Your logo is something that represents your brand. It should be something customers recognize and associate your business with. What should you look for in a graphic designer? How can you judge their effort as top-notch quality?
The following are the 3 rules of great logo design.
- Unique
- Establish a connection
- Simple
Let’s take a deeper dive into all three.
Create a unique design
Being unique doesn’t require too much effort. Just like in real life, just being yourself will pass the logo design unique test. When it comes to your business, naturally operations serve as a direct reflection of you. Does your logo stand out? Is it something that associates your business with an original brand?
One of the first things a logo design does is show off its color(s). Are your colors sharp and engaging? Are you using CMYK color pallets when printing business cards and putting it on clothing?
There’s a difference when using digital colors (RGB), which is for projecting through digital displays and printing your logo on swag.
Being unique isn’t just about the color. It’s the pop. How does it remain simple but still encompass the brand?
Establish a connection with people
The first logo that comes to mind when I think about establishing a connection with the public is United Way. For a non-profit, evoking emotions through a logo is a tough assignment. United Way captures this perfectly with simple design elements.
Your logo doesn’t need to be as dramatic, of course. You may be outside the realm of nonprofits but a long shot. All good. The real way you establish a connection is by being the best at what you do.
The logo is an afterthought and following consistent and great customer service is how the bridge is made between the two.
Throw a touch of odd at your design. What can make it stand out? I look at the United Way logo and notice there’s a huge hand cupping underneath a red stick figure. A bit strange – which is perfect.
Keep the design simple
Too much is too much. Crowding a design with more than two or three colors can become too much unless that’s the purpose (painter, visual artist, etc.).
The PSP logo featured here was a design I drafted for a client (which wasn’t used) is borderline too much. The way the person appears between the “S” and “P” take away from the weights. A simpler letter combination could enhance the design. The final revision stage was never completed, so there are quite a few changes available.
Simple equals effective. Remember when designing your new logo or revising an older one keeping it simple and to the point will work wonders for your brand.
Just remember the 3 rules of great logo design.
