Logo Guide



What is a logo?
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A logo is a picture or drawing that is used by a person, group or company to mark who they are.

A company or group can use a "logo" on the things they make, sell, letters and advertisements. When another person sees the logo, that person knows that the product they see the logo on came from that company. Logos can have letters and words in them. Many logos have the name of the company or group in them. Most logos are very simple drawings with only a small number of colors. Some logos are only black and white.



Do I need a logo?
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Your business image will have much to do with how your customers think and feel about your business. Quality logos give your business an immediate feel of professionalism. If your business is new or less established, a customer will often give the benefit of doubt to a company that looks professional.

Not only will a professional logo help you with your customers, it might also help attract employees.



Pyschology of color:
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Color selection is very important element in your logo, because colors have an effect on your customers. It is very important for you to consider your target audience, the pyschology of color and the corporate image you wish to project BEFORE you get a logo.

When color is used correctly, it can add impact and clarity to your message and highlight important points. When colors is used incorrectly, it can compromise your message and confuse your target audience.


Color plays a vitally important role in the world which we live. Color can sway thinking, change actions, and cause reactions. It can irritate or soothe your eyes, raise your blood pressure or supress your appetite.

As a powerful form of communication, color is irreplaceable. Red means "stop" and green means "go". Traffic lights send this universal message. Likewise, the colors used for a product, web-site, business card, or logo cause powerful reactions.


Colors:

Blue:

Calming, Corporate

Green:

Mother Nature is green and she's a female. Its cool, restful, and signifies growth, renewal, health and environment.

Purple:

Purple stands out as a feminine color because it is chosen almost exclusively by women as a favorite color and is strongly disliked by men. Traditionally associated with royalty, the color purple is also spirtual, romantic and mysterious.

Pink:

Most people still think of pink as feminine, delicate color, the color for little girls. Does that mean women prefer pink? Not necessarily. The color pink and women is likely more of a cultural association than a strong preference. However this cultural association could mean that pink is not ideal color for targeting men.

Black:

Men favor the color black only slightly more than women. A strong preference for conservative colors such as blue and black may also reflect social and cultural norms where women wear the brighter, more varied colors while men's attire is tradditionally less colorful.

Choosing Color for Women:

Female Top 3 Favorite Colors: Blue, Purple, Green (All Cool Colors)
Female Top 3 Least Favorite Colors: Orange, Brown, Gray (warm and Neutral Colors)

Choosing Color for Men:

Male Top 3 Favorite Colors: Blue, Green, Black (2 cool and one neutral color)
Male Top 3 Least Favorite Coors: Brown, Orange, Purple (Neutral, Warm, Mixed Colors)


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Tips for a logo that works!

1) Keep it simple.

First, decide on how the logo will be used for a company, service or product. Whether it will be a both a name and icon, or name alone.

2) Company Name

Make sure your company name is clear within your logo. If your potential clients and customers cant read it, how can they get in touch with you?

3) Colors

Choose two colors. Its most cost effective to print. The color you see on your monitor isnt always the way it prints out.

4) TypeFace (Fonts)

Use a maximum of two typefaces. Choose the style wisely. Be appropriate but dont be too predictable

7) Size

Your logo must be legible in a variety of sizes. Test by shrinking it to the smallest possible usage size.

8) Avoid Clipart Designers

As tempting as it is, avoid clipart like the plague, it will only expose your business as unprofessional / cheap!


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Whats the difference between Raster and Vector?

Raster:

Raster images are graphics made of pixels. These pixels, cannot be stretched. If provided with a PSD file, JPG or GIF please remember that these files cannot be used for printing (if needed to be stretched). Avoid designers who design logos in raster format. Always ask if your designer will provide vector formats. IE: EPS, AI

Vector:

Vector images are graphics that can be stretched to any size. They are not made of pixels, and are used for printing purposes.