A good logo is a must for any business. Take a look at the iconic Nike “swoosh” for instance. The logo is so popular, you can recognize the brand from it even if you’re looking from afar. The same goes for the Starbucks siren, McDonald’s golden arches, Apple’s, apple, and so many more.
Creating a good logo isn’t as easy as it seems. If you check the history of these brands, you’ll find that the final logo is the result of numerous drafts.
Do you have what it takes to create a logo? Check out these tips before you start your first draft.
1. Narrow Down Your Options
Before you begin, you should first know what type of logo is best for your brand. There are 6 major types of logos. We’ll explain them as simple as possible:
- Abstract – Images that don’t directly show what the company is about at first glance. It holds deeper meaning thanks to its complexity. Great for establishing branding.
- Pictorial – Similar to abstract logos. The main difference is that it uses real-life objects to represent the brand.
- Mascot – Uses an icon to represent the brand. Popular for businesses in the food and beverage industry. Also great for family-oriented companies.
- Emblem – Features an image or a word that’s placed inside a crest. Signifies a serious tone and is often used in classy institutions.
- Lettermark – Uses letters that abbreviate the company name. An excellent choice for brands with long names.
- Wordmark – Instead of using letters, a wordmark uses the entire name of the brand.
These are the 6 common types of logos. Don’t be afraid to mix two or more logotypes to create yours. There are many hybrid logos that are popular today.
Some examples include KFC’s logo which mixes lettermark and mascot logos. Another great example is Harley-Davidson which mixes emblems and wordmarks.
2. Consider Product Packaging
It’s very likely that the logo will be used on other things other than just a way to represent the brand. This is important especially if your business is in the field of retail.
When it comes to product packaging, you need to consider things like space, color, and even the cost of printing. Say you’re going to print a cap with the logo embroidered on it. If the logo is too complex, the printing will be more expensive. It can also be harder to perfect so it matters a lot.
If you’re struggling with this aspect of logo design, what you can do is to imagine the logo on your products first.
3. Utilize The Space You Have
A common mistake that graphic designers make is not using the space they have to their full advantage. Too much white space can make the logo feel cramped and tight. Don’t worry about making something that’s too large.
If you want to, you can even add a slogan or a motto that represents the brand. Of course, this is only applicable if the logo is only a few words long.
You need to consider that the logo can make its way into other things such as marketing materials and product packaging. With that, you need to consider if the logo looks great with regard to spacing. If you have too much space on the logo, it can look empty when placed on the business materials.
4. Check For Copyright Issues
It’s going to be very problematic and irritating to work hard on a logo only to find out that you’re infringing the work of others.
Before you get content with your logo, check online if it has any trademark issues first. There are lots of tools you can use to compare your logo with others. There are millions of business logos out there and there’s a chance that what you have might be similar to others.
Whether accidentally or on purpose, copyright issues are going to be costly to resolve.
A logo can help propel a company to new levels of success but only if it’s pulled off right. For others, creating a logo might seem simple enough but it’s a lot more complicated than you think. In fact, a lot of graphic designers hate this part of the job.
With these tips though, you’ll find it easier to create a great logo for your client or your business in no time.
