the logo is one of the most important pieces to a company's marketing. it's the foundation which shapes the company's overall image. if you're considering changing your marketing and branding materials or starting a new business, the logo should be the first thing you consider. the logo is where we begin. while it's difficult to categorize a logo into "good" or "bad" terms, because it's subjective, there are some guidelines and several things we consider when designing a logo. there are also many things to think about when going forward with a new logo or deciding to update an old one:

SIMPLICITY & RECOGNIZABILITY

some logos are too busy and try to communicate too many different ideas, which gives a muddled, less clear view to the customer. it is also important for the logo to be easily recognized. the goal is to get to the point where people can view just the icon separate from the type and the company name and recognize which company it belongs to. do nike, apple or target need to have their company name next to their icon? All three of those samples are simple and easy to recognize and remember.

MEANING

the logo is often the first thing the customer looks at when they are exposed to your business. the logo should represent a company idea and communicate that idea clearly and effectively back to your customers. logos can have several different meanings, but still be simple at the same time. have you ever noticed the arrow hidden between the "e" and the "x" in the fedex logo? it's entirely possible to look at the logo hundreds of times without seeing the arrow, but it gives another meaning altogether when people see it for the first time.

REPRODUCABILITY

it's also important to consider every different possible marketing piece that a logo might be printed on. the logo needs to be able to hold up well in color, black and white and in any size. try to envision the logo on the smallest marketing material you'll deal with, a business card, a pen, a post-it note. when designing logos, we create the initial logo in black and white, and also ensure that it is still simple and legible at smaller sizes.

COLOR

colors are very important. just a simple color change can change the entire look and feel of a logo. there are universal thoughts and feelings associated with colors that we as consumers don't consciously think about. for instance, the color red can tell us to stop and be cautious, while the color green can represent money or nature, depending on which setting it's in and which colors it's combined with.

if you're looking to shift or update a logo or an entire marketing package, it's important to think about the big picture. if you're contemplating making a change or if you're starting a new business, don't hesitate to give us a call - that's what we're here for. we'd be more than happy to sit down with you for a no-pressure consultation and make sure your logo is the foundation for your company's future success.

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