The Do's and Don'ts of Logo Design

[Tony Hardy]

Here's my top DON'T:

Don't just hop straight on the computer and start 'designing'.
Think about it, take a walk, draw some sketches, listen to some music, watch a film.
Have some time to think about it, sketch like mad, then once you've got a concept and a rough idea where you're going, maybe look at the computer.

[bigdave]

Here's my top DON'T:

Don't just hop straight on the computer and start 'designing'.
Think about it, take a walk, draw some sketches, listen to some music, watch a film.
Have some time to think about it, sketch like mad, then once you've got a concept and a rough idea where you're going, maybe look at the computer.

Drink! I always have my best ideas after a bottle of wine.

[Tony Hardy]

I always think I have my best ideas when I drink...then I realise in the morning that they definitely weren't ;)

I just drink tea while I'm thinking...works for me.

[linziloop]

• Work on hundreds of sketches on paper before you even think of getting onto the computer
• Make sure the logo works in black and white
• Make sure the logo will work at a variety of sizes
• Think about the space around the logo. When something sits below or beside it (like the menu on a website, or the company address on a letterhead), will it create any awkward spaces?
• Consider negative space
• Don't go for the obvious solution, until you've explored all other possible solutions
• Don't forget you'll need to do some logo usage guidelines

[milkminnie]

brainstorm the companies industry, name, services, feel (formal/quirky). Once you have done that brainstorm off those results until you find a selection of topics you find interesting. Write those topics down, and bullet point visual references and go from there.

[Cheap Printing]

Big Dave has the answer, Research! its the key to success, looking at the market there in etc. Personally I think that pastel shades are good to work with but again it depends on the company you are work for

[Katedesign]

• Work on hundreds of sketches on paper before you even think of getting onto the computer
• Make sure the logo works in black and white
• Make sure the logo will work at a variety of sizes
• Think about the space around the logo. When something sits below or beside it (like the menu on a website, or the company address on a letterhead), will it create any awkward spaces?
• Consider negative space
• Don't go for the obvious solution, until you've explored all other possible solutions
• Don't forget you'll need to do some logo usage guidelines

Agree with all of these points.

Now must go and apply to my own logo!!