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The art of logo design is littered with pitfalls. We reveal the biggest mistakes to avoid, in order to guide your design to logo glory.


Whether you’re a logo design novice with just a handful of clients or a creative director, there are certain pitfalls every designer should avoid when creating logos. And with so many now socially sharing and scrutinising your work, designers must be extra vigilant to avoid falling into these traps. Here we've provided a run-down of the most common 10 to avoid...


[size=14pt]01. Slavishly following trends[/size]

https://media.creativebloq.futurecdn.net/sites/creativebloq.com/files/images/2013/02/oldlogo.jpg
This VH1 logo was bang on trend when it launched 10 years ago, but looked very dated by the time it was replaced in January this year

Choosing to design your logo based on current trends is likely to leave your logo looking dated and out-of-touch as soon as the trend dies out, not to mention making you look slightly amateur.

Rather than choose the popular flavour of the month, think about what's more likely to have longevity for your brand. For example, the current logo of the BBC (shown below) has been around since 1997, yet still has not become dated.

https://media.creativebloq.futurecdn.net/sites/creativebloq.com/files/images/2013/02/bbclogo.jpg
The current BBC logo is now 16 years old and still looks fresh


[size=14pt]02. Overdoing colour[/size]

https://media.creativebloq.futurecdn.net/sites/creativebloq.com/files/images/2013/02/polish1.jpg
The logo for the Polish Presidency has been criticised for using too many colours

Overdoing colours will not only make your design busy and confusing but also make it difficult to translate into monotone, which you’re likely to need at some point. Try to keep colours under a maximum of four and if your client requests lots of colours, try to use logical combinations and remember colour psychology.


[size=14pt]03. Failing to make the logo transferable[/size]

https://media.creativebloq.futurecdn.net/sites/creativebloq.com/files/images/2013/02/brooklynolder.jpg
This logo for Brooklyn Public Library was replaced earlier this year - partly because it didn't reduce down well on mobile devices

Keep in mind that your logo will need to be transferrable across a range of different mediums. Make sure that the colours, size and overall design will work on printed materials such as signs and T-shirts, as well as across various technology touchpoints such as websites and mobile sites.

[size=14pt]04. Poor font choice[/size]

Deciding which font to use is hugely important and a significant factor in shaping your brand identity. If designing your own font proves to be too tasking, ensure that the off-the shelf version is first of all appropriate for logo use and secondly, appropriate for your brand. Remember, fonts are also subjective to trends so try and avoid the logo font-of-the-moment, which is likely to leave your logo looking tired in a matter of a few years. Also try to avoid choosing logos that look similar to Microsoft Word Art.

[size=14pt]05. Copying other logos[/size]

https://media.creativebloq.futurecdn.net/sites/creativebloq.com/files/images/2013/02/bmw.jpg
Chinese car company BYD's logo looks a little familiar...

During the early stages of creating your logo, be very careful of copying, either deliberately or subconsciously, other brands. Having a logo too similar to someone else, especially a competitor, will both devalue your design and make you forgettable to your audience. The purpose of a logo is to make your brand stand out in the crowd, so differentiate yourself from the rest.

[size=14pt]06. Using stock art[/size]

If you're thinking about turning to a stock image site to form the backbone of your logo, don't! The purpose is to create a logo that’s unique to a brand, which you’re unlikely to do if you’re using an image that’s done the rounds. Also, using stock images is more than likely to leave you looking cheap.

[size=14pt]07. Too many fonts[/size]

https://media.creativebloq.futurecdn.net/sites/creativebloq.com/files/images/2013/02/toomany.jpg
Two examples of logos that use too many typefaces

A major, and surprisingly common, mistake is using too many fonts and font styles. Along with making the design look overly busy, the use of multiple fonts can also distort your brand identity and make it difficult for the audience to understand the message you’re trying to convey.

[size=14pt]08. Overdoing special effects[/size]

https://media.creativebloq.futurecdn.net/sites/creativebloq.com/files/images/2013/02/3logo.jpg
Mobile phone company 3's logo is beautiful - but consider how easy it is to transfer such a logo to different media, sizes, etc

Similarly to overdoing colour or excessive numbers of fonts, using special effects is also likely to confuse your design. Additionally, consider again how your logo translates to greyscale and other mediums. It’s unlikely that using these techniques will leave your logo standing out from the crowd.

