It’s really important to have a logo that stands out. A logo is more than simply a picture; it is the face of a brand and a symbol of a company’s values, purpose, and personality. Knowing what works and what does not in logo design can make a big difference. Whether you are new to logo design or have some experience, understanding the basics can make a big difference in the final creative. In this article, we look at seven simple rules that will help you create logos that are memorable, meaningful and built to last.
The Dos of Making a Logo
Keep It Simple:
A clear and straightforward style ensures the logo is easy to remember and instantly recognisable. Nike’s swoosh and Apple’s apple are two famous examples. They are simple yet powerful. Simplicity also makes for greater flexibility, allowing logos to easily fit on business cards, billboards and other types of media.
Make It Relevant:
Your design should align with the brand’s personality, the industry it operates in, and the audience it wants to reach. Use colours, fonts, and imagery that match the brand’s tone, whether it is professional, fun, modern, or refined. Bright colours and lively typefaces suit a children’s brand, whereas sleek, muted colours are better for a business selling high-end products.
Consider Scalability:
A good logo should remain clear and impactful no matter the size. Whether it’s used as a small social media icon or printed on a large banner, the logo should be clear enough to recognise. Creating the logo as a vector image (images created using mathematical equations to define lines, curves, and shapes rather than a grid of pixels) is especially useful, as it will allow for resizing without any loss in quality.
Typography and Imagery:
In competitive industries, differentiation is key. A good logo can set you apart from competitors, helping to establish a unique identity that speaks to your target audience. For instance, in Ireland’s bustling tech startup scene, where innovation is the norm, a distinctive logo can help companies like Intercom or Stripe stand out in a sea of similar offerings. A unique logo not only differentiates your brand but also allows for the expression of your values and mission, creating a deeper connection with your audience.
Test on Different Backgrounds:
A good logo should be flexible enough to work across a range of settings. Always check how it looks on both light and dark backgrounds, and in black and white. If it only works in colour or fades into certain environments, it may not hold up in real-world use. A strong logo remains clear, recognisable, and consistent wherever it appears.
Things You Shouldn’t Do When Designing a Logo
Avoid designs or visuals that are overly detailed. They might look good when large, but once they are made smaller, they can become hard to read or appear messy. Too much detail can also make it difficult for people to remember your brand. Keep in mind that less is more.
Don’t make it too complicated:
Try not to rely on overused symbols like globes, lightbulbs, or basic swooshes unless you can give them a unique and fresh twist. These elements can make your brand blend in rather than stand out. Aim to be creative in a way that highlights what makes your brand different.
Don’t use outdated symbols or phrases
Try not to rely on overused symbols like globes, lightbulbs, or basic swooshes unless you can give them a unique and fresh twist. These elements can make your brand blend in rather than stand out. Aim to be creative in a way that highlights what makes your brand different.
Don’t focus only on colour:
Colour is important in branding, but your logo should not depend on it alone. Test your design in black and white or shades of grey. A strong logo should still be recognisable even without it’s colour.
Don’t fixate on trends:
Design trends come and go, but a well-made logo should stay effective even as time goes on. Avoid trendy styles that might make your brand quickly outdated. Instead, use timeless design principles that will continue to work year after year.
Don’t ignore feedback and testing:
Just because a logo looks good to you does not always mean it will connect with your target audience. Getting feedback from a range of people can reveal things you might not have noticed. Try testing the logo in real situations to see how it holds up. This step helps you spot any issues early and makes sure the design truly works for the people you want to reach.
Final Thoughts:
A strong logo comes from the right mix of creativity, clear thinking, and a solid grasp of branding basics. A simple and thoughtful design that avoids clichés, unnecessary complexity, and short-lived trends will help your logo stay effective and tell your brand’s story for years to come. At Pixelo, we focus on creating logos that are clear, distinctive, and built to last, helping brands leave a lasting impression across every platform.