Logo Design Basics

In This Section, You Will Learn:

• • What makes a good logo
• • Logo design process
• • Types of logos
• • Logo design in Canva/Illustrator
• • Presenting logos to clients

What Makes a Good Logo

• The 5 Principles of Logo Design:
• 1. Simple: Easy to recognize and remember
• 2. Memorable: Distinctive and unique
• 3. Timeless: Works for years, not just trends
• 4. Versatile: Works at any size, any application
• 5. Appropriate: Fits the brand and industry
• Test Your Logo:
• • Works in black and white?
• • Readable at small size (favicon)?
• • Looks good large (billboard)?
• • Simple enough to describe?
• Famous Examples:
• Nike, Apple, McDonald's – all simple, memorable

Types of Logos

• Wordmark (Logotype):
• • Just the name in styled typography
• • Examples: Google, Coca-Cola, FedEx
• • Best for: Unique names, typography focus
• Lettermark:
• • Initials/abbreviation
• • Examples: IBM, CNN, HBO
• • Best for: Long names, professional
• Symbol/Icon:
• • Graphic mark only
• • Examples: Apple, Nike, Twitter
• • Best for: Established brands
• Combination Mark:
• • Text + symbol together
• • Examples: Adidas, Burger King
• • Best for: New brands (flexible)
• For Beginners: Start with combination marks

Logo Design Process

• Step 1: Brief
• • What does the business do?
• • Who is their audience?
• • What feeling should logo convey?
• • What colors are preferred?
• Step 2: Research
• • Look at competitor logos
• • Explore industry styles
• • Gather inspiration
• Step 3: Sketching
• • Draw 10-20 rough concepts
• • Don't worry about perfection
• • Explore different directions
• Step 4: Digital Creation
• • Pick best 3-5 concepts
• • Create in Illustrator/Canva
• • Refine and polish
• Step 5: Present
• • Show 2-3 final options
• • Present on mockups
• • Explain design rationale

Creating Logos (Practical)

• In Canva (Beginner):
• • Start with Logo template or custom 500×500
• • Use simple shapes and icons
• • Add styled text
• • Keep it minimal
• • Export as PNG (with transparency)
• In Illustrator (Professional):
• • Create with shapes (circles, rectangles)
• • Use Pathfinder to combine shapes
• • Convert text to outlines
• • Work in vector (scalable)
• • Export as SVG, AI, PDF, PNG
• Logo File Package:
• • Primary logo
• • Alternate version (stacked/horizontal)
• • Icon only
• • Black and white versions
• • Multiple file formats

Presenting to Clients

• Never Show Logo on White Background Only!
• Use mockups to show in context.
• Mockup Examples:
• • Business card
• • Signage
• • Website header
• • Social media profile
• • Product packaging
• Presentation Tips:
• • Show 2-3 options maximum
• • Present in clean document
• • Explain thinking behind each
• • Let design speak
• Getting Mockups:
• • Freepik.com
• • MockupWorld.co
• • GraphicBurger.com
• • Canva has built-in mockups