Given that there are a lot of opportunities for creating a logo today, this process can turn into fascinating creativity.
The main thing is to remember the basic rules that will help not to start up in all serious ones and not get at the output a composite hodgepodge of everything that was seen once, but in fact a bad taste.
It is also important to understand that creating a logo is the same process as any other. It has stages that can’t be skipped, otherwise there is a risk of getting something base.
So, the stage – the choice of tools for implementation – one of the key. And in my opinion, the most optimal option – the use of online services. This is the most rational approach to allocating the budget, time and effort to obtain good results.
Of course, the final decision is always yours. But I hope that this article helped you to understand the topic and to understand in what direction to move now on the way to your first personally created logo. Good luck!
Creating a logo without having experience is a really feasible task. Previously, it was almost impossible, both because of the lack of skills and the right tools
– Simple and understandable online services or professional graphics softwares. Today, with the advent of special editors, creating your logo doesn’t seem so frighteningly complicated.
In this article we will reveal the concept of the logo, the advantages of its use. Also we will get acquainted with the main ways of its creation and, in particular, with the generation using an online service.
What is a logo and why is it needed?
The logo is a graphic symbol that conveys the essence of the company, this is the main component of the brand. It is difficult to overestimate the value of the logo in the way it shapes the recognition of the company by the client. The lack of a logo will most likely result in your company mingling with a faceless mass of similar companies.
Some firms did not even think about the logo, and it would seem that this doesn’t stop them from doing business. However, such companies are unlikely to gain recognition and trust. Try now to think of a company, which is popular with many people. Most likely, you immediately remember their logo, corporate style. These two concepts help the customer to distinguish the company from competitors. A vivid example is the company Mercedes-Benz.
Everyone knows this brand, which is 100% recognizable all over the world. Having it on the car speaks for unrivaled quality. As you can see, the logo is an element that, in the current market, is necessary for the company to develop successfully.
Types of logos
There are several types of logos, each of them has its own characteristics. Based on this, you need to find the one that is most suitable for your company. The main types are text, symbolic and combined. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Text logos are presented in the form of proprietary stylized fonts. Often fonts are designed specifically for a particular company and patented by it. Sometimes a small graphic element is added to the text logo, like a smile on the Amazon logo.
A feature of the text logo is the context, which allows you to convey the necessary information to the client.
Symbol logos are the most popular type of logos. They are very easily perceived and remembered. The symbol in the logo helps to form an image in the mind of a person with reference to a certain process or object.
Combined logo includes both text and symbol, which additionally draws attention to the name of the company. The use of combined logos allows for the benefits of both types of logo, both text and graphic.
After you have decided on the type of logo, you can proceed to the selection of the optimal creation option.
Basic ways to create
When you decide to create a logo yourself, the question arises: “How to do it?”.
There are two ways to create logos yourself:
- Creating a logo with the help of a graphic editor;
- Create a logo with the help of an online service.
Let’s talk about both options.
► Graphic editor
Not the easiest solution, as it implies the presence of design skills, experience in using the editor and installed software, often paid.
The most popular programs are:
- Adobe Photoshop is a professional graphics editor. It is used by designers, artists, photographers, the developer of 3D textures and people who are deep in the subject. This editor gives absolute freedom of action, which can be limited only by your knowledge and skills.
- The GIMP -software, because of which users are constantly arguing. Free analog of the advertised Adobe Photoshop. There is a flexible system of settings for the interface and other elements, the Russian language is supported. This program is perfect for amateur logos.
- Paint.NET – if the standard Paint is too simple, and Adobe Photoshop is too complex, Paint.NET is a better solution. The service takes up very little space, there is a Russian interface, it’s simple and easy to use. It is fully suitable for graphic editing of images. Thanks to the developer Rick Brewster, the software is free.
There are a lot of other graphic editors, but these are the ones I would recommend.
► Online services
Everything has two sides. And creating a logo with the help of online service is the same. On the pros and cons – in the infographics below.
How to choose a way to create a logo is your personal business. But I advise you in choosing to focus on such indicators as: time, price and quality.
