A friend of mine asked me to design a logo for the podcast he’s starting. It’s been a while since I’ve worked on a logo, so I’m thrilled that I can help him while working on a project that challenges me creatively.
It’s also been years since I was in design school. I’m dusting off all of the rules I learned.
Logos also typically start in black and white, and then add color once the concept is more concrete. The one reason I most immediately remembered is totally cracking me up. You had to make sure the logo survived being faxed. Ha! Who uses fax machines anymore, eh?One of the main things I remember is that starting with pen and paper, then going to the computer is best. It helps free you up so you can think faster and more freely. I have started sketching more as a result, and didn’t realize how much I’d missed that.
Logos also needed to have one-color potential, in order to make the print job less expensive on a four-color press. That’s also antiqued now. Smaller companies rarely get stuff printed, much less on a four-color press.
One thing that didn’t exist back then: online logo design companies. These fascinate me. I’m inclined to believe that they’ve cheapened things, but that might not be the case. It’s like getting a fast food burger versus ordering one at a restaurant. The cost, speed, and quality will vary. Working with a designer who knows you, your product / company, and what you want is certainly of value.
It’s interesting to think about how design has changed so drastically since I graduated. I’ve learned a lot since school and this project has made me realize that.