- First start by brainstorming a list of objects or things that relate to the business or organisation that you are developing a logo for. (Create a concept map using the simplemind+ iPad app)
- Choose 3 or 4 or these objects that you think will best symbolise and represent the business.
- Collect as many photographs of these objects as you can from different angles and positions.
- Choose the view that when developed into a pictograph (silhouette) will be easily recognised, eg. the side on view of a runner will be better than a front on view.
- Place the photograph into Adobe Illustrator and use the drawing tools to trace over the photograph to develop your symbol.
Experiment with the Design Elements:
- Shape – Now that you have the 2D outline of your objects experiment with different shapes to contain the object. eg. square, circle etc. Experiment with parts of your objects breaking out of the shape as well as being contained fully within the shape.
- Colour – Now experiment with colour. Try using warm and cool colours together to make things come forward and recede. Experiment with complimentary colours – opposite on the colour wheel to create contrast. Try using analagous colours – next to each other on the colour wheel to create a harmonious design.
- Texture – Experiment with texture within the shapes to create interest in the design.
- Tone – Experiment with tonal gradients in your design.
- Line – Experiment with different line thicknesses in your design.
- Letterform – Finally experiment with different types of letterform.
Letterform (Typefaces)
There are no right or wrong typefaces – there are only effective and ineffective ones.
If you’ve ever had to squint or “work” to read something, you’ve probably been the victim of an inappropriate font.
Just as people tend to form an opinion by your appearance, the first impression of type is also important.
If you want your business to be taken seriously, you need to choose fonts that reflect this. Don’t use a casual or script font when a credible, more traditional typeface would be more appropriate.
Just as people tend to form an opinion by your appearance, the first impression of type is also important.
If you want your business to be taken seriously, you need to choose fonts that reflect this. Don’t use a casual or script font when a credible, more traditional typeface would be more appropriate.
How to Choose an Effective Font
Ask yourself these questions to help choose an appropriate font for your graphic material.
- What is the tone of this project? Fun, happy, credible, serious. Choose a font that reflects the tone.
- What font best reflects the content?
If you’re talking about insurance, you want a font that is open, easy to read and looks business-like. A leaning font with a cute feel is going to contradict this.
Choose the mood that you want to convey in your graphic design.
Now type out the name of your Business, Organisation or Product in 5 different fonts that you think reflect this mood.
Check out these links below for some different ideas for fonts.
Now complete the Animated Logo Task.
