It’s hard to imagine a world without the Nike swoosh, the Disney castle, or the multicolored peacock of NBC. These logos are so integrated into our daily lives that we take their influence for granted.

Trying to design a logo of your own highlights the effortless power of those famous designs, which is undoubtedly difficult to replicate.

Certain tools like a logo maker or AI logo generator can help, but there’s more to the art form! That’s why we’re offering seven pro tips to design a winning logo for your brand and start earning the recognition you deserve.

Graphic design

1. Learn Key Terms and Concepts

To design your ideal logo, it helps to learn some insider vocab when starting out. That way, you can better identify elements you like or dislike, even when limited by pure artistic skill.

This will also give you an edge when using a logo maker or communicating with freelancers and other design professionals.

Open up a graphic design glossary and familiarize yourself with the lingo and tools of the trade. You’ll be surprised how much easier it becomes to navigate logo design with a better grasp of key terms from the beginning.

2. Lock in On a Logo Type

It’s never too early to start building a swipe file of logo ideas that stand out in your daily routine. Snap photos or screenshots of logos no matter when or where, and soon you’ll have a broad selection of do’s and don’ts to draw from as you formulate designs.

The more you learn about the successes and failures of other brand logos, the sooner you can identify winning features and combine the best ones to create a design of your own.

That swipe file should always be growing, since you never know when inspiration may strike next!

3. Determine Your Brand Typeface

The difference between font and typeface might not be obvious, but you get the basic idea. These design elements bring attitude and originality to the words of your logo and the vibe of your brand overall.

Comparing typefaces side by side will demonstrate major differences in how text is read, perceived, and processed by outside observers. Explore a wide range of typeface options and discover which one best communicates the message of your brand.

Your primary logo may not contain written language, but you’ll likely rely on some form of lettering in your marketing materials or social media. Make this part of your logo design process so that everything stays cohesive and aligned.

4. Apply the Art of Color Psychology

Ever notice how certain colors make you feel differently about an image or logo? Designers do this deliberately, applying the rules of color psychology to inspire certain emotions and actions.

For example, the bright red Target logo attracts customers to the center of the shopping action, while Taco Bell rings out with iconic colors to heighten appetites worldwide. Meanwhile, the stoic grey Apple logo reminds customers that the tech brand is stable, reliable, and always on the cutting edge.

The lesson is to pick colors that reflect the essence of your brand and inspire customers to learn more about your offerings.

Logo design

5. Test Out Your Skills with a Logo Maker

Once you understand the basics of logo design theory, it’s time to put your findings to the test. Since you may not be the next Da Vinci with a pen and pad, an online logo maker will be a useful tool for tinkering with design ideas.

Many logo makers are free to try and give you plenty of room for experimentation. Don’t hesitate to test a bunch of different designs and leave most on the cutting room floor.

As you get comfortable with the software and narrow down your vision, your skills will sharpen quickly and inch closer to a final design.

6. Embrace Alternatives and Variations

The world’s biggest brands have several logo versions for different situations and settings. This is your reminder to create alternative designs that still ring true to the central theme of your brand.

Try logos with symbols only, text-based designs, or combinations large and small. There will be a time and place for each variation, so it’s better to have more options than fewer.

This is also your chance to brainstorm with teammates or even bring in a professional for added input and consultation. You want your logo to be tested from all perspectives and angles to ensure it’s free of flaws before the final stretch.

7. Finish with Formats and Files

Your logos will be with you for the long haul, so make sure you finish the design process with a folder of various formats and file types. High-resolution files, including PNG, SVG, JPEG, EPS, and PDF, will be necessary for everything from digital publishing to physical formats.

Do yourself a favor and invest a bit extra in an organized final product so that you’re prepared for any business challenge or opportunity ahead.

Your Legendary Logo is Almost Here

Logo design will test your marketing acumen, artistic skill set, and creative imagination. With these tips to guide you on your journey, it’s only a matter of time before you have a winning logo ready to go!

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