Understanding how to create a logo or the logo design process is an excellent way to help clients think about their own new logo or logo redesign. So, in this article, we’re going to be looking at the nuts and bolts of logo design, and exploring precisely – what is a logo anyway?
What is a Logo?
Essentially, a logo is a part of a company’s brand identity. Its purpose is to identify. It must do this simply and be memorable, original, and recognisable. Moreover, the design process should aim to make the logo inspire admiration, trust, familiarity, and suggest superiority.
What Makes a Great Logo?
Great logos are distinctive. They convey a meaning or concept behind their design. Practically speaking, a logo should be able to be printed and displayed on any media and work well without colour. In short, a great logo demonstrates a great concept and good execution.
How to Create a Logo
Often, clients viewing final logo designs might think that the design process is simple. This is because good final designs should appear simple and uncomplicated. But it takes skill to get to the point. Here’s the typical flow involved in the logo design process:
- Brief
- Research
- Reference
- Sketching & Concepts
- Reflection
- Revisions
- Presentations
- Delivery
The 5 Principles to Create a Logo Design
As stated earlier, good logos must be memorable, original, and recognisable. Essentially, they must identify. So, below are the 5 essential principles to achieve this.
Simple
Great logos are never complicated, they don’t suffer from being ‘over-drawn’. For instance, a good example is the Nike ‘tick’. Simple but unique.
Memorable
Hand in hand with simplicity, logos should be memorable and instantly recognisable.
Timeless
It’s tempting to get caught up in current trends, but this won’t keep your logo timeless. Consequently, you want a classic design that stands the test of time.
Versatile
A great logo can be displayed across a wide variety of media and applications. It needs to be a vector design that’s equally impressive on a billboard or letterhead.
Appropriate
Pitch your logo design for your industry and customers. For instance, the child-like Toy R Us style just wouldn’t work on a Mercedes SLK.
