Assignment 2 - Less IS More

Here's the 2nd Assignment, titled "Less is More". Basically, we had to design a sign or icon that could be placed around NUS.

I decided to design a sign that would indicate that printing services were available in that location. I actually got this idea while thinking where I would be able to print out an A3 size of this assignment. Haha. I hope the University is able to do so. =P Also, I thought this would be a good idea for students trying to find a printer. I believe not all computer labs within NUS has printing capabilities so this sign would be good if it was placed outside the door to let students know they are able to print assignments or documents in the room.

So these are the sketches I made as I reduced the image down into simpler forms. I initially wanted to create an sign showing computer and printer availability to let students know they can print.
The 1st change was from an actual 3D image into a simpler 3D form, removing some of the details. You might notice that the picture and the design I drew are different. That's because I was basing the design on my own printer, however I don't have a computer beside it so I took an image off the internet. I'll try and get a better picture to put.

In the 2nd design, I made the objects have a "flatter" shape, cutting out several details to simplify the image.

I believe the 3rd design is the most obvious in the amount of reduction. From a 3D view, it becomes totally 2D now. (With the exception of the wires and cables I gues... =X)

In the 4th design, I felt that the sign could be used more generally, instead of just showing printers. With this, it could also be used to show areas with photocopies or printers.

I think the last design takes it abit too far. Just a simple "P" on a piece of paper. I think it is possible... But people might get confused about why a "Parking" sign was placed in the middle of the building. (Althought "Parking" is a circle...)

So, I think the best design is the 2nd last one. I added colour to the design and tried to put it in a suitable real life location. I decided to use blue as the background. I don't know about you but I feel that blue is suitable since it has an "Office" or "Paperwork" feel associated with it.
Here, I tried to blend it into the image, but it's not that good. Is it cos it's too outstanding? Or because it's just one solid colour without shadows? I'm not really sure how to blend it into the image... Can someone give me some tips?