A good logo will clearly define who your company is and what it offers. Modern logos are designed to work in conjunction with branding, or the overall impression that a company wants to make through the combined use of words and graphics. The process of building your new company logo should never be hurried, because logos are something that will need to be as applicable years down the road as they are today.
Instructions
Design Your Logo
1. Study logos for companies similar to your own. Compile a file with several logos that you like for reference. Consider why they chose the colors, letter styles and designs they did. Ask others what they think about your competitors' logos.
2. Create a sketch (or rough drawing) of your logo idea. Use this to help figure out what you like and what you don't. It does not have to be perfect, just a general design to use as a guideline. If you cannot draw, print out clip art, cut it out and use it to lay out your logo.
3. Define a color scheme. Pick colors that are attractive to you but reflect what your company is. Limit it to only a few colors, no more than four. Use contrasting colors for more impact. Keep the background a single color or simple pattern.
4. Finalize your rough design. Check that the thematic or central idea is clear. Consider how hard it will be to reproduce in different sizes. Think about how the proposed logo will reflect upon your company. Make sure the logo expresses what your business is about.
Make Your Own Logo
5. Find a general professional design or logo software. Several versions are available for individuals or business. Some will come with predesigned templates. Look for a program that has the ability to produce vector graphics, or graphics that can be easily resized without distortion.
6. Install the program onto your computer. Scan your sketch into the program. Use the sketch as a template to build your logo. Refer to the program guide for your specific program as to exact instructions on use the software to create your logo.
7. Experiment with different color schemes and fonts until you find one that best fits your logo. Simple colors and clear, standard fonts usually work best. Make several versions, at different sizes, and print them out so you can get a better idea of how the final version will look. Remember to save your work often.
8. Finalize your design. Save the design to several file formats (PDF, GIF, TIFF, JPEG, etc.). Ensure the electronic files will meet the specifications of the designer or printing service that will be handling the reproduction.
Professional Help
9. Consult with a professional artist or designer. Show them the ideas you have already created. Explain what your company does and what it is you are trying to achieve with your logo.
10. Have the artist or designer create several samples. Compare the samples to the original. Choose one or two you like best. Confer with others and gather opinions to help make your decision.
11. Finalize the design. Have the artist create several versions, both hard copy and electronic, for your use.
