Logo is the image people associate with your company. It is key in branding and if done incorrectly, it can even ruin a company. Nobody wants that!
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of common mistakes businesses make while designing their logo. Hope you find it helpful.
Copying logos is a no go
You’d think that when people get their logos designed, they follow the golden rule to be original. After all, it is the face of their brand.
Imagine opening your doors to offer services only to find that the people who entered were looking for another company with a similar logo. And, upon finding that you are someone else, walk out. Worse still, you might introduce an innovation only for people to think that the other company with similar logo was behind it. Who wants that?
Twinning should be a great concern, especially when it borders on identity theft. Beware of infringing on trademark or copyrights.
Oftentimes, when designers design a logo, they might copy or steal from existing works in a bid to complete it faster. While looking for inspiration is common practice, they must put in effort into research to develop a unique logo as should you. After all, it’s your company that’ll end up getting sued.
Hiring amateur designers
Speaking of designers, don’t hire amateurs. Saving money on designers can cost you a lawsuit later on. Go for a skilled and experienced designer instead. They usually know what changes to make so that you don’t end up in a court. Spend now, so you don’t have to spend more later!
You can log onto the internet, where you’ll get multiple designers to choose from. Check their credentials before you sign up and read reviews from past customers to decide. You’ll need the internet setup for your business anyway and if you need a high-speed internet connection, which is important with the big files coming in, visit BuyTVInternetPhone to get a great deal.
Using multiple fonts
While we are on design, let’s not forget fonts.
A number of startups mess this up and this is no joke. Let’s begin by establishing that each font has its distinct personality and typeface. People take time to recognize it and when you bombard them with multiple fonts, they get confused.
For best results, we recommend that you use two fonts tops. It will leave a greater impact and increase brand recognition.
Choosing the wrong color scheme
Each color has its own significance. The color story you select must be in line with what your company stands for.
Of course, we want a colorful logo that catches everyone’s eye, but sometimes it can get you the wrong attention. The vibrant colors may make your serious brand seem like a service for kids. Similarly, you don’t want to use a pastel color palette for things targeted towards children.
It’s important to note that not all colors work well together so don’t force them. Take your designers suggestions seriously and communicate. Also, color selection should be the last decision you make.
If you’re new to it and want to avoid risks, go for a black and white logo. They work just as well and there will be times you’ll need to produce it in greyscale. Some designs rely heavily on color to carry the message. This should not be the case. Black and white or colorful, your logo should be instantly recognizable.
Using clipart and stock images
Refrain from this practice at all costs. Never ask designers to incorporate those in your design. It seems amateur and doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
Usually businesses make these mistakes when they design logos themselves. We cannot stress enough on how important it is to hire a skilled designer. It really saves you a lot of hassle.
A logo should be unique and original and its licensing agreement should be exclusive to the client. When you use stock images, it cannot be unique. In addition to this, the stock vectors used in these logos can be traced, making it unoriginal as well. When that’s the case, an exclusive licensing agreement can’t be formed.
Using Adobe Photoshop and raster graphics
While we are on the topic of vectors, let’s discuss what they are.
Vector graphic comprises mathematically precise points that ensure the design is visually consistent across all the sizes it is rendered in. The software commonly used to this effect is CorelDraw or Adobe Illustrator.
Designers also tend to use raster graphics or bitmap, as it’s commonly known as, to design logos. For these, they use software like Adobe Photoshop. Raster graphics consists of pixels. We wouldn’t recommend that you use this. When you have to render it on a larger scale, you’ll find that the reproduction gets pixelated. You really don’t want that. To be on the safe side, go for vector graphics.
Using complex, detailed designs
As we discussed earlier, you need designs that scale well. That is one of the major reasons you should go for vector graphics and why you should stay far away from complicated, intricate logos.
You might need a logo scaled up or down, you never know. When the design is too detailed, reproducing it in smaller size is not possible. You will miss out on a lot of things and so will your viewer. More details means more things for a viewer to process and the more complex it is, the faster they’ll lose interest.
Our advice, just keep it simple.
Using inflexible designs
We can’t stress enough on how important it is that your logo be easy to render. We discussed scalability, now let’s get into formats.
Depending on the nature of your business, you might need to print the logo on different mediums. If you are a restaurant for example, you might be focused on getting it printed on your menu. But what about waiters’ uniforms and aprons? And the cutlery and napkins? If you do, you might find yourself spending more to get it redesigned. To save yourself from this trouble, just go for one that is flexible.
Trend conscious
Sure, trends are important. You must be relatable, agreed. But, when the logo becomes rooted in trend it gets assigned an expiration date. Trends are temporary and if the defining factor of your design is trendy, expect that it will go out of fashion.
A good logo design is ideally evergreen and to get it, you must ignore any logo design trends.
Showing portfolio too early
The logo design process needs to be independent of business’s egos.
Some businesses like to get their portfolio out in the early stages of the process. Many times they present a biased perspective and try to seem like they are bigger than what they really are and sometimes they do it just to gain a greater control over the process. Don’t do it, just don’t.
Be as clear and concise as you can be while communicating with your designer. Ask for their suggestions and seriously consider them. Give your input as well.
Conclusion
Getting the perfect logo is not hard, but it does require effort. We’ve discussed some of the common mistakes businesses make so that you don’t make them. Let us know about your experiences and what mistakes you made. We’d love to hear from you!
Author Bio :
Baldwin Jackson is a vivacious writer and digital marketing consultant, involved in taking businesses a notch higher. Since I am a part of the digital marketing industry for over 6 years, I know exactly how to use creativity and analytical abilities to assist a variety of online businesses. Also, I can proudly say that I have helped different brands improve their online visibility and create great lucrative opportunities for them. Well, in my spare time when I’m not working which is not often, you will find me engrossed in playing online games– thanks to my stable and steady Internet for giving me a lag-free gaming experience!