Conversation:

http://beerpulse.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/firestone-walker-brewing-logo.jpg

Do you notice anything about it? About its visual qualities? I'm not going to give any pointers because I don't want to influence anyone's thoughts, save to say that I'm not asking about any of the individual elements, but something about how it looks to you.

It looks vintage.

Heh, the only thing that stands out to me is the bear is in a boxer's stance. I'm pretty sure bears don't punch with fists. His claws should be out, not up.

Regardless, it's a fine logo. I quite like the subtle drop shadows on the lettering. It makes it stand off the page.

Is this a possible future employer?

No, they're in California, although a) I wouldn't mind moving to where they are (about 30 miles north west of Santa Barbara and b) they use an old brewing method that no other brewery in the US does (and only one - Marstons - still does in the UK, although it's how Bass used to be made) called the Burton union. And their beers are seriously good, and about to hit the shelves in Texas

You're on the right track with lettering. Do you notice anything unusual or interesting about it, and how it stands out from the background? Does it put you in mind of anything?

well thought the middle fw logo could be "straightened" or flipped a bit.
I would have had the gold firestone encircling the boxers,
They have a few mixed font faces in there be interesting to nb the names of the font faces..
Knowing they are in Californian, may mean they were under more chemical than alcoholic influences when they came up with the advert, Suppose it could resemble a 30/50 Firestone tire advert...

You said not to pick any particular element, 'relse I would've said that the bear and star made me think of the California flag

One thing that struck me - and I'm sure it's not what you were looking for - is that the lion actually looks kinda camp. Look at its head.

The other thing that struck me was that the letters look slightly misaligned - also that they have the look of a leaflet from an old printing press.

The kerning and alignment of the lettering in black does give it a vintage look, like that from an old fashioned printing press.

The bear does represent California Amy, and the lion England because Adam Firestone is a Californian and David Walker is British

An old printing press... that's an interesting suggestion.

To me, there's something about the way they've done the gold lettering and the central FW that gives the background a sort of creamy feel, like marble. I know I've seen lettering on marble before that looks like that. I can't remember where, obviously - you never can when you need to But something at the back of my mind is saying St Paul's Cathedral. Or some such similar London landmark filled with metamorphosed limestone used monumentally.

I think what you're seeing is that subtle drop shadow I referred to. The letters are also softened or overly antialiased a bit that makes them seem a bit ethereal.

My general overall impression is positive. I've seen a lot worse logos.