Are you designing a logo for your business?

Check out our list of do's and don'ts to ensure your logo is effective and memorable.

Creating a logo for your business is an important step in establishing your brand identity. A well-designed logo can make your business memorable and recognizable, while a poorly designed logo can send the wrong message and turn customers away. Here are some do's and don'ts of logo design, along with examples of famous brands who got it right and wrong.

Do: Keep it simple

A simple logo is easier to remember and recognise than a complex one. Your logo should be easy to read and understand, even when it's scaled down to a small size. Famous brands that got it right include Nike, McDonald's, and Apple. These logos are simple, yet memorable, and instantly recognisable.

Don't: Overcomplicate it

An overly complicated logo can be confusing and difficult to remember. Avoid using too many colours or fonts, and keep the design elements to a minimum. Famous brands that got it wrong include BP and Tropicana. BP's logo redesign in 2000 was criticised for being too complex and difficult to understand, while Tropicana's redesign in 2009 was so unpopular that the company had to revert back to its original design.

Do: Make it versatile

Your logo should look good on a variety of mediums, including print and digital. Make sure your logo is easily scalable and works well in both colour and black and white. Famous brands that got it right include Coca-Cola and Google. Both logos are versatile and work well in a variety of contexts.

Don't: Use clipart or stock images

Using clipart or stock images in your logo can make it look unprofessional and generic. Your logo should be unique and represent your brand identity. Famous brands that got it wrong include the now-defunct Borders bookstore, which used a generic clipart image of a book in its logo.

Do: Choose colors carefully

The colors you choose for your logo can have a big impact on how customers perceive your brand. Choose colours that reflect your brand personality and values. Famous brands that got it right include McDonald's and Coca-Cola. Both companies use bold, attention-grabbing colors in their logos that are instantly recognisable.

Don't: Follow trends blindly

While it's important to stay up-to-date with design trends, blindly following them can lead to a logo that quickly becomes outdated. Famous brands that got it wrong include Pepsi, which changed its logo in 2008 to follow the trend of using a "smile" shape in logos. However, the design was criticised for looking too similar to other logos and not standing out.

Conclusion

When designing your logo, it's important to keep in mind the do's and don'ts of logo design. A well-designed logo can make your business memorable and recognisable, while a poorly designed logo can turn customers away. By following these tips and looking at examples of famous brands who got it right and wrong, you can create a logo that represents your brand identity and helps your business stand out.

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