Are you going to create a logo for your new brand or redesign the old one? Then, perhaps, your thoughts are fully preoccupied with finding logo design ideas that will really work. Of course, the simplest solution is to hire a pro. However, if you decided to cope with the task on your own we’re eager to share our experience. Hope this article will be useful for everyone looking for logo design inspiration.
As a part of a full service digital marketing agency I have created 100+ logos for now successful brands across the globe. I am sharing what i have learnt over my 14+ Years of experience and it should be quite interesting, let’s dive-in.
Why Waste Time on Studying Logo Design Ideas
Time is money, they say. So, is it really important to waste this precious thing on browsing the web for logo design inspiration? Maybe, it’s quite enough to draw a circle or a rectangle, add your favorite color and type your brand name?
If such thoughts come to you from time to time, banish them from your mind at once! They are the shortcut to the inevitable failure.
The fact is that your logo is not just a picture that accompanies your products. It’s the face of your brand, the sign of its identity and uniqueness. Your logo makes your brand stand out among the numerous competitors. In a word, it should stick in the minds of your potential clients once and forever.
Honestly, generating logo design ideas is not a piece of cake. It’s a challenging task even for a qualified specialist to say nothing of a novice. That’s why it’s a wise thing to devote some of your precious time to studying best practices. It will definitely help you come out with the solution worth admiring.
In 2021 we re-designed our logo, being a very well known web design company in Chennai with clients across the globe there were arguments among the team “Our logo looks good, Should we change it?”, “Will our clients recognise us?”, “Logo is trademarked why should we take a risk?”. After all, we decided we needed a fresh look and convinced everyone “Change is Inevitable”. We preferred to have a simple, clean, elegant yet a modern logo. We are not going to discuss in detail on why old brands need a re-design, may be a I will add up a post later for the same.
Distinctive Features of a Really Great Logo
First things first. Before studying logo design ideas, it’d be good to understand what you’re aiming at. In other words, it’s necessary to be aware of the main logo design principles. We are not going to talk too much about them. We’ll just enumerate the five pillars of the great logo design to help you go in the right direction.
According to the logo design principles, an effective logo should be:
- relevant
- simple
- memorable
- timeless
- versatile
As soon as your logo gets all five points covered, it is undoubtedly destined for success.
Logo Design Ideas: The Preparatory Stage
Like any project, creating a unique and memorable logo requires careful preparation. It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or an experienced pro. In any case, the preparatory stage is the basis for your success. Therefore, let’s focus on it without further ado.
Clearly Define the Core Message of Your Logo
What is the primary task of your logo? Unquestionably, it lies in highlighting the value your brand suggests. Consequently, the best thing, to begin with, is brainstorming.
Actually, you are the very person who knows your brand better than anyone else. That’s why arm yourself with a pen, paper (and patience, of course). You are free to choose any brainstorming technique you like. For example, you can just put down the answers to such essential questions as:
- Why have you founded your company?
- What are the distinctive features of your brand?
- What makes you differ from the competitors?
Another way is to build a mood board or mind map for filtering your ideas. Whatever method you choose, the in-depth analysis of the ideas will clear up what your brand logo should embody.
Examine the Logos of Your Key Competitors
Your logo is like a personal signature. Consequently, uniqueness is the key. If your logo looks like your competitors’ or even merely resembles it, you’re likely to lose from the very start. Why? It’s quite evident. The majority of customers won’t be able to tell you apart. This means you can forget about your brand recognition.
There’s only one way out – make a close study of the logos in your business niche. Certainly, it will take time and effort. Nevertheless, the game is definitely worth the candle!
Get Some Logo Design Inspiration
It’s a common fact that any creative process flows smoother and faster when you are inspired. Undoubtedly, the process of logo creation isn’t an exception. Therefore, before you start, seek for logo design inspiration.
Fortunately, it’s not a problem nowadays. With such websites as Awwwards, Dribbble it won’t take you long to get inspired. Undeniably, they are the endless source of fresh logo design ideas that may help you succeed.
