Internet Start Up needs great logo!

GLASNOST

GLASNOST is a start-up internet agency which builds websites using open source and crowd sourcing (initiatives like 99Designs). The owner brings in years of experience in the field of internet and mobile development and uses this to the benefit of his clients. Designers and developers world wide contribute to the end result.

GLASNOST promotes open source (because of it's nature (no profit, vibrant communities, freedom of choice, etc.)) and transparency. The latter will be shown clearly on the future website (how we operate, what costs per element to expect etc. like a menu... the client orders what it wants based on it's own prerequisites, budget and expertise (what they themselves can bring to the project)).

The process from scratch to website - this log design being the first step -will be showcased as example on the future website.

What's in a name?

The name GLASNOST is derived from the Russian language and actually means 'Openness'. It became well known world wide by former Russian president Michael Gorbatsjov who used the word abroad (along with Perestroika) to make clear Russia was about to head in a new, more democratic direction.

The start up is located in a small dutch rural town called 'De Krim' which is also a Russian peninsula in the Caspian Sea.

Prospect and future clients of GLASNOST. Mostly local small businesses.

The idea is to visually (and content wise) dazzle prospect clients with what our knowledge combined with crowd sourcing and open source can give them: beautifully designed web and/or mobile products at great value by show casing this right in front of their eyes once they visit the future website.

It starts with a logo...

For the logo we are looking for a powerful modern logo which best represents what we intend to offer. A link with the name representing openness and/or Russia is logical. The logo should be usable as stand alone avatar (e.g. Twitter), as a label used in the side line of a website (with or without the company name alongside it) or on a letterhead (probably logo underwritten by the company name).

It would be nice if the logo (avatar & label) could be used in a couple of fore- and background combinations, switching the main color(s) of the logo when appropriate, making themed pages (with different color shemes) possible on a future website.

Complementary font suggestion welcomed.

First thoughts:

Highlight the OS in GLASNOST representing Open Source (label). The O in this OS part a star (often used in Russia) like ★S; GLASN★ST. Possibly using GLASN*ST in normal writing when using the company name. The ★S part itself (or enhanced version of it) could be used as stand alone logo / avatar.

But play with it... deviate!... dazzle me!!