would love some feedback on a banner

[GCFL]

I am working on a banner set and am working on the concept. I am fairly happy with this one but would like some other eyes to take a look as well. Honest opinions please. Thanks.

[angelize]

First I have to say beautiful work! I love the cherry blossoms but I prefer the first one with the fuller blossoms. I'm not keen on the O in Originals ( this might be just me) All in all a very nice piece.

[Rik]

I would also say that the artwork is beautiful.
But...

The 'O' of ORIGINALS doesn't work at all.
When I look at it, it reads 'RIGINALS'

The 'O' is beautifully designed but it doesn't fit in with the word if you try and read it.

Well, that's my honest opinion.

[JimToal]

Nice work. Great colouring, But, I'm with Frances here. The O is offputting, with the rest of the text. I don't know if it's the floor shadow, with the reflection of the remaining text. or the positioning of the O, or the dark ring around the O. Heck, it must be the O. Then again, it might be just me too.

Jim

[GCFL]

Thanks guys. Hmmm, not sure what to do about the "O". That is the client's logo and she wants it in the banner. I designed everything else but the logo so I'm kind of stuck with it.

[Karateed]

Well, if you're stuck with it, perhaps reducing it in size might help it become a bit more part of the word....I agree with the fuller leaved branch as well, pretty nice design overall.....

[GCFL]

That's an idea Karateed. I think i will also see if she minds the removal of the shadow...I really dont like that myself Tim. This has given me food for thought. Thanks again everyone.

[GCFL]

OK, here is my revision and I think this is what I am going to present. I have added a rice paper overlay and made the colors a bit richer so it is more inline with the oriental art feel I am going for. I also made the "O" smaller, removed the shadow and the reflection and added a black outline to help better incorporate the "O" with the rest of the logo. I also think it helps somehow connect it better with the cherry blossom branch. Oh, and I also changed the "O" color to better match the blossoms...not so bright pink.

[Karateed]

One other idea comes to mind. To me it seems like the 'O' is infringing on the R in the word originals....I'm curious to how moving the 'O' a bit left would work....it might not but it's just a thought......

[JimToal]

I like it. Much cleaner, less distracting.

Jim