Logo Design Ideas: Simple Tips to Make Your Brand Memorable
Now when the preparation process is over, it’s high time to start creating your brand logo. Here are several logo design ideas to give it a professional and unforgettable look.
Decide on the Type of Your Future Logo
It’s not a secret that many people see logos as a set of images and letters. However, it’s not quite right. There are various types of logos, each capable of granting your brand a different feel. That’s why it’s really important to choose the one that will better convey your message. Here they are.
Lettermark:
Such logos are ideal for brands with long names. Unquestionably, it’s much easier to say and memorize IBM than International Business Machines Corporation.
Wordmark:
These are a perfect choice for the brands with short and distinct catchy names easy to memorize. A good example of this logotype is Google.
Pictorial Mark:
These logos don’t contain any lettering, just a picture, for instance, the logo of Twitter. However, they work well only if your brand has already a name in the world of business.
Abstract Mark:
This type creates a fully unique image via a smart combination of shape and color (think of Pepsi). However, unless you don’t know how to combine color, shape, and structure for conveying meaning, we won’t recommend this type.
Combination Mark:
These logos include both image and text, for example, those of Lacoste and Puma. Perhaps, they are the best choice for starters because of the double-recognition effect such logos provoke.
Choose the Proper Shapes
When it comes to logo design ideas the knowledge of human psychology is a really powerful tool. Every shape has a hidden message. It works on the subconscious level and influences the way in which people feel about the design. Different shapes communicate different meanings. Consequently, the shape you choose is able to define how people will perceive your brand.
Do you want to communicate a positive emotional message and emphasize your steadiness? Then, use shapes without angles and breaks. Circles, ovals, ellipses, and rings (especially interconnected ones) are perfect for demonstrating partnership and unity and evoking trust.
Squares and rectangles will suit those who wish to show stability, reliability, and professionalism. However, they may seem too boring if you fail to add correct color or shading.
Triangles are usually associated with energy and power. They indicate speed and constant movement in a certain direction. That’s why they are great to convey the feel of innovation behind your brand. You can also have a similar effect if you employ diagonal lines in your logo.
Do you intend to demonstrate care, tenderness, protection or friendship? Make use of curves. They resemble a smile thus promising happiness to the people interacting with your brand.
Select Appropriate Colors
Alongside with shapes, colors influence your customers on the subconscious level. That’s why choosing proper colors for your brand logo is crucial. Whether you’re going to create a wordmark or a pictorial one, colors matter. So, what are logo designing ideas concerning the smart color selection?
To begin with, base your choice on the message you want to convey. It’s all about color psychology. According to experts, red is read as active, intense, and youthful. Yellow portraits optimism and energy. Green symbolizes health, peace, and growth whereas blue evokes confidence, calm, and credibility.
Next, study the demographics of your targeted audience. Take into consideration their age, gender, and cultural orientations. What for? Read the Color Assignment Report by Joe Hallock. His research will help you make wonders due to the right implementation of colors.
Finally, rely on the Color Wheel Theory. Thanks to it, even a novice in design will easily detect the color combinations capable of making a logo shine.
Pay Attention to Fonts
Fonts are not less important than shapes and colors. Therefore, it’s not surprising that many of the most recognizable brand logos are wordmarks fully relying on typography.
Certain fonts work better for certain business fields. For instance, bold straightforward fonts without flourishes stir up the feeling of trust. They will be a perfect choice for a financial company or legal firm. Curls and curves of whimsical fonts communicate mystery, happiness, and youth. They are also said to appeal more to women. Jagged and angular typefaces are able to add dynamics though sometimes may appear a bit aggressive.
Surely, you may prefer to create a typeface of your own for the most possible unique look. In such a case, don’t overdo with creativity. Your typeface should still be distinct and highly readable.
Of course, these are just a few logo design ideas for ensuring your brand recognition. Nevertheless, they are the foundation of the successful start. Take them as a basis and don’t be afraid of experimenting. Make numerous sketches, play with various colors and fonts and, finally, you’ll definitely find the best solution.
However, if you decide to rely on the real pros in logo creation Dezvolta’s branding services are always at your disposal. Believe we will do our best to make your logo win the hearts of your targeted audience.
