4 Amazing Business Logo Design Tips for a Memorable and Impactful Logo
Posted on September 04, 2020 by Logo Design Tips and Tricks
Companies spend billions of dollars each year to get people to buy their products. If you’re starting a business and want to start getting sales, you have to be able to compete with the businesses in your industry.
Having a great logo is part of being memorable so you can get a foothold in the industry of your choice.
Learning business logo design tips can help you get the leg up that you need. Continue reading this article to learn logo design tips that can help you get started.
Why Is Logo Design Important?
If you consider skimping on logo design, this is an absolute mistake. Your logo goes everywhere from your business card, letterhead to billboards.
A less than impressive logo can hurt your brand.
1. Images Are a Must
Images communicate quickly. When people see your logo, you want people to have an immediate and clear thought.
You shouldn’t use photographs as images. Photographs aren’t vector, which means they won’t produce the high-quality results you need with every application. They might look good on your website, but they won’t look great when they’re on a billboard.
2. Empty Space Is Your Friend
Don’t try to pack everything you can into a logo. Don’t think that empty space is failing to try. Empty space can be the most effective way to get attention for your business’ brand.
Empty space can highlight your creativity and keep it simple, so people remember it easier, and you can even high a hidden meaning within your negative space.
Well planned out negative space can do more good than the rest of your logo in some cases.
3. Using Shapes Wisely
Using shapes at random might not get the results you want, but if you plan it out, you can make a major impact. Here are some examples of how shapes come across to people.
- Circles make people think of community and connectedness
- Curves are feminine and sexy
- Squares and rectangles make people think of your business as stable
As you can see, depending on your industry, the shape you want to pick is very different. If you’re an attorney trying to convey that you will get the job done, a rectangle or square might be the best option. On the other hand, if you’re a women’s clothing company, you might consider a design with curves.
4. Make Your Colors Work for You
One of the best logo design tips and tricks is making colors work for you. Using different colors or different shades of color can be very eye-catching and appealing when well thought out.
Think about how you’ll use the color, look at a color wheel, start with one color, and work your way up from there.
Business Logo Design Tips for the Win
Now you know some important business logo design tips. Whether you implement them yourself or if you use a team of professionals to help, you now know what a good logo looks like when you see it.
Do you want to learn more about logo design? Continue through the blog for more.
Logo Design 101:8 Must-Know Tips for Creating the Ultimate Machinery Logo
Posted on December 28, 2018 by Logo Design Tips and Tricks
Which logo is the most famous in the world? Which ones come to your mind immediately?
Starbucks? Apple? Nike? Coca-Cola?
What about CAT? Yes, this is a very well known logo for heavy machinery. In fact, it is so well known and so popular that it features on bags, shoes and, fashion items. If the logo was not brilliant it wouldn’t have come so far in popularity.
Yet, the CAT logo did not always look like that. It has developed over the years to be what it is today. The first iteration of the CAT logo in 1925 was very different from the modern logo. Yet, that illustrates a vital quality in designing brilliant logos: be willing to adapt and change.
Here are 8 more must-know tips for creating the ultimate machinery logo.
1. Simplicity
The beauty of simplicity is that it is easy to recognize. It is easy to remember and it can stand the test of time. Another added benefit of simplicity is that in theory, it is not difficult to design. You do not have to be a brilliant artist or graphic designer in order to produce something that is clear, simple and immediately recognizable.
Some of the best examples of simplicity are Apple and Nike. Simple shapes set against a very basic color palette. Black and white. However, do not underestimate the thought and effort that have gone into these logos. That brings us to the second must-know tip.
2. Connect Your Logo to Your Brand
To do this you have to have a clear idea of what your brand is first. That does not mean what you sell but it means what your brand stands for. What are your values?
Nike is a good example of how their logo connects with their slogan ‘Just do it.’ In other words, you can do anything you set your mind to if you have the right sports equipment. Simple, powerful and very emotive.
In contrast, the Apple logo is not very emotive. It is more technical and creative, the idea of a ‘byte’ out of an apple. Before you design your logo it is good to ask yourself questions about your brand identity first. Here are some good questions…
- Where are you positioning in the market? Are you going for ‘old faithful’ or cutting edge with innovation?
- Is your brand more corporate or more relaxed and personable?
- Is your brand exclusive or available to all?
- Is a major part of your brand the business name itself (like Coca-Cola) or can you go with a visual representation?
3. Understand the Power of Color
Color has meaning and it evokes a psychological response. This is obvious when we think about it. A beautiful sky is blue for a reason as is a beautiful calm lake. Colors from the natural world stir emotion.
Bright colors are exciting but they may signal danger as is the case with poisonous animals and often toxic plants. Check out this brilliant article about 4 surprising things you need to take into consideration when choosing colors. Makes sure you are aware of the psychological effects of colors before you start selecting them.
