Eight Expert 3D Logo Design Tips for Your IT Company
Posted on December 04, 2017 by Logo Design Tips and Tricks
Quality of service and pricing help you get and keep customers, but it takes a while for that word of mouth marketing to take hold. You need an edge to help your IT company capture potential customer’s attention. A good logo helps you do that.
In fact, some major tech companies are as easily recognized by their logos as by their names.
Technology has advanced enough that you can take on the whole process yourself with inexpensive or free logo design software. Even better, these days you can create 3D logos that stand out even more.
Of course, a good 3d logo design doesn’t appear out of nowhere. You need to build it up step by step. So let’s jump in and look at some design tips to help you create the best logo for your company.
1. Research the Competition
Every IT company steps into an existing market. That’s true if you help local businesses with their servers or offer cloud computing services nationwide. Before you put pencil to paper or mouse to program, you need to have a handle on what your competitor’s logos look like.
At one level, you just want to avoid creating a logo that resembles an established competitor. If your competitors copyrighted or trademarked their logos, making a similar logo opens you to potential legal trouble. You also don’t want to create accidental marketing for your competition.
Research can also give you some insight into whether any industry standards exist. If most companies in your area of IT use certain shapes, colors, or fonts, you might want to follow suit. It lends your company an air of belonging to the club.
You might also want to buck those trends to set yourself apart. Either way, research informs those choices.
2. Refine Your Brand
Your logo acts as a visual cue to what your brand is all about. Before you can invest your logo with those qualities, you need to refine your brand in your own head.
Figuring out your brand isn’t a simple process, but getting into the right ballpark is usually enough for a new company. The idea is to boil your brand down to one or two defining characteristics.
If you want people to see you as fun to work with, you need a cheerful, upbeat logo. Aiming to make reliability your main business principle, you need a logo that expresses stability. Knowing what you want people to associate your company with will inform every step of your 3D logo design process.
3. Work Through Multiple Ideas
Remember back in high school or college your instructor told you to narrow down your essay idea. The reason is that initial ideas often prove too broad or vague.
The same thing happens in logo design. Your first few ideas are almost always vague or derivative of another logo. Think of these as creative throat clearing.
For example, if you want to express stability, you might jump straight to a mountain. That does express stability but probably doesn’t relate to your company in a meaningful way.
Sketch a dozen or two dozen logos while keeping your brand message in mind. You’ll work through the obvious and then start getting into more relevant ideas.
4. Simplicity Is Best in 3D Logo Design
The promise of 3D logo design is that it creates the illusion of depth. It’s a useful but dangerous option.
That illusion of depth gives you more chances to clutter the image. Say you put five 3D elements into the logo. It might look cool, but it’ll probably confuse the eye of anyone who sees it.
A good logo design keeps things simple. People are much more likely to remember one word or a simple image than something complicated.
While it’s not 3D, you see a great example of simplicity in logo design over at The Scarlett Group.
5. Color Me Impressed
Color is another tool that has the power to alter perception. Gray communicates calm, while purple communicates wisdom. By integrating the right colors into your logo, you can make a statement about your company.
Before you jump into color, you should create a black and white version of your logo. If it doesn’t work in black and white, color probably won’t save it.
You should limit the number of colors you use. Too many colors distract the viewer from the main message. Also, when you scale the image down, colors get muddled.
6. Working with Fonts
Logos that include company names often work, but they can also backfire. You need to choose your fonts with great care because they communicate in ways similar to color.
Serif fonts, for example, convey strength and trustworthiness. San serif fonts are more casual and relaxed.
Your choice of font needs to dovetail with your brand message. If you’re aiming for super-professional, a serif font will serve you better. San serif will give you a more lighthearted, modern feel.
7. Does It Work at Different Sizes
Logos used to appear on business cards, product packages, and the occasional billboard. Now they appear all those places, as well as websites, social media profiles, white papers and even in email inboxes.
That means you need a logo that scales and looks good at all those potential sizes. Adjust the size of your logo to very small and very large in your graphics program. Is it still easy to recognize and understand?
If yes, awesome!
If no, it’s time to revamp the logo into something simpler.
8. Get a Second Opinion
It’s easy to get so fixated on a particular 3D logo design idea that you lose perspective. You overlook obvious things because you spent so much time with the design.
Draft people you trust to give you second opinions about the design. The ideal candidates are people who haven’t seen the design before. Coming at it cold will make their responses similar to the responses of potential customers.
If they tell you it doesn’t work or that you accidentally created an offensive logo, you can trust that they’re probably right.
Parting Thoughts
A good 3D logo design stems from the same design principles as regular logos.
You start with your brand message and create numerous logo designs to filter out the obvious. Keep it simple so that it scales and remains recognizable or readable. Use colors and fonts to support the brand message you want for your IT company.
