Logo’s are always a hot topic! A lot of new designers start with logos without any real understanding of what a professional logo should do. They’re often seen as simple graphics to create so great points of entry to the world of graphic design. However, creating a simple, stylish and professional icon that represents a company accurately is deceptively complicated to do well. Many businesses, especially startups, are on a tight budget and many even design their own which is understandable. Before getting into the wonderful world of book publishing I spent a lot of time designing business identities. I have worked with a lot of businesses on branding packages and logo design and just wanted to put 5 quick and vital tips together to help people get their logo and branding perfectly on point and professional. The logo is the signature for your business and work so you really want to give the right message.
1. Logo’s should be a simple icon!!!
I cannot stress this enough. A logo needs to be legible on everything from a huge billboard to a tiny favicon. A famous acronym amongst designers exemplifies this ethos. K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Stupid. Two of the world's biggest brands are the perfect case studies for this ideal, Apple and Nike respectively.
2. The thumbnail view
Following on from point 1, just like it’s important what your cover looks like in a thumbnail, it is important what your logo looks like small and zoomed out. A good logo is a signature to identify all your work and creations and make this clearly yours, convoluted designs and illustrated portraits do not do this.
See how the old and complicated Harper Collins logo has evolved to something simple and beautiful overtime over
3. Limit your colour pallet.
3 colours is the max you need on a logo and even that’s pushing it! Make sure you know the HEX or RGB values of your logo so you can use these colours throughout your social media posts and more to keep your branding strong. Mismatching blues doesn’t give the same vibe as getting that blue perfect in everything. People will see the difference.
4. Colour theory.
What do your chosen colours say about you?
Generally as children’s authors, publishers and illustrators you’re going to want happy, approachable colours as apposed to strong passionate colours.
5. Extra bonus point:
A professional logo will work in full colour and monochrome.
If you can tick these 5 boxes you are well on your way to a strong recognisable and professional brand.
You only need to look to the big 5 publishing houses to see some classic examples of my points above:
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