The Power of Logos: A Beginner's Guide to Creating a Strong Brand Identity
Creating a logo is one of the most important steps in building a strong brand identity. A logo is the visual representation of your brand, and it should be memorable, recognizable, and convey the essence of your brand. In this blog post, we will discuss the key elements of creating a logo for a strong brand identity and provide you with some sources to help you along the way. Think of some of the most recognizable logos that come to mind. There are reasons and research supporting every aspect of that design, from the colors to the type and shape.
tips for creating a logo
Know your brand
Before you start creating a logo, it’s essential to understand your brand identity. Your logo should reflect your brand values, mission, and target audience. Make sure to have a clear understanding of your brand voice, personality, and style. Knowing your brand inside and out will help you create a logo that accurately represents your brand identity.
Keep it simple
A logo should be simple and easy to recognize. It should be easy to read and not be cluttered with too many design elements. A simple logo can make a strong statement and be easily memorable. Some examples of simple logos include Nike’s swoosh, Apple’s apple, and McDonald’s golden arches.
Make it unique
Your logo should be unique and distinguishable from your competitors. It should represent your brand and stand out in a crowded marketplace. Avoid copying other brands' logos or using generic images. Make your logo design original and tailor it to your brand identity.
Choose the right colors
The colors you choose for your logo can have a significant impact on your brand identity. Different colors can evoke different emotions and create different impressions. For example, red is associated with passion and excitement, while blue represents trust and reliability. Choose colors that align with your brand values and personality.
Consider typography
The typography you choose for your logo is also crucial. The right font can convey your brand personality and style. Make sure to choose a font that is legible and easy to read. Avoid using too many fonts or using overly stylized fonts that are difficult to read.
Put in the hours
My logo may look simple and like “it took five minutes to make” (a quote from one of my non-design friends), but there are weeks put into this design. These are steps I took to create my logo, and I beg of you, put in the time and you will be better off for it.
Sketches: I sketched out 40+ different doodles. I drew inspiration from Pinterest, past student work and some of my favorite designers. Each sketch was different enough to be considered its own design.
Vectors: choose your favorites and start digitizing your logos into vector art. This is when we start looking at font faces and do type research. This is also a good time to pick a body text typeface that works well with your brand.
Pick a logo: you’re not done yet, once you choose which style you like best, it’s back to the drawing board! Sketch out or create digitally, as many variations of your design and humanly possible. I made 14 different logos, that at first glance appear to be the same, but after closer inspection all vary in some very small way. It’s the little details that make the biggest impact on a design.
Color: I didn’t even consider a color palette until this point. Be sure to take into account the emotions and feelings you want your colors to elicit, also the target audience for your brand. Your color choice should reflect the people you’re trying to target.
There are many tools and resources available to help you create a logo for your brand. Here are a few sources to consider:
Canva is a user-friendly graphic design tool that offers a variety of logo templates and design elements.
Logo Maker is an online logo design tool that allows you to create a custom logo for your brand.
99designs is a platform that connects businesses with freelance designers who can create custom logos and other design assets.
Adobe Illustrator is a professional graphic design software that can be used to create logos and other design elements.
Check out my full process for creating my logo on my Brand Identity page.
Sources
Grano, Michelle. “How to Design a Logo: 5 Steps to Creating a Logo You Love.” Sprout Social, 19 Sept. 2022,
www.sproutsocial.com/insights/how-to-design-a-logo/.
How to Design a Logo for Beginners (with a Free Worksheet!) - Looka,
www.looka.com/blog/how-to-design-a-logo/. Accessed 11 May 2023.
