Logos are the life-force of a company’s brand identity, so the realm of logo design can be highly lucrative. Creating a logo is inherently difficult work; one must focus on creating something that is both relevant and timeless, while maintaining an alliance with the company’s brand. However, there are a few basic elements that must always be considered when designing a logo:
What is the logo’s style?
The key in stylizing a logo is to brainstorm several ideas, but allow each design to have onetheme. It’s important to keep each design focused on one feeling or mood. Keep the lines clean and the overall design simple. Highly detailed styles, that are trendy and fashionable, will lend themselves to being more quickly outdated.
What color(s) will the logo be?
Most likely, when you are commissioned to design the logo for a company, you will be given the chosen colors or color scheme that the company has settled upon to represent their brand. However, if you are given free reign on brand design and color choices, there are a some general rules to follow when it comes to the logo. Always choose one color that will operate as your “main” color. You should then choose a maximum of two more colors to use: a secondary color, and a neutral color. When using bright colors, use muted versions of it to create a more professional, timeless feel.
What Shapes and/or Symbols Will You Use?
The shapes and symbols question is key, because the symbol that you choose will be the symbol that is tied to the brand forevermore. If you are using a common symbol, be sure that is makes sense in association with your company. If shapes are being used, stick with simple shapes like the triangle, circle and square to appeal to the logical side of the human brain.
What will the Font Be?
This ties in with the style question. Fonts are by far the trickiest element, of a logo, because there is always the pressure to come out with a logo that appeals to current consumers. It’s easy to end up with a font that’s trendy right now, but will be a source of deep regret in a few years. The professional tip is to stick with “classic” well designed fonds. Again, stick with clean lines and subtle elements, and play around with line weight and shadows for more options. Shy away from “trendy”, so that the logo doesn’t need a redesign in just a few years.
For Resources and more ideas, see these articles: here & here