Need a logo

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[KG2RG]

Hi,
I need to design a logo. Looking for a professional look, something sharp, not flashy and animated. Would like to use text and a picture of lines or shapes. I have no experience with logo's, does anyone know of a free logo design program or have the URL to a site that has a free logo generator?

[Marcia]

KG2RG, just about any graphics program can make up a logo, and there are plenty of free ones. Do a site search, there have been some good threads with recommendations.

[chiyo]

agree with Marcia, but you need at least a modicum of artistic, ...no... graphic design aptitude as well.

One way is to start with public domain pictures, black and white drawings, shapes etc. - color them, edge them, move them around, and most importantly KISS (Keep it simple stoopid!)

Remember the most effective logos have always been extremely simple. It is the style of the simplicity that makes great logos. Make it so it looks good in both color and b&w.

Dont go to impress prople with your ability to run a graphics program. Make your logo memorable, simple, fast, and easy to adapt into "sub-logos"

There you are ... a brand and sub brands in one!

[Marcia]

It's also not too bad an idea to do one that also looks good in black and white in case there's ever a need for printing it. Color printing costs more, and it would be fine black and white on invoices or other non-artistic type documents.

[rogerd]

Marcia is correct about making sure it looks good in black & white. It's often either uneconomical or impossible to reproduce a color logo on printed documents. Along the same lines, be very careful of using any gradients, shadings, etc. These can look great on the web, but are difficult to reproduce in print. Try to come up with a design that will reproduce in pure black & white "line art" mode, and won't turn into a test of your printer's quality. You can use multiple versions, of course - on the web, for example, the logo could have several colors and a drop shadow, while printed documents would use either the simple color or B&W line art version.

[andron]

Keep in mind some of the other places that the logo will be used:

Fax - You need to keep the lins big enough to show up if it is faxed somwhere.
Business Cards - Will it show up if it's that small?

You should use the name of the company and as little else as possable. Try to use a distinctive but readable font.

If you want to post the name of the company and tell somthing about it perhaps we can make some suggestions...

-Andron

[EbonSeraphim]

I am going to slip in on this topic because I am also in the midst of having to create a logo for a business/non-profit that is related to kids, basketball, and education. I can relate to the "make it workable for black and white" since the first samples were not and caused all kinds of problems.I am now going back to the drawing board and trying to come up with new samples that are more along "line based drawings." These will go on stationery, as well as other media such as t-shirts, etc hence my dilemna. what look nice on paper may not look attractive (much) on lets say a t shirt or bag. All comments on this are welcome. Thanks! :-)

[MattC]

I've always found that a good logo should be simple, yet implicit - not explicit.

That is to say, if a shape (etc.) can convey an idea it will leave a much longer lasting impression that a word will ever scream a brand.

Have a look at the greats, Mau, Lowery, etc.
It's more than a stamp.

Also the greats never had to bother with Ill. 9 eps gradients etc. A good rule is that if you can make it (with hard pantone and a knife - you are half way there)

Never spell out the name.