Introduction 

Regarding logo design, there is no universally accepted standard for what constitutes a “good” logo.

This is because aesthetic appreciation is highly individual; what appeals to one person may not even pique the interest of another. But there are some logos that designers can agree on as appealing to most people, just like puppies and pizza. They’re effective, credible, and a cut above the rest.

Why you need a logo?

A company’s logo serves a similar purpose to that of a mascot, conveying the business’s character, values, and central themes in a single graphic symbol. This initial encounter will shape the viewer’s perception of your brand. The logo is the foundation upon which the other visual elements of your brand, such as your website and business card, are built.

Design principles to follow when creating a logo

1. Balance

Logos that are harmonic and polished have good proportions. There is no overemphasis on either side of the design. If the proportions of your design are off, it will be difficult for the viewer to take in all the information at once.

2. Repetition

Some may view repetition as an aesthetic death sentence. However, it is crucial to efficiently guide the viewer’s eye from one side of your design to the other. The information in your logo will be quickly absorbed and remembered this way.

3. Contrast

Good logos often feature complementary elements that seem at first glance to be opposites. Using contrast in your design can assist in creating that ‘wow’ element that takes the viewer off guard (in a good way! To put it simply, contrast occurs when two contrasting elements are used together.

4. Dominance

When one of your logo’s graphic aspects dominates over the rest, it becomes the logo’s primary focus. This may seem counterintuitive, but focusing on one portion of the logo rather than the whole is a common design choice. Incorporating elements of surprise into your design is a great way to add energy and vitality to your work.

5. Hierarchy

You should tell someone who you are, what you do, and who you do it for by looking at your logo. The concept of visual hierarchy is crucial in these cases. This is the stage in which you arrange your design’s components to lead the eye from one section to the next. It’s the route they’ll follow when they decipher your logo. 

The Top 10 Guidelines for Logo Design

1. Use colours that are either similar or contrasting.

The difference between a logo that blends in and stands out dramatically sometimes comes down to your chosen colours. But how can you determine which colour combinations will produce a professional logo? Colour schemes that are related or complementary are great safe bets.

You have created an analogous colour palette when you utilize two colours adjacent to or close to one another on the colour wheel. Colours like yellow, green, pink, purple, and blue are all possibilities. Combining these hues produces a balanced, aesthetically pleasing effect. This colour scheme is great for companies who want their logo to evoke a sense of calm and stability among their target audience.

2. Choose a legible font size and style.

You may design the most beautiful logo in the history of logos. However, if the audience cannot read your content, your message will not resonate. If you want your logo to look clean and professional on the web, use typefaces that are easy to read. In addition, it guarantees that your message will be conveyed clearly. After all, if your logo is difficult to read, people will rapidly lose interest.

3. Space out your logo properly.

Sometimes, little is more when it comes to logo design. Having plenty of white space in your logo, also known as negative or blank space, is crucial for striking a good balance. This refers to any area of your design that doesn’t contain any images. Having some breathing area in your logo prevents it from becoming cluttered.

4. Check for proper alignment of all elements.

The difference between “amateur hour” and “Ah wow, did you design that?” can be found in the logo’s space and alignment. This includes ensuring that the margins, visual elements, and letter and word spacing are uniform and centred. By doing so, your logo will feel more cohesive and well-rounded.

5. Go for less over more.

When creating a logo, a skilled designer will not consider what they can add but what they can take away. Although flashy, over-the-top logos have their place, basic designs are more likely to succeed. Less is more when it comes to logo design; fewer visual elements mean less distraction for the viewer. 

6. Make a logical, visually appealing sequence.

Logo design is an art form; the best logos take the spectator on a narrative trip. They’re not lucky, but rather very, very smart! People won’t often scan your logo from the top down. Rather, they will focus on what is most obviously there. Plan the layout of your logo around the information you want people to see initially. 

7. Use symmetry to make things seem good together.

Logos, whether colourful and elaborate or simple and monochrome, benefit greatly from symmetrical designs. This is achieved when there is a balance between the left and right sides of the image. In terms of aesthetic appeal, humans place a high value on symmetry. Designs that are balanced symmetrically are immediately perceived as more polished and professional.

8. Use shapes and lines to create contrast.

Logo contrast doesn’t have to be limited to just one colour. Vectors, patterns, and 3D logos can be made by stacking shapes and lines. These can do double duty by adding visual appeal to your logo and highlighting specific features.

9. Use memorable icons

Icons, not words or colours, often stick in our minds when we see a logo for the first time. McDonald’s golden arches and the Starbucks mermaid are two of the most recognizable trademarks in the world. Using original and meaningful iconography in your logo can set it apart and make it memorable.

10. Add a twist of unexpectedness.

When you’ve mastered the basics of logo design, you’ll be free to explore unconventional approaches because design is about more than just conforming to standards. Creating your own is the best option sometimes. Sometimes the missing ingredient in an otherwise solid logo design is introducing something unexpected.

Conclusion

You may make a fantastic logo by applying this article’s guidelines, examples, and advice. You’ll make one that stands out and reflects your brand’s values in a way that will appeal to your audience.