How to create a company logo in 6 steps Coming up with and creating a logo is one of the more fun things to do when starting a business. No...
How to create a company logo in 6 steps
Coming up with and creating a logo is one of the more fun things to do when starting a business. No money for a professional designer? Then get started with a design of your company logo.
Do you want to make your own logo as a starting entrepreneur? Then get started with the following tips. Directly to a specific step? Click on the link or scroll all the way down to read the full text.
- Create a suitable company logo
- Use the right tools
- Use the correct font
- Dare to be creative
- Don't lose sight of the target audience
- Don't settle for less
- What happens after creating the logo?
1. Create a suitable company logo
Whether you are starting out as a florist, project manager or contractor: there is a suitable company logo for every type of company. With a suitable design you draw attention to your company at a glance. It is of course important that the design fits your industry and the target group you want to focus on.
Grab a pen and paper (or your phone) and describe the core of your new company, product or service in a few keywords.
You may already have a certain image in your head right away. Nevertheless, it never hurts to first do some comparative research online into existing logos of your competitors. Then you can immediately see whether the design you have in mind is not too similar to that of a competitor.
Logo in Google Images
Would you like to orientate yourself a little further first? Then enter your profession in Google Images and add the word 'logo' or 'company logo', for example 'physiotherapist logo'. This will give you a good idea of what is common in your field.
2. The right tools for your logo
Do you have a specific logo in mind? First make a clear sketch of this on paper. Only then do you start to create a similar design with an image editing program on your computer.
- Adobe Illustrator is very popular among professional designers. This program has endless possibilities to design beautiful logos.
- However, there are also several free alternatives online that can take you a long way. For example, think of Pixlr or iPiccy and Designevo
There are also ready-made programs to further fill in existing designs, but you don't easily create a truly unique logo with them.
Tip!
Put several professional designers to work for you by organizing an online ' design competition '.
3. The right font for your logo
Not only is the image or illustration important, but the company name's font also plays a major role in the effectiveness of your logo. Think in advance which font best conveys the feeling of your company.
This can differ per profession and sector.
- For the founder of a daycare center it is almost self-evident to opt for a playful appearance.
- A jolly appearance at a funeral home, on the other hand, can come across as completely wrong.
General house style
These are of course two extreme examples, but it's really important that you don't miss the mark. Keep in mind that different elements from the design can be decisive in the overall corporate identity for your company.
In principle, you will also use the complete logo or just the font and text color from the design later in brochures, company minutes and on business cards and your website.
4. Creative Company Logo
As long as the final result is just right, it doesn't hurt to dare to color outside the lines a little while designing. In fact, by dropping a few stitches here and there, you often come up with even better ideas or variations.
For example, consider:
- Selecting a different color
- Accidentally changing the shape
- Tilting letters or illustrations
Just don't forget to save the file periodically, so you can always go back to an earlier version of the design.
5. Don't lose sight of the target audience
As tempting as it is: when creating a logo, don't think from yourself, but from your target audience . Never lose sight of who you are creating the logo for.
After all, the goal is to attract more potential customers or clients. You may still love a certain design, but if customers do not immediately understand the approach, there is a chance that you will miss a lot of jobs.
Always keep the customer in mind when designing. Does the logo immediately clarify what your company or product stands for?
So, when designing a logo, always keep in mind: what will my company do for the customer? What solutions can I offer future customers? And why should he choose me and not the competitor?
6. Don't settle for less
Finished? Then put the logo away, go for a run or have dinner with a friend, and take a critical look at the design until the next morning.
Does everything look really sleek? Or is it secretly clear that the design was not made by an experienced designer? It is up to you and your environment to determine whether the design exudes sufficient professionalism.
Have your company logo made
if not? Then it is wise to still use a professional agency. This is usually a good investment, although the prices can vary widely.
To reduce costs somewhat, take your own design to the appointment and ask the professional designer to further develop your concept. The end result will then be close to what you first had in mind, but will probably look a lot sleeker.
What happens after creating the logo?
Are you satisfied and have you created a unique logo for your company? Beautiful! But then you're not there yet. The foundation for your marketing plan is there, but there is still more work to be done. Besides creating a logo and creating a corporate identity, you have to do even more for the marketing of your company.
For example, think of an original catchy company name and elevator pitch. And don't forget to draw up a good marketing strategy . Explore your market and immerse yourself in the target group. How do you want to send your message to the world?
Create Logo: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How can I make my own logo for my company?
For example, start with a sketch on paper. You can then create a similar design on your computer using an image editing program such as Photoshop. - What is the best program to use to create a logo?
You can create a logo with paid programs like Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Or use free alternatives such as Pixlr or iPiccy. - How much does it cost to have a logo made?
The costs of having a logo made vary. For example, graphic designers can charge between $50 and $80 per hour for their service.