If you’re ready to tackle the logo design process, check out our free logo maker program.
5 LGBT Logo Design Tips to Appeal to Queer Consumers
Posted on November 24, 2017 by Logo Design Tips and Tricks
Did you know the first documented gay rights organization was formed in 1924?
Fast forward nearly a hundred years: An openly transgender candidate was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in November 2017.
This makes her the first openly transgender candidate to ever be elected into a state legislature in American history.
LGBT rights have come a long way. It’s important to be aware of LGBT issues in order to reach this audience.
Let’s take a look at five LGBT logo design tips to appeal to your queer customers.
1. Understand Your Demographic
It can be helpful to familiarize yourself with common obstacles and achievements surrounding the LGBT community. This knowledge can help you in designing an effective LGBT logo.
Before you try to communicate to the LGBT community through your logo, attempt to connect with them on a human level. Step into their shoes. Make an effort to see things through their eyes.
Then, prepare to create the best LGBT logo around.
2. Be Diverse and Inclusive
Be mindful of symbols or representations that have a history of being divisive or exclusive.
For instance, even though the swastika was originally the symbol of good luck and good health, you wouldn’t want to use it in your LGBT logo. Unfortunately, this peace symbol has become a high-trigger image for most people around the globe.
Be sure you know the history of any logo design you use for your brand.
3. Do Thorough Market Research
Research LGBT perspectives on different topics and causes. Also, find out who is buying your products.
This is especially important if you have a product that is highly specialized, such as the Whizzinator prosthetic. It’s important to do your research to determine who’s buying, who’s interested, and who’s still on the fence.
Then you’ll want to market more strongly to the group that is shown to be buying the most.
When you do your research, less falls through the cracks.
4. Familiarize Yourself With LGBT Symbols
There’s no denying that symbols have power. They can invoke strong emotion and even direct action.
Throughout history, there have been symbols that engender warm, secure feelings such as the peace sign or a cross for some. Others, such as the Confederate flag, can bring up anger, fear, and resentment.
It’s important to become familiar with which symbols communicate certain messages. Rainbows, triangles and the Greek lambda have come to be powerful symbols for the LGBT community.
5. Avoid Stereotypes and Misconceptions
You can best avoid stereotypes by arming yourself with knowledge about the LGBT community as outlined above. Keep away from anything that directly sets them apart from the rest of society.
It can be a fine line. Aim for a balance between acknowledging and honoring the struggles and accomplishments of the LGBT community and also treating them as you would any other consumer.
Create Your Own LGBT Logo Designs
You want an amazing logo design for your brand. You want your design to reach as many people as possible.
That’s where we come in. Our online logo maker helps you create the look you want to gain the business you need.
Are there any other design tips you would add to our list? Comment below!
How to Design a Massage Logo That Shows Off Your Brand
Posted on November 24, 2017 by Logo Design Tips and Tricks
Did you know half of Americans who received massages between 2015 and 2016 did so for health issues? And nearly 90% believe that massage is beneficial in decreasing pain.
While, in the same survey, about 30% received a massage for relaxation purposes alone.
This means your massage logo should communicate how your services can meet these needs and more.
Let’s take a look at how you can design a logo that shows off your brand.
1. Know Your Core Values, Purpose and Mission
Your values, purpose, and mission are the foundation for your brand. What is important to you as a business owner? How would you like your company portrayed to your target demographic?
Values
Your values are the bases of your entire practice. These could be things like integrity, authenticity, honesty, hard work and rapid response time with phone messages.
Stimulating Questions
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What standards do I hold myself and my employees to?
- What do I value when it comes to customer service?
- What values am I looking for in the employees I hire?
These are just a few of the questions that you’ll want to answer before you create your logo. They will pave the way for an accurate representation of your brand to potential customers.
Purpose
Your purpose is your reason for doing what you do. This could be something such as, “I choose to go into massage because I find fulfillment in alleviating stress, tension, and unease from my clients. I wish to be of service to those who suffer from tension, chronic pain and circulation problems.”
Stimulating Questions
Why did you go into massage in the first place? What is your personal purpose in life? How does that coincide with your professional purpose?
These questions will get the ball rolling as you consider what your professional purpose in the industry is.
Mission
Your mission is what you seek to accomplish based on your values and purpose. Your mission may be something similar to, “My mission is to provide safety and comfort to my clients, ensure they leave my parlor better than they were when they arrived and to deliver quality services for every customer.”
Stimulating Questions
How do you want your customers to remember their experience with you and your staff? What do you hope to accomplish through your contribution to the profession?
Clearly define your massage parlor’s values, purpose, and mission. This will be the foundation upon which you create your massage logo.
