Though we may not realize it, a logo is often the first thing that comes to mind when we think of a business, brand, or company. We picture the symbol, remember the colors, and whether we’re aware of it or not, we automatically associate that logo with that company. This kind of association happens when businesses have a logo that is effective. A perfect logo is something that is unique and memorable but also conveys the central identity or message of a business.
A perfect logo will engage customers by sending a direct message about what the business is all about. If you’re thinking of becoming a graphic designer, you might be wondering how this kind of logo can be created. The moment when you follow these tips, you’re sure to create a logo that both businesses and customers alike will love.
Always Remember that a Logo Should Reflect a Brand’s Values
When it comes to logo design, the most important part is the message behind the design rather than the design itself. Because you want to make sure that a logo design will reflect the brand, you should have a good grasp of what the brand you’re designing for is all about. What defines the brand? What are their values? What kinds of customers are they trying to attract? During your graphic design career, asking these kinds of questions will help you to gain the inspiration needed to design a logo that reflects the company’s purpose. If the logo you create can reflect these kinds of key messages for a business, it will make an impression on customers and help them to identify the brand.
Decide on the Right Logo Style
There are many styles of logos to choose from. Keep the company in mind—will a classic or modern style be more effective? If you want to convey that a company is in-style and fashionable, go with a modern look. However, if the company is more logical and grounded, a classic style could be better. If you’re targeting a younger audience, maybe go for a logo that’s amusing and playful. Once you’ve decided on the style you want to go for, choose the kind of logo that will work best for the company you’re representing. Lettermarks and wordmarks are the most straightforward designs, which portray a company by creating a logo out of acronyms of the company name or the company name itself. A pictorial or abstract logo shows what a company is about with just an image, and a combination type is a logo that combines both the name and a symbol.
Choose a Unique Font
It’s important to use a unique font to illustrate the personality of a company. Use your graphic design training to create an original font that represents the company. By taking the time to create a new font instead of using an already existing typeface, you’ll be able to bring a personal and memorable element to a logo that customers will be sure to identify with the brand it portrays. A unique font will make the logo stand out from competitors and solidify a company’s distinctive message.
Tell a Story With Colors
The colors you choose for a logo can say a lot about what kind of message you are trying to send to customers about the company. Each color conveys a different emotion or image, which customers will feel when they look at the logo. For example, blue illustrates maturity and intelligence, purple represents luxury, brown is good for brands appealing to a masculine audience, both black or white can be modern and chic, and red can be passionate and vibrant. As a graphic designer, make sure you’re familiar with what colors represent and which colors look good together.
Don’t Make the Logo Too Complicated
Lastly, graphic designers should strive not to make a logo too confusing or complex. If there’s too much going on in a logo design, it can be harder for customers to understand what the logo is trying to convey, and the message can get lost in the details. A logo should be simple enough that customers can remember it, and thus identify it instantly with the brand. Using a scheme of no more than a few colors and keeping the design basic yet compelling will help to ensure that the logo is both memorable and effective. If you’re in graphic design college, keep these tips in mind to ensure that companies will love what you create for them.
Do you want to check out the Academy of Learning Alberta’s program options for graphic design?