I thought it was about time I gave you some design related posts…. so here I show you a video and accompanying notes on How To Create Your Own Logo.
My project Green Friendly Things is in it’s early stages and to give me an idea of the look and style of the whole thing I decided to start with a logo. I know I wanted a simple but nice feel to this project so in this video I take you through some steps that I use to get a nice end result.
(I have also added a quick write up of the steps I take below the video)
You can’t see the detailed logo in the video so below are two variations. I am still working on this logo so it may change a little before the project launch.
Here are the stages you can go through when creating simple logos for your projects.
1. Research
I almost always do a little research on the niche. Take a look around at other websites in your niche and I also like to look at book covers.
2. Fonts
A simple logo is most often font based. By browsing free font sites (eg 1001 Free Fonts) you can often find interesting fonts that may have a slight graphical quality to them that suit your project and give your simple logo the professional look it require.
3. Colors and Icons
It’s always a good idea to play with your colors and make sure you try a range of ideas out. I also try and add a small simple graphic or icon. The easiest way to get a cool small icon is by purchasing it cheaply from a place like Istock Photo, images start from approx $1.50.
4. Details
Maybe take a little time away from your logo, go back to it and line everything up, clean up any rough bits and see if you need to add any details. This could be lengthening a letter, adding a small icon or amending a letter. You could even look at overlaying textures and imagery to give your logo more depth.
I recommend that you use either Adobe Photoshop
So basically I hope you realize that making a logo is nothing to be scared of. It can be done for free or almost free, your site will look much more professional and you will save a little cash.
If you have any questions feel free to contact my via the comments below or email: forest.parks@gmail.com.
I am also a professional designer and can help you with any of your graphical and wordpress design needs. Don’t hesitate to contact me for quotes or advice, again at forest.parks@gmail.com.
Resources:
Adobe Photoshop CS4
Awesome Forrest you are really a great designer sir. And thanks for the tutorial as well always looking to learn a new trick or two.
Thanks Ben,
Let me know if you need any help with anything.
Hi Forest,
something tells me that you have been pulled into action by my request of the other day (BTW thank you A LOT) and that doesn’t surprise me, as long as one of my qualities is to help the improvement.
Thanks for the tutorial, I’ll study it as soon as I’ll be able to set a part some free time.
Have a GREAT day !
ciao
alexander
Ha ha,
Actually this post has been planned for ages and I have been trying to get a gap in my client work to give me time for a video…. it takes me ages to make them and get them uploaded!!
I’m still not comfortable with myself on video but know that they only way to get better is by doing it as much as I can.
Awesome stuff there dude! Been waiting for post like these. I agreed what you said about fonts on logos.
My designer sent me a logo yesterday which looks very ugly to me. So, I asked for redesign and he simply just changed the fonts and the ugly logo became awesome logo!
Hey Desmond,
Thanks very much… You could go into a lot more detail but this tutorial was just to help the normal person create professional looking logos without breaking the bank.
Do you ever have people going to your blog looking for Desmonds? It’s a small furry animal….look it up.
I noticed there are tons of icons on the Internet too. Maybe I can use those for my logos.
I have downloaded Gimp 2 like ages ago — but have no freaking idea on how to use it. Stupid me.
Desmonds = furry animals? okay…
You can use them if their license is public, just find out what copyright they have attached…
Yes Desmonds, they have little snouts that they use as snorkels….
this is great but i still think its just better for me to get YOU to do it and me stick to what i think I know best.
thanks again for your great work on the stompernet banner and logo, it looks great
thanks and take care
Bry
Ha ha Thanks Bryan,
I’m always here is you need any work done… A lot of time with new projects I think it’s worth doing the graphics yourself just to get things started and then get a designer in to clean things up once you start making a small amount of money.
Dude when are you coming out of the witness protection program I think IMwithjoe needs his look back http://shanehigginbottom.com/forest-parks-goes-in-witness-protection-program/
Ha Ha Shane, thanks for the links