Shapes, Sizes and Types

Iconic logos: Iconic logos, one of most common types, are represented by a single graphical element, icon or design which usually includes company name below or to side of icon, for example: Nike, AOL, Micheline. When considering iconic logos, it is important to make symbol fit any of geometrical shapes. The best shapes to use are symmetrical geometrical shapes. They can be placed almost anywhere and still show balance and are very easy to handle. There is no obligation, however, as to kind of shape used, you can use any free form shape you want, but you have to be very careful with placement, so logo doesn't look like it is falling apart. When selecting shape, you should consider how conservative and stable your company wishes to appear.

Logo Type: Logo types consist only of company name. A unique font or unique layout style can make a great logo, for example: Sony, Kellogg’s, Coca-Cola, IBM.

Illustrative: An illustrative logo consists of a unique design; usually representing company’s field of business. These logos are often very eye-catching, detailed and impressive. As a result of their detail and colors, illustrative logos are difficult to reproduce and therefore expensive.

Integrated: An integrated logo is combination of a logo type and illustrative logo. These logos are even more rare than illustrative logos because of their expense.

Less is More!

Everyone wants a cutting edge, high tech, ‘cool’ logo. Consider, however, that some of most successful logos are simple, and most importantly, easy to remember. Think of Nike, McDonalds, Pepsi, Coca-Cola. These are all very successful images that are, at same time, very simple. When creating your design, you can get into picky little details and it is important to take a step back, close your eyes and see if you can essentially sketch image in your head. If it is that memorable, then you know you are on right track. Remember that "less is more".

Colors

Keep in mind, when selecting colors for your logo, that your color scheme should be appropriate for your company. It is also useful to use pantone colors -universal colors which are used by professional print shops. Colors often have a profound impact on viewers. Red and orange are said to produce excitation, red also tends to signify danger. Dark blue portrays comfort and relaxation, and yellow tends to create a feeling of irritation. If you are creating a logo design for a nursing home or a hospital, it may be a good idea to stay away from reds and bright yellows. Exceptions are always made though, such as McDonalds (which has both red and yellow in its logo!). When choosing your color scheme, keep in mind personality you wish to express for your business. Do you want your company to portray a professional image? Try using black, silver, and other dark colors. Do you want your company to come across and fun, dynamic, and funky? If so, try using bright and vibrant colors. Be creative.

Important Points To Consider:

•A logo should: -Attract attention and leave an impression -Create a look that in unique -reflect personality of company •Reproduction costs: The more detailed and colorful logo design, more difficult to reproduce, meaning a higher cost. •The size: The prefect logo design will look great on a sign board as well as on a business card or a pen. •Logo design companies are by dozen. Take your time, research different companies and designers and compare packages in order to select a logo design company suited to your needs. •Check your competition. What designs, graphics, and colors do they use? Remember that you need to be competitive. •Trademark your logo. If your logo is trademarked, this prevents competitors and other third parties from stealing it. •And last but not least, when in doubt, K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid).

Logo design is believed to be one of most difficult areas in graphic design. A logo is essentially at heart of a corporate identity. It is face of an organization! The right logo design can be one of your strongest marketing tools. It delivers message to public that a company is unique, credible and professional. Make it stylish. Make it elegant. Make it an impact.

If you don’t want to market your website on writing utensils or magnets you have several alternatives. Other products that work well for marketing include coffee mugs, travel-and-go cups, mouse pads, bumper stickers, key tags, and stress balls. Let’s not forget another great place to show off your website—on your body! No, I’m not talking about taking drastic measures like tattooing your company URL on your forehead. Clothing advertisements are name of game. Clothing is a wonderful way to advertise your website, especially if you have a funny slogan or eye-catching logo. You can have your website address printed on hats, shirts, umbrellas, tote bags, and all sorts of wearable accessories. The best thing about advertising on clothing is that advertisement is mobile—it goes wherever you go. The next time you get dressed to go out why not wear something that promotes your business? Don’t forget that you can give away things as well—imagine a hundred walking billboards for your website!

There are plenty of companies that will apply your brands to products. The cost is cheap and rewards can be high, so what are you waiting for? Look through your local phonebook or do an internet search for companies that print to merchandise and then go get branding!

Copyright 2005 Jon Castle www.americanhousedad.com