logo image help needed

[nibbler]

My new boss changed the logo of the company, but didn't update the staff with any new tags. I decided to just do it myself, because I don't think they ever will. I'm not very expert at Photoshop, but I was able to trace the logo in illustrator and do something with it:



This is what I was able to trace using Illustrator:


I am able to do simple stuff like gradients:

But I wasn't even able to get the gradient right in the large center diamond.

This is the Illustrator file (it's only 60k):
http://www.yourfilehost.com/media.ph...MOND_LOGO_2.ai

We have to wear white shirts, so I prefer a dark design for contrast.

Any ideas for me? I'm still working on this, so it could go any direction.

[rob170]

what colors do you want in your gradient and do you want it linear or radial?

I did this in illustrator then saved in photoshop as a png so I could upload it here. now if you can give me some idea of what you want I can tell you how to do it or I can do it for you

[nibbler]

I've been working on this from time to time. I'm no super artist. I like the backlight effect from Alienskin:impact, so I used it as a distinctive element in the design.
(the black box at the top is for department groups)



Any suggestions or ideas on how to improve this?

One thing I'm not too excited about is the banding visible in the red/black gradient. How do I get rid of that?

[tyzzy]

maybe selecting the area and giving it a good blur?