DIY logo generators and design programs have hit the market to help non-designers create a logo for their business. Is it as simple as it sounds? Designing a logo is much more than just picking an image and a creative name. If not thought through properly, it could cost a redesign later or more complicated issues in the future. Here is some practical advice about logo design that should be considered before doing it yourself.
Read the fine print.
When using a DIY design program, always check the licensing page. Many people do not know there are stipulations in using these programs to create logos. DIY design programs typically have a dedicated page that spells out what is allowed and not allowed while creating logos. Missing this important step could cause legal issues later. Read the licensing carefully for everything going into the logo, including typography (letter styles). Not all typography is cleared for commercial use.
Be different.
The entire point of a logo is to be unique. The logo reflects the personality, voice, mission, vision, and values of a company. Using images from other sources, like templates or generators, removes the uniqueness of a brand. Additionally, other organizations can have the same image for a similar or nonsimilar industry, causing brand confusion. If there was a Nike swoosh on other products like computers, for example, people would be confused about what the company offers. A business needs to stand out and be recognizable. Using a template or reusable logo makes an organization just like someone else.
Do your homework.
Is the image too similar to someone else’s design? Is the name of the business already a registered trademark? These are questions to research before printing the logo on those cool business cards or t-shirts. Research other brands in the industry, search for other logos that may be similar to your ideas (look up the elements of the desired logo like “mountain with tire tracks”), and check the trademark website to ensure the name and/or image is not already taken. Take care when looking up desired website domain names as these can be picked up and bought before given the chance to secure it.
Don’t get too attached.
If the image or name is already taken, let it go and think of the next awesome idea. That is someone else’s hard work and should not be copied (think of it as copying someone else’s answers on a test). Sure, that image may have felt like the perfect one, but a truly unique logo is what will make the difference in standing out in the market. If the above advice was taken, there will not be a loss because nothing has been printed yet (whew!).
Hire a professional.
Even with all the advice taken, creating a unique and memorable logo that looks great requires skill and education. Professional designers have trained for this job with education and experience. Sure, DIY is out there, but that does not guarantee the product created will look professional and speak the intended message to potential customers. A professional designer will work with an organization to design a logo that matches the personality and voice of the business. Everything from colors and typography to style and images is perfectly selected to tell the company’s story. Logos are the face of an organization and set up the very first impression to the client. Make that impression a good one by hiring a professional who knows how to create a logo that will last a lifetime.
Although logo generators and design programs are taking the internet by storm, logo design is a journey of discovering the unique characteristics of an organization. A quality logo that reflects a business’ mission, personality, and voice to its target audience can only be crafted by professional designers through a strategically planned process. Digital Buzz Media gets to know your business through detailed and interactive Discovery Sessions to clarify your marketing and branding needs. Sign up our Discovery Session today!
