Create a cool Symbol for the next location-based social platform

Local Voice is a location-based social platform. Here the user will be able to discover new places, thanks to the "voice" of friends or also strangers. Just to keep it simple, imagine it as an evolution of Yelp.com

[please read also my comments in the main page, where you can find more directions] MAIN NAME CONCEPT: The name Local Voice is related to the idea of the "loud voice" of people talking about whatever cool thing is happening in the city/neighborhood (that's why "local"). This "voice" is the voice of the people (local "authorities", proud to be recognized as "locals"), that "scream" to the city or to the neighborhood what are the coolest things to do in that area. So this could be considered the "voice" of the city/neighborhood (through its "locals"). REQUIREMENT: We just need an image/symbol to add to our logo "LocalVoice" and not the entire Logo (imagine for example just the symbol next to "Yelp" that looks like a flower more or less; we already have the logo and we just need to add the symbol next to the logo), so don't worry about the logo LocalVoice and work just on the symbol/icon that will go next to LocalVoice. DESIGN IDEAS AND DIRECTIONS: We want this work to be the standard symbol of "local map pin" (used in Google Map, Facebook Place, etc.). So this symbol needs to be the base on which start working. So the basic requirement is to create an icon that merge the idea of "Local" (through the standard symbol of local map pin) with the idea of the "Voice". While we are sure we want the standard symbol of local map pin for the idea of "Local", we are between 2 ideas to add the idea of "Voice". 1) Our first idea was to merge the symbol of local map pin and put inside it the image of a big open mouth that should give the idea of "screaming", then the idea of the "voice". You will find an attachment of what we did. We are not sure about it, because our result was a kind of ambiguous (it was not immediately clear it was an open mouth when this symbol is in the small version and it's difficult to distinguish the lines). That's why we started thinking about a second version. 2) This second option would be always the standard symbol of local map pin, merged with the symbol of the megaphone (that should give the idea of "loud voice") [see attached file "ugly_draft_logo.jpg" to just get an idea]. The megaphone is used for example in the logo of the website UserVoice.com (see attachment), but we don't want a stand alone megaphone. We want the megaphone merged into the standard symbol of local map pin (since they have a very similar shape!). Bottom line: we want you to create this symbol/image = standard symbol of "local map pin" merged with the symbol of the megaphone (option number 2). However, if you think our first idea of the big mouth open inside the local map pin (option number 1) could be a good one and you feel you can improve it and make it understandable at the first sight, go for it. But we would like to see especially the idea number 2 (the one of the megaphone). You can start with both ideas and we'll decide which way to take, based on the results.

Whatever you create, keep in mind few important points: - the Icon/Symbol you design needs to be Clean, Minimalist but at the same time Funny. The lines need to be simple/minimalist because it needs to transfer immediately its meaning, but at the same time it would be perfect if it looks funny. I know this is the big challenge, but that's why we came here. However if I could choose between Minimalist/Clean and Funny, I would prefer it to be more clean and less funny, also because the colors used could the colors used could help on this side. - Colors: we didn't define yet the exact colors, but we are thinking about the main color a palette of blue. As secondary color it could be a palette of red. Last point: you could also use as a border line the black, but just if you think it could help. Ideally, this combination of colors should work in a black background and also in a white background. You can see the attachment of our work and also the one of Google Place Icon, to get an idea, but feel free to use your experience to create a great combination. - It would be good also to think it with an iPhone App-like icon in mind. So that's why it's important to be something Clean and Web 2.0. - We need to get preferably the .ai format (Illustrator) or if this is not possible it could be in the .psd format (Photoshop). If any of this is confusing, or you need any material, please contact me ASAP and I'll gladly assist you with anything If we're particularly impressed, this could be a re-occurring gig.

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