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Published on 28th May, 2021
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Blog | Tips |

How to design a logo: A step-by-step guide
The logo is the brand, the name of your product, and your company. It is something that helps you to brand something completely new. As designers, we must learn to translate the right words and thoughts into clear, strong, attractive images.
How to design a logo: A step-by-step guide.
Depending on how you want to brand your business, you may have to adjust your logo design again and again!
Here’s a tip. There is no right and wrong; in this case, it is up to you.
A logo is just a word or a phrase written in a certain way. Sometimes it is a symbol created on a computer; another time, a printout, and yet another moment, it is a simple word.
These logos will all create their own identity. But to be effective, they need a specific design. What’s the strategy? Is it a friendly font that conveys a certain feeling or a striking image that clearly shows its message to everyone?
The design usually says something about the company’s personality, what it’s about, and who you are.

Step 1: Think about your design (research).
The first step is to do your research. What is your logo? Take your time to look at other brands and logos out there and think about what they do or represent. Are they futuristic or traditional, or both? Take screenshots and notes and create a mood board.
Do not go for a particular type or theme if it’s not right for you or your business. However, make sure that the logo is comfortable to read. If you plan on printing the logo, ensure the size is appropriate.

Step 2: Sketch your design.
The next step is to sketch your logo design using a pen and paper or an application that can be used to draw on a computer. This will allow you to see the rough design with many variations. Note down all of the key points you need for your design; the overall layout and design of the logo, the typography, the colour scheme, and the secondary design elements. Ensure that you still keep the main features you wanted, such as font type, colour scheme, and background colour.

Step 3: Edit your logo.
Now that your sketch is ready, it is time to edit it on a computer. There are many resources online on how to edit a logo, but we recommend using Adobe illustrator for this process. Start using black and white colours (you can add different colours later). You can use black or a very dark blue because those colours stand out against a white background.
Once the content is decided for the logo, you can edit the logo to be easily recognizable for the brand or business you want to represent.
Tweak your logo until you are happy with the results. Create a few variations and sit them next to each other to see which version you prefer.

Step 4: Choose a font.
Now that you have designed a logo, the next step is to choose a font. There are many types of fonts, and companies such as Google can help you choose the right kind of font for you. One good font to start with is Helvetica. Choose a font that would fit with the brand; there are plenty of fonts out there. This is important because the font should be something that fits the brand and can easily be recognized.
You should also choose a font that would be easy to read because it should reflect the correct way to write.
Now that you have chosen a font, you can add this to the design. Try 2-3 different fonts with the logo, and pick from which one looks best.

Step 5: Revise your concepts.
Depending on how you want to brand your business, you may have to adjust your logo design again. This is what most professional designers call revising. It’s important to note that your logo will not change depending on the industry. It should be your brand identity, which will remain constant regardless of the economy. After creating your logo, you must provide it to your clients to share it with their customers and prospective clients.
The most famous logos are Apple, Microsoft, Google, IBM, Coca-Cola, Nike, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Burger King, LEGO, Coca-Cola, and McDonald’s.

Step 6: Add colour.
The final step is to add colour to the logo to make it more appealing. Make sure that you are adding the right colours to the logo design. Often, a client or a company will only select one colour for a logo design. Therefore, you can choose a colour and develop the rest of your brand design around it.
If you need some inspiration, here are some great logos.
To know more about brand colours, check out our article ‘your brand in Colour’ here.

Step 7: Finish your logo design.
Exporting your files – As a bare minimum, we request an eps or ai file. But now we’re being asked for an editable PDF file, among other formats. The following is a list of files that should be included in a logo handover:
- Adobe Illustrator (.ai) file
- editable PDF file
- PNG file
- JPG File
There’s no shortcut to creating a perfect logo; it is impossible and will require a lot of hard work. The logo should not only be made to look good but also stand out against your competitors. Finally, your logo is ready, uploaded onto a website, or handed over to the client.
If you struggle to figure out what a good logo design should look like. You need to keep in mind that you are clearly in need of a professional to help you out. Click here to find out more.
When to Hire A Professional
As we’ve outlined, there are several steps you can take to start refining your brand presence. With some discipline and elbow grease, you can conduct a simple audit like the one above and improve how you broadcast your business to the world.
Of course, working with an expert is a good way to up-level your brand presence quickly and effectively. We can help you hone what sets you apart, build consistency in your communications, and bring your brand’s potential to life. If you want help to develop your brand, get in touch or look at our other articles.
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