From Logo to Legend - In 10 Simple Steps
- Date: 2007-04-01 - Word Count: 509
Share This!
Think of any large company, and I'll bet you can picture its logo. It seems like they must have been born with it, but they weren't. Every logo had to start somewhere. And you can start building recognition right now that will continue for years when you create a strong visual brand.
A good logo will be visually captivating, and will tell people what your company does and what it stands for. And then you can carry that logo onto just about everything that leaves your office, from flyers, to business cards, stationary, shipping cartons, invoices...on anything that your customers see.
So how do you go about creating this masterpiece?
First of all, you don't want to overload the eye with too much "busy". A smart combination of symbol, color, and positive and negative space are key. This is a case where "less is more". Play around with a few designs, try different color schemes... before you know it, you'll have the right look.
Here are 10 tips to get you started:
You want to keep it simple, yet sophisticated.
Graphics should be bold and distinctive. Stay away from thin lines - they're hard to see!
Not too tall - and not too wide.
Don't go for a trendy look - or an old-fashioned look, either. You're going for timeless.
It needs to look balanced.
Remember, you're going to be putting this logo on every piece of your business. Make sure it will work for everything from an envelope to a banner.
Pick a logo that will transfer easily from color to black and white.
The graphic has to be in keeping with your type of business, and also has to work well with the name of your business. It's a whole look you're going for.
The logo also should tell people what your business does. Graphics are great, but not if they leave your target market guessing.
Choose an appropriate font for your business. There are thousands to pick from - just find the right fit.
And here's a bonus tip: When you are set on a color - or colors - make sure you keep note of the ink formula. That special blend of inks has its own PMS number, and that's what your printer will need. That way, all your print jobs have the same great color you love - and your logo will be consistently beautiful on every print job!
Designing your winning logo is only the first step in pulling together your visual brand. Now you need a good tag line. And a memorable tag line is just as important as the logo. It puts the finishing touch on your mini ad to anyone who sees it.
Karen Saunders is the owner of MacGraphics Services, a unique design firm for today's entrepreneur. Whether you outsource your promotional pieces or are a do-it-yourselfer, Karen takes the mystery out of marketing. Learn the Top 5 Mistakes that can cost you money by signing up for her FREE e-course, available for a limited time. To take advantage of this e-course and find out how easy it can be to attract more clients, go to http://www.macgraphics.net/FreeStuff.php
A good logo will be visually captivating, and will tell people what your company does and what it stands for. And then you can carry that logo onto just about everything that leaves your office, from flyers, to business cards, stationary, shipping cartons, invoices...on anything that your customers see.
So how do you go about creating this masterpiece?
First of all, you don't want to overload the eye with too much "busy". A smart combination of symbol, color, and positive and negative space are key. This is a case where "less is more". Play around with a few designs, try different color schemes... before you know it, you'll have the right look.
Here are 10 tips to get you started:
You want to keep it simple, yet sophisticated.
Graphics should be bold and distinctive. Stay away from thin lines - they're hard to see!
Not too tall - and not too wide.
Don't go for a trendy look - or an old-fashioned look, either. You're going for timeless.
It needs to look balanced.
Remember, you're going to be putting this logo on every piece of your business. Make sure it will work for everything from an envelope to a banner.
Pick a logo that will transfer easily from color to black and white.
The graphic has to be in keeping with your type of business, and also has to work well with the name of your business. It's a whole look you're going for.
The logo also should tell people what your business does. Graphics are great, but not if they leave your target market guessing.
Choose an appropriate font for your business. There are thousands to pick from - just find the right fit.
And here's a bonus tip: When you are set on a color - or colors - make sure you keep note of the ink formula. That special blend of inks has its own PMS number, and that's what your printer will need. That way, all your print jobs have the same great color you love - and your logo will be consistently beautiful on every print job!
Designing your winning logo is only the first step in pulling together your visual brand. Now you need a good tag line. And a memorable tag line is just as important as the logo. It puts the finishing touch on your mini ad to anyone who sees it.
Karen Saunders is the owner of MacGraphics Services, a unique design firm for today's entrepreneur. Whether you outsource your promotional pieces or are a do-it-yourselfer, Karen takes the mystery out of marketing. Learn the Top 5 Mistakes that can cost you money by signing up for her FREE e-course, available for a limited time. To take advantage of this e-course and find out how easy it can be to attract more clients, go to http://www.macgraphics.net/FreeStuff.php
Related Tags: design, branding, graphic design, pms, brand, graphic, fonts, logo, corporate identity, tag line, visual brand, graphic imagery
Karen Saunders is the owner of MacGraphics Services, a unique design firm for today's entrepreneur. Whether you outsource your promotional pieces or are a do-it-yourselfer, Karen takes the mystery out of marketing. Learn the Top 5 Mistakes that can cost you money by signing up for her FREE e-course, available for a limited time. To take advantage of this e-course and find out how easy it can be to attract more clients, go to http://www.macgraphics.net/FreeStuff.php Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Tips To Better Prepare Yourself For The House Buying Process
Everybody who has been through the process of buying a home will attest that it can turn into a very - Gain Qualified Prospects With The Cash Cow Sales Funnel
I've had the privilege to work with hundreds of sales and business people all working hard to make m - How To Write A Good Telemarketing Sales Script
By defining your specific selling process you will be able to apply a system that works over and ove - The Popularity Of Antique Cabinets Over The Years
Ever since collectors have been hoarding pieces of value and interest, antique cabinets have been ar - Guide In Selecting Clothes Hangers
One of the least respected areas in your home is your wardrobe. Most of the time it is stuffed with - Does Mattress Manufacturer In China Reliable?
The time we spend on bed is almost 1/3 of our whole life! So it's very important for everybody to se - What Makes A Good Salesperson
This fact is not hidden nor is this thesis cutting edge. There are a lot of personality and professi - Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance: Tips & Tools To Increase Productivity
Prior proper planning prevents poor performance. It may be a tongue twister, but it's important to r - Attractive Votive Candles
Impeccable range of candles and lanterns enhance home interiors. Simple yet elegant in design and fi - Sales Articles - Do You Want To Find Building Maintenance Supplies In Your Area?
Building maintenance supplies are among key factors to protect buildings against excessive depreciat
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Cold Calling - A Surprising Way To Gain Insider Information
If you knocked on all the doors in your neighborhood, you'd learn a lot about the people who live ar - How To Touch More Clients For Referrals
Interested in more referrals? Want to guarantee success in any referral marketing program? Here is a - How to Embrace and Thrive in Today's Buyer's Market
As fun as the last few years were to be in a piping hot real estate market, it's now time to accept - The Power of One
One is a very tiny number. However, it can have a tremendous impact on your revenues. Here are some - Sell Your Customer What They Need
When it comes to selling your products it is important to ask your potential customers probing quest - Profiting With Private Label Rights
There are three basic rights you should know about when it comes to resale rights marketing. T - The Lazy Way to Increase Your Sales Immediately... without spending a penny!
Let’s start at the beginning… First up, how do you define an affiliate program, or affi - Your Sales Self-Image
All sales success is the result of a foundation grounded in right attitudes and positive self-esteem - Sales And Marketing - Let Others Do The Work
There are many different ways in which businesses of today approach potential prospects and customer - The Financial Influencer
In my last article, I talked about the four influencers you have to deal with in a B2B sale. The fou