Basic Principles of Logo format/Design

[ideamaker]

Hi,

I have gone through one old thread i.e. "Logo format best practices". It is quite helpful information to create & submit logo. I need to discuss one more important aspect of creating logo. As I know there are also 2 more basic and very important principles of logo design:

1) Maximum 3 or 4 colors should be used in a logo-symbol.
&
2) Colors should always be flat (not vignette/merging/transparent)

And I strongly believe in these principles while creating logo-symbol, I feel this kind of design increases brand identity of company. It is more impactful & easy to remember for common people. There are lots of example for the same and all are successful worldwide, if you observe.

I would like to here from you.....thanks

[Reforma]

While I agree with those 2, I'd add a third one:
3. Break rules 1 & 2 when needed

I can easily think of several great logos that break the rules you said and are still great!

[ideamaker]

Seriously Reforma, you are right, you have mentioned the correct rule - Break rules 1 & 2when needed ("when needed")...totally agree

[Marie_ds]

#4: design with the same font - varying weight and size within the same family "simple is better" :-)

[ideamaker]

approved at #4...suggestions from all of you would be definitely helping me while creating a logo design ...Thanks

[reaper]

just simple rulles , but rulles are made to be broken.

[Chung Dha]

Flat colors are not true nowadays gradients are applied to allot of logo's and they look good and they are now possible because of allot of new printing methods making it possible.

Max 4 colors is also an old rule so you dont have to use too much inks, you can have as much colors as you want but you just need to know what is the best mix.

Rule 5. Always check your kernings when you type with a font, not all font have a designer who has done a perfect job with kerning all letters with them.

Rule 6. If there are no fonts that fits your logo design your own sets of fonts for them.

[ideamaker]

Hey Thanks for your feedback.
definitely gradients are also look good & there are lots of printing techniques are available in market. But we should also think about execution of design in different medias (like: Mugs, Paper Bags, Stationary, etc..). How it will look in different sizes or in black & white or in one color? Cost of the printing should be also considered For example: you have designed your profile picture/icon (CD - Chung Dha) in a very nice way which can be produced in any way even wothout printing, I mean to say if you cut paper or metal surface according to your CD design in any size, still it will have same look & feel, i guess! isnt it?

Would like to follow your 5th & 6th rules...Thanks!

Flat colors are not true nowadays gradients are applied to allot of logo's and they look good and they are now possible because of allot of new printing methods making it possible.

Max 4 colors is also an old rule so you dont have to use too much inks, you can have as much colors as you want but you just need to know what is the best mix.

Rule 5. Always check your kernings when you type with a font, not all font have a designer who has done a perfect job with kerning all letters with them.

Rule 6. If there are no fonts that fits your logo design your own sets of fonts for them.

[architorch]

My general rules for identity design:

1) No gradients in primary identities. Gradients are fair game for stylized versions for the web etc, but a design must never depend on the gradient.

2) The integrity of the design must hold at any size.

3) The identity must work in black & white.

4) Whenever possible, the identity (icon + wordmark) should lend itself to at least two orientations, vertical and horizontal, for consistency and ease of use across devices, media and other applications.

[abigail123]

What is the concept of logo design?

[ideamaker]

...to create an identity of brand.

What is the concept of logo design?

[jhty01]

hiii...buddy...

I am totally agree with your post.. Your post is up to the mark...

Thanks for such a nice post....

[ideamaker]

Hi, Thanks!

In fact I am also getting lot of inputs from all of you which are very important while creating identity design...

hiii...buddy...

I am totally agree with your post.. Your post is up to the mark...

Thanks for such a nice post....

[ainsley12]

Hi abigail123,

There are different types of logo’s based on the requirement logos are designed. The quality of the design and style varies. If you need any more details. Just visit this site SIRUS Design Studios. It has lot of stuff about designing.

[Unique Concepts]

i kinda agree, when you use too many colors, its a bitch if you wanna silk screen your logo!

[Chung Dha]

There are different types of logo’s based on the requirement logos are designed. The quality of the design and style varies. If you need any more details. Just visit this site SIRUS Design Studios. It has lot of stuff about designing.

That sirusdesign site have no help at all particularly showing design which you should not do at all.

I am going to post some interesting things and also a 2009 logo trend with extra tips on my site soon saying what to design in 2009.

[Chung Dha]

Rule 7 always make a black white version of the logo first that you are pleased with and then work into a colored version. This make sure you can always print it in a single color. Also work faster then if you have to make a multicolor into a black white.

[yasmina]

Hi,

I don't completely agree with your point of view...
It s okay to deal with full color in a logo as long as the company want to invest in that kind of printing fees
see for the Olympics or all printing companies' logo
You can also use Pantone and mix them
Everything is just question of money and how much the full printing color costs...
For the transparency it depends as well ...how you gonna use it...

Anyway you are right for basic logos
New small businesses like to give a good impact using a simple logo.
This is cheaper to create a simple logo with one or two colors then...

But I just believe that life is color and that some logo should be more that 4 colors... just depends your talent and the budget of your client...
see you
yas

[gdeetan]

Thanks for the tips.

My take, these rules can be applied to most logos, but they can be broken if done correctly and in style.

[ideamaker]

Hi Yas,

After all, its client's choice because graphic designer never works for himself (in client's assignment). Still I would like to dictate one rule which Architorch mentioned that, "No gradients in primary identities. Gradients are fair game for stylized versions for the web etc, but a design must never depend on the gradient".

Identity is not all about the cost, fees and etc...

Do you think Nike, Mc Donald, Apple, Puma, ....many other worlwide brands having problem with budget n all? And those are small businesses companies?

I am totally disagree with all your comments like, This is cheaper to create a simple logo with one or two colors then...

Hi,

I don't completely agree with your point of view...
It s okay to deal with full color in a logo as long as the company want to invest in that kind of printing fees
see for the Olympics or all printing companies' logo
You can also use Pantone and mix them
Everything is just question of money and how much the full printing color costs...
For the transparency it depends as well ...how you gonna use it...

Anyway you are right for basic logos
New small businesses like to give a good impact using a simple logo.
This is cheaper to create a simple logo with one or two colors then...

But I just believe that life is color and that some logo should be more that 4 colors... just depends your talent and the budget of your client...
see you
yas