Logo Design: What You Need To Know

Logo Design: What You Need To Know

Author: Kevin Kidder

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Article Link: http://www.mineeds.com/Riverside/Kidder-Design-Group/Articles/Logo-Design-What-you-need-to-know

Tags: logos , design , colors , image , theme , logo design , icon , business , branding

First of all, I would like praise you for doing a little homework.

Not only will you be better educated in directing the image of your company, but you will also learn how to get the most out of your company image.

I want to discuss logo design in general.

A logo should be easy to read and easy on the eye.

Lets look at some of the national brands, that we all know and recognize: AT&T, McDonalds, Nordstroms, etc. Maybe you have even heard of Starbucks...... and I bet you could recognize their cup lying on the side of the road!

We all know what the company is, even if we only see a portion of the name or logo.

Each is easy to read and recognize. Many also adhere to a certain theme of colors.

This is called "Branding" or Brand Identity.

It permeates every aspect of the business from cards, to cups, to buildings, to vehicles, to advertising.

Sounds simple enough!

How do we build brand identity for your business?

Font:

First, make sure that your name is legible.

The script, tribal, or gangster font might look cool, and even go with the image of the business that you are in. BUT, to be honest, if a potential client has to decipher the puzzle, just to find out who you are and where to find you, they are most likely to go with someone else, a more recognizable name.

Colors:

Colors may have more of an impact on a person's impression than you may think.

Are there any colors that you can readily associate with your type of business? Perhaps the image that you are trying to portray?

Lets look at an example:

You are opening a day spa. The basic premise for a day spa is what? Relaxation, tranquility, and so forth.

We want to relay this message in the colors and tones that we use. Red, bright orange, bright yellows (what we refer to as "hot" colors) won't work well to relay the "feeling" that we are trying to present. How about softer tones of greens, earthtones, maybe a splash of gold for that upscale, pampered touch. Skulls, flames, and tribal graphics...... probably not a good idea! But then again, maybe that is just the "odd" approach that you may need to make your business different.....or attract the client base that you are marketing to.

What type of "feel" do you want your company to have?

Sophisticated and professional? Fun and whimsy? Energetic and exciting?

Get the picture?

Now that you have come up with a basic look or feel for your design, how does it translate to the rest of your business?

Will it work for letterhead? Business Cards? Window Signs? Vehicle Graphics? Web site? Pens? Shirts? ........

Bottom Line:

To get the most out of your logo (and design dollar), make sure that your logo is fitting to your business and image. Make sure that it can be used for more than a fancy business card.

Design does not have to cost an arm and a leg, but quality will surely have an impact on your business.

Make sure that your "graphic designer" truly has your company's best interests in mind, not the quick lining of his pocket book. Don't settle for the "I'm the designer, therefore I know" attitude.