1. Top 10 Tips for Designing a Business Logo to Develop Corporate Identity

2. #1Vector Paths and Points Logos are built in vectors (path and points). Logos can also be created in halftone, Photoshop or 3D rendered versions if needed but should typically be done in Illustrator.

3. #2Colour to B & W A logo must be also presentable in just one colour without losing graphic details and meaning. For example, a colour logo printed to grey scale or desaturated still has to be discernable.

4. #3Name, History or Philosophy The logo must represent the company’s name, business, product, service, philosophy or history. At least 2 of the points stated should reflect in the logo/corporate identity.

5. #4Typography The logo never stands alone! It comes with a font that suits the style: Serif fonts are more formal while sans serif is more relaxed with a contemporary or modern feel. Brush scripts or calligraphy style fonts are more formal and elegant. In an ideal world, you would create your own or change an existing font slightly to meet your brand.

6. #5Scale and Readability Scale and readability are important – make sure your logo does not lose detail if scaled down. The logo must be readable especially as an icon online or on a business card.

7. #6Colours and Colour System Colours that work well whether they are complimentary or analogous are important. Click on the link for various colour combination themes and colour related theory. When designing your logo, choose two to four colours. https://designschool.canva.com/blog/100-color-combinations/ https://designschool.canva.com/blog/100-color-combinations/ Pick a color system such as CMYK, Pantone, etc… and make sure it works on a variety of media or products including: packaging, textiles, vehicle application, business cards, stationary, online, print, etc…

8. #7Types of Logos There are four types of logos that you can select. Choose the best type based on the corporate or business need: Initial or Typography Based Logo – provides a simple remembering device. Letters are the most basic element. Examples: Volkswagen, Advil, Lego or TD Canada Trust Crest Based Logo – this is a traditional type logo based on a company that has history. A crest can provide a lot of information on limited space. However, there is a tendency for doing too much when using this type of logo. Examples: Porsche, RBC, HBC or U Alberta Icon Based Logo – is a symbolic use but conveys little information but provides a specific symbolic representation. Examples: Philadelphia Flyers, Firefox, Chrome or Olympics A mix of all three above which is the most common type of business logo. Examples: Starbucks, YouTube, Indy Car, or Ferrari

9. #7Initial or Typography Logos

10. #7Crest Logos

11. #7Symbol Logos

12. #7Combination in Logos

13. #8Symbolic Representations A logo always receives its meaning from the company represented and never the other way around. That said, never put meaning, style or symbolic representation into a logo that are not attributes of a business. The idea is to represent your client’s ideals or the purpose of the business rather than something you are attached to for the wrong reasons.

14. #8 Symbolic Representations Find the symbolic or hidden meanings…

15. #8 Symbolic Representations

16. #9Kerning Sometimes it is the spaces between the letters that have more meaning than the actual letters or font. Adjust the kerning (Alt + Right Arrow key) to create various effects with the typography of your logo.

17. #10 Research Do your homework and find out what the purpose of the business is and create to that theme. Also do a search on the internet for logos for similar businesses which you want to avoid. In other words, create your own original artwork!

18. BonusProportions Experienced designers will use proportions or ratios such as the golden rule in their designs. If you recall, the golden rule is a ratio of 1:1.62 and is considered aesthetically pleasing to the eye.