How to create a professional logo – tips
- Małgorzata Łopata
- Aug 6
- 8 min read
If you're wondering how to design a logo and whether you can do it yourself, don't worry; there are many solutions available on the market. Of course, you can hire a professional graphic designer or agency, but you can also use various free logo makers and create your own design.
This can be a significant saving, especially at the beginning of your company's operations. However, not everything can be achieved with these creators, but as you know, there's a trade-off and compromise always allows you to move forward.
A logo creator allows you to benefit from the work of experts who are intimately familiar with the latest trends in logo design. Any technical issues will also be resolved for you. The most important requirement, however, is to adhere to the proposed composition with minor adjustments. You've probably created something with such tools more than once, only to find that the changes were completely out of style.
Below, you'll learn how to design your own logo from scratch using expert tips and free, ready-made solutions. You'll learn:
What is a logo?
How to design a good logo?
How to create a ready-made logo?
Why do you need a logo?
What makes a logo successful?
What is a logo?
A logo is a unique graphic symbol and a key element of a company's or organization's visual identity. It is a distinctive trademark that functions as a company symbol.
We easily recognize Nike's swoosh or McDonald's golden arches – your logo should also be clearly associated with your brand and build a sense of trust in your services or products. This is especially important for small and niche businesses. Here, authenticity is your secret weapon :)
How to design a logo?
How to design an engaging logo that will stay with your company for years to come? Below, we present and explain several universal steps to creating a successful logo:
Define your brand identity
Look for inspiration
Specify logo style
Select logo type
Specify the colors
Select font
1. Define your brand identity
A brand's identity is its image and a clear message conveying the company's mission to the world – it must be reflected in all visual and textual elements used to promote the brand.
Your logo must, above all, be consistent with the overall image of your brand .
2. Look for inspiration
If you want to know how to design a logo, look around you. Pay attention to the best designs you encounter every day, browse design blogs, Pinterest boards, and Behance accounts of renowned designers , or explore the latest trends in logo design .
Also, conduct competitive research. You'll see which directions other companies in your industry are heading. Pay attention to which ideas are effective and which are completely misguided. And most importantly, you'll also ensure that the logo you're planning won't be too similar to an existing one.
3. Determine your logo style
A cohesive logo style is created through a thoughtful combination of various elements. It's important to define the target logo style before beginning the design process and focus on elements that will express the brand's character:
Is your brand classic? Choose an elegant logo font and subdued colors.
Is your brand minimalist? Avoid complex graphic elements and embrace a modern approach.
Is your brand bold and trendsetting? Consider bold, abstract designs and surprising color combinations in your logo.
Learn more about the key role of logo psychology – the importance of colors, shapes, and graphic forms to make informed decisions.
4. Select logo type
When planning how to design a logo that expresses your brand identity, choose the right logo type. Here are some options:
Logotype
A logo, or wordmark, consists solely of letters written in a distinctive font. This type of logo contains only the brand name – an excellent choice if your brand has an interesting and catchy name.
Monogram
A letterform, or monogram, is a type of logotype—a design also based on the use of typography alone . A monogram contains only the first letters, initials, or acronym of the brand name (e.g., IBM, CNN, HBO).
Pictogram
A symbol or pictogram uses a single icon to represent a brand – it's just a graphic symbol (signet), without any text. These types of symbols have great potential, but it's worth remembering that achieving recognition will require time and effort, as the absence of a company name in the logo will make it somewhat difficult for consumers to associate the symbol with the brand and remember it.
Abstract symbol
Moving away from specific associations, an abstract logo utilizes geometric patterns to create a truly unique effect. Over time, this initially obscure symbol can become synonymous with your brand (like Nike's swoosh symbol, for example).
An abstract logo opens up global promotional opportunities. Companies using this solution don't have to worry about whether audiences in other markets will understand foreign cultural references or correctly interpret text written in an unfamiliar language.
Emblem
An emblem logo represents a classic style. The design typically incorporates a graphic symbolizing a seal or coat of arms with text. Emblems are associated with traditional design, but modernized versions are successfully used today.
Composite logo
A logo composed of various elements includes both text and an image (logo and symbol). Examples of such a logo include a monogram with a pictogram, a logo with an emblem or an abstract symbol, or any other combination. This is a good logo for companies entering the market, as the image and text work together to increase brand recognition.
5. Determine the colors
The logo's colors must, above all, be consistent with the brand's visual identity to ensure full consistency.
