How to Create Your Own Logo With Wacom

Wacom tablets make drawing creative logos easy. Not only can you create your own custom shape or mascot, but you can also paint color and create hand-lettered text. If you've never used a Wacom tablet before, it may take some getting used to. However, once you get the hang of it, you will be able to make your own logos in just a few strokes.

Things You'll Need

• Wacom tablet and pen
• Photoshop

Instructions

Getting Started

1. Install the driver for your Wacom tablet to ensure proper function. You can download drivers from www.wacom.com.

2. 

   Open a new document in Photoshop. Make the document a square, preferably 5 inches by 5 inches or above with a transparent background and a resolution of 300 pixels per inch.

3. 

   Use the Paint Bucket tool to fill the background with white. Go to Layer > New > Layer to create a new layer on top of the white background.

Drawing

1. Select the Brush tool in the Tools palette.

2. 

   Choose the Mechanical Round brush in your size choice in the Brush Preset picker in the upper left corner of the screen.

3. 

   Go to Window > Brushes and click on Shape Dynamics. The Size Jitter control should be changed to Pen Pressure, which will determine line thickness based on how much pressure you apply to the Wacom pen.

4. 

   Draw the outline of the shape or mascot of your choice using the Wacom pen. This will be the background of your logo, so you can use as much or as little detail as you wish. Keep in mind that logos should be recognizable in black and white and be visible when resized.

Finishing

1. Create a new layer. In the Layer palette in the bottom right corner of the screen, move the new layer between the background layer and the outline layer.

2. 

   Choose colors for your logo and fill in your outlines using the Brush tool and your Wacom pen (like a coloring book). Logos should not have more than three colors (not including white) for the best visibility.

3. 

   Test the image by changing it to black and white and shrinking it down to 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch. If the logo is still recognizable, you are finished with your background.

Hand Lettering

1. Create a new layer for adding text to your logo. Choose a Mechanical Round brush.

2. Go to View > Rulers if your rulers are not already visible. Click and drag a guide from the top ruler and place it where you want your text. This will ensure even writing.

3. 

   Write the name of your company using the Wacom pen. Do not make it too script-like or flowery, since this can be hard to read.

4. 

   Adjust the size and location of your text. It is best to worry about location after you've drawn your lettering, since it can be easily adjusted on its own layer. You may need to adjust the Canvas Size by going to Image > Canvas Size for fitting.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're not an artist, try making a few quick brush strokes with your Wacom pen. This will create a simple, abstract background.

References

• 45 Rules for Creating a Great Logo Design