Proposals: GNUcobol

These images were proposed for GNU Cobol open source project's consideration.
GNU Cobol were looking to refresh their old mascot Sire the English shire horse.
Click any image for a larger preview.

01. Initial Logo Proposals

First, some rough and loose type-only explorations using the letters GNU to configure an abstracted horse;

Followed by a more developed/refined vector symbol of the English "old black" Shire horse in a reductive modern aesthetic for simplicy;

My rationale from the SourceForge thread;
"I've given your logo a shot - it's a toughy; most aspirational horse logos have them running (Mustang) or prancing (Ferrari). Trying to make a workhorse logo can easily look burdensome or cruel (carrying a heavy load or pulling a cart) so I've avoided that after some early failed sketches. Instead I've focused on implementing some sort of compatibility between the letters and the horse without really stretching the relationship.
      I made a few text-only propsals, which I think still stretch the relationship somewhat as the horse is identifiable, but the text is illegible. The symbol I've custom created for you instead simply shows a horse whose next step creates a "C" to reference the name Cobol. I've subtly styled the horse to ensure it still carries the muscular heft of the shirehorse and the signature flared hooves."

In-Progress

status: in-progress

Last update: 2018.07.26.