Logo, who needs one?
I found this amazing adaptation by Neil T. McDonald of the generic CMYK formula. This is a great use of a letterform mark.What is CMYK?
CMYK stands for: C = Cyan; M = Magenta; Y = Yellow ; K = Key or Black
What happens if you do not have a reliable logo for your brand or your marketing materials?
- Your business will not look stable.
- You will look like a very small business.
- You will look unpolished and rough.
- You will look unfocused.
Your business logo is the most important element of your brand and it is essential for creating a great brand identity and will show your business’s reliability. When having your logo designed by a professional, it is always a good idea to try to decide on which type of mark would be the most powerful and effective for your business so it can help you achieve a stronger and more focused direction. There are 5 basic types of marks.
- Word Marks – A word mark is a logo comprised of text only featuring a unique typographical treatment used to convey the brand’s message or positioning.
- Letterform Marks – Letterform marks use one or more letterforms as a symbol to convey the brand message.
- Marks – A mark is a literal and often pictorial representation of a company or product. The image is usually a reference to the company or a brand attribute.
- Abstract Marks or Symbols – Abstract marks and symbols use visual form to convey a concept that is relevant to the brand message.
- Emblems - Emblems are a complex mixture of pictorial elements and type that are linked to the organization and its positioning.
Head over to Positive Space Blog for logo examples in each category.
How do you hire a graphic designer? You have two choices, hire David Airey or read his FAQ's on what questions as a client you should be asking potential designers. David Airey is just a shameless plug because I follow him on twitter and enjoy reading his blog 
Do not try to create your own logo. Always consult a professional, not your 13 old nephew that knows Photoshop. You will thank me later, I promise.
About Erik Shultz
Print and Production Guru | Design Maverick, Author & Admin of this exciting blog about printing.Little about the Host
Some exciting and new changes are happening in my life. More information to come in the following days!
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January 7th, 2010 - 12:16
I agree. I tried to make my own label but ended up hiring someone to make it for me and WOW, what a difference! The original was so gradeschool and the professionally designed one is so polished. Great advice!
January 14th, 2010 - 10:06
Hi Eric, thanks very much for the plug. You should absolutely feel no shame. None whatsoever.
January 14th, 2010 - 10:07
I meant to say, Erik. Please excuse my tardiness.