Logo Design Tips – Avoid getting Intimidated
Example of a clean, easy to read logo design in one colour.
Be Yourself
In my previous Logo Design Tips post, in the introduction, I touched on the likely issues with comparing your designs to those displayed in the many logo design galleries on the net.
I think this point is worthy of some further reflection as I feel it can be quite disheartning for newer logo designers to get motivated when faced with these other ideas and designs. These sites, as well as inspiring, can also uninspire and create a lack of self confidence, myself included. To the degree that I actually don’t often visit these sites too often.
For sure, I still see many logo designs that make me wonder if I am any good myself. It’s a dangerous mind game that can take hold if you are not careful. I keep going off on mental one way roads when I see a logo design that is just outstanding. I’ll often think, “man, that guy is so talented, I could have never come up with a design like that.” I guess it’s human nature, and for more seasoned logo designers they can reflect and look upon their own portfolio for reassurance. They can reflect on the many successful projects that clients were supremely pleased with. Friends, family, colleagues can reassure them because they have seen the proof of past projects.
For new logo designers, I fear it can lead to a lack of confidence that can become crippling. To quote from the last post:
Try to refrain from measuring your logo designs against the many ‘exceptional’ logo designs submitted to the many galleries on the web. Many, not all, of these logos are conceptual, based around made up names, themes and subjects. The ingredients are specifically crafted to create the ‘perfect’ blend of company name and icon. For the most part, the typical logo project is not like this. These sites are great for inspiration, for admiring the many talented logo designers out there. If you find yourself struggling to come up with a cool unique logo for the local waste disposal company who’s name has at least 8 words in it, then you are surely not alone.
Time and self exploration
It does take time, patience, a great deal of learning from mistakes before you can feel comfortable with what you are doing, the service you are providing. There is no two ways about it, being a logo designer is a very important job and requires personal dedication to ensure you give your client the best logo for their needs. You are providing them with the identity, the means to which the public will notice or not notice them.
Being a Logo Designer is an epic responsibility.
So don’t rush into doing projects that you may feel uncomfortable doing. I still turn down the odd job because the style of logo they need is not one I am comfortable doing. Of course I could do with the money, we all do, and we all hate turning work down. But, I have learnt that it is best to be honest with oneself and the client if you feel this is not a project for you.
There is a difference between a job being challenging and a job you just can’t do through lack of skill or experience.
Some designers are very adaptable and can do pretty much anything, others have a certain style, like myself. I used to think it was a huge limiting factor for me, but I now see it as a skill, one that I am constantly honing. You just need to see how many photographers, artists, designers stick to one specific area. The one they enjoy and the one they are ultimately skilled at. Enjoying it is crucial.
Another example of a very clean and ’simple’ logo design in one colour.
An example
I hate doing enclosed logos, logos that have to be in banners or round badges. Any logo that has to look like a emblem or is forced to be circular then I run a mile.
See ya, wouldnt want to be ya.
I personally don’t like these types of logos, and because of that, I can’t put my heart into designing them. So now I don’t do them. Simple.
Comfortable with my style
My own style is usually of simplicity. I try not to allow myself to get intimidated by other designs that are more detailed, complex etc. Each to there own. I have realised that my own style is a style that is desired by many people, clients and other designers, so it is having faith and confidence to stick to what you do best and are most comfortable with.
Even my own logo, designed two years ago now is what is called a logotype. A logo or brandmark made from just letters, characters, type etc. I am planning on updating it soon, but it will still remain a clear and readable logo design, just with a new font style.
If you look at my Behance portfolio, you will see that the logo designs are of the less is more nature. Of course there are other more detailed designs, which are required for the project in hand. But given artistic licence, less is less.
Example of a logotype design. Just letters and words, no other symbols.
In the end
In the end, it can take a while to find your feet. Explore, experiment, practice. But I would say that being honest with your own skills, your own limitations is important when dealing with something as crucial as a possible brand identity. Don’t play with the die. If you feel uncomfortable taking on a job, then listen to the inner self and consider other options.
And most importantly, just try to be aware of always comparing and judging your own logo designs against those you see in galleries etc. It’s not easy for some of us, but being aware of what I have said here, that it happens to many people, I hope will not make you feel so alone.
Honesty I feel in this job is very important. With yourself and with your client.
Article Posted On: March 26, 2009 at 10.57 am
Written By
In Categories: Branding, Featured, Logo design
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18 Comments
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Thanks for the article. It is important to be honest about the limitations we have. I know that it is still hard for me to accept that my skill set sometimes just doesn’t fit the project at hand.
I love that you advocate turning down jobs if it is not compatible with ones style. This is something that I find myself falling into: the need for money.
I will definitely take your advice which is sound as always!
Hi Graham,
I’m curious about one of your sentences, where you say, “Any logo that has to look like a emblem or is forced to be circular then I run a mile.”
Does this mean you won’t create emblematic / circular designs, or that you won’t take on projects where the outcome is forced?
For me, I’m always apprehensive when there are specific guidelines given by the client (which I think it what you also feel). When someone knows exactly what they want from their logo, they don’t actually need a designer. Instead, they need someone who knows how to use Illustrator.
What do you reckon?
