README: What is a Logo? The difference between web and print? Tips on creating Logos.

[Sylense]

SOMEONE PLEASE STICKY THIS IF THEY FEEL THAT IT IS INFORMATIVE TO CORRESPONDING INDIVIDUALS

Throughout the forums I have found that many people holding these contests do not seem to know what they want or are asking for. Many cannot distinguish the difference between a LOGO and a WEB HEADER/BANNER. These two can sometimes be closely related but they are not the same thing. There are also several different TYPES of logos and not just one. When holding a contest I think it's only fair that in the title, you classify and commit to one type of logo or specify that you're open to any type. The primary types of logos include:

• Combination (icon plus text )
• Logotype/Wordmark/Lettermark (text or abbreviated text)
• Icon (symbol / brandmark)

I have quoted this from an article from a business design school which states:

Web and print are two entirely different mediums. If you are having a logo designed for the first time, it is essential that you be aware that your logo must be designed for print FIRST and web second. Without getting into the intricacies of print and web resolutions, suffice it to say they are very different. What might look great on your computer screen will likely print out at the size of a postage stamp and be entirely muddled. If the logo is designed to look great online, depending on the graphics format, it might not scale easily up to a printable version, so it is best to create it in a way that can be downscaled.

This portion is information pertaining to the actual concept of logo designing. I am not perfect and follow every guideline, every time, but I try my best to meet every guideline and still accomodate the client with what he/she needs. My biggest thing is that I sometimes use gradients and/or incorporate too much graphical work. I do however make sure when creating the logo I can produce a full color version w/ gradients, w/out gradients, and/or in black & white if requested. I just feel that way because I am a Web/Graphic Designer, therefore I should be creating some graphics or some type of art. I do not consider slapping royalty-free fonts on a white background to be a Logo/Logotype. I feel that if you are in fact designing logotype it should be of your own custom fonts...without the use of royalty-free or licensed fonts because Logotypes should be original and distinct for each company. Here are some guidelines I pulled from wikipedia along with the link for those who wish to further research:

Logo design
WIKIPEDIA LINK: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logo

Logo design is commonly believed to be one of the most important areas in graphic design, thus making it the most difficult to perfect. The logo, or brand, is not just an image, it is the embodiment of an organization. Because logos are meant to represent companies and foster recognition by consumers it is counterproductive to redesign logos often.

A good logo:

* is unique, and not subject to confusion with other logos among customers
* is functional and can be used in many different contexts while retaining its integrity
* should remain effective reproduced small or large
* can work in "full-color", but also in two color presentation (black and white), spot color, or halftone.
* may be able to maintain it's integrity printed on various fabrics or materials (where the shape of the product may distort the logo)
* abides by basic design principles of space, color, form, consistency, and clarity
* represents the brand/company appropriately

Color is important to the brand recognition, but should not be an integral component to the logo design, which would conflict with its functionality. Loud colors, such as red, that are meant to attract the attention of drivers on freeways are appropriate for companies that require such attention.

For other brands, more subdued tones and lower saturation can communicate dependability, quality, relaxation, etc.

Color is also useful for linking certain types of products with a brand. Warm colors (red, orange, yellow) are linked to hot food and thus can be seen integrated into many fast food logos. Conversely, cool colors (blue, purple) are associated with lightness and weightlessness, thus many diet products have a light blue integrated into the logo.

When designing (or commissioning) a logo, practices to encourage are:

* use few colors, or try to limit colors to spot colors (a term used in the printing industry)
* avoid gradients (colors that transition from dark to light/light to dark) as a distinguishing feature
* produce alternatives for different contexts
* design using vector graphics, so the logo can be resized without loss of fidelity (Adobe Illustrator is one of the main programs for this type of design work)
* be aware of design or copyright infringements
* include guidelines on the position on a page and white space around the logo for consistent application across a variety of media (a.k.a. brand standard manual)
* do not use a specific choice of third-party font or clip-art as a distinguishing feature
* do not use the face of a (living) person
* avoid photography or complex imagery as it reduces the instant recognition a logo demands
* avoid culturally sensitive imagery, such as religious icons or national flags, unless the brand is commited to being associated with any and all connotations such imagery may evoke

I may edit and update this thread with more information when I have the time or see fit...

Thanks everyone and great work fellow designers! I have seen some very nice work here lately... keep it up!

SOMEONE PLEASE STICKY THIS IF THEY FEEL THAT IT IS INFORMATIVE TO CORRESPONDING INDIVIDUALS

 

[namewaiter]

good info .. sticky it

 

[steadler]

thanks for that sylense, there was some things i didnt even know.....

but the thing about royalty free fonts is that you have to cater for thoose who do not know how to create their own fonts, just my opinion...

 

[equity78]

Great Article

 

[gio~logist]

I say sticky it. I've noticed alot of people are always making that mistake then i end up not knowing what to design.