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Logo Design Basics

We help businesses grow by increasing their visibility on the web. Part of the growing process includes inspecting how your website and its visual parts represent your company. As a visual element, your logo falls into that category. It’s always good to remember that your logo is one of the first things your customers see on your website. We want you to take a careful look at your logo and all its details, including shapes, typeface, thickness of fonts, types of edges, images, colors, negative space, and more. Every detail plays a part in defining who you are as a business and what you have to offer. What does your logo say about your business? What do you want it to say?

Your logo is a mark or symbol that describes your company — it provides your company with a recognizable identity. That being said, your logo should be chosen and crafted carefully to show the world the best snapshot of your products and services. No detail should be overlooked, and every detail should portray and highlight your company in a positive way. Careful consideration of these details shouldn’t be skipped to avoid these kind of logo fail situations. Always be aware of what your logo might be suggesting and do ask others for input.

Logos should be unique to your trade, industry, product, service, and company personality. There is no one way to do it right, but when it’s right, it can speak to your audience without words; for example, think about the logos and branding of McDonalds, Apple, and Coca-Cola, in which each company successfully uses a different logo strategy, including shapes, images, and typeface, respectively.

Quick Logo Design Tips

Before you make any decisions to create, update, or change your company logo, think about the questions proposed above: what does your logo say about your business, and what do you want it to say? Write down your findings and be sure to ask others what they think. After that, it’s time to do some research and then possibly consult a design team. Here are some concepts and inspirational ideas to consider during the process:

  • Keep your logo simple, timeless, memorable, and versatile.
  • Your logo should be recognizable and clear.
  • Make sure your logo works on different mediums, from print to digital.
  • Logos should be scalable as browser and window sizes change.
  • Good logos are appropriate for what they represent. What’s your service, product, medium? How can your logo portray this?
  • Color is nice, but make sure you logo looks great in black.
  • Pay attention to the negative space between shapes, if any. Negative space creates its own shapes that may appear more dominant at times.
  • Make sure that the color and typeface communicates the appropriate message for your business.

Resources and Research for Logo Design

Logo Design Basics from Entreprenuer

12 Essential Rules to Follow When Designing a Logo by Web Designer Depot

Vital Tips For Effective Logo Design by Smashing Magazine

5 Branding Basics Every Logo Designer Should Know by Six Revisions

10 Common Mistakes in Logo Design by Smashing Magazine

Pinterest boards are a great way to compile inspiring logo designs

 Logo Design 101 Coursesfrom Team Treehouse

 What’s Next

When you’re ready to design or update your logo, make sure to take your new ideas to your design team. Your input is vital to the success of your new logo.

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