How to Design a Company Logo

A company's logo acts as a universal symbol for a certain set of products and services. Every company wants to design a company logo that draws in consumers and stands out from the competition. There are a number of ways to design an attractive and unique company logo without breaking the bank.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Shape a company logo around the defining characteristics of the local community. Lawn care companies, accounting firms and retailers can utilize successful sports franchises and local history to create an effective brand.
2. Research registered logos and brand symbols through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This federal agency offers the Trademark Applications Registration and Retrieval tool to help designers eliminate duplication with existing logos (see Resources below).
3. Request mock-ups of logo ideas from in-house designers to determine the need for outside help. You should use the same guidelines for logo ideas from an outside contractor and an employee to compare results.
4. Throw the responsibility for a company logo on the shoulders of loyal customers with a design contest. Marketing firms like CFX Creative ask clients and customers for logo ideas to make the community feel like they own a piece of a brand (see Resources below).
5. Delve into the history of a company's logos before you create a new symbol. The historical development of logos from UPS, Coca-Cola and other major companies is detailed on websites like LogoBlog (see Resources below).
6. Purchase logo design software if you anticipate creating a multitude of symbols and brands in the near future. Designers and artists who work for corporate clients can use Summitsoft's Logo Design Studio to create logos in the correct colors and scales (see Resources below).
7. Combine a company slogan with the new logo to complete your branding efforts. The slogan can run along the bottom edge of the slogan on letterhead, stickers and packaging.
8. Build a company logo around a signature product. Use a single element of the product like the front grill of a car within the logo to avoid complex logos that are difficult to view from a distance.

Tips & Warnings

• Insert the year of origin for the company as you design a new logo. An established company that has worked in the community for decades can use this year as a subtle method of building trust with new customers. Newer companies in niche markets can demonstrate their credibility with younger customers with a start date in the 21st century.