4. Logo vs Logotype
This is a personal choice. However, your business name may already be reasonably well established. In which case you would want to take advantage of that and not dilute your brand by diverting attention away from what is already well recognized.
If that is true of your business, then your machinery logo could be an adapted version of your business name. This is the idea that CAT has employed. If you are going to use a logotype then you need to think about using a unique font. Some logos are so good that their unique font is part of what identifies them. Coca-Cola is a case in point.
5. Consider Negative Space
Once again this works well with simple designs. A good example is the FedEx logo. Between the E and x is a white arrow created from using the negative space. True, it is easy to miss but it conveys a call to action that does not go unnoticed by some part of your brain.
It is an intelligent style of design that could work very well as a machinery logo. So give this some extra thought. Here is a great article to help you get started in using negative space.
6. Don’t Forget the Background
You want a logo that goes beyond the limitations of paper. Remember, you want it to look good on your machinery, on letters, on your web pages, and on any other marketing merchandise.
7. TOP TIP – Keep It in Proportion
What does that mean? Check out this image of the Twitter logo here. What do you see? You see proportion. This follows the same idea of being a simple design but it also conveys harmony and balance.
This would be an excellent principle to follow when designing machinery logo. This is because the principle of design engineering with equipment must themselves follow a measure of proportionality.
No matter what your machinery is, it will benefit from this principle. A plate compactor is completely different from a forklift truck but both yield to the design principle of proportion. Give it a go and see what you can come up with.
8. Get Help
Last must-know tip is that there is always help and it can be free. A great place to start is with an online tool like this one here. You may find that it does exactly what you need but even if it doesn’t it will at least help you formulate ideas and begin to see what works and what does not.
Start Creating Your Machinery Logo
Now you have got 8 must-know tips you can get started creating your machinery logo. It can seem like a daunting task to get started but it needn’t be like that. Use our online logo maker to get started.
Here is a tutorial on how to best use this free tool here.
A Guide to Creating Stunning Personal Logos
Posted on October 02, 2018 by Logo Design Tips and Tricks
As a business, your logo is everywhere. From your website to your social media and all your printed promotions, it’s the first thing your audience will see.
Today, your logo is the most important quarter-inch of your business. With this in mind, you need to be sure that you’re hitting the right chord from the get-go.
Read this guide on how to create stunning personal logos that will stick with your customers.
Align your Logo With Your Brand Identity
Your logo must represent the personality of your service or product. It needs to give your customers or clients a glimpse into what they can expect from you.
You wouldn’t want customers to confuse your bakery for an accounting firm, would you?
So, make sure that your logo tells your customers the niche in which you operate. Create a logo that tells a story about your brand.
The Best Personal Logos Start With a Creative Brief
A creative brief will help you stay on track with your brand identity. You wouldn’t start a company without a business plan, right? Well, the same goes for design projects and a logo is no exception.
When designing a personal logo, it’s easy to lose track of the fact that its part of your business identity.
Your creative brief will inspire you with new ideas. It will also help you come up with a design that aligns with your business plan.
Your creative brief should include:
- A summary of your brand
- The image and tone you want to follow
- Information about your target audience
- An overview of your competitors
- The date by which you need your personal logo design ready
- Your budget
As you can see, your brief is about more than the creative parameters of your logo. It will also keep track of operational aspects like your budget and due dates.
Get Some Inspiration
To get inspiration, start by creating a mood board with all your ideas. Then, look at what other designers are doing at the moment.
You can do this by looking at your competitors’ logos. You can also look in search galleries. Make sure you jot down any logos that grab your attention during this process.
Also, get inspiration from the name of your business. You may be able to create a pun from the name that you can transform into design work.
Choose a Unique Design
The key to making your personal logo design unique is injecting your creative personality into it.
To achieve this, you have to think outside the box. List the aspects of your brand that are most memorable- the aspects you want your audience to remember you for.
Now find a way to portray these memorable aspects into your logo design.
Specify the Name You Want to Use
By including your company name in your personal logo, your audience is more likely to connect with you immediately.
You can use variations of this name, especially if it’s long. For example, you could use your:
- Full name
- Nickname
- Surname
- Initials
For a striking effect, you could design your logo from your name. Some examples of this include Facebook, LG, and Twitter.
Use a Trial and Error Technique
Designing a logo isn’t quick. You’re going to have to be patient. The key is to draw up various logos to get close to your final design.
You should create a small team of people that offer suggestions and ideas. From there, you can mix and match them.
Make sure you doodle all your ideas so you get a visual feel for them.
But, remember. Don’t over complicate things. Your logo should stay simple and eye-catching.
