A Guide to Logo Design in Five Steps

This is a guest post by Lauren Sophia, if you want to guest post on this blog, please contact us.

Designing a logo can be a difficult task. It must portray the company accurately, while capturing people’s attention. Although a logo can seem like something minor for a business when compared to other aspects such as marketing, a logo is actually one of the most important things for a business. If a business has a logo that is poorly designed and forgettable, it can contribute to a business’s failure.

What a Good Logo Does?

A good logo serves a variety of purposes all of which benefit a business. Firstly, a logo provides people with an accurate impression of the business. A company that is fun and offbeat may have logo that is bright and quirky, whereas a company that is very formal may have a logo that is professional and classy. Both of these logos present people with an accurate perception of a business right from the outset.

Secondly, a logo helps to capture people’s attention. A good, unique logo can pique people’s interest and differentiate a business from its competitors. A logo that stands out can draw customers into a business and away from its competitors. Thirdly, a good logo will help people to identify your business. A logo increases a business’s visibility. A logo is often the first thing that people notice about a business, and it is what people associate the company with. Every time they see that logo on an advertisement, on the Internet, or in a phone book, they will think of that business.

What Makes a Good Logo?

Although there are no set blueprints for the perfect logo, there are certain elements that all good logos possess. Firstly, a good logo is timeless. One of the problems with logos is that at the time they can seem perfect and fitting for a business. However, after a few years that logo can look outdated, and it will put people off. It is hard for a business to change an outdated logo as customers still associate that business with that logo, so changing it can cause a brand to lose its identity. Always stick to classic designs when creating a logo.

Secondly, a good logo is well laid out, easy to read and clear. The design should not be overly complicated. A business owner wants people to be able to understand their logo and what it says.

How to Create a Good Logo?

Step One: Think Of What the Logo Needs to Represent

The first step to creating a good, effective logo is to think about what type of message you want the logo to represent. To determine this you must think about the company the logo is for. Consider a few factors and make notes. Firstly consider what niche the business fits into. Does the business sell clothing, or is it a real estate business?

Next consider the business’s customer demographic. Is the business a restaurant that will cater to families with young children, or is it a legal firm that will deal with people who need help in legal matters? Finally, consider what it is the company wants to be known for. Is it a company that is going to be known for being trustworthy, professional, skilled, kind, fun or friendly? Once you have considered all of these factors it will help you to determine what your logo must convey. For the next steps you must keep these factors in mind in order to create a relevant logo.

Step Two: Think About The Image

With the above factors in mind, think about what kind of image or graphic you want to include in the logo. Do you want an abstract image that uses shapes? Do you want to use a character such as a person, or do you want to use a miscellaneous item such as a flower or a balloon for example. Look up images to find inspiration, but remember do not just choose a graphic for the way it looks. Although that it is important, the image must have something to do with what the business itself is about.

Step Three: Think about Colors

Consider which colors would best suit the logo. Remember if you have chosen an image of a particular color it must fit with the color of any text on the logo. Avoid using too many colors together or it will overwhelm the logo and make it look unappealing.

Step Four: Think about Composition

Even if you have chosen the right color, the right font for the text and a good graphic, if you do not lay them out correctly, it can make the logo look messy. You want the logo to be clear and easily readable.

Step Five: Is the Logo Classic but Relevant?

Once you have a good idea of the theme, the graphic, the color and the composition of the logo, consider how relevant the logo will look in five years. Think about whether or not the logo will accurately represent the company after five years of growth. Try to think of classic designs that are relevant, but won’t be dated in a couple of year’s time.

About the Author!

Lauren Sophia is an experienced freelance writer who, through her writing, shares her knowledge of business and brand management with others. She contributes regularly to Degree Jungle a resource for college students.