The easiest way to get your company to stand out among competition is to have a distinct and memorable logo. However, creating a unique logo that properly conveys your company's message is not as easy as it sounds. The process of designing a logo is tedious yet imperative and warrants much research and second thought.
Whether you're starting a new company, or redesigning a pre-existing logo, there are a lot of common logo mistakes that you should avoid. Here's a comprehensive list of logo design mistakes you can keep in mind:
1. TOO ABSTRACT, COMPLEX, OR COMPLICATED
It's best to never assume that a potential customer will understand your logo right away. If someone feels confused and is struggling to understand your logo, it might be time for a redesign.
Simple, minimalistic logos are easier to recognize, but still must be unique without being complicated. Simplicity makes the logo easier to use over different mediums, creates a lasting impression, and ages well over time.
2. POOR FONT CHOICE
The font you choose for your logo can make or break how your company is perceived and might cause you to look unprofessional. Spend time researching the myriad of fonts available online that match your company's style and mission, and if you can't find one that suits you, you can even create your own.
3. COPYING OR PLAGIARIZING ANOTHER LOGO
You have probably seen companies that have blatantly copied other logos, some without even changing any aspect of the design. According to Inkbot Design, plagiarizing is rampant but still considered unethical, and there are legal ramifications that you can face. Even taking from a small company's logo can be detrimental to your own company as you may be caught in no time. This can easily be avoided by working with expert designers and continuing to rework a logo until it fits the company perfectly.
4. USING RASTER IMAGES
Logos should always be designed in a vector graphics program, like Adobe Illustrator. We advise not to use raster-based images because they can be extremely pixelated if reproduced to a larger size. Vector files are easier to edit, easier to scale to any size, and can be applied to other media without looking blurry.
5. RELYING TOO MUCH ON COLOR
Often times companies rely on color completely for their logo. It's best to start your design in black and white to test if color would affect the brand's identity. Choosing colors to distinguish different parts of the design will make the logo look different if changed to one tone.
Additionally, learning about the psychology of color can help you get an understanding of what emotions customers may feel when coming across your logo.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Investing time into your logo can take your business to the next level. It's important to know what the common logo design mistakes are in the beginning so small mistakes and flubs won't end up in the final design. If you're interested in speaking to someone about creating a logo, contact us for more information.