Brand identity is all around from print & packaging to digital, so its no surprise that the ArtVersion team has had logo design on the brain for awhile. We sat down with a few of our designers for their take on what essential elements are required for an effective logo.
All agreed that the competition is tougher than ever before for a brand to thrive in the marketplace. If designed well, a logo can do much more than just look pretty – it can establish credibility, build trust and allow a brand to stand out from the crowd. Branding with regard to logo design has always been important – but in an age where much of business is done virtually, establishing solid brand recognition in a visual way is a requirement.
So how do you create something that truly stands out and reflects the values of the brand it represents? The ArtVersion designers weigh in.
Your logo must be versatile.
A logo that is truly effective can translate across platform. From billboards to business cards to social media, its important that a logo stay consistent to develop strong recognition, helping the company to grow. ‘You shouldn’t have to change the design, or even scale too differently for any application,’ says ArtVersion director of design, adding that ’a logo that doesn’t scale well should be reworked.’
Your logo must be relevant.
This is where understanding the brand is essential. When beginning a logo design process, the designer must align with the client and truly understand all aspects of the brand from both the customer and internal sides. Identifying target markets, core usage, company values and culture are all pieces of the puzzle needed to deliver a logo that is a visual extension of the company it stands for. Many clients want to visually reflect an aspect of their service offering in the logo. This must be done very carefully to avoid pigeon-holing the full product offering or getting too literal with the design. Color can be a big ally in helping to reflect a company’s values, products and services.
Your logo must endure.
Even though a brand refresh or audit is recommended from time to time, the core elements of a logo should be able to stand the test of time. Designing with a main idea in mind – whether its simplicity, technology or nature will help to develop a neutral design that will have a timeless quality. Over the years, the design can change but these timeless elements will remain leaving the impact of the brand intact.
Your logo must be simple.
Pulling from the core principles of user experience, a logo that is simple is more memorable. With a streamlined approach to design, the logo is easier to understand and recognize. Taking a simplicity approach doesn’t mean a bland or boring logo – it means truly aligning with the subject matter and distilling that down to the color and clean lines that represent the company in an ideal visual manner.