Which logo concept works better?

[u/Rakaal95]

Hey everyone! I’d love to get your thoughts on two logo concepts I'm exploring for HeyBeacon.

Hey Beacon is a digital safety brand that helps people check whether a suspicious link, message, call or request is safe. It also provides practical guidance on staying safe online.

The visual identity is inspired by modern nostalgia and retro branding. The goal is to create something friendly, approachable and positive while still feeling trustworthy and relevant to digital safety.

The brand should feel like a natural response to someone asking, “Hey Beacon, can you check this for me?” - almost like a friendly and dependable companion that is ready to help whenever someone feels uncertain.

We’re currently considering two approaches:

• A more minimal logo using light rays to represent Beacon illuminating and revealing potential digital dangers.
• A character-led logo where Beacon becomes a friendly mascot and safety companion.

Which concept do you think aligns better with the brand idea?

*If the mascot concept clearly works better, we'll put more effort into refining the character and make sure it works perfectly with the final logo.

Thanks in advance!

[u/gay_plant_dad]

The character for the O is my favorite. More recognizable than the spotlight

[u/ChickyBoys]

The light beam can work, but your challenge is to make it work in 1 color.

[u/NeitherEnd3689]

I like the 2nd page when the mascot blend with the O

[u/Dubezzz]

The second one, that character design is lovely. See if you can build more variations with the character in focus

[u/SuitableLeather]

Option 2 with the character in front is the best. Think of this logo on a page with other items — the characters legs hanging off the bottom are going to cause a lot of weird alignment issues if his head is the O. 

[u/hicham_motion]

The character with the letter O is the best concept :)

[u/millemar010wasstolen]

2nd one feels like an automotive place. 1st one feels like investigating something. i would go with the first. theres the problem of having a 1 tone design for it but it shouldnt be that hard just invert the lit up parts that should be fine.

[u/HiddenHorse925]

Second - with iconic character Incorporated with the wordmark

[u/Szydlikj]

What if the beacon shone from the characters body onto the B? Or onto the floor in front (if he is the O)? I like both concepts and would love to see them both being used

[u/Few_Mention8426]

i think the character one. I would just make sure the character is distinct as personally it just reminds me of cuphead. If its a beacon (light) then maybe there is some detail to make that more obvious. I dont think it needs much more than that.

[u/Careful-Alarm-3873]

I think the letters are too similar to the Chobani's logo