December 6, 2011

How to Design a Great Logo | Tips

How to Design a Logo
Unlike other graphic design work, in making a logo there is a set of specific principles. Logo design tips or tips on making a logo design for designers who want to create an attractive logo. Logo is a symbol of something that is interpreted. Only with one look, we can imagine the meaning behind a logo. When we see a certain logo we will recall some aspects such as: what company, what product, and so forth. A logo is successful when the logo is easy to remember, both in terms of shapes, colors, text, and its products.

How to Design a Great Logo

That could greatly complicate when we create a logo, because you must be prepared to face on a series of analysis, research and design, as well as an exhaustive process just to create a logo. I remember when the first shell logo has been created, seen as an ugly picture of a mussel and impressed not well designed. However, it is very successful at that time, simple and easy to remember. And it has become such a habit, that this logo will undergo metamorphosis from time to time just to interpret and represent the company.

Tips to Design a great Logo


1. Needs analysis

How to Design a Great Logo

The first phase of logo design tips: Analysis of needs is a process of consideration of several aspects that will affect the outcome of the logo. For example we will create a logo of X Company, then we first need to assess the profile of the company. If there is a requirement or prerequisite that must be met then these things is exactly what should take precedence (eg, = there should be red, must contain the meaning of 'change' etc.). Things which are affect the outcome of the logo are:

  1. a. culture (Life Aspects)
  2. b. political (Life Aspects)
  3. c. economy (Life Aspects)
  4. d. social (Life Aspects)
  5. e. demography (SWOT Analysis)
  6. f. companies or products type (The Personal Aspects of a Company).

2. Determine the technique of making the logo

How to Design a Great Logo

In making all things, of course, we have a method or technique. In this case is about how to create a logo. This things relates to the logo when it is displayed on such media Eg print, multimedia, websites, products and so forth. Of course, size, font type, logo shapes, colors, and the media will affect. For example in the cardboard packaging type will be used a little color, and although there are many colors, then the size will be small, this is the outcome of the color printing budget which tend to be more expensive. To further explore the ways of making, I will discuss in detail in the description below. This logo design tips will affect the technical point of view.

3. Trial and error

How to Design a Great Logo

Trial and error is an appropriate way in exploring a thing. The results of the design of a logo would be maximized when the trial and error is done. Through sketches, or directly using your design software can be done. You can use the following logo showcase for inspiration and design ideas.

4. See similar logo

How to Design a Great Logo

Many websites that produce phenomenal logos, one of which is logoMoose. Look for a company logo or similar products with which you want to create. Watch and learn its characteristics, this addition can add insight into the logo, it also can inspire you.

How to design a great logos


To create a logo you must conduct an analysis to design product. I'm going to share the results of the analysis.

1. Use mathematical measure (Grid), usually by using the square lines. The purpose of using a mathematical measure is that an appropriate logo should not change its shape, its color or text and so on. A logo can only change the size, and a logo should be black and white. By using a mathematical measure it will be very helpful when the logo must be regenerated according to the instructions of the logo by third parties (resellers, distributors, subsidiaries will definitely need a logo), especially when the logo was completed, and is used as a symbol product or company.

How to Design a Great Logo

2. Design software use in designing the logos should be vector-based software rather than bitmaps based software, such as CorelDraw and Adobe illustrator. By using vector-based software, logo results can be enlarged or reduced without any jagged effect, and also it wouldn't change the logo color.

How to Design a Great Logo

Read also about the difference between vector and bitmap:
The Difference Between Vector and Bitmap Images

3. Use a color catalog. This is important especially when the logo must be printed so that we have a color logo with a clear benchmark. Just as the wall paint products that have a catalog. This will make the colors remain the absolute and the fit between the print and digital color. Similarly, the color will be contiguous when printed, it can cause the color to be changed, it is helpful if we understand the characteristics of color harmonies and print color.

How to Design a Great Logo

Read also about color:
Tools for Choosing Color Combinations for Your Designs
5 Important Points to Know About Color Theory

4. Make a Logo Guidelines. If the logo is completed, do not forget to make the logo guidelines. The logo will be used in other designs, ranging from flyers, products, posters, billboards, etc., and it is definitely not you who will do all that. That normally would be used by third parties, such as the regional cities of product deployment.

How to Design a Great Logo

Here is an example of the logo guidelines:
CompaQ Logo Guidelines

5. Dramatize its meaning. When the logo design has been completed, of course, we will present the logo. In the presentation, choice of words to tell the meaning of the logo must be clear, because if not then most likely the logo will be rejected. The meaning of a logo can be extracted with learning through the study analysis results.

How to Design a Great Logo

6. Create alternate logo as much as possible, and highlight maximum of 5 design. This way you will know which option is best from your design patterns. Create more design patterns if you like. This pattern of effects such as rotate (rotation), the effect of shape, line effects, the effects of typography, color effects, repetition, transformation and so on.

How to Design a Great Logo

7. Create a logo technically resolved as quickly as possible. Time spent for one minute or one hour of making the logo will affect the work of other design work. Avoid making technical changes to the logo as it will affect the outcome. I will discuss about the 'technical guide on creating a logo' on the next article.

8. Make a hand sketch. Hand sketch is the most efficacious in producing interesting and fascinating design works.

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