[size=14pt]09. Being too abstract[/size]

https://media.creativebloq.futurecdn.net/sites/creativebloq.com/files/images/2013/02/university.jpg
This redesign of the University of California's logo was withdrawn after mass protests

Whilst you don’t want your logo to be so bland and ordinary that it’s easily forgettable, you also don’t want to be so left-field that it both confuses your audience and misrepresents your organisation. Aim to strike a personal balance that will grab attention for all the right reasons.

[size=14pt]10. Using pixelated images[/size]

https://logoholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Google.png

Using pixelated images is likely to lead to headaches. Design software that use raster images won’t allow you to enlarge your image without it becoming pixelated, nor will you be able to post it on a web background colour without first changing it to a .PNG file. Instead opt for vector graphics that maintain consistency across varying mediums.

Source: http://www.creativebloq.com/logo-design/mistakes-2131959

'suspected kidnappers' in my opinion. For all I care, it might be a toasting attempt gone wrong and it's just wrong to conclude they are kidnappers when you didn't even bother following them to the police station to hear their side of the story.

So much venom we reserve for ourselves. A false alarm or unfounded suspicion is all we need to turn on a fellow human like we are not one.

The government has failed us but most importantly, we have failed ourselves and generations unborn.

iamord: U hid mine too.. And I only posted logos

I'm sorry about that. Yes you might have only posted logos but there's a particular format it should follow. See the first post and adhere by the rules stated.

Thank you.

@Astralgirl


I'm really sorry I hid your post. Please follow the rules as stated on the first page. Lets keep everything coordinated please.

lovely typography with clean layouts.

Kudos!

You people should just grow up already.

I'll go for B. It's better defined and is easily adaptable on materials asides paper.

What if you want to engrave the logo on wood, how do you incorporate logo A?

Dyoungstar: There are many software applications used to achieve this.

1. CorelDraw
2. Photoshop
3. Adobe inDesign

And many more, but the combination of the first two in the list above will give you a professional job.

I can do anything I wish to do with coreldraw and put finishing touches with Photoshop as long as design is concerned.


Most of the designs posted here are vectors and templates from the internet, I do not see them as designs as they are not challenging/tasking.

If you really want to know a designer that is creative, let him/her do a fresh design from scratch...

I don't have any of my designs in my phone, but will upload when I returned back home next week, check out the logo I did for a theater house if network will allow me upload it.

NB: I design and print.

After the whole "bad-mouthing". I was expecting to see something worth my time. I ended up being disappointed. Or is that not the creative logo you designed on your profile?

I'll advise you spend more time improving yourself and less time trying to bring others down.

You'll be shocked to know that most of those designs you call templates are from scratch. Yes, designers up there are that good and they didn't get there by mistake.

Work on yourself bro, your designs need it.

LagosComicC0N: I don't think its every designer that should dabble into Logo designs. I have met really good designers who suck at creating logos, and not so good designers who create really arresting logos. Maybe we can share secrets with each other that would improve each others art.

Thank you for this. I just wish designers will learn to specialise and stop dabbling into everything.

justinlmj: wtf...why were my logos removed

Kindly go through the initial post and abide by the rules. They are there for a purpose.

Thank you.

https://www.conceptsoftwaresolutions.com/images/logodesign.jpg

If you have ever considered having a professional logo designed for your business, but you thought that you may be too small of an operation to need one, you may be doing yourself, and your company, a severe disservice. A logo is one of the most important branding elements you can have when it comes to marketing your business. A logo can serve many different purposes in getting your business noticed, as well as remembered.

All too often, small business owners think that having a professionally designed logo is only for the "big boys", and that a small business does not need such things to gain business. As well, many small business owners think that having a professionally designed logo produced by a design firm would simply be too expensive. However, having a professionally designed logo is a very important element of your business, and you may be surprised at just how affordable a logo can be.

In terms of importance, you need to consider your company's logo as a business asset. Your logo allows you to put a face on your business, and this face is one that you want to be easily recognizable, as well as easily remembered. Your logo acts as a calling card, of sorts, in that it is typically one of the first things a customer sees when entering your business, and possibly the last thing they see as they exit. Even if you do not have a brick and mortar establishment, a logo on your web site serves the same purpose; gaining the visitor's attention by putting a public face on your company, as well as maintaining their attention, even after their transaction is done.

