Logos can be found all around us, and they are often the first impression we receive from a company. Since you see logos everywhere nowadays, you want your logo to stand on its own, all while properly representing your brand. However, this is not that simple; there is a lot more to designing a logo than simply taking the brand’s name and fitting it within a square. Since the logo is often times a company’s first impression, you want it to accurately represent your brand or image. A well-designed logo will impact your viewers’ perception, their overall attitude about your product or service, and can also affect purchase decisions.
Good logo design is in high demand, and while this might seem intimidating, there is an ‘outline’ that you can follow. While it can be challenging to incorporate a brand’s ideologies into one single image, when done right, you have an original logo that is unique and delivers an intended message. If you are striving to design an effective logo, you should follow these basic logo design principles.
1. Applicable to Business
A good logo should always be, first and foremost, appropriate for the brand it is representing. For instance, a comical or childish design scheme would not be appropriate for a serious business. Make sure that the font, color(s), and overall design scheme matches your service or product.
2. The Logo Doesn’t Have to Advertise Product or Service
It is important to keep in mind that your logo doesn’t have to show what the product or service is. For instance, Lexus’ logo does not show a car, and Adidas’ logo doesn’t show shoes. Even though your logo can advertise your service or product, it is not necessary; as your logo is designed to be used for brand identification.
3. Keep It Simple
A simple design is easier to recognize, especially when one is on the go. You want your design to still catch the attention of that highway driver, or fast-walking pedestrian. Simple designs are often memorable and versatile, while still being unique.
4. Be Versatile
By keeping it simple, you are more likely to have a versatile design. This will allow the design to work across a variety of applications, mediums, and color schemes. A versatile logo is an effective one, even when the logo is printed in different colors and different sizes.
5. Focus on Concept and Shape
Another way to create a versatile, effective logo is to design it initially in black and white. Not worrying about the color scheme will allow you to concentrate on the shape, and on the overall concept of the design. If the logo looks good in this simple form, you have yourself a winner.
6. Be Unique
You want your logo to be memorable, and one way to do this is to make it unique. You want to stand out from the crowd, not blend right in. Do some research on logos during the artistic design process, this will help you figure out an effective, unique logo by giving you some inspiration. It will also familiarize you with what’s already out there.
