Logos can make or break any brand, and this is where many individuals and businesses fail to realize their importance. If proper attention is paid during the creative process, they can set your business up for guaranteed success in the long run. Take, for instance, logos from prominent brands like Apple and Tesla, you will see how well-designed logos create the potential for success. A lot of thought goes into designing logos, and if you think you can wing it, you will need to think again.
If you want to ensure a fruitful future for your business, you need to start with the basics, including designing a great logo. But if you are unsure where to begin, this blog will illustrate the importance of logos and how you can get the most out of them. Without further ado, let’s dig in.
What is a Logo?
To put it simply, logos are images, phrases, shapes, or a mix of the three that reflect the name and purpose of a company.
A logo is more than just a mark of identity. It conveys a company’s narrative by delivering its brand message. Logos form an emotional connection with your target audience. Logos can be better understood by analyzing the following questions.
What does a Logo do?
The answer is pretty straightforward; logos take care of:
- Creating a great first impression, allowing customers to interact with a brand.
- Making it easier for you to create a brand identity.
- Giving your business and its people a symbol to work with making it possible for your target audience to remember you.
- Distinguishing you from your competition.
- Nurturing brand loyalty.
Creating a fantastic logo design should be at the very top of your list for these reasons and more that may be individual to your brand.
What are the Components of a Logo Design?
To ensure your logo design delivers on all fronts, you will need to use a couple of elements to make it happen.
Color
Colors are the key communicators for your messaging, and they go well beyond visual appeal. They communicate to your audience whether you’re lighthearted, traditional, modern, serious, cutting-edge, or reliable and timeless.
Single color or numerous colors might be used in your logo’s color palette (although it is recommended to stay within a two- or three-color combination). Choose carefully since the colors you choose will infiltrate into other branding items you make later.
Typography
In simpler words, this is the font used for any logo design. Here, letters are arranged in a consistent design that makes sense. A range of fonts is available to choose from. Make sure you choose something that does stand out and is legible at the same time.
Image
An image might be something basic like an arrow or complex, such as a comprehensive portrayal of an abstract animal. It might be a picture depicting what you sell, a value you stand for, or a symbol or icon.
If you stick with an image, remember that it will most likely need to be scaled up or down depending on where it is used; choose something clear and scalable.
Tagline
A tagline is a term or slogan that appears underneath a logo intended to give your audience a short message of what to expect or define what your organization does.
While a tagline isn’t required for a logo, it’s worth considering. For example, suppose your logo image alone is an abstract depiction of the notion of Synergy. While it may express your beliefs, it doesn’t tell your consumers anything about your business and its origins.
7 Tips to Get the Most Out of your Logo
Use Empty Spaces
If you want your logo to be successful, it must be easy to read and decipher. One way to make this possible is by keeping your logo design clean, which can be achieved using empty spaces. You can use empty spaces to invoke a sense of calm, but the possibilities are endless.
Use Shapes to Differentiate your Brand
To make your brand stand out from the rest of the crowd, you should use shapes. For instance, using a box, you will be able to create a logo design that denotes professionalism. A box-shaped logo is also an excellent option for cross-platform branding, as it works rather well digitally and on merchandise, presentations, and a letterhead.
Using shapes with exciting textures or gradients, you can enhance your logo design, making your brand easily distinguishable from your competition.
Be Literal with your Logo Design
Sometimes it is a good idea to create a literal logo design. Literal logos depict the actual function of the organization. For example, PNC Logos has a logo illustrating the brand’s intent which has worked well for the organization. Similarly, Apple, Shell, and Target have literal logos which have attached consumer sentiment to the logos. The logos are recognizable, and some do not require tag lines. Sometimes creating a logo does not have to be complicated; you can be literal with your logo design, which gets the job done.
Ensure your Logo is Authoritative
Being literal with your logo design works, but it needs to fit your organization too. Companies like non-profit organizations require seriousness that a tech or food company can do without.
While working on your logo design, ask yourself whether you would trust your company after seeing its logo for the first time? If your logo design is not authoritative, your target audience will not be convinced that you are worth looking into.
Use Existing Successful Strategies for Logo Design
Sometimes there is no need to reinvent the wheel. There is absolutely no reason why you should fix something that is not broken. If you own a bakery, perhaps a logo with an image of a loaf of bread might just do the trick. But then again, check out your competition to see what they are doing to highlight colors or themes for your own logo design.
While reinventing the wheel is not mandatory, you can use existing ideas and philosophies and add something new to the mix to create a never-seen-before logo design. This way, you can elevate your brand while portraying it as innovative and bold.
Use the Right Color(s)
Enough emphasis cannot be placed on utilizing the right color or colors for your logo design. If you are going to stick to a monochromatic look, it does not have to be black and white. Black and white can be difficult on the eyes. Use different shades of color to create contrasts within your logo design.
Use Images Effectively
Since a logo visually represents your brand, there is no need to tell people something you can show them. To communicate who you are, you can always use simple images. For instance, if you are a travel agency, you can incorporate images like a plane with the sun in the background, which should remind your target about a holiday that they so desperately need. If you want to go the extra mile, you could also use visual puns to keep things interesting.
You can now make the most out of your logo and do wonders for your brand. If you are still having trouble designing the perfect logo design for your brand, opt for professional logo designing services like PNC Logos. We will be happy to help.