2. Handle The Process With Care
Remember, your massage logo will be seen all over town and on the Internet. From your website and business cards to advertisements and social media, your logo will encompass your entire business.
For this reason, it’s important that the image you portray through your logo is the one you desire. During the logo creation process, ask yourself these questions:
- Does this massage logo communicate my company’s values and practices?
- Does this logo convey my business’ purpose and mission?
- Does it let my customers know what to expect from my services?
- Does it communicate who I am as a business owner?
Take your time when designing your logo and handle the process with care and attention to detail.
3. Make it Memorable
Your massage logo should leave an impression. It needs to make your customers think of you every time they see it. The more they think of you, the more likely they are to call to book an appointment.
Get creative. But not too creative. You want to communicate a simple, direct message that’s easy for your customer to remember and process.
4. Communicate Your Message Clearly
We both know there are plenty of reasons why every person should book a massage. But the average person may not be aware of them.
That’s why you need a massage logo that communicates the relaxation and tension release that your massage offers. As well as any other stress-relieving services your business provides for its customers.
5. Ensure Your Text is Centered Properly
Whether you use a logo maker or another option, be sure your text is where it’s supposed to be.
If your logo is leaning right, your text should be aligned to the right. It can be tempting to get a little too creative with mismatching the logo and the text. But try to keep it simple.
6. Get Colorful
Even though your massage parlor may not be a high-stakes business, you still want to attract as many clients as possible through your massage logo.
The Psychology of Colors
Familiarize yourself with the psychology of colors. Each color can have a profound impact on the viewer. And everyone can elicit a certain response from your potential customers.
Know what psychological aspect is associated with the various colors. And use each wisely to communicate your intended message for your business.
7. Consider Your Font Size and Spacing
Massage logos let your potential customers know where to find you on the web. Your business name should be clearly written and easily legible at a distance.
This is also reason to have your company name be short and simple. A good rule of thumb is 2 words as the maximum in the name of your massage parlor.
A simple name such as WINKS helps potential customers to retain the name in their memory when they see it.
If your business name is already 3 to 4 words, consider using a shortened version of your logo. This will help viewers remember your brand.
Spacing Between Letters
You may be tempted to get creative and use bulky block letters or wide variations. Resist this temptation.
It’s important for there to be enough space between the letters for legibility purposes.
Designing a Massage Logo that Shows Off Your Brand
You want potential customers to book a massage now. And to accomplish this, you’ll want to create a killer logo.
These are our reasons why designing a massage logo can show off your brand. What would you add to our list? Comment below!
5 Qualities of Effective Real Estate Logos
Posted on November 24, 2017 by Logo Design Tips and Tricks
Real estate logos are extremely important marketing and advertising tools. But how do you design a logo that you know will effectively expand your reach and increase your profits?
Here are some qualities of the best real estate logos that you should consider:
Communicates Your Brand
In order for your logo to be effective, it has to successfully communicate everything you and your real estate business stand for.
What are your goals? If you want to become a national realtor, consider designing a universal logo. If you want to focus on your local community, try designing an understated logo that people will trust easily.
A logo is a great way to unify and focus your brand strategy. But you have to take every step to make sure it accurately represents your real estate business.
Not Easy to Replicate
All successful logos have a unique way of standing out. To make a logo that stands alone and cannot be easily copied, consider designing your own font or graphic.
The more unique your logo design is, the easier it will be for your target demographic to associate the design with your company. This builds long-term recognition.
Memorable
Along those lines, you have to make sure that your logo stays in the minds of your potential customers. Brand recognition is crucial to fostering a consumer base over time.
The best real estate logos are memorable for the right reasons. They make the audience feel like they can expect quality services and reliable expertise.
Appeals to Your Audience
Your logo also has to have an intangible attractive quality. Think about what kind of company you want to be. Are you trying to appeal to young families buying their first home?
Or maybe you are looking to help retirees downsize to smaller houses in quieter neighborhoods. Either way, your logo is the best way to attract customers toward patronizing your business.
The logo for this Cash Home Buyer works perfectly because it is made with their audience in mind. Try to figure out the way your audience thinks. As a home buyer in Texas, this company knows exactly what appeals to their target demographic.
Does Not Offend
While you should be open to taking chances with your logo design, you should make sure that it doesn’t offend any potential customers.
Take great care when you are designing images for your logo. Ask others in your industry or conduct focus groups to gauge reactions to your logo before you release it to the public.
This way, you’ll be able to avoid any potential public relations gaffes.
Designing Real Estate Logos is Simple
It doesn’t have to be difficult to create a logo for your real estate business. As long as you keep these tips in mind, you’ll be able to devise a successful marketing strategy around your logo in no time at all.
To develop your own logo, visit our tutorial page. It’s simple to use, fast, and best of all, free.