Try Different Colors and Backgrounds
Every company should have specific color branding. For example, Facebook is blue and white and Amazon is black, white, and yellow.
Whichever colors you choose for your color branding, you should use them in your personal logo design.
Color inspiration can come from anywhere. You could start with your favorite color. Your name could also have a color in it. For example, John Green. In this case, why not go with green as your primary color?
Also, consider the emotion you want to evoke with your audience. Big business use color to affect their audience’s reaction to their brand. You should use this technique to make the best first impression.
Create a Logo You Want to Showcase to the World
You need to create a logo that you want the world to see. After all, your logo is how your audience identifies you. If you don’t create an eye-grabbing logo from the get-go, you’ll eventually change it.
If you change it, your audience won’t recognize it, thus making your entire brand less memorable.
Create a logo that you are proud to showcase on all your business assets. These include your:
- Marketing materials
- Letters
- Resume
- Portfolio
- Business cards
Your audience should also find it easy to identify you via your logo on social media platforms.
Refine Your Concept
Once your concept is ready, you need to polish it to come up with a final product. This is where your personal logo design comes to life.
Create rough drafts of your final designs and share them with friends and family. Get as much feedback as you can.
Also, make sure that the answer to all the following questions is “Yes”:
- Does your logo speak to your target audience?
- Is it simple?
- Is it balanced?
- Is it evergreen?
- Does it use negative space to your advantage?
- Does it match your color branding?
When choosing your final logo design, don’t be afraid to go for the more bizarre and extravert choice. If that’s what your company stands for and that’s the image you want to portray to your audience, that’s okay.
Get Help From Online Logo Maker
Creating a logo is a complex process. You have to ensure that it aligns with your branding and company beliefs. You also need it to be eye-catching so that it’s memorable to your audience.
If you need a quick logo that aligns with your branding, why not contact Online Logo Maker today?
Our free logo maker takes the stress out of designing personal logos. In fact, with it, you’ll have a logo with unlimited downloads in less than 10 minutes!
Do You Have a Logo or a No-Go? A Beginner’s Guide to Creating a Logo People Will Remember
Posted on July 30, 2018 by Logo Design Tips and Tricks
It’s possibly the most significant choice you will make for your new business, and it will impact the company into the foreseeable future.
You’re creating a logo.
It seems so simple, brainless even. After all, Coca-Cola got by with a fancy font and red letters. More thought goes into a logo than customers realize, and you’re about to find out just how much.
Do you want a logo that doesn’t stink? That’s unforgettable and inspiring?
We’ll walk you through the basic steps so that your company’s symbol doesn’t fall through the cracks.
Is It That Important?
No. It’s even more important than “that.”
Studies show 67% of 2 to 3-year-olds can successfully match logos with products. That leaps to 100% by the time those children reach 8 years of age.
Furthermore, logos have jumped off of ads and into consumers’ pockets and bags. Purchasers see them every day when they use a product or swipe through an app. This intimacy results in a higher sense of ownership and loyalty.
Research indicates this sense is so strong customers are willing to pay more for these products because they have touched them. If they see your logo and interact with it, they are more likely to buy from you.
Nowadays, encouraging those interactions is easier than ever. You can print logos on merchandise, business cards, and brochures. You can even use your logo on advertisements sent through the mail. Best of all, many companies offer printing services at an affordable price, as you can see on this website.
Creating a Logo
So how do you go about creating a logo that customers can interact with? There are a number of tricks, and we’ll share them all.
1. Know Your Company
Before you begin to imagine your logo, you must think long and hard about your company. Many entrepreneurs skip this step with devastating results.
A good logo holds hours of thought and research in its simple design. Empower your entire team to think about your logo.
Issie Lapowsky of Inc. writes, “The most iconic logos were conceptualized for millions of dollars employing teams of professional creative directors, art designers, and focus groups.” Then again, the Twitter logo was reportedly purchased from an artist for $6.
Either way, don’t assume that because you’re the head of a company or an executive you have a clear understanding of what your company offers the world. Assembling a team is an easy way to get diverse opinions and to test a logo for its overall success.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What is the company’s mission in my own words?
- In three or fewer words, what are its core values?
- How do I want people to feel when they think of the business?
- What products or services does it offer?
Write down your answers. They provide vital information you will use later on.
2. Research Competition
You’re still not quite ready to design. Now it’s time to research your competition.
What are other businesses using in their logos? Make a list or print them off on a single sheet.
Your goal is to make a logo that stands out, so try to rule out the images, shapes, fonts and color schemes you see consistently.
3. Decide on a Basic Image
Finally, it’s time to consider your image or words. Whatever you decide should pertain to your company and your customers.
Starbucks, for instance, has the drawing of a siren. What does this have to do with coffee?
