GRAPHIC DESIGN {LOGO GUIDELINES}

One of the biggest parts of SBD’s graphic design sector is logo design.  I have a lot of business owner friends; some of whom i’ve created logos for over the years {some of which I would like to re-do using these guidelines…}.  Over time, i’ve come to some of my own conclusions regarding what works and what doesn’t with logo design.  Have you ever seen a company with a super simple logo that looks like it’s literally just a font, or even an overly-complicated logo that’s distracting and makes you want to start seizing??  I have and i’m here to make sure your logo doesn’t turn out to be one of those…

Some guidelines to follow when designing a logo:

1) KEEP IT SIMPLE & CLEAN.  Your logo is your company’s visual identity and you want it to clearly state the business name.  It should also be scaleable…if you’re going to make a small icon, say for a Facebook page, you want to still be able to read and understand the logo. Check out these graphic design courses to know more.

2) MAKE SURE THE FONT IS LEGIBLE.  I don’t know how many times i’ve seen a “unique” font used that is completely unrecognizeable to people who aren’t familiar with the business.  If a potential new client has no idea what your script text says, they simply won’t investigate your company further.

3) MAKE SURE THE FONT WORKS IN GRAYSCALE.  Many advertising agencies, magazines, websites will require at one point or another a black and white logo.  If your colors are similar in tone, they aren’t going to contrast enough when in grayscale…ultimately losing the design that makes your logo unique.

4) CHOOSE A UNIQUE YET RECOGNIZEABLE DESIGN.  Your logo is the face of your company.  People should recognize it and immediately associate it with what you do.  Along the same lines, it needs to be unique to competitors logos…if you’re a plumber, try not to use piping…if you’re a baker, how about forgoing the cupcake logo?

Now, some examples of the worst i’ve seen…

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yes, let’s hire them for graphic solutions.  not.

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Unsafe Design

And some of my favorites…clever little designs that really grab your attention.

urbanchick - best logos - cool logo designs
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corecider logo design
onwine logo
Colour Logo Design
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Mangrove Design Trunk Logo Design
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I’ve recently updated my own logo text {who knows if I will actually change it or not}.  I’ve only gotten to the black and white fonts….no logo image or colors have been thought about.  Expect this to happen every few months…I just wish it was that easy to change the website :/  The new regular font is called Champagne & Limousines; what’s not to like!!?  I may just end up changing the regular font in my current logo…y’all better back up off the champagne font though, that sucker is called for ;) muahaha!

I’ve added a little logo progression showing what i’ve done with it over the past 2 years.  I would like to eventually have a graphic and a brand, it’s just hard to nail one down when you do interiors, events, and bootcamp!!?  What do you guys think?

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XOXO