Making Unforgettable Logos – Traits of logo designing!! « Graphic Design Blog – An Ultimate Resource for Graphic Designers

Making Unforgettable Logos – Traits of logo designing!!

50 Comments

Posted on Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

"We all want to look different and this makes us all the same"

I am sure all my friends reading this post will agree with the quote but let me tell you how I relate it with logo designing. On asking a client’s basic requirements for his logo design “unforgettable, impressive and creative”; are few descriptive words you always get to hear. Certainly, we all want our logo to be recognized among the bunch of other emblems but do you exactly know “HOW” to achieve this target?

Yes, I mean to ask if anyone knows exactly that which feature of a logo design makes it successfully memorable….it’s simplicity, icon, tagline, colors, repeated branding? Every logo designer works with a different approach to make a logo design successful. Today, let’s share with each other, that which type of logos become "hard to forget"

Simplicity:

Many people think that frilly decorations in logos attract more customers but world’s most famous logos are amazingly simple. Without any flair, swirly typefaces and decorative icons, they are on the top. The mesmerizing “Google” logo with a simple word mark and the classy “Nike” swoosh are ruling the logo design world from centuries. There are many other examples of such logos which have won thousand of hearts with their simplicity and minimalism. Without any major graphic contributions logos like apple, target, IBM are classic examples of simple logos.

Color:

Its human nature that an eye never skips a colorful vision therefore mostly people prefer having vibrant logos. Certainly, colors make the logos more appealing and welcoming. The rainbow colors of “Apple” logo prove that unique use of color play an important role in making a logo hit.

Unusual shaped icons:

Whenever we see something extraordinary, it’s hard to ignore. Therefore, we try using unusual icons and shapes for our logos so that people recognize them among so many other logos. A logo that uses strange shapes, symbols and colors is imprinted in our minds and we don’t forget them in the long run.

Conceptual approach:

Lately, logos are seen getting more conceptual and intelligent. I have seen clients telling their logo designers that the logo should capably deliver company’s aims and targets. With the growing awareness of conceptual art, viewers have also started admiring clever logos. They enjoy the logo more if there is something more than a simple icon or a plain symbol.

Interesting Graphics:

Advancements in Graphic Designing has introduced amazing logo trends to the world. Gone are the days when the logo use to say name of the company and a punching tagline, in clean fonts. Now, the designers use amazing graphic design tricks to make a logo exceptional and appealing for the customers.

Repeated Branding:

There are few companies which aggressively brand their logos and it becomes hard to forget them. These corporate brands follow the marketing strategy of “the more you see a logo, the more likely you are to remember it.” You must have noticed many logos which you get to see easily on every online logo gallery you visit. It is believed that sufficient strong web presence greatly contributes in making a logo memorable and famous.

Your turn to talk:

You must be thinking there was nothing new regarding logo designing in this post but to claim the main reason of a successful logo, it was important to list all these features. I will really appreciate if you all share your views telling which of the above given features, you think plays the most important role in making a logo design successful?

50 Appreciated Responses

estudio web On September 29th, 2009 at 6:53 am

1

Muy buen blog de diseño! great blog! thanks from Argentina.

Colectivo Bicicleta On September 29th, 2009 at 11:21 am

2

Muy buena recopilación de logos, muy inspiradores. Saludos desde Bogotá

alex bruno On September 29th, 2009 at 4:21 pm

3

I think Google’s logo is hilarious–It uses four different colors, is embossed and has a drop shadow–Three things that designers generally tend to shy away from, especially in logo design. haha

melissa On September 29th, 2009 at 7:15 pm

4

cool logos

Andrew On September 29th, 2009 at 7:47 pm

5

We think our logo is pretty unforgettable too.

K On September 29th, 2009 at 8:34 pm

6

I agree…

Logo designing is fun and can be easy..its really all like making music. No right or wrong way to make a great logo..Just pay attention to your audience, don’t be afraid to try new design methods(keep an open-mind), keep up to date with current logo design trends and always take pride in your work.

Jon Proeber On September 29th, 2009 at 9:03 pm

7

Great post! While I agree in all of the above, I think development of a logo and the success of that logo are two different things. Once the logo is developed the most important thing you can do is stick with it and develop mindshare of that logo through repeated branding. We all know that Coca-Cola has the largest brandshare in the world. One of my blogpost shows how their logo has developed in comparison to their competition!

Jon F. Proeber

I.D. Zine On September 29th, 2009 at 11:52 pm

8

Very informative information Charlie. I do believe myself that a logo is an identity of a company which you should understand to brand. The trends are definitely not minded at all. I also feel that a logo can be as simple and as defined as it needs to be to get the idea across. Simplicity from the beginning works, and then refining that identity or brand would be or would not be needed as you have shown above, such as the logos for McDonalds, Coca Cola, etc. I myself have found this information very beneficial.

