Here are 40 tips to take into consideration when creating a logo design. These aren’t a set of rules, but more or less recommendations toward effective logo creation.
• To maintain versatility, avoid designs that rely too much on color to achieve their effect.
• Use distinct lines. Thin or weak lines will not be very distinct when viewed in smaller sizes.
• As a rule of thumb it’s best to avoid designs that are too tall or wide, as this will limit their usage.
• If printing in spot color, consider the more colors in the design = higher printing costs.
• View logos from various angles to avoid unfortunate logo mishaps.
• Avoid using too many fonts. One or two is sufficient.
• Make sure the logo is appropriate and fitting for what it’s being used for.
• Not all logos have to include literal representations. Ambiguity is ok.
• Simple is good, but too simple may unintentionally result in a copycat design.
• It’s usually best to avoid trendy elements. What’s “in” today will probably not be in 5 years.
• Create a logo that works well over both dark and light backgrounds. If it doesn’t, consider a border.
• Make sure fonts match the feel of the rest of the logo.
• Before starting on a logo, have a good idea of where it will be used (billboard, app, etc).
• Take chances. Sometimes the most un-obvious designs are the most memorable and eye catching.
• If you are going to include overused imagery in a design, make sure it’s done in a unique way.
• Don’t even think about copying an existing creation. Changing a color or two doesn’t count.
• Be original as possible. Many memorable logos include unique colors / design elements / concepts.
• Don’t rush into a design without first having a strong idea about the client’s needs and expectations.
• Use keyword mapping and sketching for coming up with ideas.
• Researching logo sites and databases can reduce the chance of creating a copycat design.
• Only submit your best concepts to a client. Quality trumps quantity.
• While this sounds obvious, always check for spelling errors. Now wouldn’t that be embarrassing.
• Double check type kerning and make sure the font you’re using is safe for commercial use.
• When choosing colors, pick ones that translate relatively well to other color modes (rgb to cmyk to pantone, etc).
• When using photographs as inspiration, be careful of copyright rules.
• Design for the client’s needs and not for your own portfolio.
• No company wants to change their business identity every few years, so create timeless designs.
• Try creating logos that achieve their effect through the use of negative space (white space). Difficult to execute well, but attention grabbing when done right.
• Be careful of creating logos that are overly specific to a company’s services or products. This is fine for businesses that know they will never venture off into other areas, but bad for those who may branch out.
• Peruse sites like logolounge.com and logopond.com for inspiration when you’re in a rut.
• Find great color combinations on Pinterest design boards.
• Practice your illustration skills. This will allow you to become a more well rounded logo designer.
• Don’t rush color selection. It’s good to know a bit about color psychology.
• Avoid adding too many elements to a logo. Busy designs aren’t as versatile or memorable.
• Try to create designs that still work in black and white and don’t rely on color to achieve their effect.
• While it’s nice to try to include a hidden meaning in a design, it shouldn’t be a puzzle.
• Having a good collection of quality fonts to chose from will better your chance of finding a proper one.
• Outline logo fonts, or at least make sure the fonts have been properly embedded.
• Before settling on a design, take a break and view it with fresh eyes.
• Ask your friends and family what their opinion is of a design before you send it off to a client. They may surprise you with something you overlooked.
Am I missing any tips? Please add to the list by leaving a comment below.