Blog banner, logo, type treatment

Persian Foodie

I am looking for a unique logo and brand identity for my blog: Persian Foodie.

Please don't let the word "Persian" fool you. I'm not looking for anything ornate or old fashioned. I'm NOT looking for a fancy elegant font. Please also do not design in browns and tans.

I really want a HIP, modern logo and brand that is highly creative.

About me and the blog: I'm a home cook, professional writer, and amateur photographer. I'm also Persian American.

I'm passionate about cooking and refining Persian food recipes as a way to stay connected to my heritage, while entertaining other “foodies.” Introducing people to my unique culture, lifestyle, and cuisine is my passion. So, I've launched an ethnic food blog as a way to channel this passion and my various creative interests into one outlet.

I've attached the existing logo I am replacing.

Please do not feel constrained by the current color palette of the blog or the old logo.

I really want a modern, edgy, atypical logo and banner treatment. Please help me! :-)

Anyone interested in food, particularly ethnic or Persian food. I am targeting a YOUNG and URBAN San Francisco audience that ranges in age from 20-35 in age. They are a group of modern, educated, hip, and trendy blog readers.

The logo/type treatment needs to be modern yet ethnic, sophisticated yet fun. :-) I'm not looking for anything cartoonish or bubbly. Also, not looking for anything old fashioned. So, please stay away from muted shades, tans and browns.

I am looking for a unique type treatment vs. something that is easily identifiable. A good example of a type treatment I like is at: http://www.twolia.com/shop. Please don't copy this type treatment though. It's just an example. This is a critical element of the winning design.

Some elements you might consider are paisleys and paisley filigrees, pomegranates, quinces. These seem to be standard Persian icons.

Please feel free to experiment with color. I want a logo that really stands out and pops on the page. BRIGHT colors are great: pomegranate red, peacock blue, grass green, bright orange!

1. Unique type treatment of "Persian Foodie"
2. Unique logo mark that works with the type treatment
3. Banner frane that integrates the type treatment and logo and works on this page: http://www.persianfoodie.com

Creating the banner header is important so that the application of the logo is clear.

I need a black and white as well as color version. Feel free to go with more than one color if you feel the design supports that.

I would like the final delivered in PNG, JPEG, and source file (assuming vector/illustrator).

The design should be modern, unique, sophisticated, and highly creative while representing the brand. And, it should appeal to my audience of food-focused blog readers.

Check out: http://www.persianfoodie.com

I really like the colors used on this web site (blue, hot pink, etc.):

http://www.communispace.com/

Here are some blogs I like:

http://cupofcoco.squarespace.com/

http://jenniferbarker.blogspot.com/…ideas.html

http://www.afieldjournal.blogspot.com/

http://www.teaforjoy.blogspot.com/

http://mattbites.com/

http://cannelle-vanille.blogspot.com/

http://orangette.blogspot.com/

http://www.deliciousdays.com/

http://www.davidlebovitz.com/