How to Design a Logo

Knowing how to design a logo and actually designing one are two completely different things. But learning how to design a logo is easier than you might think. With some careful planning and preparation, you can make an awesome, eye catching logo that rocks the minds of anybody who is lucky enough to see it.

1. First: Decide on the idea

   Before creating a logo, you should already have your company or organization's name and purpose. You want your logo to represent this information in some form or another. If you need ideas on a name, use something short, yet catchy and appealing. What kind of logo do you want? A symbol? A text based signature? You have to answer these questions with some serious thought before you start. Remember, your logo is not just a mark or a pretty picture, it reflects your brand through the use of shapes, images or colors. When you finally decide exactly what it is that you want, you are ready to start the design process.

2. Second: Research

   Remember, a logo does not have to look flashy to catch someone's eye. Sometimes, logos are too flashy and this ruins the whole effect of the logo. Google small businesses and organizations; check out other logos and see what works and what does not. Study the ideas that you have in theory and see if they can work. This saves you time and lessens the chance of having to redo your design because you do not like the finished result.

3. Third: Pick the software or equipment

   Gather everything you need for your logo. If you are planning to start from scratch, you need nothing more than a good design software. If you want to include specific images or photographs, make sure the design software you use can edit the existing photographs and images the way you want.

4. Fourth: Get some feedback

   Once you have completed your logo, show it off! Show your friends, family and colleagues; ask them questions and have them evaluate the logo. Their advice and feedback is key to finalizing your piece and gives you an idea of whether or not you need to go back to the drawing board, or make simple changes.