What Is A Logo Design?

By About Logo Design

A logo is a graphic representation of your company's identity. It is composed of a symbol, illustration, and / or typography (sometimes called a "logotype").

A logo should:

1. Attract attention, and then leave an impression
2. Create a look that is unique and distinguishable
3. Reflect the overall "feel" of the company it represents
4. Promote a feeling of authenticity and professionalism

Creating Your Logo Design.

In working with the designer who is to develop your logo, research is again an important starting point. Begin by noting and collecting samples of identities you like and don't like. Articulate your vision and share this vision with your designer.

"You can't rely on your designer to know everything," Osborne says. "You have to do your homework. Decide what the company or product will stand for and let your designer know. Also tell your designer how you plan to use the logo. Will it appear on uniforms and trucks? Is most of your advertising done in the Yellow Pages? If so, the logo must be flexible enough to be effective in both large and small spaces. Get your objectives and strategy clear up front. If you aren't sure about logo applications, ask your designer for help."

Find a designer with whom you can communicate, someone who understands and really listens to you. Then open your mind to many possibilities and let your designer do what you hired him or her to do.

What is a Corporate Identity System?

In designers' terms, a corporate identity is a defined system of graphic elements that represents your company. In layman's terms, it's how you create your company's "image." The unique look of your logo should be integrated throughout all the elements of your business materials: business cards, stationery, packaging, signage, sales kits, media advertising, promotions, ect. An identity system lays out guidelines to ensure consistency. It should include, color and paper selections for printing, layout and design of stationery and promotional materials, secondary logos or icons for websites and packaging ...

What type of logo design am I looking for?

Once a company name is selected, the next process to consider is how you will present it to the world. A logo represents your company's or product's identity and not only does your logo and slogan provide the first impression of your company and a recognizable look to ads and products, your logo will be advertising for your company all the time. Your logo and identity are always working for you, make sure they are projecting the right image.

Surveys have shown that corporate image materials such as letterhead, envelopes, business cards, web site, and promotional items are more important to conveying a company's prestige than how long your company has been in business, the location of your headquarters, charitable activities, or the number of employees. Only a company's annual report conveys more prestige.

Symbol like Nike's swoosh is very often accompanied by the company or product name in a signature typeface, also known as the logotype. In other instances, the logotype alone serves as the firm's identity; professional service providers such as physicians and attorneys often use only a logotype. Further enforcing the brand recognition are the signature colors. Colors are usually chosen because of their emotional impact and/or relevance to the specific commodity being offered.

I'm Just Starting, Why Do I Need a Logo Design?

Businesses eager to open often give little thought to their identity. With so much to get done, designing an appropriate logo hardly seems like a top priority. However, this oversight can prove to be a costly error in the long run.

- A new business must compete with established companies. A quality logo is one of the easiest ways to gain credibility and professionalism right from the start, when you need it most.

- A new business usually has to attract customers away from competitors. A distinctive logo stands out in peoples minds, and is much easier to remember than a name alone.

- A logo adds visual appeal to any document or website, and increases the impact of your promotional materials.

- Eventually, the time will come when the need for a professional logo is evident. Having already begun to establish the presence of your company, you now risk diminishing your existing brand equity. Additional money will have to be spent to promote the change or introduction of your logo, in order to avoid loss of business due to confusion.

Submitting the right information for our Logo designers.

In working with the designer who is to develop your logo Design, research is again an important starting point. Begin by noting and collecting samples of identities you like and don't like. Articulate your vision and share this vision with your logo designers.

You can't rely on your logo designers to know everything about your service or product, you have to do some homework. Decide what the company or product will stand for and let your designer know. Also tell your designer how you plan to use the logo. Will it appear on uniforms and trucks? Is most of your advertising done in the Yellow Pages? If so, the logo must be flexible enough to be effective in both large and small spaces. Get your objectives and strategy clear up front. If you aren't sure about logo applications, ask your designer for help. Look for a design company that has a toll free number, this is usually a sign that they want to talk to you and have made it simply and free for you to contact them. This doesn't mean that is they don't have a toll free number the are useless, but when creating a logo design communication is an integral part of the design process, so daily communication is usually a must. This can also get expensive for you, and we all know that when starting a company you are on a very tight budget. We understand this, this is why we have developed our logo design package at such a competitive price and have set up a toll free and technical support to make the design of your new logo easy. We understand that you have hundreds of things to worry about in a day and worrying about your logo is the last thing you want on your mind. You will find that dealing with our logo designers will be a pleasant experience.

Do I Really Need a Professional Logo Designer.

Everyone wants to save money. You are probably thinking you could design a suitable logo yourself, after all, it's your company. Maybe you know someone who is into art, or should have an employee competition. True, these alternatives may save you a few hundred dollars now, but how much are you damaging your company's potential for success in the long run?

A professionally designed logo is a one time expense that will benefits for the life of your business. Think of the money you will spend promoting your company. If your logo does not truly represent your company, you are spending money to project the wrong image, and you know image is important. That's why you are already spending a significant amount of money each month on office space, receptionists, advertising, business attire, presentations, lunches, etc. - all to make sure you project the right image. Designing your logo is no place to drop the ball.

Not only does your logo provide the first impression of your company and a recognizable look to ads and products, your logo will be advertising for your company all the time. Everyplace it exists, people will see it--from signage to the bank teller who handles a company check. Your logo and identity are always working for you, make sure they are saying the right thing.

Surveys have shown that corporate image materials such as letterhead, envelopes, and business cards are more important to conveying a company's prestige than how long your company has been in business, the location of your headquarters, charitable activities, or the number of employees. Only a company's annual report conveys more prestige

Your logo design should be simple.

One reason your logo should be simple is that people process an image in their mind more readily than words alone. The other reason that your logo should be "simple" is that the simpler your logo is, the easier it will be for your graphic designer to resize and recolor it for various design purposes. You should have various logo sizes (small, medium, and large), a web version and a print version of your logo, and a black-and-white and color version. Always plan beyond your initial design purposes for your logo since the ultimate goal of your business is to expand.