More Than Eye Candy: Is Your Company Logo Sending the Right Message?
Launching a new business soon? Are you in the middle of finalizing your company logo?
As a start-up business, you need to have a strong logo. Your logo is one of the best tools you can use to connect with your target market. It also mirrors what your brand is all about.
Unfortunately, businesses tend to commit numerous mistakes regarding logo design. Some pass on the designer chores to unqualified people. Others do not know how to use the right blend of colors, shapes, and sizes.
Thus, you need to learn some logo design basics. You need to make your logo deliver the right message.
Continue reading below to take a look at the fundamentals that will make your company logo stand out.
The Value of a Logo
To further appreciate the logo design basics, you must understand the value a company logo brings. Apart from telling something about your brand, a logo creates that valuable first impression.
It also serves as the foundation of your brand identity. Whether it’s on your products or part of your web design, your logo must tell a story of your company.
A memorable logo will help you stand out amid the sea of competitors in the market today. It will also help you to remain authentic to your principles.
In the long run, your brand will grow. In turn, your logo will become more popular and recognizable. It will then result in brand loyalty among your customers.
Your logo can also be the medium to build trust with customers, particularly returning customers. Every time they see your logo on a new product, they will be more likely to give the product a try.
Logo Design Basics: Understanding the Essentials
Coming up with a company logo is simple. But will it be an effective one? Will it be able to convey the message that you want to tell the public?
Here are the essentials behind an effective logo design that you need to consider:
Answer the “Why?”
Before dealing with the other aspects surrounding logo design, you must first answer the “why” behind the logo. Why do you want to come up with a logo? What is your main purpose for designing one?
Don’t belittle the value a logo can bring to your business. It is one of your main tools in creating a strong first impression. Hence, you want to make sure you are designing it properly.
Once you understand the significance of having a great logo, you will want to cover all bases. You will want to use the right size, colors, and other key elements.
Mind Your Brand Identity
When designing a logo, you need to define your brand identity. This means creating a logo that will communicate the personality of your brand.
Thus, you need to identify your brand’s core personality. Understanding your brand involves answering important questions. What is the reason you started your business?
What are the values that serve as your company’s foundations? In which area do you stand out from the rest? How would you describe your brand using three words? How do you want your target market to see you?
Answer these questions and you will arrive at your brand’s core identity. From there, use the answers as a platform to start your logo design.
Brainstorm
When designing a logo, you need to share ideas with people you trust and value. Conduct brainstorming with different people. It is best to work with people who helped start the business.
Get everyone’s input and write them down. It doesn’t matter if the ideas are good or bad. Sometimes, the weirdest inputs lead to the most effective results.
Moreover, you need to consider your target market when brainstorming. Put yourself in the shoes of your audience. Consider how they would think.
Create a list of words that best describe your brand. In the same manner, write down words that you want people to think about your brand.
Come up with a mood board and start visualizing the different ideas. Print out images from Pinterest and other sources. You want to draw inspiration from everyone’s inputs.
Examine the Competition
Like in any business, you need to examine the competition. It doesn’t mean stealing ideas from your rivals. This will go against your goal of staying authentic.
Instead, you want to get a feel of what is out there. You want to gauge what works for the audience and what turns them off.
Always think about what makes you different from others. Use this to set apart your logo from the rest.
Find that Link
Next, you need to find a link that connects your brand to the products that you offer. If you are selling athletic sneakers, you may want to incorporate laces or rubber soles in your logo design.
This will help the audience identify your brand with what you are selling.
Spacing and Colors Matter
When it comes to the logo’s execution, you want to use the right spacing. This is crucial considering the different elements you may want to include in your logo.
Be sure not to cram everything in your design. If you are going to use words, limit them to a maximum of three. You want the words to be clear.
The same thing goes for the main image.
By striking this balance, you can create a logo that is appealing and easy on the eyes.
Furthermore, make sure to use the appropriate colors. Read up on color psychology to identify the colors that match your business.
Typography Counts
Last but not least, you need to get your typography right. Your choice of font and its size must reflect your brand identity. Avoid fonts that are hard to read.
If your brand is the serious type, go for a more dignified font. But if your products are hip and fun, you can use playful typography.
Let’s Work on Your Branding, Today!
Learning about these logo design basics is essential in creating an effective logo. These fundamental ideas will keep you from committing costly errors that can hurt your business and bottom line.
Since branding involves a lot of work, hiring a professional will do you wonders. Connect with us and tell us what you need. We offer top-notch graphic, video, and web design solutions that will cover all your branding-related requirements.