Logo design or re-design is an essential tool in any graphic designer’s repertoire. More often than not, if a client requires design work for their corporation, they’ll likely want a logo redo. Thankfully, creating a stellar emblem is one of the most gratifying and rewarding experiences a designer can undergo. That being said, there are a few steps you might want to consider before diving in headfirst. In case you’re looking for a crash-course, here’s part one of our guide to creating a fantastic logo for a client.

  1. Sketch Like No Other: There are designers out there who will tell you that creating a logo is possible without doing sketch work first, but we have a feeling they’ve got a day job. Sketching any and all possibilities for a logo should always be step one in the process. In fact, most larger design firms will sketch page after page of prototypes, looking for the right nuance, flair, and artwork. On the plus side, if you ever become famous in the field, you can even sell your sketchbooks to inspiration hungry, burgeoning designers!
  2. Know where the Logo is Going: Another important step is knowing exactly where the logo is going to end up. Is the work going to be printed, kept on a website, or put on an Interstate billboard? Depending on the answer, you may need to tweak the project to meet your client’s needs. If it’s going on a large public space, you’ll want to ensure the design is scalable, and looks good from a distance. However, if it’s going to remain on the Internet, you’ll want to use Web-friendly color sets and concern yourself with variances in monitor performance. And of course, if the logo is going to print, you’ll want to send it along with a high enough resolution to get the job done.
  3. Simplicity: Lastly for our part one, keep the logo simple. Nine times out of ten, if you’re stuck between two designs, picking more minimalist option between the two will yield a better result. Remember that it’s not your design that’s going to sell the company, but the company itself. Your designs should serve as a means of transport, carrying a feel and identity to the masses. Some of the greatest logos ever designed are nothing more than a custom script and a basic geometric shape or two.