Not much, but it has everything to do with the company’s core value and the emotion they want to invoke in customers: desire. It’s implying a commitment to give customers what they want. Just as sirens seduce sailors, your barista prepares your cup of coffee to your taste to seduce you.
Add a dash of creativity here:
- Two images wrapped into one
- One single, simple image
- The company name
- Include an image using letters or vice versa, as seen in the FedEx logo
The options are endless. One good piece of advice is to use a dynamic image, which implies movement.
Studies show dynamic images increase customer engagement. If these images connect with the business’s services or products, they boost consumer attitudes about the brand.
4. Select an Appropriate Shape
Shapes also say more than you might have bargained for.
Circular shapes convey a positive, emotional message that implies community or friendship. Squares and triangles suggest stability and efficiency.
Vertical and horizontal lines add even more emotion. Vertical lines give off feelings of masculinity, strength, and aggression while horizontal ones encourage feelings of calmness, community, and peace.
Also, consider the ease with which you can print or transfer a shape or transferred when deciding on one for your logo.
5. Consider Color Psychology
Color also plays into logos. Starbucks’s green connects to their commitment to sustainable coffee. McDonald’s yellow and red colors make viewers hungry.
The main deciding factor here is how you want consumers to feel. We’ve broken down some of the basic connotations of colors to make it easier:
- Red – intensity and passion
- Blue – depth and stability
- Yellow – energy and joy
- Green – nature
- Purple – luxury
- Orange – happiness
Color is so significant that 84.7% of customers cite it as the primary reason for a purchase. Use only one or two colors to avoid sensory overload, and make sure they relate to your company values.
Whatever main image you choose should function well in black and white, as well as in color to give the logo more marketing versatility.
6. Reflect on Typography
Font choice is as important as color should you use words in your logo.
There are two basic types of fonts: serif and sans-serif. Serif fonts are the ones with the fancy embellishments at the tips of letters. These are your Times New Roman and Century fonts.
Serif fonts evoke feelings of old-school belief systems, class and timelessness. They are professional and upstanding.
Sans-serif fonts don’t have those neat little embellishments. However, they are being used more and more in logos and marketing, as they appeal to the newer generations. These fonts emphasize youth, minimalism, out-of-the-box thinking and fashion.
Which fits your company?
7. Contemplate Symmetry and Size
You’ve gotten most of the tough stuff out of the way. Now, consider symmetry and size.
Too big and your logo risks making people run away. Too small and it appears weak. Find the size that’s just right.
The same rule applies to fonts and images. Emphasize certain parts of the logo by making them larger, but be leery.
Likewise, take a look at your symmetry. Humans like symmetry. People associate symmetry with beauty and perfection.
But it can create a cool, otherworldly sensation when used in a logo. This is the exact reason you’ll see the nose of Starbucks’s mermaid is longer on one side. Without it, she appeared frightening, so the designers changed it.
They may have been onto something. Recent studies confirm that asymmetry evokes subjective arousal and brand excitement.
8. Watch the Negative Space
Negative space is the area between images and fonts that consumes a logo if there is too much. If there is too little negative space, the logo appears cluttered.
Finding balance is integral in creating a successful logo.
Use negative space to create secondary images or to add a sense of balance to the logo. You can even use it to create shadows, to turn a “flat” image into a dynamic one or to give a 3-D feel to it.
This creates further engagement.
9. Keep It Simple and Timeless
Keep it simple. Simple is strong and timeless.
It’s also easy for your customers to remember.
This isn’t a rule, per se. First and foremost, logos should convey something about a company. If you want your company’s image to be one of nuance and intricacy, your logo should be, too.
10. Suggest a Story
Your logo should have a story behind it. Nike’s symbol isn’t just a “swish.” It’s a wing.
In fact, it’s a Greek goddess’s wing.
Whatever logo you settle on, it should tell a story. Sometimes, this implication is in the image’s simplicity or, like Starbucks’s mermaid, in curiosity about its connection to the company.
11. Create and Test
Once you’ve created several designs, go back through the checklist to see if your design holds up to all the characteristics mentioned here. If it does, it’s time to create it online.
Use our free online logo maker to test it out and play with the elements. Don’t restrict yourself and save several different designs.
Print them off and show them to your team. Ask for their first impressions and after-impressions. Discuss, re-evaluate and try again.
Eventually, you’ll decide on a logo everyone likes. But don’t stop there. Show it to random acquaintances who aren’t familiar with the company to get their opinions, too.
Strong Symbols
If you follow these 11 steps, you’ll find success in creating a logo that people will remember. Take your time, don’t be afraid to mess up and have fun with it.
If you’re ready to start, read over our article about logo grids before fashioning your first designs! Logo grids can save you tons of time and center your focus. Read all about them here.
Now it’s time to take a breath, pick up a pen or pencil and let your imagination roam.