Before we begin with the things you need to know, isn’t it essential to see the Logo itself? So, let’s dive deep and try to break down the crux of logo designing. Why is it necessary and why there is no way you can ignore or compromise on its design.
Understanding Logo
It is not just another design that you have created to promote your business. Your Logo is the ultimate identity of the brand. It is something that people will associate with the brand. It is precisely why the Logo must speak for itself.
It needs to extraordinary. Logos are usually a wonder of designing because you cannot just pick any design, and then you cannot even go too complicated with the design. Art of logo making is a tricky business, and it surely is not easy.
You are going to have brochures, websites, business cards, social media pages, and other materials for marketing. The Logo you have chosen is going to be there on everything. How do you expect prospects to show interest when it is incomprehensible?
If you want to penetrate the market, you ought to have a logo that people can relate to but not something they have seen before. Think of it this way; business is like you are dating. You are continually trying to attract the right potential customers.
The Logo will work as a picture on a dating app. If it isn’t attractive enough, no one is going to dig more about the brand.
When any business is launching its Logo plays a vital role in creating the first impression. It pretty much set the tone for a brand’s personality.
Knowing The Personality Of A Brand
It means you have to be very clear about what your brand is all about. Understanding the core personality of a brand you are launching is the key to get a great logo designed.
Here are some questions that can help you figure out what you desire:
- Why are we investing in this business?
- What values do we believe in as an organization?
- What are we better at than everyone else?
- Why would you make us unique to consumers?
Once you have answered all these questions, you will have a grip and a clear idea about your hopes from the venture.
Getting An Inspiration
The next step is to find inspiration for the design. It can prove to be the hardest part of the entire process. However, you can break it down in steps to make it easy. It may aid you in coming up with innovative ideas.
- Brainstorming
Get all the ideas out. Write down everything that you have in your head. Don’t hesitate even if it is a horrible idea because you never know what will get the conversation going. The conversation around ideas often leads to something genius. - Be the Audience
It means to be in someone else’s shoes and have a look at your brand. You will have to think like a person from your target market. Ask yourself what will attract them and what will be significant to them. - Employee Involvement
If you want to create magic, then diversity is the key. Everyone working for you will have something to add, and it might be valuable. It will benefit when more minds are brainstorming for your business.
Keep An Eye On The Competition
Look for logos that have worked wonderfully well, and that has failed. Both will help you decide what should have done and what should have avoided.
Focus on what makes you different from your competition and then try to incorporate it into the Logo.
Top Five Things You Must Know
Now coming to the top five things that you must know before designing one
1. Types Of Logo
The first thing is to know about the types of logos. Logos can be divided into several categories here we are separating them in four general categories:
- Letterform
Think about the famous logos of Honda and McDonald’s. These are an apt example of letterform logos. Logos that consists of one letter (usually initial) are known as a letterform. - Abstract
You know how abstract art is, unrecognizable, and unlike anything. These logos are tough to pull off because they may lead to identity crises for a brand. However, Nike has been successful with an abstract logo. - Wordmarks
Abbreviations, multi-letter groupings, or free-standing words as logos are known as wordmarks. CNN and Google are some of the most famous examples of this type of logos. - Pictorial
Illustrated symbols, most of the recognizable things, are graphic Logos. Think of a bitten apple or a tiny bluebird and you will know what brand we are talking about. Both Apple and Twitter are known for their smart logo design.
It is not rocket science to understand that there is not a single logotype that can suit every business and industry.
Of course, what type of Logo is going to suit you has a lot to do with your brand’s name and what you are offering to the consumers.
If you have a short name, then wordmark logos may work great for you. Wordmarks and letterform are usually more successful than abstract logos because it helps customers remember the name of a brand.
In case you want to go for an abstract logo design, make sure you do it correctly. The design should be able to represent your venture in the right way, and it is not too complicated that people are unable to memorize and relate to it.
2. Fonts And Colors
The choice of fonts and colors is an essential part of the entire process. It may sound like an unimportant decision that wouldn’t require a lot of attention and time. In reality, however, this is a vital decision as it can inspire emotions when people have a look at the Logo.
Fonts should have decided very astutely because the wrong choice can deliver an offensive message across. Imagine a candy shop having whimsical font in the Logo and a legal firm having a font conveying honorability. It sounds perfect because the playful font represents joy and youthfulness, and the other one represents boldness and strength.
Now, switch the fonts and imagine a law firm with whimsical font… you need to steer clear of this mishap.
When it comes to color choices, the smart and straightforward option is to go for colors that are avoided by your competitors. You need to be careful; there might be a reason your competitors ignore some colors, and if you are going to use them to be wise about them.
Colors have psychological manifestations, and you can play along those lines too. For instance, yellow is a happy color, and it is mostly associated with freshness and energetic approach. Whereas blue is known for reliability, calmness, and confidence.
3. How Will It Look After A Decade And Beyond
Most of the time, logos need a little touch up after a decade. This helps in keeping a logo fresh and relevant. When this happens, companies have to be incredibly careful not to move too much away from the original design. It can be troublesome.
Businesses with a vision get it right from the beginning so they can be recognized even after decades have passed. If you succeed in getting a timeless design, then you would only have to fine-tune with giving the time. It will stay relevant in the future as well.
No one is saying that you will never have to make any changes; of course, it will require touch-ups. All we are trying to convey is a great design will stay close to its original form even after times have passed.
Always think ahead when getting a logo. If you have a plan to expand, then choose a logo that can still suit the company after expansion. If there are plans to introduce more operations, products, or services, then choose a logo that can fit it all.
4. Trends Are Not To Follow
There is a reason they are called patterns, they come and go. Patterns never stay, sometimes they may stick for a while, but eventually, there is always a new one to replace the ones before it.
It is essential to stay updated about design trends, but there is no need to design a logo around those. Logos that are based on trends dates quickly, and the brand loses its identity amidst of cut-throat competition.
Logos should be timeless, and building them around trends will not give that! You can get ideas from ongoing trends but never your complete Logo.
Logos designed on trends fade away with the pattern itself, and you wouldn’t that, right?
5. Minimalism Is The Best Way
Who said you need a sophisticated design for making a logo unique? Logos can be catchy and fantastic looking without having to be too complex to comprehend.
Complexity should be avoided, and minimalistic designs should be favored. Decluttering ideas is the best way to go about it. Add every design element if it brings simplicity. If not, it needs to be removed.
This should be very clear in your head that you are looking for a minimalist design that can attract attention. It should be understandable to your target consumer base.
Pro-Tip
Once you have learned all about the rules you should follow when designing a logo, break them. Logos cannot be defined or put inside a box, and they ought to be creative yet in line with the brand’s values.
About the Author!
Shaeel Ahmed is a digital marketing expert, and he has honed his craft of writing a well-versed, creative content. Besides writing, he is interested in reading and is up-to-date with the latest global trends. He is currently working with LogoKnox logo design company. He is familiar with the art of writing engaging content and is ready to start a conversation with the readers.