What do the logos of Pepsi, Google Chrome, G&E, and Starbucks have in common? They all use a circle grid in their design.
Using this grid is a trend so popular with current designs because it evokes a mix of beauty and slickness. In fact, psychology is at play with shapes as much as color when used in logo designs.
The question is, should you use a circle guide for your logo design? Will it help you broaden your reach, connect with your audience, and gain newfound popularity?
To help you answer those questions, we have some details and discussions to help you decide and contemplate before applying it to your design.
What is a Logo Grid?
A logo grid is a tool that aids in creating shapes, adding geometrical harmony in the logo design. These grids are also called construction guides, due to how the grid lines work as guidelines for measurements and shapes.
With it, you can incorporate circular elements along with complex patterns. Combined with other design elements a circular grid can grant you unique patterns for your logo design.
Keep in mind that the circular grid is not the only tool that you can use in your design. It’s a supplement to help you come up with the most optimal logo that benefits your company’s goals.
You can also use the rule of thirds from photography as a design principle for the grid. The golden ratio is also another design element that you can use for the grid or you can simply use the column and gutter grid.
Advantages and Cautions in Using a Circle Grid
An advantage to note when using a circle grid, or any grid in general, is that it helps create focus and organization. A circular grid allows for clean and polished looking designs for the logo with its implementation of varying sizes and placements according to ratio and visual appeal.
Another advantage of using a grid is that it helps the designer plan better for the elements involved in the design. This allows them to create harmony in creating the logo. And despite the initial thought that they are constricting, there is room for flexibility as the lines will help you see when making adjustments.
On the other hand, the utilization of a grid may appear to be restricting and the effect that it leaves on logos may end up looking almost similar to every design made. Another thing to consider is that you might end up getting caught up in the mathematical nature of the grid that you forget that you are building a logo, not a graph of an equation.
Those who would argue about using freehand design in logos view the grid as constricted, subjecting them to be stuck in a box in creating their logos. Another argument is creating your own grid would be time-consuming and difficult.
Should You Use a Circle Grid?
The answer varies among different designers. Before using a circle guide, consider the following factors:
Are the Grid and Geometry Relevant to the Design?
Is the grid relevant to the logo’s design? If it is, make sure that it is part of logo’s identity. Use them at the very beginning of the design and be faithful to its application. When executed correctly, you’ll have a logo that is visually appealing.
However, some of these will still need some visual tweaking as certain grids may not work with the design in mind. You will also consider the typography and color if it appeals visually and jives with the logo design.
A good example for this is the logo design for the Jewish Museum by Sagmeister & Walsh. In it, the designers utilized the geometrical design of the Star of David and made it as a key element into making this logo. It draws from the past, and with this identity in play, the logo gives out a fresh, modern look on the museum’s brand.
Prior Experience and Ease in Using the Grid
Are you comfortable in using a grid in your design? Have you tried using a grid before? If you are at ease and comfortable in using the grid, go ahead and do so.
Though you may also consider the thought of breaking out of the grid for your design. Regardless of which, it may necessitate the need for you to create your own grid for your logo design
Polish and Symmetry to the Design
This is more of a design suggestion but also a consideration. If you plan to use a circle grid to your logo, you may also consider how it can add symmetry to the design. Perfect circles are useful in setting up curves and corners for the logo.
The “All Day Ruckoff” logo by designer Kaelgrafi presented a good example of symmetry in the design. The way the construction guide presents the symmetry in the logo showcases the polished and clean look in its make.
What to Not Do with a Grid
In using grids for your design, make sure it adds value to it. Otherwise, it will end up as a crutch that simply acts as an excuse to a weak design. A design grid must enhance the logo, not distract from it.
Another is to not over-rationalize your design with empty metrics and imaginary geometry. An example would be like the backlash for the Yahoo! logo, where the explanation on the design grid being lazy to almost non-existent.
Give Thought When Using Circle Grids
When planning to use a circle grid, look at your design again and ponder about it for a bit. Do you think it would add appeal and enhance the logo? If it’s a solid yes, use it and make sure it gives your logo a more polished life to it.
What you want is something that enhances your logo, not a distraction.
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