A typical logo design project may sound monotonous to some. It is unbearably painstaking work because it involves countless hours spent in creating a design that is neither generic nor plagiarized.
A refresher: A logo is a graphic emblem, mark, or symbol used for helping and promoting public identification and recognition. It can be abstract, a full figurative design, or be the text of name as a wordmark. Ford, Coca-Cola, and Shell are companies serving as prime examples of identifiable logos.
Logos are important in modern-day marketing. They are one of the most highly recognizable elements of brands, ranging from shops and startups Logos are important in modern-day marketing. They help the business become identifiable and distinguishable from others. Startups also need logos to become recognizable. This is why logos need to be designed with care, precision, and careful comprehension to ensure it doesn’t end up copying another logo advertently or inadvertently.
Phase 1: Initial Consultation
The first phase involves a complete discussion of the objectives and vision clients have for logos. This is also commonplace with most design projects. Talking about the requirements for logos is a worthwhile opportunity to challenge requirements that are unrealistic and tone them down to what can be done. Plus discussing options that were not considered are also conducted.
This helps in gathering fundamental details like:
-
Company Information.
-
Target Audience.
- Competition.
Designers can take the time to outline how they will approach the project, describe the stages, and also play their part in costing and scheduling the project.
Phase 2: Creation of the design concept
Once all relevant information has been obtained, it is time to start making rough drafts either digitally or with pencil and paper. This can help establish the kind of logo needed with proper considerations on the scale, shape plus basic colors.
These drafts can be further refined and agreed on the basic parameters for the developments to come. If conversations cannot take place here, then designers are required to provide partial concepts, for initial discussion, review, and feedback.
Professionals from a Dubai-based logo design company further explained that regardless of the route the major goal takes, this stage focuses on refining the design and detail which can hence be created into something that can be agreed upon later in the process.
If an agreement is made on the way the logo can be developed further, then further directions on color palette, typography, and any elementary refinements will be conducted with ease.
Phase 3: Refinements
If the earlier phases have been completed properly, then this phase will solely focus on refinements. Revisiting the initial requirements means the fundamentals are not properly done and refinement is hence put on hold until they are resolved.
Once the fundamentals are fixed, then the logo can go on refinement. Any possible alternatives and variations discovered are explored. This is a chance to test a logo’s flexibility in real terms and look for what is possible. At the end of this phase, clients should feel confident in the design after completely exploring all potential variants.
Phase 4: Finalization
Once a logo has been challenged rigorously, designed, developed, and refined; then comes the time to finalize its design. The finalized design is then provided to the client in an array of formats and sizes for use in various scenarios.
Logos can be given in the following formats:
-
Suitable for use in black and white form only.
-
For use on dark or light backgrounds.
-
For use on either a letterhead, a billboard, or both.
Some specialist applications might require certain artwork. If the logo needs to be embroidered on apparel or applied on three-dimensional signage, it may require certain artwork. Moreover, the various methods for applying an individual logo in many places highlight the requirement for comprehensive and detailed branding guidelines.
It is also during this phase the logo design cost is also considered and agreed upon. A set of branding guidelines created professionally will help ensure a consistent and correct application of logos regardless of size, format, or surface.
Brand integrity is easy to create and maintain in this manner. It is also achievable instead of re-establishing a long-gone identity.