Different colors, their shades, and tones evoke specific emotions in recipients and influence their behavior. Logo design principles dictate that when selecting a color palette, you should strive to achieve two goals:
obtaining the desired customer response
increasing brand recognition.
In terms of the color options used, we can divide company logos into three main categories:
Black and white logo It is perfect when you want to emphasize minimalism or create a classic design.
Monochromatic logo A single-color logo works well for word and letter symbols, and can also build a strong connection between the chosen color and the brand – good examples include Coca-Cola red or Tiffany's Robin Egg Blue .
Multicolor Logos: Appropriate color combinations complement abstract graphic designs beautifully, adding depth and variety to logo and symbol designs. For this purpose, you can use contrasting complementary colors (those directly opposite each other on the color palette) or harmonious (analogous) colors next to each other. Note: When choosing a multicolor logo, limit yourself to a maximum of three colors.
6. Choose a font
Just like choosing the right colors, choosing the right font for your logo is equally important , as the typeface influences the overall perception of the design. Here, too, you should limit yourself to a maximum of two fonts.
A minimalist logo requires a clean, simple serif or sans-serif font – the typeface should be clear and legible. This also applies to designs composed of a logo and a symbol – here, you also need to consider the balance of both elements and the spacing between the image and text.
Original typography can be the most intriguing component of a design. Recently, many brands have been moving in this direction, creating logos with, for example, overlapping text or decorative, eye-catching lettering.
How to create a ready-made logo?
Now that you know how to design a logo and have an initial vision for it, it's time to take action.
1. Develop some projects
If you plan to collaborate with a graphic designer or agency on your logo concept, share your idea and ask them to prepare several alternative versions. This requires a brief/initial meeting to discuss all important issues and outline the direction.
If you want to create your own logo , use Wix Logo Maker . The AI-powered platform guides you step by step. The design process begins with answering a few simple questions.
The logo creator will generate several suggestions. You can edit the selected design as much as you want – use the available tools to change the layout, colors, fonts, style, and graphics until you achieve your desired results.
2. Research and modify
Gather feedback on your designs. If your company is active on social media, you can publish your designs there. A customer survey will gauge the reaction of your target audience and—like any smart marketing tactic—will ignite interest in your new visual identity.
Also, see how the logo will look when printed, on different backgrounds, and with other visual elements. Analyze the results and make any necessary adjustments to the design.
3. Prepare files
Start by downloading high-quality graphic files for your logo. PNG and JPG files will work well on your website and social media. A vector file (SVG or PDF) will allow for greater scalability, ensuring your logo will look good visually when published at any size and on all types of printed materials.
4. Launch your logo into the market
Include the new logo on all marketing materials, websites, business cards, corporate packaging, etc.
If your logo has a complex structure, you can create a simplified design variant to be used interchangeably with the main logo. This solution is especially useful when the logo needs to be displayed in a small space, such as online favicons or very small packaging.
Be sure to create a document detailing your logo and its specifications, known as a brand style guide. Following the principles contained therein will ensure consistency in your brand's visual identity as it develops and evolves.
Why do you need a logo?
The logo appears in all relevant marketing spaces and plays a key role in promotional activities. It serves as the primary vehicle for brand information, distinguishing it from similar companies in the industry.
A logo builds a connection with your audience and helps create a sense of loyalty among your company's customers. It appears literally everywhere, present:
In printed materials – these include business cards, company packaging, stickers, posters, and leaflets.
Online – websites, favicons, email signatures, presentations
In social media – profile photos, watermarks, social media posts and videos, advertisements
What makes a logo successful?
How to create a logo that will bring success to your brand? It's always worth emulating the best. Analyze the logos of well-known brands and consider the sources of their success. Consider the following factors:
Simplicity. The less complex a logo, the easier it is to remember. When designing a good logo, remember to convey a simple, clear message.
Representativeness: A logo must appeal to your target audience and reflect your company's values. Design elements should be relevant to your industry and represent your brand.
Timelessness. The principles of logo design are clear – high-quality design and avoiding solutions that are a passing fad are key. Remember, you're creating a symbol that will be with you for years to come.
Versatility: Your design must always look great everywhere – in any location, size, and medium. A good logo can be used on a variety of media, because it looks good on any background, any size, any size.
Summary
Once you know how to design a logo for your company and what key aspects to pay attention to, start working on your project. Creating a logo is a demanding yet highly rewarding endeavor. We hope that with our help, you'll create an engaging logo for your company that will bring it success in the marketplace. Good luck, Małgosia from Milimetriks :)
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