Tips for creating
Creating a logo is an exclusively creative process, in which there is no place for unambiguous solutions. In addition, you should remember that the logo should be attractive to your customers, so they can associate it with the quality of your product. In order not to turn the logo into a hodgepodge of all existing styles and trends, and at the same time, make it memorable, there are a few simple rules.
► Analytics
To create a good logo you need to conduct market analysis. This will help create a quality business logo design. Understand the features of your business, evaluate competitors and determine what ideas and qualities you want to convey to the client.
Let’s start with the analysis of the market. This will help evaluate competitors, understand what they differ from each other and what customers are reacting to.
Analyzing competitors should be understood:
- Which logos you like and why?
- Who are your main competitors;
- Why are you different from them?
Next, you need to analyze your own business. You have to understand:
- Key objectives of the company;
- Who is your target audience;
- The value of products and services;
- How to describe the company in a few words.
Also, you must understand where and under what circumstances your logo will be used. If it is an image on the flag along with the flags of other companies, then your logo should be bright enough and readable, so as not to get lost on the background of the others.
► Simplicity
Simple logos are easily remembered and perceived, as nothing distracts attention. Also, when using a logo in a small size, it remains readable and distinguishable.
To create a simple logo, try to use the minimum of fonts, details and colors.
The Jeep logo is a striking example of a simple logo that has won tremendous recognition.
► Memorability
A quality and effective logo should cut into memory at a glance. Often this effect is achieved due to the simplicity of the logo and the use of elements that cause associations with something already familiar.
The logo created by Nike is a logo that is very well remembered by causing certain associations with waves.
The dynamic logo of Nike is easily remembered, causing associations with something swift, for example, with a wing.
► Durability
Another important point you should remember – you will create a logo and will use it for years. The history of many brands confirms this rule. Logos can be improved, but they usually are not changed radically. At least most of them. And this has provided brands with fame for generations. In addition, this consistency speaks of the stability of the company, its reliability.
When analyzing your business, try to distinguish a certain message that you want to convey to customers – perhaps these are your values, perhaps a characteristic feature of activity, something that you should always associate with people.
This logo is more than 90 years old. And now almost a whole century at the sight of the Ferrari nameplate, everyone’s thoughts come to mind about luxury, power and speed. And what else do sports cars have to associate with ?!
► Versatility
The logo should be universal in use and look equally well on the company’s signboard, website, T-shirt and business card.
Important: develop a logo in vector format so that it can be scaled, without losing the quality of the image.
I’m sure you can remember for a few seconds the logo of many brands that were added to various places. Coca Cola is an excellent example of how easy it is to integrate the logo into any corporate style media.
► Relevance of company features
When creating a logo, you have to take into account the peculiarities of your company, what associations arise when you meet people. If, for example, your company travels, but only by sea, try to convey this feature in the logo. Do it with a twist.
► Uniqueness
Your company logo must be unique in order to distinguish you from the rest. Therefore, when creating it, make sure that you use a unique logo.
Theft of logos from well-known companies is not the most successful solution, which will not bring either an increase in reputation or recognition.
Services for creating logos
Logaster is an online service for creating logos and corporate style elements.
Logaster offers a quick way to create designer products, whether it’s an accountant or a housewife.
To create a logo, you need to do the following:
- Enter the company name and slogan, select the topic.
- Select the appropriate logo from the set of suggested options.
- Edit the logo.
- Save the logo.
- Select the size of the logo for purchase.
- Choose a design – a package to buy.
- Pay for the logo or whale brand.
Сonclusions
Given that there are a lot of opportunities for creating a logo today, this process can turn into fascinating creativity.
The main thing is to remember the basic rules that will help not to start up in all serious ones and not get at the output a composite hodgepodge of everything that was seen once, but in fact a bad taste.
It is also important to understand that creating a logo is the same process as any other. It has stages that can’t be skipped, otherwise there is a risk of getting something base.
So, the stage – the choice of tools for implementation – one of the key. And in my opinion, the most optimal option – the use of online services. This is the most rational approach to allocating the budget, time and effort to obtain good results.
Of course, the final decision is always yours. But I hope that this article helped you to understand the topic and to understand in what direction to move now on the way to your first personally created logo.