We collected some of the best logo design tips from the top logo designers and other resources on the web. We sorted them, got rid of overt overlaps and now present to you, dear graphic design enthusiast, the final results. We have here one of the densest, pithiest, and most tip-ladden post on logo design you are going to find. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on solid ground with your design efforts. Ignore them at your own peril.
But wait, there’s more!
We linked each tip back to the source we got it from. Not all the tips we came across are represented in the list. Rather, we did some editing for the sake of readability . We also want you to explore the great sites we found in researching our list here. We appreciate scannable lists that also make it easier to dig deeper.
So imbibe this list and add your own essential tips to it! Visit the the sites to see what else they had to say. Enjoy!
(Our favorite tips are highlighted!)
- A logo doesn’t need to say what a company does
- A logo doesn’t have to convey what your company does
- A tagline is nice, but not as part of your logo
- Adapt the logo design for dark backgrounds
- Always choose function over innovation
- Avoid intricate details
- Avoid monotony
- Brainstorm logo concepts in pencil with reckless creativity
- Choose colors wisely
- Color is a secondary factor in your logo
- Colors are important but not as crucial as you might think
- Completely ignore what your parents and/or spouse think about the design
- Confirm that the logo looks appealing to more than just three (3) individuals
- Create a distinctive tagline
- Create a unique shape or layout for the logo
- Create variations. The more variations, the more likely you are to get it right
- Disconnect icons from text
- Do not combine elements from popular logos and claim it as original work
- Do not copy
- Do not rely on color for effect
- Do not rely on gradients
- Do not use any “swoosh” or “globe”symbols
- Do not use clipart under any circumstances
- Do not use more than three colors
- Do not use stock art images
- Don’t include photos in your logo
- Don’t use more than 2 fonts
- Don’t design in bitmap
- Don’t follow trends
- Don’t use filters. Don’t use filters. Don’t use filters.
- Establish your own logo design process
- Familiarize yourself with the commercial printing process
- Fit the logo into a square layout if possible, avoid obscure layouts
- Get lots of specific feedback
- Get rid of everything that is not absolutely necessary
- Good logos have “one thing to remember”
- If the brand name is memorable, the brand name should be the logo
- If the logo contains an icon or symbol, as well as text, place each so that they complement one another
- Invoke feelings of being bold and confident, never dull and weak
- Keep contrasts as high as you can
- Keep imagery appropriate for your client’s business
- Keep the logo font easy to read
- Keep the logo versatile
- Keep your logo ‘metaphor light’
- Know the rules and principles of logo design
- Learn off other’s successes and mistakes
- Learn the software and complete the logo
- Learn what a logo is and what it represents
- Leave trends to the fashion industry
- Make sure all elements have cohesive unity
- Make sure that the logo is recognizable when inverted
- Make suuuure that you know what you are doing before you take on this kind of project.
- Make the logo functional
- Make the logo strong and balanced
- Master working with vectors
- Memorize all steps of the single best logo design ever (you simply must visit this post)
- Not every logo needs a mark
- Present only your best logo designs to your client
- Realize that you will not create a perfect logo
- Refrain from designing a logo around the tag line or vice versa
- Simple is sometimes better
- Sketch logo concepts
- Strive to be ‘different’ logo
- Take breaks
- Test at various sizes
- The logo must be easy to describe
- The logo must look consistent across multiple platforms
- The logo should be balanced visually
- Think ahead
- Under-promise and over-deliver
- Use simple fonts
- Work in black first
- Your logo has to have ‘instant impact’
Amazing list! This would definitely help a logo designer in designing a successful logo while establishing his designing career.
You have written a very informative post about logo design tips. I came across your blog via google.com by searching for logo design ideas and relevant information. I have bookmarked your site and sent the link to some of my colleagues are will also find that useful.
Nice list of logo design tips. i agree with you that colors needs to be selected wisely.