A good logo represents your brand image, so you want your logo to stand out. Easier said than done, but how to do it?
In this article, I’m going to share with you 10 useful tips and information to help you in your logo design process.
Photoshop Logo Design: Things to Consider
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to logo design. What software to use, fonts, colors, target audience, etc.
1. Photoshop or Illustrator for logo design?
To start with, it’s important to choose a good tool. Many designers prefer Adobe Illustrator over Photoshop when it comes to logo design. But let’s take a look at a quick comparison between Illustrator and Photoshop’s ability to design logos.
Photoshop is, as its primary use, an image manipulation tool, but it comes with so many additional tools that you can use for many different areas, but this doesn’t mean you should use it just because you can.
Illustrator is known as the best program for creating scalable, professional, print-ready logos. If you’re much more experienced in Photoshop than Illustrator like I am, try using Photoshop for concept work, and then finalize your logo in Adobe Illustrator.
2. Vector vs Raster
It is always a good idea to create a vector logo instead of a raster one because you will be using the logo in different sizes. For example, your logo may be smaller on a business card, website, but if you need to print a large logo for outdoor advertisements, be careful with the resolution.
The downside of using Photoshop for logos is that you can incorporate raster images and effects into your logo work. Remember that your finished logo should be scalable and avoid using raster images unless you know you can achieve the same look by creating a vector version at a later stage.
3. Tiny Logos
Logos should work well even when they’re small. Make sure that the concept (logo) you are creating can still be seen and understood in a small size. For example, if your logo is complicated when used on a small scale, the font may not be readable or the layout may not be clear.
Many websites include sponsor logos or even their own logos in their footers and this is probably the smallest or lowest quality thing a logo should have. To do this, make sure your logo remains clear at 160 x 60 pixels at 72 dpi (or similar aspect ratio depending on the shape).
4. Black and White
Most people spend a lot of time deciding what colors to use in their logos. First ask yourself a question, does your logo look good in black and white? Try making your logo elements black and white or black and shades of black and check that your concept remains clear and conveys your idea clearly.
Logos are typically required to have a black and white version, and you also want to consider how the final logo will look when the color and black and white versions are photocopied.
5. Choosing fonts
No, there are no rules or strict limitations. Photoshop will allow you to combine as many fonts as you like, but this doesn’t mean you necessarily have to!
Unless you’re an experienced typographer, try to stick to maybe just 2 fonts. One for the logo and another or a different weight of the same font for the slogan. Avoid using fancy fonts in all caps, as it is often difficult to read.
6. Colors
Colors are great, but the wrong combination or too much color in a logo isn’t what you’re looking for. Remember that your logo design itself needs to be strong enough to stand out, and colors help show your personality.
Try using up to 3 colors, but it really depends on your brand. For example, Google has 4 logo colors and the Google Drive icon has even more. So if you really want to add more colors, you can explore the shades of your chosen colors.
7. Target audience
Who is the audience? Just because you like a particular font or style is not a good enough reason to use it. Of course, it is important that you like the design, but keep in mind that your logo design should be something that your audience (customers) would like.
Try, if you can, to think what your first thoughts would be if someone else presented you with this logo. If you find it difficult to do this, try going back to your initial layouts several hours or days later, if possible. It will help you form an opinion at first glance and make it easier for you to both discard ideas and evaluate the style and see what needs to be changed.
8. Application
Where would your logo be seen? A store, a website, a billboard? Think about the intended application of your final logo and see if it works. For example, if you are designing a logo for a fashion brand, which will be printed on fabrics, try not to use thin lines or fonts.
Test the logo while it is still a concept in a variety of applications to see how it will look in different environments.
9.Stock Icons
Avoid using stock icons in your logo design work. You want your brand to be unique. Sure, it’s an easy download and use option that has been made, but keep in mind that these same stock icons are available to thousands of designers. It won’t be long before you or your client see it being used elsewhere.
10. Uniqueness
Make sure your logo stands out from the crowd. People always follow the trend and many designers too. Avoid making the logo similar in design or color to competitors, the logo you make should draw attention to the individual company or organization, but you can always add a special touch to make it different.
If you can find a design that is symbolic and unique, and base the style on the individual idea rather than a particular style trend, you will find that you have a long-lasting design that will not go out of style.
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember is that your logo must be unique, functional, and compelling to your target audience. Do a lot of research before you start your design and be creative!
About June.