Oh, and I have a tendency to spell ‘is’ as ‘it’.
(which I think is what you also feel).
Time for a break. ;)
David-> Yeah, I mostly mean when there is a specific rule set by the client ‘must look like a 50 year anniversary’ emblem when In my head, something cleaner and fresher would be a better idea.
I already have had 20+ years of taking orders from sales reps and clients who insist they know what is best. when you work for a companies like I have, then your ‘voice’ is not heard.
Now, being a freelancer, I can set my own rules and do what I feel is right for me and my client. However, if there is a conflict of interests, in that the client, from the outset is setting the rules, then I have been known to ‘walk away’. Politely suggesting they find someone else who is happy to do as ordered, rather than being open to some sturdy advice.
But also David, I am not a fan of circular emblem 50 year anniversary logos. I find them uninspiring for the most part and have always struggled to design anything I am happy with. SO now I just dont take on any work that has set styles enforced by the client which I don’t feel comfortable doing.
There are many styles of ‘container’ type logos that I do love doing, its just the specific anniversary style. If that makes sense.
I’ll stick to the styles I love doing and feel I’m good at. Hat’s off to those that are truly adaptable and are happy designing any style, Im just not one of those people.
So yeah, your last para, is spot on. They don’t really need a logo designer, they need someone who is good with illustrator to just create what is in the clients mind. LIke I said, I have had over 20+ doing what other people have told me to design, now Im free of those shackles…
Yay.
Also David, Im very much a type orientated designer. Having been taught the basic letterpress form of printing when I was working after school at the local printers, then working on rudimentary typesetting consoles etc, I feel a natural affinity to creating logos out of type.
I was forced to use clip-art almost evert day whilst working at various commercial printers due to time and budget limitations. And any logo that requires a form of cliche illustration always reminds me of clip art. Just a throwback from years gone.
I feel that many logos are tainted by icons marks that ‘could’ be clip art. Even if they are not, thats my memory of them. So where ever possible, my logos are type driven with minimal ‘embellishments’ where possible. Prefer to create a logomark from letters than a graphic. Find that much more satisfying. ;0
Your words have heart! There is so much to learn from you and you give it freely, truly truly inspiring. Thnx for sharing this beautiful article, answered so many questions for me, ones I was afraid to ask or bring forth just because I am a newbie and I thought “Aah, shouldn’t make a fool of myself :-)”. Thnx!
SNEH–> Im not one for elitism in any area and its easy for logo designers to feel their own work is not up to standard given the often close proximity of the more established designers.
Im very much a open person when it comes to feelings and what’s on my mind, and don’t much care if I make a fool of myself. :)
So posts like this are refreshing for me because it allows me to say what’s on my mind, and sometimes things that you may not hear elsewhere.
:)
JUSTIN–> The need for money when you are starting out cannot be ignored. Im not so much advocating it as ‘ the only way’ but more as a option to not be scared of using.
From personal experience, taking on a job out of desperation, and a job which im not ideally suited for only brings misery.
And misery in a job usually means you can’t put your heart into it. And if you are getting paid to do a good job, then there are possible moral professional implications there.
So just be aware really.
Great article! I am new to design and … old for being new to design. So I am going through a lot of this along with having “age” issues.
If a client has a vision/ concept in mind that they express to me and I feel does not work. I will do my best to talk them out of it. If not I will show my concept next to the one they requested. It’s always good to show side-by-side to prove a point. I also charge a lot for logos so most of my clients let me do what I feel works best.
“…logos that have to be in banners or round badges” As a designer I do not design for myself. I design what’s best for the client/project. As a designer it’s not about me. When you limit yourself to the style or personal likes/dislikes you limit opportunities. I’ll turn down projects left and right over money. If a client demands a banner or round badge (as example) and still wants to pay my rate. then YES I will work on it. I will do my best to talk them out of it and show them something better. The bottom line is (with me) 1. to get paid. 2. have a good looking logo that WORKS best for the client/project. 3. to get more business.
You will always have clients that are difficult to work with. It’s all how you handle them.
Good post Gram.
–Tom
[...] Logo Design Tips – Avoid getting Intimidated (tags: logo branding identity logos grahamsmith) [...]
If ever you get worried about your skills and whatnot again, check out this site – http://www.yourlogomakesmebarf.com/ – never again will you doubt yourself ;)
Anyway, good post. Interesting thoughts. I was recently struggling with a round logo and in the end took the text right out of it and took the focus off the round.
Very insightful and also very true.
Flippin’ great inspiration for those of us struggling to make a logo and spending three months on it. I wish I had read this before killing myself trying to imitate the logopond experts…
Great write-up Graham. What I enjoy about your posts is that you are real and open.
I think you hit the nail on the head about being comfortable with self/style and being honest about your own limitations.
I think honesty definitely helps to nail down your own brand and your business.
Cheers!
Your post has been featured on March’s “Nerdiest of the Net!”
http://www.blog.designnerd.net/nerdiest-of-the-net-march-09
Thanks for getting back to me, Graham, and for the nice insight into your past. Very glad you can now be much more selective when working with others.
Off-topic, I’m subscribed to this post, but am not receiving new comment updates. Perhaps others are experiencing the same?