We continue with the logo design tips from the book “Logo Design Love,” and this time we’re diving into the second part. I hope you find this read helpful. And as a reminder, you can check out the first part of this series [here].
13. Consistency:
Maintain overall consistency in the logo design. You won’t always be the company’s designer. You can provide a guide that explains how the logo should be used with printed materials, such as the appropriate color shades and suitable shapes.
14. Reflect the Industry:
If your client’s company specializes in children’s toys, try to incorporate a sense of fun and playfulness into the design. This could be reflected in a specific color or shape that conveys this spirit.
15. One-Color Logo:
Make sure to provide a one-color version of the logo alongside the colored versions. This ensures that your design is free of hidden flaws, as colors can sometimes mask issues.
16. Make It Stand Out:
Ensure that the logo stands out clearly in other designs, such as brochures. The background, colors, and other elements should contrast with the logo to ensure its clarity and distinction.
17. Simplicity Helps:
Keep the logo as simple as possible for easy recognition. For example, logos like Samsung, BBC, and FedEx are all simple, recognizable even in one color and at a small size.
18. Test It in Various Sizes:
Print the logo in different sizes on paper and examine it closely. Also, try it with different colors to ensure it’s ready for print, as some logos may encounter issues during printing.
19. And Vice Versa:
If you’ve provided a version of the logo on a white background, that’s great. But also ensure there’s a version on a dark black background to enhance the logo’s strength.
20. What If It’s Upside Down:
Make sure to rotate the logo and view it from different angles. Just because you designed it horizontally doesn’t mean people will always see it that way. It might be viewed upside down on a coffee table, and you don’t want any inappropriate symbols or shapes to appear.
21. Remember It Could Be Registered:
Registering a logo and securing its rights might be a long process, but it’s not impossible. Make sure you’re prepared for any legal challenges and that the logo’s rights are protected.
22. Consider All Possibilities:
You might not be responsible for the printing, or you might be. Discuss this point with the client and consider all possible scenarios for how the logo will be used, even for cheap commercial printing. Don’t overlook any aspect and study the best way to present the logo.
23. Don’t Be Afraid of Mistakes:
Everyone makes mistakes. Don’t fear them—learn from them and move forward.
24. The Logo Is One Thing, the Identity Is Another:
Understand this well: the logo is just one part of a brand’s identity. The identity encompasses the company’s history, mission, and how people perceive it. The logo is an important part, but it won’t make bad products sell, nor will it save a company from failure.
25. Remember It’s a Two-Way Process:
The client might ask for something you don’t agree with, making you dislike the job or consider ending it. This is understandable, but if you feel the client appreciates your work and you can reach a satisfactory outcome, try to persuade them with your vision while being open to their needs, finding a balance that suits both of you.
That’s all for the summary of the 25 tips for designing a suitable logo. Personally, I find these points very important and worthy of revisiting before starting any new project. Remember, this isn’t a literal translation; it’s a summary of what I read, presented in my own style. I hope I’ve done it justice.