11 steps to the perfect logo

We ll walk you through 11 steps and give you tips on which techniques to use in your logo design.

Working on a logo is a selection process (but not always simplification) based on a clear definition of goals and confidence in their implementation.

LogoArchive has watched designers create new and original logos for more than half a century and singled out 11 common techniques from a variety of ideas. In these logo design tips, we ll share what we ve learned.

01. Combine ideas

Try to find common ground

If you want to combine two ideas, look for similarities in shapes. While weird and awkward decisions can also be found in logo design, interconnection is more universal and consistent with purpose than dissonance.

02. Give dynamic forms to static forms

Rhythm means movement

Use direction, pattern, and repeating elements to give static shapes a sense of movement and make them visually interesting. This can be done through diagonal slices or arrows, radial positioning of objects, changing the thickness of lines, increasing the size or transition from one shape to another.

03. Add layers

Create designs that hide more than meets the eye

Use line weight, negative space, and object saturation to bring out the background image. You can use these techniques to add layering and visual hierarchy within the logo. The search element will engage your audience, and the effort involved can help your logo stand out and be remembered.

04. Learn visual language

Consider your business demographics. Are they narrow specialists or are they aimed at a wide consumer market? Look for connections between brand identity and form. Take the time to understand your audience s perceptions and associations.

Originality

Look for distinctive elements of a specific area

Learn the visual language of the industry you work in. Does it have immutable and specific symbols to rely on? Architecture, for example, has quite a few features that can be graphically expressed. Space, structure, light, shadow, movement, and tension are good starting points to get started on creating a logo that will appeal to a specific target audience. Many of these concepts are repeated, but so far, designers manage to create something new, different and interesting through the same elements.

Versatility

Some symbols break the language barrier

Arrows mean speed and direction, the globe – internationality, eyes – observation. They are effective tools for expressing global ideas. Quite commonplace, they can still be a good reason to get started.

An interesting solution can come if you have a non-standard vision. You can arrange images, letters, or shapes. The ability to observe and identify common features can help in this – the products of these qualities are the most effective solutions. This level can be achieved through long-term observation rather than quick viewing.

05. Use negative space

Sometimes silence is better than words

The negative space inside the logo is a meaningful object. Focus on the space that you surround with the shape. Does it promote balance, or does it provide an interesting contrast to the cast shape? Does it add an additional image? See how negative space can become more visible on the screen or shrink in other media. Consider and use it.

06. Don t reject abstractness

Thinking outside the box contributes to creating unique and memorable logos

The logo does not have to clearly express the idea, abstraction often appears on LogoArchive. Logos like these create atmosphere and express emotions. Look for images that fit the business and industry in general, identify them, reinterpret them. It doesn t matter what exactly people see in them. Leaving room for imagination is important.

People love riddles and connections to draw their own conclusions. This is most applicable in art-related logos. This is useful in a creative space. Intuition rather than intelligence, subjective instead of objective, are very effective in the right context.

07. Find the matching symbols

Your logo can be based on fundamental symbols

When it comes to choosing a shape, take a look at the brief. What have you been asked to convey? What is the best way to express this? The most important thing is to find the best tool for expressing a certain idea. A logo is arguably the most limited medium in today s multimedia world, but it has the potential to express the essence of a brand.
What story should you tell? Is there a historical symbol or visual identity associated with the brand? Are there values ​​or legends that support the brand s uniqueness? For a logo to serve as an identification, consider how it can support the brand message.

08. Use contrast

Opposites attract, even in logo design

See how opposing elements can be combined: soft and sharp, thick and thin, static and dynamic, fill and negative space, sharpness and gradient, simplified and decorative. The right contrast can be a very effective tool for grabbing attention, which will help you remember.

09. Multiply elements

One shape can be transformed into many designs

Take shape and create something new out of it. This is duality and plurality – creating an image by repeating or combining elements is a good way to bring out the difference and make a simple form interesting. Make the image and font work together, or paint the image with text. Use negative space and similarity of shapes to bring ideas together in a natural and distinctive way. Take two ideas and look for the best way to combine them, while maintaining visual balance and clarity of concept.

10. Get the most out of simple forms

Don t forget the main designer mantra: less is more

Use line weight, saturation and grouping of objects to create a sense of light and shadow, depth and structure. Remove the dark elements and paint the shape with light. Use vague shapes that can convey much more than well-defined contours. Make as much of the small as possible.

11. Use small details

Get the most out of modern technology

Modern technology and high-resolution screens allow designers to use ever thinner lines, position elements close to each other and create intricate intertwining shapes. Don t be afraid to use these techniques. It should be noted, though, that scalability is a bit outdated concept.

In many posts on LogoArchive, logos have very thin lines that accentuate details or add contrast to heavy shapes. But think about how you can scale the logo while keeping the thin lines.

Original: creativebloq.com
Translation: Katerina Sorokina