Rules for Creating a Great Logo Design

Comment

Comment by Bea Stanford on March 12, 2009 at 2:26pm

You don't need to be shy, no reasons for that:)). With this contribution I would love to feature you if you agree. You are right, creating the logo is a fascinating process, something complicated too:))

Comment by Orie on March 12, 2009 at 10:23am

As someone with a graphic design background, I understand the frustration felt when trying to explain those 'logo' rules and why they are important to those who do not know about the process and psychology behind the 'branding' or image and just see the finished result. The task becomes even more arduous when you think of how 'clip art' and computer programs have misled people to think how easy it is for anyone who knows how to electronically 'cut and paste' to be pseudo graphic designers. The glazed look we see in the expressions of others when we try to explain the intricacies behind creating a logo for example, is clue enough that perhaps we should leave the designer's lingo and concerns out of the process and concentrate on what the 'branding', the image, the logo is trying to convey. Ultimately, I see the graphic designer's role as more of an interpreter, one who listens and reads between the lines of what the finished visual message should do.

With this in mind, perhaps, the right question to be asking people who use 'Inside Twente' is not only what it means to you, but also: why do you use it? what do you get out of it as a member? what do you want to promote about this website? what do you want the rest of the world to think about "Inside Twente" when they see a visual image that represents the website? what kind of people do you want to attract to your website and ultimately to be part of your online community with whom you would be inviting into your lives, to share ideas etc.

As a graphic designer, I find the whole process of creating a logo fascinating. As a brand new member of the 'Inside Twente' community I find thinking about creating a logo that represents the members and this website challenging and exciting. As a member who does not live in Twente (nor the Netherlands) but was none the less attracted to your community and to your website, I would think that already a valuable message is getting across.

I think I might further share my perspective as a new non-Twente member of this website so well designed and maintained by Bea and its administrators in another Blog about creating a new logo for "Inside Twente" if anyone is interested. And if I get the courage to get my feet wet and become less shy about contributing.

Hey, 'get my feet wet', now there's something to add to the English Idioms Blog....hmmm...

Comment by Richard on February 26, 2009 at 11:20pm

Very impressive Bea, Tanner and Annet !

Comment by Olja Todosijevic on February 26, 2009 at 9:56am

I was just trying to be funny.... :-)
I agree that some rules must be, and someone must set them up( I am serious now). And it is lots of work to put that all together.
so, THANKS Annet!!!

Comment by Bea Stanford on February 26, 2009 at 9:07am

As promised:))

For me, rules 12 (Make sure that the logo is recognizable when resized. )and 43 (The logo should be balanced visually ) should be a number one! A good logo should look fine in the size of 1,2 cm and have balanced proportions. Look at this example of the Nationale Carriere Beurs brochure. How easy is to find out which logo is great:))

It’s also very important to check the industry trends and to know the preferences of the target group, for example most of the international schools use a globe, because the target group, international parents from all over the world, responds positively to this image.
But the same target group (international people) reacts negatively to the local symbols, simply because they don’t know and understand them.

Logo design is a beginning, next comes the business card, letterhead, brochure or website design
All visual identity materials should be coherent; therefore it’s vital to create the style guidelines that explain the correct usage of the logo.
Did you know that there must be sufficient space around the logo to make it stand apart from other visual elements?
Yes, there are so many rules:)))

Comment by Annet on February 25, 2009 at 11:15pm

Who said it's easy to be a graphic designer:-) Hoi Bea I'm so looking for forward to your comments!

Comment by Ryen Gougen on February 25, 2009 at 10:36pm

You're right Olja! Too much rules, but I like this "Keep the design simple" it's like the saying "Less is more"

Comment by Olja Todosijevic on February 25, 2009 at 8:29pm

where did you get all this rules....so many...:-)

Comment by Bea Stanford on February 25, 2009 at 7:04pm

Thanks Annet! I'll add a few points later:))

Comment by Cristina Corduneanu on February 25, 2009 at 12:03pm

Thank you, Annet, for the link to Tanner's website too - very interesting :-)