Biagio Messina On September 30th, 2009 at 12:19 am

9

Being a hands-on television producer, I can speak to the importance of having a design sense…especially when pitching projects. Once TV shows or movies are greenlit, producers are fairly hands off in the design process. However, when pitching a TV show or a movie, more times than not it’s the producers themselves who need to design all the logos and graphics for the presentations, pitch tapes, or teaser/trailers. The tips above are a great starting point for anyone needing to design logos, especially folks pitching entertainment projects. It’s all about the pretty wrapper!

Philippine Global Outsourcing On September 30th, 2009 at 1:07 am

10

I love weird looking logos because they catch consumers’ attention.^^

Martin Chaov On September 30th, 2009 at 2:22 am

11

I think it is really the simple name with cool/quality products

Peter Yang On September 30th, 2009 at 2:36 am

12

I really love the Families logo for some reason. Maybe because of the simplicity, yet creative sense it gives me. Overall, wonder list broken down to very unique categories. Just wanted to thank you for the inspiration as I’m currently working on a logo design project. Keep up the great work!

David Freshwater On September 30th, 2009 at 3:05 am

13

A good logo should be recognizable from a long way away, even its on a sheet of other logos. Simplicity is the best route forward for this!

M.blaine On September 30th, 2009 at 6:55 am

14

Logo should be designd in dat manner even a child can remember dat logo.

Emily Reed On September 30th, 2009 at 7:22 am

15

For all the topics that you come up with… I have only one word for you – ‘AWESOME’.

Keep up the good work genius

giulietta On September 30th, 2009 at 8:30 am

16

I never tire of looking at beautiful logos. Killed. 23 Design Studio. Gorgeous!

Great logos are simple and take your breath away (mine anyway). These “simple” logos take a lot of time and a lot of back and forth between client and designer. That’s where the financial disconnect enters the conversation. It can take weeks if not months to whip up something this simple! Thx.

Jwo On September 30th, 2009 at 9:32 am

17

You forgot legible, recognizable, able to appear in one color and in all mediums. The basics. Without those, you have none of these other factors.

Johnny On September 30th, 2009 at 11:16 am

18

that’s a pretty useful post. Thanks.

Keep it up.

Rogerio Fratin On September 30th, 2009 at 11:20 am

19

Well… I disagree. A logo is not as simple and easy to create as it we read here. It’s a long research and lots of roughs to find the way, the shape.
[ ]s
Rogério Fratin

Design On September 30th, 2009 at 11:48 am

20

For the Editor: Why is it that many Internet Companies ( Ebay, Google etc. ) use the Colors of the Window Flag ?

MS paid a truckload of Cash for their Logo, so I think even the Color have a “Meaning”.

And why did IBM go back from their Colorful ( Next Style ) Logo back to dumb Blue? As you ahve pointed out, they plastered it everywhere. I still remember there old Advertising Campaing with Charly Chaplin. It was and possible still is the only Bill Board push in Germany on a Car Maker Level = You could not drive to School / Work without at least see two Bill Boards of them.

BTW the IBM Logo looks really oldstile today, even AT & T revamped their old one ( It followed the IBM Style like lots of them at that Time EOA, Sierra etc. )

Tobbi On September 30th, 2009 at 12:42 pm

21

Great list.

Elisa On September 30th, 2009 at 5:47 pm

22

LOVE THIS POST! As always you guys are providing great content!

Mo On September 30th, 2009 at 6:06 pm

23

I like most of your categorizations. I’d say the most important are simplicity and concept. Another other rule, which goes hand in hand with simplicity – if it can’t be sized to be tiny and still recognizable, it’s probably not a good logo.

Mo

logo design On October 1st, 2009 at 1:58 am

24

Thanks for sharing this information about unforgetabble logos

BlindAcreMedia On October 1st, 2009 at 4:08 pm

25

Agh, yes unforgettable logos…It would be nice to see the transformation of each through the years.

Mahmudur Rahman On October 1st, 2009 at 6:34 pm

26

Exceptional post about logo designing thanks for shearing this nice post.

links for 2009-10-02 | AndySowards.com :: Professional Web Design, Development, Programming Freelancer, Hacks, Downloads, Math and being a Web 2.0 Hipster? On October 2nd, 2009 at 8:02 pm

27

[...] Making Unforgettable Logos – Traits of logo designing!! | Graphic Design Blog – An Ultimate … Awesome traits of logo design! [...]

Don Elliott On October 2nd, 2009 at 10:12 pm

28

I’ve always hated IBMs logo….