In the end, a professionally designed logo serves to act on behalf of your business. And whether you are a small or large business, a professionally designed logo can go a long way in gaining and retaining customers. Your logo works to represent your business, as well as your mission statement, long after a customer is gone. Furthermore, you want your logo to not only stick with current customers, but you want it to resonate with potential customers. A remarkable logo is one that is recognized by current customers, but is also in the minds of potential customers.

For example, there are many gimmicks that certain companies pull in order to be remembered, even on customers that have never stopped into their location. Turning your sign upside down on a busy freeway, or using off colors, are both ways that companies use to brand themselves. And these methods can be used by your company; however, instead of resorting to gimmicks, you could hire a professional design team to find the perfect fit for your business.

Instead of resorting to marketing gimmicks that will fade over time, it is more important to have a professional logo designed that can withstand the test of time and represent your brand for many years to come. A design professional can sit down with you, discuss your options, as well as your company, and find the perfect balance for your company, as well as your logo. Working with a professional can allow you the freedom to express yourself and your company's message, all while giving you the time to keep up with the needs of your business.

Beyond that, many design firms can create a professionally designed logo for you at an affordable price. As the cost of computer generated graphics has dropped dramatically in the past few decades, many design firms now posses the ability to offer substantial discounts when it comes to working with the most up to date software. Basically, you, as a business owner, are at an advantage, as modern computer software has made it much easier, as well as less expensive, to produce a professional logo. Once again, though, as easy as it is to incorporate design software into your business model, only a true, educated expert can deliver the results you desire.

As a small business, it is important to recognize the value of a logo. If you intend to grow your business, and take it beyond a local or regional level, then professional logo design is key. Having a logo professionally designed by a team of experts means that you will not only receive the benefits and advantages of their experience and knowledge, but you will also receive the advantages of their business understanding. When it comes to logo design, professionals recognize all of the important factors involved that affect business. This may be something as simple as color, shape, and size, or it may go deeper, regarding things such as internet marketing and search engine optimization. Regardless of what direction you and your business take, your logo needs to be a centerpiece, not only in your marketing campaign, but at the heart of your public relations.



Source:https://logomojo.com/logo-design/too-small-for-a-professional-logo

[size=14pt]Check the portfolio(s) of Nairaland logo designers here; https://www.nairaland.com/1823110/nairaland-portfolio-logo-designers[/size]

Why not visit this thread and check out logo designers there? It'll save you some trouble.

https://www.nairaland.com/1823110/nairaland-portfolio-logo-designers

I wonder who comes up with these rubbish. Do you even know who a negotiator is at all?

Common sense should tell those spreading these rubbish news that a negotiator will never divulge any information about any party he/she is negotiating with because that gravely compromises his/her position.

How do you expect the goodwill of people you are exposing? Or you think the job of a negotiator is by chance? These people have job ethics too.

Blackheritage: Pls how much will logo design cost me?? And where is your office??

Can't really talk price here and I work online (no physical office address). Send me a mail at darefunflick@yahoo.com for a quote.

Thank you.

cole265: Thank so much erad. The trick worked. I can now access pictures. So little and simple but very important to me. Thank you.

You are welcome boss.

cole265: I am using a mobile(bbz10) i cant see the logos guys are talking about let alone upload mine. I always loose out when a ppst involves pictures bc I usually cant access them. Thank yoi so very much for trying to help. Looking forward to dorection or advice

Can you check pictures on other sites? Why not download a different browser and see if the problem will persist.

cole265: I mean that i dont see pictures posted on my nairaland acount. I believe i am not doing something correctly.
When pictuers ae posted, i am unable to access them. Please help if you can. Thank you

Are you using a system or a mobile device? and what are the sizes of the images you are trying to upload?

cole265: Someone help me out. I dont get pictures or any form of grapjocs or videos. What is wrong and how can i correct this to be able to participate fully?

Can't understand what you are trying to say.

Jayclinics: both

Kindly send me a mail at darefunflick@yahoo.com.

I hope you understand it doesn't come so cheap.

Jayclinics: thanks bro, i just did that now

ok, seen. do you want a logo or just an header or both?

Provide a link to the blog so anyone interested can have a clearer idea of the concept.