Dictionary.com defines the word logo as a graphic representation or symbol of a company name, trademark, abbreviation, etc., often uniquely designed for ready recognition. However, a logo is more than just that. A logo is a visual representation of your company and brand. It’s what individuals first notice about your business and can set the tone for your company’s future.
Business Logo and First Impressions
A good logo makes people take notice. Your business logo is often the first visual element a person will associate with your company. A logo can affect how a person will perceive your business, so starting with a visualization that leaves a lasting impression is essential. Your business logo should convey your brand’s personality. If you need to become more familiar with what a company brand is, it refers to the overall reputation of a company. It encompasses the comprehensive visual design of everything related to your business, including the logo, colors utilized, tone of voice in messaging, images, and overall perception.
Choosing a colorful logo could imply your brand is fun and easygoing. A sleek and minimalist logo could imply your brand is more sophisticated. Ensure you select a logo design that speaks to your company and brand identity. Your logo should also talk to your audience. When you know your audience, you can ensure your company logo is designed with that specific group in mind.
A unique and well-designed logo can communicate your business’s trustworthiness and create a lasting impression. A consistent and recognizable logo will reinforce your brand identity. Versatility is also a crucial factor to consider in logo design. A versatile logo should be adaptable regardless of the medium used in. Additionally, your logo should be able to be scaled without losing its visual appeal. This means ensuring your logo remains consistent across print, signage, digital media, or social media usage.
“A logo is usually the first interaction someone has with your company. People make quick snap judgements and having no logo, or an unprofessional logo raises doubt on how well you deliver your products or services. You can avoid this happening by hiring a designer to create a strong logo that tells people who you are and what your values are.” – Lauren Bartley, Graphic Designer, Sierra Experts
Most Recognizable Business Logos
According to a survey by VistaPrint, the most recognizable logo among Americans is from Apple. It’s easy to visualize the iconic bitten apple in your mind. That memorable logo design is what companies strive for. You want your customers to recognize your business quickly just from the logo. Another example of an easily recognizable brand logo is the iconic golden arches from McDonald’s or the distinct swoosh from Nike. These logos are simple and memorable and have become synonymous with their brand identity.
Tips for creating an impactful and versatile business logo:
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- KISS – You may have heard of the acronym KISS or, keep it simple, stupid. You want to aim for something simple that drives home brand recognition and leaves a lasting impression. Avoid clutter or unnecessary details that distract from the core message and logo.
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- Scalability is essential – Ensure you create a legible logo across all possible sizes and medium usages. If you include too many small intricate design elements, they may not come across when scaled down. You want to ensure your logo is still visually recognizable whether you’re utilizing it on a billboard, business card, or across the web.
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- Be timeless – You want your business to be around for long, so ensure your logo can withstand the test of time. Avoid incorporating trends that can become outdated quickly. You want to ensure your logo is recognizable and relevant for years to come.
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- Incorporate brand personality – Try to incorporate your brand personality and values. As mentioned above, many colors could reflect a fun and quirky brand, while a sleek minimalist design could reflect a more professional brand.
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- Consistency across colors – Evaluate your logo in black and white and ensure it is still recognizable with a difference in colors. There may be cases where you must utilize your logo on a black background. If your logo is predominantly black, you will need a white version. Or perhaps you have a very colorful logo. Your logo needs a black-and-white version that can be utilized in that format when called for.
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- Typography is important – Should your logo include text, make sure you choose a font that is legible in various sizes and compliments your brand.
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- Be unique – Make sure you stand out from the competition with a unique logo. You want to ensure your brand has its own personality. Avoid utilizing the same design elements or colors as your competitors.
Sierra Experts Business Logo Design Process
Here are Sierra Experts, our experienced graphic designer follows a meticulous and creative process regarding logo design. Ensuring each logo is visually appealing and aligns with the business’s brand identity. This collaborative approach between Sierra Experts and the customer starts with research and client input.
Discovery Consultation
The logo design process starts with a comprehensive discovery phase. Our experienced graphic designer will meet with you to understand your business. The consultation includes understanding your audience, brand identity, values, mission, and competitors. This crucial step helps lay the foundation for the design. After understanding the client’s needs, our team will research the industry to understand competitor logos, designs, and styles. This helps our team gather inspiration and ensures the final design is unique and relevant.
Logo Concept
Armed with insights from the discovery consultation and research, our graphic designer begins the project’s concept phase. Multiple design concepts incorporating various elements such as color schemes, symbols, typography, and more are created. The goal is to have diverse options that resonate with the client’s vision and brand personality.
Client Collaboration
The next step of the design process is to gain initial concept feedback. The client is encouraged to provide notes on the initial designs. This next step will help ensure the final logo reflects the client’s preferences and meets their expectations. Then, depending on the client’s feedback, our graphic designer refines the initial concepts and adjusts them to achieve their desired goals. This design refinement will occur until the client is completely satisfied with the final product.
Finalization and Deliverables
Once the client has approved the completed logo design, our team ensures that the client will receive the logo in various file formats suitable for multiple mediums.
Whether you’re a new business just getting started and needing an initial logo or looking to rebrand your company identity, Sierra Experts is armed with the experience and creative genius to create an impactful business logo. Additionally, our team can create more than logos. We can help develop a complete branding package, graphics for various mediums, and more.
