So, you’re almost ready to put out your first EP, you’re getting better gigs than just local dive bars, and now you’re focused on your band’s merchandise.

Before you do anything else, you need to come up with a logo for your band!

Learning how to make a band logo is a fun part of the creative process, but it can also be an important part of your marketing process. While everyone loves penning songs and passing around the tip bucket at shows, musicians have to eat, too!

Your logo can help your fans to recognize your band, looks great on your social media accounts, and helps to get your name out.

You can even include it on your instruments, like your guitar or custom bass drum head.

But the process isn’t as easy as you might think. Keep reading to learn how to make a band logo that’s as recognizable as Weezer’s Flying W or Metallica’s lightning bolt letters.

1. Consider The Genre

One of the reasons why band logos like Metallica’s are so successful is that they fit perfectly within the genre of music the band plays.

Heavy metal and lightening bolts? Sounds about right. The Beatles, a British band, taking over Abbey Road in London? Perfect. Punk rockers The Misfit’s skeleton? Makes sense.

No matter what kind of music you play, your logo should reflect it.

2. Consider Your Fans

Of course, a band lives and dies by its fan base. Sometimes, your fans know your band just as well as you do. Plus, they’re equally as creative.

Why not crowdsource your fans and ask for their input? You could even (giving proper artistic credit to the winner, or course) have a logo design contest!

It’s a great way to make sure you have lots of options, as well as an awesome chance to connect with your fans.

3. Consider Your Lyrics

Especially in bands that have multiple members, finding people that share the same creative vibe is tough (after all, look at how many band breakups there have been!)

But once you find the right mix, it’s easier to figure out what your band is really all about. Look at your lyrics to find your overall message. Is there a particular line that stands out to you and your fans? A major hit you want to celebrate?

It worked for Omaha-based musician Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes, who sung about a “yellow bird” in his song “Poison Oak.”

He created a logo and album art including the yellow bird. The yellow bird soon became one of his most recognizable logos, generating lots of merch and even fan tattoos.

You Know How To Make A Band Logo

With all the information on how to make a band logo here, your merch table will be more popular than ever — and so will your band.

But since you’re the creative type, we know you probably have several ideas floating around in your head already. Use our free online logo maker to test them out! For more logo advice, sign up to become a member with us and check out our blog.