Pro tips for non-designers: creating logos that make an impact

Back in the day, not all business people thought about getting a logo before kicking off. Take my old-school mom, for instance. She ran her company for a couple of years with no logo until digital ads forced her to create one.

Maybe it’s a boomer thing, but can you really blame them? Once upon a time, businesses were usually known by the owner’s name, and there was way less local or digital competition.

Guess what? Starting a business without a logo isn’t such a big deal.

Breathe out. There, I’ve said it. You don’t absolutely need one to get your first customer, do you?

At first, you don’t. But if you’ve got big dreams for your business, you’ll eventually need a logo or some brand guidelines. They aren’t just there for looks, they help build trust and authority for your business.

To make it clear, if you’re running a design business, prospective clients will naturally want to know about your own branding. 

They’ll ask questions about your logo, color scheme and more. It’d be a tough sell without any branding to showcase, wouldn’t it?

Now, for a designer, creating a logo is a walk in the park. If you’re not from the design world, it might feel more like a jungle safari, just a bit scarier.

But don’t sweat it! I’m here to guide you. Today, we’ll navigate through simple steps to cook up a logo, even if design isn’t your forte. Let’s dive in together!

Step 1: Get inspired

Let your creative juices flow! Check out successful logos in your industry for inspiration. Look for colors, shapes, and fonts that catch your eye. Don’t copy, just let these designs inspire your unique logo.

Here are some logo designs made by Deer Designer

Step 2: Define your brand

Your logo tells a story, so think about what makes your business special. Jot down keywords that define your values and mission. This will help you channel your brand’s personality into your logo.

Common values or keywords of web design agency brands

1. Creativity: Web design agencies often emphasize their ability to create unique and visually appealing designs for their clients’ websites.
2. Innovation: Many web design agencies position themselves as innovative and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry.
3. User Experience (UX): A focus on providing a seamless and intuitive user experience is a common value among web design agencies. They strive to create websites that are user-friendly and easy to navigate.
4. Responsive Design: With the increasing use of mobile devices, web design agencies often highlight their expertise in creating responsive websites that adapt to different screen sizes and devices.
5. Collaboration: Collaboration and teamwork are important values for web design agencies. They often showcase their ability to work closely with clients to understand their needs and deliver the desired outcomes.
6. Customization: Web design agencies often promote their ability to create customized websites that align with their clients’ brand identity.
7. Attention to Detail: Web design agencies value attention to detail and precision in their work. They aim to create visually polished websites with carefully crafted elements.
8. Quality: Quality is a common keyword associated with web design agencies. They strive to deliver high-quality websites that meet industry standards and exceed client expectations.
9. Communication: Effective communication is key to a successful web design project. Web design agencies often emphasize their ability to communicate clearly with clients throughout the design and development process.
10. Results-Oriented: Web design agencies focus on delivering results for their clients. They aim to create websites that not only look good but also drive conversions, increase engagement, and achieve the desired goals.

Step 3: Sketch away

Grab a pencil and paper (or tablet) and start sketching rough ideas. Play with shapes, fonts, and imagery. 

Don’t worry about perfection. We’re just exploring concepts here. You will be sharing these with your on-demand design team as inspiration.

Step 4: Keep it simple

Remember, less is more! A clean and clear logo is more memorable. Avoid clutter and intricate details. Keep it simple, using shapes and typography that reflect your brand’s essence.

Step 5: Choose colors and fonts

Add some pizzazz with colors and fonts. Experiment with combinations that resonate with your brand. 

Consider the psychology of colors—warm tones for coziness or vibrant hues for boldness. Choose fonts that match your brand’s personality.

Step 6: Get feedback

Share your logo concepts with friends and family. Ask for honest opinions. Fresh eyes can spot things you might have missed. Listen to their insights, but trust your instincts too. It’s your brand, after all.

Step 7: Get a pro to polish and refine

Based on feedback, refine your chosen concept with the help of branding professionals. Make tweaks, experiment, and keep iterating. Embrace the journey of creating something uniquely yours.

You now have a unique logo!

Boom! You’ve nailed the art of logo conceptualization! Remember that there are two key ingredients here: first, knowing your business by heart, and second, being able to communicate what you want to your design team.

Whether you’ve been thriving in the industry or venturing into a new, exciting business, these steps will help you design a logo that reflects your brand’s identity. So, let your imagination soar and never let design limitations get in the way.