So you're planning a logo design. It seems like a simple enough undertaking, correct? Draw a loop, sort in the organization name and you're carried out (I've actually heard an architect propose that very process). Shockingly, in case you're truly worth the cash the customer is paying you, there's a considerable measure more to it than that.
There are a million individuals in the logo plan industry today doling out crappy logos in mass for swarm sourcing destinations. How would you as a genuine expert emerge from the swarm and produce quality logos that don't suck? Read on to discover.
1. Be unique and clever
A logo is what helps distinguish a brand from its competitors, so it's important that the image stands out from the rest — something many brands struggle with.
In many cases, imitation is the best form of flattery — with logo design, this is not the case. "What’s important is to create something that you believe is different from anything already out there,” David Airey "What’s important is to create something that you believe is different from anything already out there,” David Airey, a graphic designer and creator of website Logo Design Love says. "It’s highly unlikely (some say impossible) that what you create will be original, but that should be the goal."
Deborah Harkins, creative director at crowdsourced design website 99designs, reiterates the risk of plagiarism. "Once something appears online, there’s simply no way to guarantee it won't be used in some shape or form in another forum." Designers who are unsure of the originality of their design can actually check for plagiarism on sites such as Logo Thief.
Creating a unique design isn't all about avoiding imitation, but also about designing something out-of-the-box. It’s tempting to just throw an industry icon on the page, but it’s important to think creatively. "The Mercedes logo isn’t a car. The Virgin Atlantic logo isn’t an airplane. The Apple logo isn’t a computer," Airey notes in his book.
2. Understand the brand
Yes, a logo is an image, but it’s also an introduction to a brand. The logo must reach a specific audience and when designing, you must keep this in mind. Write down what you think about the brand; perhaps even create a mood board with imagery that reminds you of the brand’s ideology — check out websites like Niice for some inspiration. But be wary of becoming inspired by only aesthetics rather than deeper meaning. "Researching other visual brands can be helpful, but designers need to be careful not to take the inspirations too literally," Harkins says. "Any design work must be original and map directly back to your client’s unique brand attributes."
Is the brand utility-driven or is it more focused on evoking emotion? Is it contemporary or quirky? What does the customer care about, and what does the brand aspire to be? While it is helpful to stay up to date on design trends, it's more vital to stay true to a brand's overarching personality. Here's a quick brand personality evaluation that can help you along the way.
More than anything, know what your logo means. Every logo has some kind of a history, filled with meaning and purpose. Take Apple, for instance — the fruit is missing a "byte." Or Wikipedia, an unfinished globe of puzzle pieces covered with glyphs from different writing systems. Both logos are simple, but have an added twist that circles back to brand ideology.
And Keep it Simple Stupid
Let's be honest, not everybody can burst out lovely, hand-drawn script on a whim. Only in light of the fact that you're a creator doesn't mean you're a great artist or typographer (however it makes a difference). In the event that you fit this portrayal, fear not, there's nothing keeping you from making wonderful logos.
In this circumstance, recollect these four influential words: keep it straightforward doltish! Basic yet capable logos penetrate the business world and dependably end up being the best symbols for standing the test of time.
if you want some more logo design inspiration then please visit http://logovectors.net/ for more.
There are a million individuals in the logo plan industry today doling out crappy logos in mass for swarm sourcing destinations. How would you as a genuine expert emerge from the swarm and produce quality logos that don't suck? Read on to discover.
1. Be unique and clever
A logo is what helps distinguish a brand from its competitors, so it's important that the image stands out from the rest — something many brands struggle with.
In many cases, imitation is the best form of flattery — with logo design, this is not the case. "What’s important is to create something that you believe is different from anything already out there,” David Airey "What’s important is to create something that you believe is different from anything already out there,” David Airey, a graphic designer and creator of website Logo Design Love says. "It’s highly unlikely (some say impossible) that what you create will be original, but that should be the goal."
Deborah Harkins, creative director at crowdsourced design website 99designs, reiterates the risk of plagiarism. "Once something appears online, there’s simply no way to guarantee it won't be used in some shape or form in another forum." Designers who are unsure of the originality of their design can actually check for plagiarism on sites such as Logo Thief.
Creating a unique design isn't all about avoiding imitation, but also about designing something out-of-the-box. It’s tempting to just throw an industry icon on the page, but it’s important to think creatively. "The Mercedes logo isn’t a car. The Virgin Atlantic logo isn’t an airplane. The Apple logo isn’t a computer," Airey notes in his book.
2. Understand the brand
Yes, a logo is an image, but it’s also an introduction to a brand. The logo must reach a specific audience and when designing, you must keep this in mind. Write down what you think about the brand; perhaps even create a mood board with imagery that reminds you of the brand’s ideology — check out websites like Niice for some inspiration. But be wary of becoming inspired by only aesthetics rather than deeper meaning. "Researching other visual brands can be helpful, but designers need to be careful not to take the inspirations too literally," Harkins says. "Any design work must be original and map directly back to your client’s unique brand attributes."
Is the brand utility-driven or is it more focused on evoking emotion? Is it contemporary or quirky? What does the customer care about, and what does the brand aspire to be? While it is helpful to stay up to date on design trends, it's more vital to stay true to a brand's overarching personality. Here's a quick brand personality evaluation that can help you along the way.
More than anything, know what your logo means. Every logo has some kind of a history, filled with meaning and purpose. Take Apple, for instance — the fruit is missing a "byte." Or Wikipedia, an unfinished globe of puzzle pieces covered with glyphs from different writing systems. Both logos are simple, but have an added twist that circles back to brand ideology.
And Keep it Simple Stupid
Let's be honest, not everybody can burst out lovely, hand-drawn script on a whim. Only in light of the fact that you're a creator doesn't mean you're a great artist or typographer (however it makes a difference). In the event that you fit this portrayal, fear not, there's nothing keeping you from making wonderful logos.
In this circumstance, recollect these four influential words: keep it straightforward doltish! Basic yet capable logos penetrate the business world and dependably end up being the best symbols for standing the test of time.
if you want some more logo design inspiration then please visit http://logovectors.net/ for more.
