason for not using the triangle, but this is our group conscience meeting. If you feel we should use the triangle please post here or, as always, PM me in absolute confidence. Thanks.

[best]

Originally Posted by BillJ

I've stated my reason for not using the triangle, but ...

The circle and triangle are universally known but also copyrighted yes?

I don't ride a HD and a new found mechanic won't work on rice any more since his brother took a dump on his rolling rice couch 2 years ago. He now has a new shop for american bike repairs... F.T.F.

I can pick apart everything *LOL*

What I like...
The circle as it shows a bond of unity. An unbroken circle.
The wings as they show freedom.
The black shield with the red lettering really stands out nice.
I would think a 3 inch circle would be a nice size as well.

They all look good and each one has it's own merit. I think what ever a finished choice ends up...it will be good with me. Your doing great work there Bill.

[Rarly Harley]

Just my .02...The circle & triangle have been abandoned by A.A. and it is no longer affiliated with any specific recovery group. It is a universally recognized recovery symbol though, with the three sides of the triangle representing. I enclose an article from Barefoot's World for all to ponder. I too of course, will be satisfied with any group conscience decision...

AA History - What Happened To The Triangle In the Circle?

[sticker]

since I'm a member of NA the triangle doesn't work for me, I agree with Bills original plan to keep specific fellowships out of the design