Designing a logo involves much responsibility, mainly because this aspect informs the client about the nature of a website, the profile of a company or even about the skills and talent of the logo designer (in case you desire to have a career in this field). As a result, every piece of work you create must represent you with honor and must be worthy to introduce in your portfolio. But, besides of the benefits that this could bring to the designer, the logo should be styled in a professional manner, because in a way it is the first description of the website.
However, before stating the main ideas that one should keep in mind, I would like to warn you about something. As a talented and passionate logo designer, you will desire to come up with a creation that will impress and will satisfy all tastes. But since this is impossible, because as the French say: “à chacun son goût” (there is no accounting for taste), one should focus on creating a style that will define his or her work rather than on pleasing everybody. This way your creations will get a personality and as a result people will desire your logos for that uniqueness that distinguishes them from the rest.
In the following lines, the designers will learn that a logo must be simple, recognizable, it should have the right colors, it should be useful and eternal, so that the project will send the right message. Therefore, read these lines and take these pieces of advice in consideration, and you will definitely be successful in this field.
1. Simplicity
Nowadays, people desire transparency because they want to see the essence and the core of the things they interact with. Therefore, it is understandable why they are more attracted to simple logos. Artifices and extra details have their special charm, if used properly, but the thing is that they push the clients and viewers away from the content and eventually the relationship and the connection that should be established between these two participants is diminished.
However, although you might have thought that designing a logo in a simple manner would be an easy job, the truth is that simplicity is really hard to achieve. People appreciate too many things and they find it extremely hard to realize what will improve the work and what will bring damage to the logo. But, a skilled artist will understand that quality, less fonts and less shapes, will lead him or her away from complicated logos and will help them realize something simple that will be highly appreciated.
2. Recognition
This feature is obtained if you will remember to choose simplicity over complexity. Also, if you will keep in mind the advice about creating your own style, you will certainly succeed in creating recognizable logos, due to the fact that you have managed to stay committed to a certain way of designing. Therefore, what logo designers should focus on is: using few details and putting emphasis on a certain manner of creating, in order to offer their customers: logos that will help their projects become famous and popular worldwide (like the Nike swoosh; for instance).
3. Colors
Because colors play an important role in design, I decided to give you a few hints that will help you improve your logos, thanks to this matter. First of all, you should know that it is advisable to begin sketching your logo in black and white only. In this way, you will be certain that your work will be successful and that you will manage to see the real nature of your job. Then, in a later stage of the process you may add colors, depending on the message of the website or company. Beware though, the number of colors you use, should not be higher than three! (it’s not a rule but..)
Second of all, do not forget about the psychology of colors! It should not be a secret for the web or logo designer the fact that colors send a special message and that they may influence the customer’s decisions. Take for instance the colors of the McDonald’s logo: the combination of red and yellow instantly makes you feel hungry, and as a result, even if you entered the restaurant for a coffee or tea, you will definitely order something to eat. So, do not underestimate the power of colors, and use it in your advantage!
4. Utility
If your customer will desire to advertise his or her company, then it is only natural to ask for a logo that will work wonderfully on whatever item he or she would like to print it on: a T-shirt, a coffee mug, a business card, and the list may continue. As a result, the logo designer should take into consideration versatility when starting working on a project. Anyway, let’s say that you have created something but you are not sure if this is versatile or not. In this case, you should check if the black and white variant resembles the first version and you should stay away from powerful gradients. These tips will help you design a logo that will satisfy your clients.
5. Eternity
Every web and logo designer wishes to create something that will prove to be ageless. However, when it comes to logos, there is somehow compulsory and mandatory to make sure that they possess this characteristic because, since they promote your company they will definitely help it become timeless and famous. However, although there are not some precise steps one should follow when designing a timeless logo the designer should think on the long term, whenever he or she starts a new project. Also, it is important not to be influenced by other creations, so that you may develop your true style, which will help your logo become eternal and resist to time and changes.
In the end, what a logo designer should be aware of is the importance of the creations he or she will come up with. This is a meaningful task, and therefore seriousness, talent and passion are required, so that the logo will be perfect.