Have you recently started a new business? Are you having a hard time coming up with ideas for logos? Are you struggling with different aspects like placement of logos and their designs? In this article we share with you 7 Logo Design Mistakes to Avoid for Small Businesses.
You can’t ignore their importance. Logos are the starting point for efficient branding, after all. The shape alone can impact people’s perception of a brand.
Don’t panic!
We’re here to help you with making your new logo and we’ve come up with a few logo design mistakes to avoid. This can be a frustrating and overwhelming journey. However, we hope this can serve as a guide to helping you understand the value of hiring a professional to create your new logo design:
First off, what is a logo design? and why are they so important for your business?
Table of Contents
1. Making It Too Busy
Adding too many designs and features to your logo may make it hard to look at. One important thing to remember when creating a logo is simplicity. When you make everything clustered and go overboard, you take away from the quality of your logo.
It can also throw off your target audience and make them confused about what your brand is even supposed to be. When someone looks at your logo, you want it to be memorable. One of the first things they should think of when hearing your brand should be the logo, it needs to leave an impact.
To achieve this, you’ll want to strip it down to its basics. Bring out the essence of what you’re trying to portray. You have to cut out what’s unnecessary and keep the important factors that define your brand.
Keep your logo clean and easy to recognize. Take a look at big named brands like Nike or Apple. If they added too many details, it would ruin its brand recognition and legibility.
2. Logo Isn’t Flexible
You need to design your logo to adapt to the different changes and alterations it’s going to come across. While you’re designing your logo, it may be looking good from the perspective you currently have it in. But remember, throughout its use, it will go through size, proportion, and color changes.
If you decide to market your brand through different mediums, you may find it isn’t prepared to fit other shapes and size aspects. It should still be recognizable and easy to understand when minimized. Your logo should also work nicely with print, as well as online, especially when used as a website favicon.
If you prepare your logo for future uses then you’re in the right direction. So keep in mind the ways you’re gonna end up using it and how it’s going to turn out.
3. Not Using a Vector Graphics Program
Always use a vector graphic program like Adobe Illustrator instead of a raster graphics program like Adobe Photoshop. Raster graphics programs use pixels to make up an image. This means that when you zoom in enough on a logo made from this it will end up pixelated and basically unusable.
Sticking with a vector graphics program will keep your imagery smooth. It will also help you avoid running into future problems when it comes to consistency in reproduction.
4. Relying On Trends
Trends come and go, and while it’s important to keep your logo modern and up to date, it shouldn’t turn into a cliche. Although many brands have updated their logos to fit the current look, it’s better to have it be timeless. You shouldn’t have to rely on the latest fad for inspiration. Even if it’s effective for the time being, eventually its popularity will start to fade away.
So, instead of trailing along with the current trend. Think of what your brand’s identity is and build from that. It’s best to steer clear from any cliches like adding arches, globes, the initials of your brand, etc,. Make your logo stand on its own.
5. Not Distinct Enough
Speaking of standing on its own, a good logo needs to be unique. Sometimes, it can be hard to think outside the box and separate your logo from the thousands of logos out there. It’s easy to make a brand logo about nature that has a tree, or a brand about ideas have a light bulb. But you’ve seen them done dozens of times before, why do the same?
Make your brand logo stand out from the rest. This is to avoid any confusion or even comparisons with other brands. Granted, you can’t escape the natural associations made when it comes to pictures and ideas. Don’t let your logo be too generic, make it so it stands out and still gives the message you want.
For example, if you have a brand marketing custom self inking stamps, think of a logo that catches the eye and isn’t boring. So, don’t go with an image of a stamp with your brand name above it. Use your creative freedom and let your logo stick out.
6. Wrong Colors and Fonts
You can have the perfect idea with the exact imagery and words you want. But if you have clashing colors and poor font choices, it might take away from the overall quality. You can make your logo work together and make sense with just a few right decisions.
For example, when choosing the colors for your logo, make it so that they go with each other. as well as the aesthetic of your brand. Make it pleasing to look at and attractive enough to draw audiences in.
Another important detail is that you shouldn’t let the design rely on the colors for its effect. When turned black and white it should still hold the same details and impact.
When it comes to the words on your logo, it’s best to avoid over-used fonts like Helvetica. Again, use something that matches your brand’s vibe. Also, try to avoid using multiple fonts as this will make this won’t give your logo a clean and pleasant look.
7. Unclear
Define the identity of your brand and let the message come through your logo. Underneath all the pictures and fonts and colors, lies the heart of your logo. Your logo’s intention or character.
It’s what lets your target audience know what your brand’s values, purpose, and what its personal link is. Don’t let your logo define your brand as just another company building a business.
Give it a heart and let your logo bring out the roots of your brand. When applying this to your logo, think of what you want your audience to feel, or what message you want to get across. Give it a deeper meaning and make sure it conveys the right emotion.
Avoid These Logo Design Mistakes
We hope these 7 Logo Design Mistakes to Avoid for Small Businesses have been helpful. Making your perfect logo can sometimes be a long process, but hopefully, you’re a step closer to reaching that goal.
If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more, go ahead and check out the rest of our content. Pick up more great tips and tricks in this article from Andrew, the founder of The Logo Creative
– Tips for Designing Your Business Logo
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*TIP – We recommend to Learn Logo Design with the online masterclass
