You should know up front that I am The Logo Handler and not a logo designer. I actually have designed a variety of advertising up until recently, yet it is not my forte. Clients entrust their logo to me for generating and marketing and advertising purposes. While I can't concept that you simply marvelous symbol, I will tell you quickly in cases where the customized logo will probably lead to inconveniences as you go along. I've spent the major part of my career working with corporate logos. Some logos are great and others are a problem. They could be gratifying towards focus, but they also present all sorts of stamping worries.
Sanantonio logo designer make at the very beginning is to offer their designer little to no direction. They find a designer, give them the company name and tell them to design a logo. In most cases no further direction is given. Conceivably some suggested designs or a bit of advice or two within a sign that may be previously used, but that's it. The business owner assumes that the designer understands the needs and parameters of logo design. From my experience, about 50% of the logos I encounter are centered on aesthetics only. While an eye pleasing logo is important there are many other things to consider that will play an important roll down the road.
While it might be tempting to use a friend or family member who dabbles in graphic design (and are usually very cheap or even free) the logo usually ends up costing you down the road. You are more likely to encounter issues with design egos and have to deal with time delays. They may also not have the technical knowledge (bitmaps vs. vector, bleeds etc.). This is less of an issue for logo design but can cause major issues on other projects. On the other hand, don't discredit these people. I've seen some great work come from aspiring designers and those who design as a hobby.
Regardless of where you find your logo designer, make sure you review their portfolio and then confirm these two criteria:
While your computer probably does not have a program that can open the first three files, make sure you have them on a disc in your office and stored away on your computer. Future computer printers and designers will need these files. See Images 101 for more information on vector vs bitmap.
In addition to a logo that looks good and makes sense for your business, make sure your designer follows these guidelines. You too should run their designs through these considerations (pattern, hue and length and width):
Colors play an important role in a logo. Ideally you should keep colors to a minimum, avoid shading and keep colors separated. When printing full color digital graphics you probably won't run into any issues. Digital printers print graphics just like your color inkjet or laser printer. In general, digital printing is expensive and is not always available for non-paper items.
Keeping colors to a minimum can save money. Printing applications for garments, marketing and signage products will cost more for each color. Promotional products generally have a set-up charge and a run charge per color. Screen printing will also cost more for each color. Design a logo with one or two colors or have a version that can be used as a single color.
Tight color registration can cause issues. If your colors are touching that's considered tight registration. Text that has an outline around it is a good example. Promotional items that are silk screened or pad printed can't always achieve this. Taut signing up can even turned into a problem in case you are photocopying some thing in monochrome. Two completely different colors can look like the same colors and end up being a big black blob when photocopied. Avoid tight registration or have a version of the logo that doesn't have tight registration for these situations.
Color fading/shading can't always be printed. Most non-digital printing applications print solid colors. If you have a solid color that fades or shades into a darker color or another color you will need a modified version of your logo.
Custom colors can cost money. Printers carry standard ink colors such as but not limited to noble, navy and crimson dark green, yellowish and black colored. Most printers will charge a fee to mix a specific color for you. Promotional logo'd items are also mainly available in standard colors. You will be limited on your options in the event you picked out teal green for your personal logo design and want to select a teal pen for your personal corporation.
Text or lines that are too thin or small aren't effective and can "disappear" when printed or photocopied. The tiny equipment within the decrease claim "e" and "a" are also able to stuff-in should they be too small. When selecting your logo make sure that you can shrink it (or a version of it) down to 1" wide. One inch is about the smallest size you will print your logo.
Shape
Shape is much more than a vertical or horizontal design. Shape needs to take into consideration what is referred to as white space. Avoid design elements that protrude too far away from the main design. The white colored spot can stop you from going through room space eventually left for contact information that you want to add in whether your custom logo design provides extensive unusable vivid white living space and you really want to print out it in a tiny city. See the illustration below. Think about how the logo will look when paired with your address or website. Ask the designer to put your address block next to the logo as it might appear on a business card or on letterhead.
An important note on different versions - You shouldn't feel restricted by any of these guidelines. To give an example, a emblem that looks like modernized graffiti would most certainly go towards all the rules of thumb aforementioned, in case that's what you wish then that's exactly what you need have. Just ask your designer to produce modified versions that can be printed in a single color or smaller spaces. I've seen companies with 10 page booklets and dozens of variations of their logo that can be used for different applications. Be prepared.
Think about color selection, size and shape when developing and making a choice on your logo. You should also have different versions for different applications. Make sure you have the right files stored away for printing. Keep in mind that the most recognizable and most famous logos are simple and the colors are limited. Work it and re-work it until you have the perfect logo. It's your logo, take ownership of it and keep your logo visible!
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