My Seven Tips for Creating Logos
My tips for creating a logo.
Creating a logo can seem to some like a simple task. A lot of the biggest companies in the world have taken a simplistic, modern approach to their logos. Leaving lots of people to scoff in derision and proclaim “My four year old could have done that!”.
Let’s get one thing straight, no. Your four year old has no software skills. And can’t design iconic logos. Deal with it and move on.
This is by no means a definitive guide to logo design. It’s just my process. So take it or leave it.
Look at everything!
Once you’ve had a proper discussion with the client and recived a brief the best thing you can do is to research. And research everything. Look at similar brands, look at awful brands, look at the big boys and find out what works and what doesn’t . Make a note of everything.
Make a moodboard
This is something I know people neglect. Make a moodboard. Digital or physical it doesn’t matter. I like to print mine and stick it to a wall. This acts as a visual reminder of what I’ve learned during the research period. And if it’s on my wall I don’t have to flick through files or pages to find it. Its at a glance.
Get out of the office
Designers cram indoors working long hours to hit a tight deadline. But sometimes being inside can hinder your creativity. Getting creative block? get outside. Go for a walk. Take some pictures. Sometimes the best ideas come from the unexpected.
Use a pen and paper
Do not under any circumstances start work by opening up your laptop. Leave Illustrator alone for a few hours. It won’t miss you. After researching do some quick sketches. Do lots and lots of sketches. Keep it loose. Do them fast and don’t get attached. This will speed up your workflow to no end. Trust me. How long does it take to make 5 iterations of a logo in Illustrator. Half and hour? with a pen and paper you could do twenty in that time. Make it happen.
Keep it simple
If you know your onions, you know logos need to be simple. Now this comes down to the brief, but never over do it. Clean geometry and good type will trump any gradient or drop shadow.
Follow the brief
Be a professional and do your job. Don’t make something to please yourself, do what your client asked for. Be appropriate and design for the brief. Leave your pride at the door. If the brief needs comic sans, swallow that pride and use it. Not every project has to be a flagship project on your website.
Test it
Before you showcase your shiny new logo, test it. Make sure it works with everything. Shirts, Icons, Pins, Cards, Online everywhere. Make sure your logo is bullet proof.
Thanks for reading guys. Feel free to reach me through the link below.
