How to Create a Good Logo

Are you a new business that needs a good logo to represent who you are, or are you an existing business whose logo has never really worked for you or worse yet, there was never one created one in the first place.  It doesn’t really matter which situation you find yourself in, the important thing is that you’re taking the time now and you want to do it right. So, where do you begin?

Let’s start with defining what a good logo actually is. Here is a good example:

You’re driving down the street with your two year old, non reading toddler, when from the back seat you hear in your child’s loudest voice…“MCDONALD’S! ” How did she know that? She can’t read the sign! No, but she has watched TV, seen the logo, heard the name, and knows all about the kids’ meal – now that is a good logo.

Although you may not create a logo for your business that has every 2 year old screaming your name, you can create one that will be memorable and help your company stand out in the crowd.

5 Key Elements for a good logo design:

1. Make your logo appropriate to your type of business – Your logo is meant to be representative of your company, and although it’s alright to have your product as part of the design, it isn’t necessary that it does. Your logo will take on meaning and be associated with your service or product as time goes on and people begin to recognize you for the quality you provide.
2. Keep it simple (stupid) – Don’t forget the “kiss” formula…it’s hard to go wrong with something classic and simple. A well thought out but simple logo is easily recognizable…it stands out on a shelf, on a page or on a billboard as your driving down the freeway. You can keep it as simple as simply using your name, like Amazon, you’d recognize their logo anywhere. Stay away from intricate designs.
3. Create a versatile logo – What does it mean to be versatile? As you’re creating your logo, ask yourself these questions:
   1. Will it look as good in black and white as it does in color?
   2. Will it look as good small as it will large?
   3. How will it look embroidered?
   4. Will it look as good in print as it does on the computer?
4. Design a logo to withstand the test of time – This can be a bit tricky, but it helps to avoid trendy designs that may look good today, but will look outdated in a few short years. This logo needs no explanation for most people.
5. Don’t rush to get to the presses – Whether you design your logo or hire someone to do it for you, think it over and feel really good about it. Make sure the design and color palette make you feel good, and there are no little question marks racing around in your head. Talk to people you know and trust…ask their opinions.

Once you have your logo designed, there are so many creative things you could do with it to promote your company…need some ideas?  Give me a call and we can brainstorm about what would work best for you.

(206) 778-8856

You’ve created a great brand for your business, now let’s put it to work!

Remember: If you can put ink on it or embroider it, I can get it for you!