Creating a Great Logo – Simplicity In Motion
by Leeia Ladipoh on November 5th, 2007
Nike, Windows. McDonald’s – these are household company names, and no doubt one of the first things that springs to mind when you think of these names are the logos that each company uses.
Logos are very important marketing devices which promote name recognition and are easy for potential customers and clients to remember; sometimes even easier than a company name!
Great logos also have the advantage of reducing costs; it is easier to place a logo in an advertisement or on a site page than adding even a short line of copy, so in many cases you can use a lot less advertising space.
In order for your logo to get the recognition it needs, you need to make sure that it follows some basic rules. Let’s take a look at those now.
> Keep your logo simple. You want to make your logo strong through the use of minimal lines and designs. A lot of little extras within the logo may seem appealing from an artistic standpoint, but you want the symbol of your company to stick in the mind of a potential customer immediately, with just a glance.
> Make sure it’s balanced. Again, when it comes to attracting the eye of a potential customer and imprinting the memory of your logo, balance is key. The human eye is naturally drawn to well-balanced visuals, in small designs or in human faces. A nice balance will make your logo easy to remember.
> Keep it easy to read. Fancy fonts, again, can be very appealing for those looking for a logo that entertains. They are hard to follow, though, so remember that your logo is really about simplicity, not about winning art awards.
> Evaluate how it works with your company plan. A logo needs to communicate your business clearly. Again, think of the logo that Microsoft uses; four flowing squares representing one window represents ease of use. The Nike swish indicates speed and athleticism, and so on. It might take a bit of brainstorming, but your company objective can be neatly summed up in a little image.
> Keep your logo appropriate. This is kind of tricky, because no one can say what the mind will seize on. After settling on a design, show your logo to a wide range of people to see if they notice anything you did not. Sometimes, we don’t realize what a logo may represent to others, and the last thing you need (well, in most cases) is a logo that attracts negative attention.
Some people are naturally gifted when it comes to rendering ideas into simple images, just as some are better at putting thoughts onto paper than others. If you are not of this frame of mind, the best service you can do yourself is to find someone who is naturally creative and who can formulate a couple of ideas for you.