The secret to Logo Design

[Helen]

Agreed^^^ With logo's, I try to steer clear from "effects". Sticking to solid colours is always good idea, as it will be suitable for all methods of reproduction - web, digital, print, vinyl and embroidery.

[Xenonsoft]

Start by designing in solid black and white to get a solid concept and strong design - the last thing you want is a logo which relies on gradients and bling to make it effective. Also, in this way you know that your logo will work on everything - from a simple one colour form to an all singin' and dancin' brochure/sign/van etc. Design first - bling (if any, preferably not glows and gradients and all that pants) later.

Totally agree. Read that somewhere a while ago and that really did make sense, design in black and white first and then add anything else that could improve the design later. Always try and steer clear of the overused gradients, drop shadows, outer glows, embosses etc.

Cheers Artgem & Helen :).

I've just been doing some first drawings of my first logo in ages, and I'm really pleased with what I've come up with so far. I'm finding it much easier to do initial ideas on paper, and then bring them to life on illustrator at a later stage.