The Importance of Logo Design, shared by Jodi Bell with Chocolate Cactus Design

Good vs. Evil - The Essentials for a Good Logo Logos are something you should never skimp yourself on when it comes to cost. Pay $50 for a logo, and you will likely "get what you pay for" - a cheap, do-it-yourself looking logo, most likely created in any program NOT intended for graphic design. While a logo may appear to be a small design element compared to larger projects, nothing sets the tone of your company’s branding and identity more than your logo.

So what makes a logo good?

Here are some of the basic elements of a successful logo:

Simple

Good logos are simple. They incorporate just one typeface (two MAX) and/or mark. This simplicity makes a quick statement about your company without unnecessary fluff.

Scalable

Logos should be able to scale down small enough to fit on a business card as well as large enough to fit on a billboard. Be sure your graphic designer gives you vector images of your logo so it will scale without becoming illegible.

Versatile

A logo should look good in both black and white and color. Logos are often used in black and white advertising where color is not available. When color is used, it should look good in both spot color and four color.

Appropriate

Logos should use fonts and colors that appeal to their demographics. A woman’s spa should not use huge clunky lettering and a men’s basketball team wouldn’t use a soft, scripty font. Your audience can often influence your color choices; generally, men prefer blue while women prefer red.

Different

The best way to stand out from your competition is to be different. Don’t emulate a competitor’s logo. Not only can it be illegal, you’ll stand a greater chance of getting noticed if you’re different. While there are many common aspects of logos, there are plenty of ways to make them distinguishable through graphic elements, colors and fonts.

Memorable

The best way to be memorable is to make your logo speak truthfully about your company. It should evoke a feeling or provide insight into what your company does. By doing this it will become recognizable over time. Think Target Stores and Nike and you instinctively see a red bullseye and a swoosh. See? That's what it's all about.


Jodi Bell
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Chocolate Cactus Designs
Site: http://www.chocolatecactus.com/
Blog: http://chocolatecactusdesigns.blogspot.com/

*She also gifted the blog, that will be up shortly, thank you to Jodi for giving this very important advice on logo design. -pif blogger