Are you aware that almost all professional logo designers have the proper steps that they follow to create a design? Did you also know that not following an appropriate strategy can result in several problems?
A successful logo is simple and representative of the company it stands for. A strong logo takes time, money and effort to create. Designing a small visual representation of an entire company can be a daunting task, but if the process is done correctly, a logo can be a very effective marketing device. All creative professionals have different workflow systems, and there are many different paths that lead to a successful end point; but the general sequence of the process is usually the same.
If you do not follow a proper design process, some of the problems you might face could include missing out on essential details (that might appear minor) losing credibility as a logo designer, meeting a disgruntled client, and being termed an amateur, and more.
Thus, the key to a great marketing campaign is clear and concise branding. You want your audience to recognize your brand and get to know the products and services you offer to them, and the best way to do that is to design an eye-catching logo! Your logo has a real impact on how customers will recognize your brand, so it’s crucial to take all of the necessary steps to craft the best one possible! There are 7 steps to design the perfect logo for you and your business!
1. Determine Your Audience
The first step to creating an excellent logo for your brand is knowing what type of audience you are making it. From here, you can find the best ways to attract your audience most effectively and logically. Let’s suppose a brand that is focused on men should have a more masculine tone, obviously. If you’re looking to focus on girls ages 12 and below, you should have a completely different look to flatten them. Knowing your audience is the best tip to determine some of the more basic design elements of your logo!
2. Define Your Brand
Your logo should communicate your brand’s values, message, vision, and identity. Before you begin developing the base of your logo or sketching out your ideas, it’s crucial to understand the complexities of your business and its products. Know what beliefs and values are the focus points of your company, what makes you unique and different from others. Take your time to find the top three adjectives that define your brand and three more adjectives that your customers might use to describe your brand. Understanding what makes your brand unique in a particular way will give you a better idea of your design choices, and you should make when creating your unique logo.
And most crucially, defining your brand will make it easier to showcase your distinct personality.
3. Brainstorm
Brainstorming is an indispensable step in the creative process. It’s mainly focused on getting all of your ideas out in the open and live, whether they’re entirely fleshed out or not. Jot down all of your creative ideas—even the bad ones. You never know what might click and spark a conversation, which can ultimately lead to a genius idea. Sit down with your team and cheer them on to give the meeting their full attention. Don’t hold back or control yourself. Ask them to share their ideas. You never know what might stick and inspire you. Once your brainstorming session is over, let those opinions simmer for at least 24 hours. With a fresh pair of eyes, you might find that you’ve struck gold!
4. Check Out the Competition
You can also find really good inspiration by following what your competitors are doing in the market. You can see what works best for your audience and what doesn’t seem to resonate through their activities and strategies. Think about how your company is distinctive and the ways you can highlight these differences with your logo. Then, make sure you have a crystal clear image of how you are going to make yourself stand out.
This is also an excellent time to make sure that your brainstorming session didn’t yield any conceptions that might accidentally violate other trademarks. You wouldn’t want your logo correlated with another brand. While it’s challenging to come up with something that is entirely original, it’s also essential to make sure that you aren’t endangering the reputation of your business before it even has time to launch.
5. Keep It Simple
Designing the ideal logo isn’t about being bright and showy. It’s about being clean, clear, simple, and iconic. Choose a typeface that is straightforward to read yet eye-catching and distinct. Don’t go overboard with colors or shades. You want a logo that will look the same no matter what type of letterhead or background it is used on. A simple logo is more memorable and naturally lovable. It’s much more comfortable to remember something smaller and uncomplicated over something filled with information and awareness! It’s this recognizability that comes across as more transparent and trustworthy for consumers and potential customers.
6. Pick the Right Font
Picking the right typography will compliment your logo. There are four distinct basic font types you can choose, and each one describes something different: serifs, sans serifs, scripts, and displays.
a. Serif
A serif font has the tiny “feet” at the end of the letter. This is a timeless, vintage look. Serif fonts are handy and look great with almost any kind of design, particularly those with vintage, chic, or classic elements. If you’re endeavoring a high-end vibe, go with a serif!
b. Sans-Serif
On the opposite side, sans-serif fonts don’t have the tiny “feet” at the end. They depict a modern, clean look and often come across as sleek and straightforward. Minimal and remarkable, sans serifs are regarded as more clearly recognizable.
c. Script
Script fonts can be polished or relaxed, depending on which one you prefer. Implicative of handwriting, designers often use these fonts when they’re looking for an intuitive boost of personality and creativity.
d. Display
Display fonts are highly stylized and decorative. They are created specifically to draw the eye; they are never excellent for a secondary or body text font. That said, be wary of using display fonts. It can become a question of timelessness. You want your brand to stay consistent over a range of years, and often, these fonts can become dated quickly.
7. Pick Your Color
Colors are so essential and play an indispensable part in logo design. The colors of a logo should clutch your attention and draw you in, drawing life and energy to your design. Choose your colors depending on the concept you want to be connected with your brand. Here are several colors and emotions that are commonly associated with them:
- Red = Warmth, Passion, Energy, Aggression
- Orange = Vibrance, Playfulness, Social, Adventurous,
- Yellow = Cheerful, Youthful. Intellect, Optimism,
- Green = Natural, Ethical, Friendliness, New Beginnings
- Blue = Professional, Successful, Trustworthiness, Calm
- Purple = Luxurious, Eclectic, Creativity, Wealth
- Pink = Feminine, Loving, Kindness, Nurturing
- Brown = Aged, Rugged, Masculine, Handmade
- Black = Strong, Formal, Sophisticated
- White = Modern, Minimalist, Clean
- Grey = Mature, Mysterious, Classic, Serious
It’s Not Just a Logo, It’s Brand’s Soul
Once you have determined precisely what you’d like your logo to be, it’s crucial to get a second opinion. After all, this logo will be the primary marker for your brand for years to pass! You want it to be forever, timeless, easily recognizable, appreciated and unique! Getting a second opinion ensures that you’re taking all the necessary steps to create the best logo possible! Can’t quite think of what might work best? That’s where a marketing agency like Voix Digital comes in best! Our team will take the guesswork out of crafting the perfect logo to make better build your business. Connect with us today to discuss your requirements and we will get back to you with the best you can think of. What are you waiting for?
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