The Do's and Don'ts of Logo Design - Expert Advice to Perfect Your Logo

Ray Madhav
Mar 14, 2023
6 min read

Do you want to create a unique logo design that will help you stand out from the crowd? Creating an effective logo design requires careful consideration, deliberation and planning. You must understand the fundamentals of design, who your audience is and a lot more.

In this article, we'll showcase the do's and don'ts of logo design. We'll discuss the basics of logo design, the importance of understanding your audience and researching your rivals, choosing the right colors, and making sure your logo is scalable. Plus, we'll share specific do's and don'ts that you should consider when creating a logo.

So whether you're creating a logo for a startup or a global company, this article will help you design a logo that'll make a lasting impact.

Let's get started!

Understand Your Audience

The most critical aspect of designing a logo is understanding your target audience. Logo design is a form of communication, so it’s important to consider the audience before settling on a design. Evaluate what colors, symbols, and shapes will best resonate with the intended viewers of your logo. It should be both simple and distinctive to ensure that viewers identify with it and remember it. In taking the time to understand your audience, your logo design will be more effective and successful.

Research Your rivals

Doing research on rival logos is important for understanding what works for a particular field and what could use improvement. Take a look at the logos of competitors and ask yourself what makes one logo more appealing than another. Think about colors, fonts, and overall design. Knowing what's working for your rivals will help guide you when creating your own logo. Consider exploring their website to gain a better understanding of their brand messaging and values. Use this information to inform your own logo design. Remember, though, that you don't want to replicate or be too similar to any other logo. You want to create something that stands out and reflects your own brand's uniqueness.

Choose the Right Colors

Using the right colors for your logo is essential in conveying the message of your brand. Colors elicit emotional responses and associations, so consider carefully what kind of message the colors you choose convey. If you opt for red, it may be interpreted as strength and power, while green may be interpreted as natural, calming and reassuring.

Each color brings a different mood and conveying the right message is important. When deciding between colors, focus on what your brand stands for and keeps your target audience in mind. Every color has a unique significance and you should use that to your advantage. It's also important to consider color combinations, as multiple colors combined could give off a different message than just one. When selecting a palette, choose colors that create balance and look visually pleasing together.

Ensure it’s Scalable

When it comes to logo design, scalability should be the number one priority. A logo should be able to be used across a variety of formats, from digital to print, without any pixelation or loss of detail. This means that the logo should be created using vector graphics, so that it can easily be resized without degrading. Additionally, check to make sure the logo looks good in both color and black and white versions. This ensures that no matter the use, the logo will look professional.

The Do's

Creating a logo is a great way to represent your business or organization. To make sure your logo stands out, there are some do's that you should keep in mind.

When designing, focus on simplicity. Too much clutter can make your logo confusing and distracting. Aim for a minimalist design and use basic shapes and colors.

Make sure your logo is memorable. If it looks too generic, it won’t stand out from the competition. Try to incorporate unique elements like vibrant colors, interesting fonts, images, or art.

Ensure the logo looks good in different formats. It should be recognizable, even when scaled down for social media profiles or printed on business cards.

Keep in mind that your logo should be timeless. It should represent the mission of your company or organization in a way that remains relevant over the years.

Do Start With Sketches

Before jumping straight into designing a logo on the computer, it's important to start with sketches. Drawing out ideas for logos by hand can help you create a more unique design, as well as come up with ideas that you may not have thought of with computer-based design software. It can also help you to refine your ideas before turning them into digital form. Sketches are not only a good way to brainstorm, but can also provide a basis for the final logo design.

Do Use Professional Fonts

Fonts are a major element of any logo design, and they can be used to convey a range of messages. Good font choices can help to create a professional and pleasing aesthetic, while bad ones can detract from the overall impression. It is important to choose a font that is appropriate for the brand, easy to read, and aesthetically pleasing.

When selecting a font, it is important to consider the overall mood of the brand and how it fits into the logo design. Some fonts may appear sophisticated or modern, while others may be more informal or playful. It is important to avoid overly decorative fonts, as they can make the design look cluttered. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the various font licenses when using a font, as some fonts may be restricted from commercial use.

When selecting a font for logo design, it is best to stick with classic and professional fonts like Serif, Sans-Serif, and Script. These fonts can provide a timeless look that is easy to read and will remain recognizable to audiences for years to come. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the font choice pairs well with the rest of the logo design. To ensure the best outcomes, it is best to consult with a professional logo designer if possible.

Do Add a Visual Element

When designing a logo, remember to always include a visual element. This visual element should be recognizable, relevant, and iconic to the brand. You can also use the visual element to create an emotional connection with your target audience. Your visual element should be simple and meaningful and it should reflect the identity of your brand. Use colors, shapes, and symbols to create an impactful logo. Keep in mind that the visual element should be able to convey your brand's message even when it is used in a small size.

The Don'ts

When designing a logo, there are many pitfalls to be aware of. It's important to avoid the common mistakes that could diminish the logo's impact and effectiveness.

First, make sure the logo is not overcomplicated. It should be simple and to the point so that it is easy to remember and recognize. Additionally, make sure the logo doesn't clash too harshly with its background. It should make an impact without overwhelming the viewer.

Also, avoid the temptation to copy someone else's logo. This could not only reflect poorly on a brand, but could be illegal if the logo is trademarked or copyrighted. It's important to create a unique logo that reflects the brand and stands out from the crowd.

Finally, steer clear of mixing too many elements in the logo. This can make the logo messy, confusing, and difficult to remember. Too many fonts, colors, and symbols can also take away from the professionalism of the logo, resulting in a weaker design.

When designing a logo, keep it simple, create originality, and don't overcrowd the design with too many elements. These simple tips can help create a logo that stands out and adequately represents a brand.

In conclusion, creating a logo is a process that requires careful consideration and planning. By following the do's and don'ts of logo design that we've discussed, you'll be well on your way to creating a logo that accurately reflects your brand identity and resonates with your audience. Remember, your logo is often the first point of contact between your brand and potential

customers, so it's essential to get it right. If you're looking for a DIY solution, you can consider using an online graphic design tool like Snapied.

With Snapied's user-friendly interface and customizable templates, you can create a professional-looking logo in no time. And if you're still unsure about how to create the perfect logo, don't hesitate to seek out the advice of a professional designer or branding expert. With their expertise and guidance, you can be confident that your logo will stand out and make a lasting impression.

1. Start by creating an account.

2. Choose a logo template.