How to Create an Artistic Logotype

A logotype is an artistic symbol that uniquely represents an organization. Examples of organizations that use logotypes include businesses, sports teams, political parties, or even entire cultures and religions. The sample must be relevant to the theme of the organization. Logotypes have gained increased popularity since the advent of the Internet.

Instructions

1. Be sure that you know the organization that contracted you to design its logotype.

2. Make a list of the organization's most defining characteristics. The list could include such items as the name, products and services, founder, location, history, appearance or the idea behind the organization.

3. Interview a random sample of people in the area surrounding the organization. (They must be aware of the organization.) Ask them to pick the most influential or attractive items from the list you wrote in Step 2. Although optional, try not to skip this important step.

4. Reduce the most popular items into an artistic word, symbol or icon. This is the first draft of your logotype. No one should have trouble interpreting the first draft as the organization even in this relatively amorphous stage.

5. Manipulate the first draft until you reach a best artistic design. Experiment with shape, style, color and other variables. As a general rule, make the logotype no more complex than a national flag.

6. Consult the organization's owner or administrator for feedback and additional ideas. All logotypes must have a positive effect on customers or supporters. This where you ensure that the logotype doesn't convey potentially undesirable subliminal messages. No one is better qualified to tell you this than the owner or administrator.

7. Repeat all of the steps until you reach a final version. Produce, package and deliver the logotype design to the proprietor. Be prepared to sign trademark agreements.