UPDATE: Thanks for all your feedback; incredibly helpful, as always! I’ve added another version of the sticker, this time with the single-character (simple) version of “Valley” and a heavier font overall. What’cha think?
And just for contrast, here’s the original, four-character version of the sticker again. Remember, the spelling of “valley” in both versions is considered correct. Below is the more formal, traditional spelling of the word:
I see you chose the two-character symbol for valley. Why did you choose that over the single-character as used by Jim? http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3189/2912791628_37505cea43.jpg?v=0
Personally, I like the look of the single-character better, plus we’d have three letters/characters instead of four. But, if the two-character version is more “accurate” then I’m for it.
Can’t wait to buy a bunch of these to stick on everything!!
I would totally put that on my car. I can just hear the questions now. “Did you go to Japan or something?” “No, actually. You see, there’s this show…”
No. (Sorry)
It’s looking good so far.
Yes! I would put it on my car! Well… if I had one that is.
I think that it looks great. I think that you have hit the nail on the head with that. I like the look of the four letter scheme better than the three letter one. I seems more balanced.
Great work as always!
I totally agree with keelhauler. I like the aesthetics of the three character sticker better, but it is vital to make sure the translation is correct! I had a Chinese friend verify the acccuracy of the kanji before I got my Serenity tattoo.
There are many versions of Chinese, I believe Firefly/Serenity used Mandarin. There is a good chance that I got the character for “Valley” wrong during my search. The three symbols vs. four did look a bit cleaner though. Other than that, I think it looks really great and I would definitely put one on the back of my car.
jim
Actually, while there are many dialects of Chinese, there’s only one written form (well, two, actually – formal and simple Han). The two-character version of “Valley” is what our Chinese proofreaders all agreed was best for the Serenity Valley map. But the two character form for “Valley”, while more precise, is also more formal. So you can drop the “Mountain” Han symbol and it’s still considered correct, if a little casual. Like the difference between saying “Greetings” and “Hi!”.
So, once more, the question is – two characters or one for valley?
One character.
For the map, the formal two-character version is probably more appropriate, since it’s a document. But, for the car sticker, I think the more casual single-character is the best.
Ah, an early morning Chinese lesson. Thanks Andy
I’ll just stick to airplanes. My personal preference is the three character vs. four character sticker.
jim
Yep, three and informal. Works for me!
I like it!
Definitely go with the less formal, one character version. It fits the style of the stickers you’re mimicking.
I think I do like the three character version better, but either way, it’s quite shiny.
hell i’d put it on my chopper for all to see. it would have to go on the tank or rear finder. some bikes look goofy with a windshield. as for one or two, well i’ll leave it up to you guys, all i can do is curse in chinese. can’t really read it
I prefer the formal better than the casual. I do like how the single character version had a heavier font, could you thicken the two character version more?
My vote is for the formal version.
Agreed. Single characer looks best over-all.
The three character sticker.
It fits better with the three letter acronyms, including the lack of formality – technically speaking an acronym should be made up of initials, so SGC is an informal acronym for Stargate Command, as BSG is for Battlestar Galactica.
keelhauler – The map’s already done and sold [but still available]. Didn’t you get one? [ http://store.quantummechanix.com/Serenity-Valley-Map-LE-Lithograph_p_0-8.html ]
The three character sticker. I too would put it on a car if I had one, but lack of a combustion engine vehicle won’t prevent me from buying one, or more. The shape of the three-pronged character of the formal ‘valley’ seems to visually throw off the balance.
Taurin, yes, I have the map.
In fact, I have two of them!
Looking back at my post, though, I see that it kinda reads like I’m saying the map isn’t out yet. I just meant to say the formal version is probably best used on more formal items/documents, like it was on the map. But thanks for thinking of me!! Stay shiny!
I much prefer the single character, tightens it up.
So, can I buy any yet?????
Any rough ideas on when they might be available?
Hey there Keelhauler – they’re on the truck, even as we speak. Should be available for purchase sometime next week.
Without a doubt, 3 character, with Serenity Valley at the bottom is tough. I would put one on both of my cars, boat, motorcycle, and if I bought too many, one over my wife’s mouth………………………..