How to Create Logos in Illustrator 9.0

Logo Design

Adobe Illustrator allows you to design logos of varying complexity, using vectors to add artwork to logotypes. With this program, you can get started on a simple logo that does not require extensive graphic design experience.

Things You'll Need

• Adobe CS4 Illustrator
• Pencil or pen
• Paper
• Printer

Instructions

Create Your Logo

1. Sketch out your idea on paper so you have a visual reference for what you want to achieve in Illustrator.

2. Open a new document in Illustrator from the "File" menu.

3. Click on the "Type Tool" from the tool bar on the left side of the work space. The text tool is designated by a capital "T."

4. Click on the "Type" menu from the top of the work space and scroll down to "Font." Examples of available fonts will appear. Scroll down to the font that you want to use and click on it. If there are attributes available with the font, it will appear when you click on the font name. Choose the attribute you want for your font, such as bold, italic or regular.

5. Return to the work area. Click on the work space and type in the words of your logotype.

6. Make adjustments to your logotype via the options across the top of your work space, under the menu bar. You can change the size, font, spacing, height and other attributes through the "Character" menu choice on the top menu.

7. Print your logotype by choosing "Print" from the "File" menu.

Tips & Warnings

• Join an online designer group to ask questions and get response to your designs.

• View online tutorials on vector designs.

• Many logo designs are protected by copyrights. Consider copyrighting your designs and make sure that your design is not too similar to other designs protected by copyrights.

References

• Adobe Illustrator Groups
• Adobe Illustrator Product Information

Resources

• Metacafe: Online Sample of Logo Creation