I think the Killed Productions logo is brilliant! It burns the name into your memory and has so much humor at the same time. The paradox of the humor and the name ‘killed’ is really effective also. Can you imagine if it wasn’t funny? It would be way too intense…

-Don

Dateahotcougar.com On October 5th, 2009 at 11:33 am

29

I like all logos.. Its looks gr8. Thansk for sharing. Keep it up..

Bryan Moore On October 5th, 2009 at 11:01 pm

30

It’s not the logo that creates success. It’s the company behind the identity. This was a very interesting article and I love the samples. A good representation of successful brands and their logos.

Sean Kinkade On October 6th, 2009 at 2:25 am

31

Great logos can make a product stand out, even when the product sucks!!!

Rahul Astik On October 6th, 2009 at 5:23 am

32

Nice logos some are exceptionally designed..loved em

Ravikumar V. On October 6th, 2009 at 8:06 am

33

Nice collections

Ramesh On October 6th, 2009 at 9:01 am

34

when a logo contains the name + creative imagination in the same context + simplicity & readability… the best combination for making a logo…leaves an impression in ur mind…….

Logo Design On October 6th, 2009 at 11:24 am

35

Great article! All of these features are very important to keep in mind while designing a logo for a client. I also think while keeping these all in mind you must also keep the clients personality and identity in mind, the most important. The company at anytime can make or break a logo through advertisement and marketing or even personality. So no matter how great someone designs a logo, the Client in the end has total control of making it successful.

loved the “23 design” and “Killed” logo…awesome.

jubo On October 7th, 2009 at 11:35 am

36

I love the site, great Logos, great ideas.

Ares On October 7th, 2009 at 1:04 pm

37

I think it’s very important for logo designers to understand what the logo will be used for. For example, Google’s logos contain lighting effects, drop shadows, and other techniques which are avoided by traditional logo designers. Considering that Google’s logos will be seen almost exclusively on the web, however, makes these design approaches acceptable, or maybe even preferred.

Christopher Meeks On October 9th, 2009 at 9:47 am

38

While I enjoy seeing some of these logos, I disagree with a lot of your examples shown. For instance, it isn’t necessary to use vibrant color in every logo, but it should be necessary to have simplicity.

A little more focus on what the most important elements of a logo design are, would be preferred. Thanks for the article.

Fuad Ahasan Chowdhury On October 10th, 2009 at 1:38 am

39

It’s a nice post.. all lovely logo with a great sharing. You guys rock

Druckerpatronen On October 10th, 2009 at 2:09 am

40

Hey this is valuable information and post too.
Its is so interesting blog and found it amazing.
Am so thank full.Stay connected.

Namubiru Priscilla On October 15th, 2009 at 3:32 am

41

Families, Killed and Burtton logos simply summaries the basics of logo development. Thanks for this information

clippingimages On October 15th, 2009 at 12:34 pm

42

WoW, attractive post. Excellent collection of logo, Thanks for sharing.

len On October 15th, 2009 at 6:24 pm

43

Dear sir ur article on a good logo was very helpful i am given this task to make a logo how can i make it myself im sorry to confess i am a lay person please help

Dianne On October 17th, 2009 at 1:32 pm

44

I’m not crazy about the Google Chrome logo, reminds me too much of the Simple Simon game from the 80′s.

r4 ds games On October 26th, 2009 at 6:43 am

45

That killed product one was very funny…. Just couldn’t stop my self from laughing./… I have saved that for my collection……

Nazmul Zico On December 30th, 2009 at 11:45 pm

46

Its really great to see all great logos at a time. It is really an inspiration for all the beginners.

xyz On January 8th, 2010 at 12:41 am

47

i loved your collection, and enjoyed the conceptual approach the most most. thanks ! its bound to help

interior design classes online On January 16th, 2010 at 10:43 pm

48

Very great post I agree about branding. Awesome branding can make even a crappy logo design seem to be awesome just because its so well known and can make a great logo exceptional and really powerful.

Isabel Diaz On September 17th, 2010 at 3:34 am

49

I personally think colors in logos play an important role. I absolutely love rainbow colors. It’s amazing how the designers can mix all this colors on a logo design and make it look so pretty. I had colorful logo done by the Logo Design Creation team awhile back and I’ll have to say that working with LogoDesignCreation has been a wonderful and stress free experience for womenxchange.com. Their work on our logo, website, business cards and promotional materials have not only met, but exceeded our expectations. They delivered on all details of the orders placed and made it better by providing technical and creative insight. I would recommend their services to anyone interested in creating a website or communication materials for their business. Love their work!!

Robert E. On March 30th, 2012 at 9:56 am

50

Making logos is sometimes the easiest part of a design job because it is actually fun. I usually try the simplistic approach most of the time. When I don’t I kind of lose the identity of the brand I am dealing with.