29 June 2015

The Apt CI Logo Design Tips

By Jordan Schmidt


Graphic designers can also simultaneously be logo designers: it goes with the territory. As the business world expands, so does the need for good CI logo design. It constitutes clear branding and company identification. It is of the utmost importance as it says more than mere words. Image is important to stand out in the competitive crowd, and the perfect logo can speak volumes. Here are some helpful tips to speed up the process.

A logo is basically an ideogram that takes a special eye to create. It is based on the company name, product, and or service. It must be original and clearly read. Working with company reps helps a designer focus their attention on just the right elements to make sure the best match is devised. Creativity is of the essence, but common sense plays a vital role as well.

Every trademark should appeal to the target audience or it is not doing its job. It must also appeal to the company executives who have a given concept in mind. Experimentation usually takes place within limits. However, you do have colors and fonts to play with in varying proportions and sizes. Ultimately, the designer's final work should be successful in any location from print or digital ad to website and letterhead.

Simplicity is the first rule of the graphic arts. This is not the time for complexity and overly ornate design. The target market must perceive it in an instant whether on letterhead, a packing box, or a website. The same holds true for a digital or print ad. It has to have impact and clarity. Fonts and colors, and other design elements, fall into place when you heed this principle.

One way to arrive at the perfect design is to survey what is out there and what you really like. Think about what makes a logo successful. Use the principles you discern for your own company image. Do the fonts and colors go with the lines? Does the log also work in black and white? Is it attention grabbing or a journeyman's job? Company reps need to work closely with designers to pare away the impossibilities and find just the perfect design.

Comparing and contrasting existing logos is a great tip for most designers. They can get new ideas and stay creative. Inspiration comes from many sources. It is a matter of matching logo to corporate image in succinct form. Logos are often trendy, but you can be timely and long-lasting if you are judicious in your selection of design elements.

Balance, size and proportion: these are key words in graphic design and they apply to logos as well. Trying out different variations will bring you to the best result. You must, of course, apply your handiwork to the actual final location to be sure it is suitable. What looks good enlarged may be weak in a small size. In the long run, however, it is all about the company product or service as embodied in one limited design.

A final tip is to coordinate the trademark created to the company tag line. They are used in press releases and as mottos on letterhead stationery and website home pages. It is a team effort in conveying brand image and great thought should be given to the perfect match. Brand identity is the name of the game with logo designers, so do your homework to understand clearly the role involved.




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