7 MIND BLOWING Logo Design Tips ✍

Summary

In this video, Will Paterson shares 7 logo design tips to create memorable and effective logos. He emphasizes the importance of going abstract, keeping the design flexible and timeless, sketching multiple ideas, using geometric shapes, starting with black and white, ensuring consistency in negative space, and conducting drawing tests for memorability. The video is sponsored by Squarespace, a website builder that Will uses for his own portfolio.

Takeaways

• 😲 The logo is the face of a company, not a literal representation of what it sells.
• 🔄 Don't be afraid to go abstract with logo design; it should be unique and identifiable.
• 🔄 Keep logos flexible and scalable to maintain recognition at any size or distortion.
• 🎨 Sketch 20 ideas quickly to generate simple shapes and ideas for logo design.
• 🏗 Be geometric in logo design; use basic shapes like circles, squares, and triangles.
• 🖤 Start with black and white to focus on the shape and structure of the logo, using negative space effectively.
• 🔄 Consistency in negative space is key to a well-designed logo.
• 📝 Test the memorability of a logo by having someone redraw it from memory after a few hours.
• 👥 Squarespace is recommended for hosting websites and showcasing portfolios.
• 🎥 Use a timer to brainstorm logo ideas quickly to keep them simple and effective.

Q & A

What is the first logo design tip mentioned in the video?

The first tip is that the logo is the face of the company, not necessarily a representation of what the company sells. Designers should not feel obligated to include the product in the logo.

Can you give examples of brands that do not include their products in their logos?

Examples include Apple and Sony. Apple's logo is an abstract apple and does not include any technology. Similarly, Sony's logo does not feature any of the products they sell, such as cameras or TVs.

Why is it important for logos to be flexible?

Logos need to be flexible so they can appear anywhere, from large billboards to small business cards, and still be recognizable. A well-designed logo should remain identifiable even when distorted or resized.

What is the purpose of sketching 20 logo ideas in 10 minutes?

The purpose is to quickly generate simple shapes and ideas. This exercise helps to strip down designs to their most basic and effective elements, encouraging creativity without overthinking.

Why does the designer recommend starting with black and white for logo designs?

Starting with black and white ensures the logo is simple and works without relying on color. This helps focus on the design itself and how it uses negative space, which is a critical aspect of a good logo.

What does it mean for a logo to be geometric, and why is this important?

A geometric logo is based on simple shapes like circles, squares, or triangles. This simplicity often results in clean, timeless designs that are easy to recognize and scale.

What is the importance of consistent negative space in a logo design?

Consistent negative space is crucial because it ensures the logo maintains its integrity when scaled. Proper balance between positive and negative space keeps the logo clear and recognizable at any size.

What is the 'drawing test' and why is it useful?

The drawing test involves showing someone a logo briefly and then asking them to draw it from memory later. If they can do so quickly, it indicates that the logo is simple, memorable, and functional.

Why does the designer emphasize the need for logos to work in both large and small formats?

Logos must function across various mediums, from large posters to tiny mobile app icons. A good logo remains clear and effective regardless of its size, which is why flexibility and scalability are critical.

What is the role of negative space in creating depth within a logo design?

Negative space can create the illusion of depth and highlights without using different colors or tones. This simplifies the design while still conveying a sense of dimensionality, making it visually appealing and effective.