Wednesday, February 18, 2009

The "Simple" Task of Designing A Company Logo

Everyone who has contemplated starting a business has had to struggle with the question of how to attract potential clients and have them recognize and perceive the benefits of using their product or services. One basic element that has the capacity to determine and enhance the way the public will view your business is the logo.


The question of how to develop a logo need not be complex. In fact, the way to go about it is through a simple process. What is the essence of your business? Think of how you would describe the product of service your business offers. Keep it simple. For example, we design software, cut hair, produce video, bake cakes...etc.


Next, how would you describe your business philosophy. Are you a conservative company or are you trendy? Is your company high-tech, family oriented, scientific or entertaining? Whatever the case may be, you will want people to understand the essential character of your company whenever they see your logo. Remember simplicity is the key.


Once you have worked out a simple statement such as:


"We are a family-oriented, environmentally conscious company that markets hand-made childrens toys"


you are on your way to creating your company logo. You are almost ready to call on a graphic designer to translate your statement into a visual form. However, before you work with a designer on fine-tuning the shape and color of your logo, you will need to turn your thoughts to how and where you plan to use it.


It is important for you and the designer to have this in mind when working on a logo. Will you be using it for business stationary only or will it also be on the sides of trucks or on the pockets of lab coats? Keep in mind, the more complex and colorful your logo, the more costly it will be to reproduce.


As a small business, cost must always be a consideration. Therefore, knowing what you want to convey and having any and all applications in mind before you meet with a designer will save you both time and money. Before you contract a designer to do the artwork, ask for an estimate. It will establish a set of ground rules for you and the artist to work within. Make the designer aware of your budget limitations. Again, it will determine how complex you can get with your logo.


The operative words to use when developing a logo for your small business are concise, direct and above all--simple.


Janet Felton
Felton Design

URL: http://www.njsbdc.com/marketing/logo.php 

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