Logo Design

The following information is a short course on how to create a logo design.

What is a Logo?

A logo is a graphic mark or emblem commonly used by commercial enterprises, organizations and even individuals to aid and promote instant public recognition. Logos are either purely graphic (symbols/icons) or are composed of the name of the organization (a logotype or wordmark). An example of an abstract mark is the blue octagon representing Chase Bank, while an example of a representational mark is the "everyman" icon of PBS. Examples of well-known logotypes (wordmarks) are the striped IBM design, Mobil written in blue with a red "o" and CocaCola written in flowing red script.

Types of Logo

Text based

Emblem/Iconic

Illustrative/Illustration

a combination of two or three types - Illustration, Iconic and Text-based

  1. Illustrative/Illustration

  2. Emblem/Iconic

  3. Text based

  4. a combination of all three types - Illustration, Iconic and Text-based

Characteristics of a Good Logo Design

  • Simple

  • You can redraw it in the sand

  • 2 colors or less ( fewer colors mean savings in the long run)

  • From colored version - can be converted into Black & White

Logo Design Gallery

Say No to Speculative Work. Never work for " Design a logo and If I like it, I will pay you for it"

Logo Design Process

  1. Ask the Client about the logo design project. Have them answer the logo design questionnaire

  2. Based on Client's Answers - Finish the Creative Brief

  3. Based on Creative Brief, submit a quotation

  4. Have the quoation approved and signed - it also acts as a Contract

  5. Get downpayment - never start without a downpayment

    • Downpayment is a commitment to both parties (both client and designer)

    • You have expenses even before designing, so it only makes sense to demand for a downpayment

      • computer. hardware software

      • electricity

      • internet

      • phone bills

      • personal hygiene ( you do take a bath before meeting the client , right?)

      • business licenses - receipts, permits

      • meetings

      • transportation fees

  6. Start Designing

  • you can start by doing sketches, using pencil sketches

  • scan your sketches and bring it in photoshop

  • design in vector format (be able to resize in any resolution)

  • use resolution of 300 ppi (print)- so you can downgrade at 72ppi (web)

  • you can also do brainstorming thru internet search

  1. Submit 2 or 3 design studies (depending on your contract)

  2. Expect revisions - Submit 2 design Studies

  3. Expect revisions - Submit Final Study (one only)

  4. Revisions from hereon are additional charges (stipulate that in the contract)

  5. When final design is approved , Send an SOA for final payment.

  6. Submit final design in vector and raster format (300 and 72 ppi). Give DVD copy and email them a copy also

  7. You should time the delivery with the payment - less hassles and less travel time.

  8. Enjoy your payment. Get coffee with some donuts! :)

What to ask the Client?

You need to ask the client questions before even quoting a price. Never quote a price without knowing what you need to deliver. I have prepared a Logo Design Questionnaire so you can assess the needs of a client before quoting a price.

LOGO DESIGN Questionnaire

download logo design questionnaire

Resources

  1. Brands of the World - has the world's largest collection of freely downloadable vector logos. Upload logos to showcase your work and help your fellow designers.

  2. 100 top Designs - 100 best logos which are simple, distinctive, Versatile and conceptual. The resources section at the end of the article will bring you to see more logos, so check them out.

  3. Logomoose

  4. Logofaves - Logo Inspiration Gallery

  5. Logopond - Identitiy Inspiration

  6. Logofdreams - Logo Graphic Design

  7. Creattica - Logo Design Gallery