How to Create a Logo

how to create a logo graphic

A logo is a visual representation of your brand and is included in all your marketing materials. A strong logo can help build customer loyalty and brand identity. Keep reading to learn how to create your small business’s logo.

1. Choose the type of logo

There are three primary types of logos:

  1. Font-based logos use typefaces to showcase your company’s name.  Think Google, Skype, IBM, or Workful.
  2. Literal logos illustrate precisely what your company does. For example, CertaPro Painters’ logo includes a paintbrush.
  3. Abstract logos don’t initially have anything to do with your company, but, through a lot of time and money, will eventually be connected to your company. Think Nike’s Swoosh. 

Choosing the type of logo to use will depend on how much time, energy, and money you want to spend on connecting your logo to your business and mission in your customers’ minds.

2. Determine the message you want to convey

If you don’t already have a mission statement, start there. Throughout the logo creation process, keep your mission statement in mind to make sure your logo connects to it. Read also: Creating Your Mission Statement

Then, determine which aspects of your company are the most important to portray through a logo. Is it your personality or culture? Is it the element that sets you apart from your competitors? Or is it your relationship with your target market?

3. Determine if your industry will influence your logo

Looking at other logos in your industry can help you create a logo that will differentiate your business, while still fitting into the overall feel of the industry.

For example, if you sell high-end jewelry, you might want to keep your design and font choices classic and timeless. If you’re a trendy clothing boutique, however, you might choose fonts that are a little more fun. Be careful not to choose anything too trendy because you may have to change your logo regularly to keep it from looking outdated.

4. Consider where you’ll use your logo

Your logo might appear on business cards, stationery, billboards, or even the side of a truck. It should look good everywhere you use it. Making sure its simple and scalable will make it easy to reproduce on any medium.

5. Design your logo

If you’re artistic and skilled with Adobe Photoshop, you can probably create your own logo. You can also use free online design companies, like GraphicSprings or LogoMaker, to create a logo yourself.

If you don’t trust your artistic ability and want help from a professional, hire someone to design your logo for you. If you use a professional design firm, the price might be more than you’re willing to spend. A good logo should last at least ten years, so the cost might be worth it in the long run.

If hiring a professional design firm isn’t in your budget, look for freelancers, who will typically charge less than a professional design firm.

6. Keep your colors to a minimum

Printing services will often charge you by the color, so the more colors you have, the more it will cost to print. Some mediums, like print ads, may only allow you to use a few colors, so look at your logo in black and white and in one color to make sure it still looks good.

7. Trademark your logo

Once you’re happy with your logo, trademark it. Trademarking your logo through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office protects it so other companies can’t steal it. Learn more about trademarking your logo.

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