# Holmes Logo Exploration 02

This second pass responds to the critique that the first set was too basic,
technical, and boring.

## Creative Shift

Removed:

- database stacks
- magnifying glasses
- checkmarks
- code brackets as the main metaphor
- routing diagrams
- generic AI memory graph language

Added:

- stronger silhouettes
- brand-led mystery
- guarded/private memory
- hidden signal
- editorial and premium infrastructure cues
- less literal product explanation

## Versions

- v07 Memory Monolith
- v08 Seal Knot
- v09 Red Thread
- v10 Archive Sigil
- v11 Vault Seal
- v12 Proof Star
- v13 Pinned Stamp
- v14 Guarded Passage

## Recommendation

Best master mark candidate: **v07 Memory Monolith**.

It is the strongest departure from the basic technical icon set. It suggests
guarded local memory and a retained inner signal without using the obvious
vocabulary of memory products.

Secondary candidates:

- **v10 Archive Sigil** for a more severe developer-infrastructure direction.
- **v11 Vault Seal** for a premium abstract identity.
- **v13 Pinned Stamp** if a simpler wordmark-friendly shape is preferred, though
  it needs refinement to avoid reading as a C.

Next refinement should convert the selected candidate into vector geometry,
test one-color usage, favicon scale, dark mode, and a real custom wordmark.