How to Create the Perfect Logo
Every business needs a logo describing its identity and creating a bond with its followers. Today’s modern graphic design tools significantly expand the possibilities for building truly impressive emblems. Logos are cornerstones for every business and must be treated with respect. The actual work behind the creation is insignificant. The key here is the idea and creative skills of designers because often, business owners are not quite sure how to express themselves. Anyway, if you are a newbie in the vast world of graphic and logo design, here are some valuable tips on how to start.
What the Good Logo Should Be?
But before searching for a solution, let’s first identify the problem. What a really good logo should look like, and what criteria should it meet? One thing is for sure, the emblem of any business or brand must be eye-catching and memorable. People must easily recognise it on any brochure, business card, or poster. Furthermore, the successfully designed logo must be timeless, no matter if you prefer refreshing it from time to time. It should look good in different sizes and properly capture the brand’s vibes. If you have met all these requirements, then you have created a masterpiece!
Tips & Tricks for a Good Logo Design
Here are the promised tips and tricks for the creation of an attractive and memorable logo. Some may sound too simple or like popular cliches. However, don’t underestimate the power of simplicity and minimalism:
- Pictures can tell stories
- Think outside the box
- Empty space clears the design
- Dream before you start creating
- Keep it simple
- Colour is the key
- Be authentic and literal
Perhaps you are familiar with the Asian hieroglyphs in the form of beautiful pictures. Only one of them used in the proper context can symbolise a whole story. It’s the same with logos! If designed in the correct way, it can mean a word but mean a whole story at the same time. Of course, here we are talking about extremely high-level mastery, but just think for a moment, preferably outside the box! Some people say that the good graphic designer is a kind of psychologist, trying to decipher the consumers’ emotions as a result of what they see. It is a heavy task indeed, but sometimes you just get lucky. The exploration of untraditional ideas outside the usual is deeply rooted in ourselves, along with our insatiable thirst for knowledge. Use this to provoke and challenge yourself!
If your task is to create a simpler and clean logo, our third tip is just for you. In fact, we should call this one a rule and stick to it at all costs. The reason is also simple – the size matters! In 99% of the cases, people will look at your logo from a distance or on a small screen, poster, document, or business card. Even like that, it must be easy to see and connect to your business. Leave empty space and put only the mandatory elements. A few brackets and letters can tell more than a bunch of shapes and colours. The world brand Apple is an excellent example of minimalistic logo design.
Keeping it simple is sometimes the key to creating a simple and clean emblem. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel or rediscover the fire. Just capture as much of the spirit and energy of the product as possible in the lowest possible number of symbols. Try to keep it authentic and literal, as well as this will be helpful in future if you decide to reshape or upgrade the logo.
What Next
Before reaching the last part of our article, let’s talk about adjustments. You don’t have to be afraid to adapt your business logo to the new reality if necessary. Many companies have already done so without damaging their reputation or performance – Apple, Starbucks, Pepsi, IBM, Amazon, Audi, etc. The key is to follow the trend and not try to create a new identity. Even the most drastic change will be warmly accepted if the people for whom it is intended the new meaning or have been prepared in advance.
Use the Correct Tools
Although every experienced graphic designer already has a massive set of tools, we must mention the importance of the proper software. You can’t build a timeless piece of brilliance without the necessary instruments, can you? Luckily, the webspace is full of free and paid apps that could serve you perfectly. Here are some of the top-ranked platforms and software providers for the last year:
- Adobe Professional Illustrator
- ICONA
- Designhill Logo Maker
- Affinity Designer
- Ucraft
- CorelDRAW
- Gravit Logo Designer
- Canva
- Looka
- Inkscape
The best software often comes with a price, but most of the picks above come with free trials. Test a few and decide which one suits your graphic designer profile best!
Final Thoughts
Creating a unique, catchy, and unforgettable logo is certainly not the easiest task, but if you are running a business or have a brand to promote, you’ll need one. Even if you are the guy creating these types of designs, you’ll surely need at some point to promote yourself too. Have a thought on our tips, tricks, and advice, especially if you are a newbie or just considering joining the world of graphic design!