HISTORY OF LOGO DESIGN
Below is a little history of logo design with some good advice on common pitfalls.
"Logo." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 17 Jan 2007, 15:52 UTC. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 19 Jan 2007
A logo (from the Greek λογότυπος = logotipos) is a graphic element, symbol, or icon of a trademark or brand and together with its logotype, which is set in a unique typeface or arranged in a particular way. A typical logo is designed to cause immediate recognition by the viewer. The logo is one aspect of the brand of a company or economic entity, and the shapes, colors, fonts and images are usually different from others in a similar market. Logos may also be used to identify organizations or other entities in non-economic contexts.
A logo is an iconic symbol designed to represent a company, organization, product,
service, and sometimes certain places (e.g., Canada).
In recent times the term 'logo' has been used to describe signs, emblems, coats of arms, symbols and even flags. In this article several examples of true logos are displayed, which may generally be contrasted with emblems, or marks, which include non-textual graphics of some kind. Emblems with non-textual content are considered one aspect of a complete logo.
Distinct aspects of a complete logo:
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Logotype/Wordmark/Lettermark: text or abbreviated text
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Icon: symbol / brandmark
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Slogan: description of the company
The uniqueness of a logo is often necessary to avoid confusion in the marketplace among clients, suppliers, users, affiliates, and the general public. To the extent that a logo achieves this objective, it may function as a trademark, and may be used to uniquely identify businesses, organizations, events, products or services. Once a logo is designed, one of the most effective means for protecting it is through registration as a trademark, so that no unauthorised third parties can use it, or interfere with the owner's use of it.
There are several elements of a good logo. An effective logo—
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should be unique, and not subject to confusion with other logos among viewers
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is functional and can be used in many different contexts while retaining its integrity
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should remain effective whether reproduced small or large
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can work in "full-color", but also in two color presentation (black and white), spot color, or halftone
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should be able to maintain its integrity when printed on various fabrics or materials (where the shape of the product may distort the logo)
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displays basic design principles (space, color, form, consistency, and clarity)
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represents the brand/company appropriately
Logo design is commonly believed to be one of the most important areas in graphic design, thus making it the most difficult to perfect. The logo, or brand, is not just an image, it is the embodiment of an organization. Because logos are meant to represent companies and foster recognition by consumers it is counterproductive to redesign logos often.
When designing (or commissioning) a logo, practices to encourage are to
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avoid being over-the-top in an attempt to be unique
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use few colors, or try to limit colors to spot colors (a term used in the printing industry)
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avoid gradients (smooth color transitions) as a distinguishing feature
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produce alternatives for different contexts
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design using vector graphics, so the logo can be resized without loss of fidelity
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be aware of design or trademark infringements
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include guidelines on the position on a page and white space around the logo for consistent application across a variety of media (a.k.a. brand standard manual)
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not use a specific choice clip-art as a distinguishing feature
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not use the face of a (living) person
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avoid photography or complex imagery as it reduces the instant recognition a logo demands
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avoid culturally sensitive imagery, such as religious icons or national flags, unless the brand is committed to being associated with any and all connotations such imagery may evoke