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5 essential rules when designing a logo

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A logo design is normally the first impression your business makes and so it’s really important to get this right.

Designing a logo yourself without using a professional designer is not recommended. It can actually devalue your brand and give out the wrong impression.

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been sent a companies branding which is over complex, the sizing is incorrect or no vector version is available impacting the quality of print work required.

Here are 5 essential rules you can follow to improve your logo design.

1. Keep it simple

Simplicity is integral to a good logo design, make sure the company name is easy readible, recognisable and clear of any distracting shapes or complex objects.

Keep any shapes used within the branding simple, as the message the logo design conveys will be easier to remember.

2. Size does matter

Your logo design will need to be scalable to be used for multiple formats in the future. Therefore it needs to be designed to support print, web, vehicle graphics, stamps, embroidery, signs, transfers, promotional gifts, etc.

It needs to be enlarged & shrunken easily without the need for different layouts hence simplicity makes this an easier task.

3. Don’t use too many colours

I normally use a maximum of 3 colours, but generally it’s two. The more colours you have, the more money it may cost you when you print in certain colour methods. Too many colours within your logo can also distract from the messaging.

It’s also really important that you have reversible, transparent and black and white options so your logo design is as versatile as possible

4. Avoid lightweight fonts

Font which are lightweight will not show up when logo designs are printed in smaller formats similar to business cards, pens etc so use medium or thick versions of the font.

In a similar fashion, make sure your letter spacing is adequate enough to be able to read it clearly.

5. Use a suitable style

Your logo design should be unique but it should also reflect the industry you are in.

The symbol or shape used, should reflect your company or a defining characteristic you want people to remember about your business.

Got a project in mind?

01536 391 745 hello@tjdesign.uk

Tips on working for yourself

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I left my corporate job at the end of July 2020 to pursue my dream of working for myself in the creative industry. Although time will truly tell – so far, it’s been the best decision I have made.

I’m not going to lie, it is really hard work but i’m really enjoying the journey. I wanted to record my thoughts and share the many lessons I have learnt.

Get in to a routine as quickly as possible

Everyone is different and whilst i’m normally pretty spontaneous, I need structure within my work life and was keen to get in to a routine as quickly as possible.

From day one, I set my alarm and go for a morning run before I switch on the laptop. This time is when I would normally be starting my long commute to the office.

This is working really well as it avoids the cabin fever that sometimes comes along with working from home. It also allows me to receive some fresh air and i’m usually raring to go when I get back.

Be strict with your family & friends

This is one that I hadn’t foreseen before starting. During the first few days, many of my mum friends and retired family popped in for a cuppa and a chat.

Whilst this was lovely, I was always multi-tasking, not giving them my full attention and it can be quite disruptive.

What works well for me is to have set lunchtimes to see different members. Now I get to spend quality time with each of them which also forces me to take a break. I’m also more productive when I go back to work.

Invoice as soon as the work has been completed and set your payment terms

When I was building my client base and design work was a secondary income, I could afford to wait until the weekend and batch send my invoices.

Now it is my main income, i’ve now become a lot stricter with my payment terms and send all invoices as soon as the work has been completed. This will help keep a steady cash flow during tougher times.

Now on to two of my favourite topics. Food and wardrobe….

Dress as if you were going to the office

We all like to wear our dressing gowns now and then (except for client meetings!!) but your mindset is so much more productive if you get ready as if you are going to work.

Stock up on plenty of healthy food that you can cook quickly

Now that i’m not fortunate to have a subsidized work canteen, my shopping list for food includes plenty of pasta, salad, stir-fry’s and sandwiches.

Many of which I make in batch to get me through lunch breaks when i’m normally rushing to eat and meet people. I have also found that keeping food which has a long life span at family & friends houses really helps.

Summary

Obviously one of the main benefits of working for yourself is the freedom and flexibility it provides.

I’m conscious of being too regimented but keeping to a routine helps me to keep my focus and remain as productive as possible as every hour counts.

It’s still very early days but so far i’m really enjoing the journey and I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about taking the leap.

Got a project in mind?

01536 391 745 hello@tjdesign.uk

Will the upcoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) legislation impact me?

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Unless you have been hiding under a rock for the last few months, you may have heard of the new GDPR legislation coming in to force from the 25th May. The new regulation aims to protect your data privacy for all individuals within the EU and most businesses will need to take some form of action in order to avoid significant (legal) financial penalties.

Action required for your website

  • Websites will need to contain a privacy policy which is visible from every page (normally the footer). Here is a template which can be amended for your business. Any third parties used to collect data will need to be disclosed within the section on ‘controlling your personal information’ (ie MailChimp).
  • Ensure any existing terms of conditions policies mentioning usage of data is aligned with the updated privacy policy.
  • Any website forms consenting to mailing lists must have a clear positive opt-in option (ie no pre-ticked boxes!).
  • Existing mailing databases can be used, you may have seen many companies already sending out communications to stay opted in. The advice is to include a message similar to the following to existing subscribers.

In May 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into effect. Respecting your data is important to us.

You are currently part of our database because you have signed up, enquired with, expressed an interest in, stayed with or visited us in the past. On that basis, we are assuming that there is legitimate interest for contacting you.

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Note: This is intended to provide an overview of GDPR and is not a definitive statement of the law.

For a definitive guide, check out the Information Commissioner’s Office website.

Got a project in mind?

01536 391 745 hello@tjdesign.uk

The pros and cons of working for yourself

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On numerous occasions, I have had to say no to a major social event due to a website launch and I have lost count of the amount of times my best friend has visited only to find me grunting at my laptop and being very unsociable!

It’s not all bad though – I find juggling a full-time job as well as working for yourself hugely satisfying, I can be more selective regarding the jobs I undertake and the extra money comes in handy.

Here is my view on the pros and cons of working for yourself…

The pros

  • The biggest benefit for me is creative freedom. You can express yourself, experiment more and whilst expectations from your clients may limit, you can still work more creatively.
  • Being your own boss means more responsibility, you make your own decisions and report to no-one.
  • You can have a flexible schedule and work when you want, where you want. I tend to work late in to the evening as this is when I am more productive and it fits in well with my full-time job.

The cons

  • You have to deal with the consequences if you make a bad decision. There’s really no one else to blame but yourself if things go wrong.
  • A strong work ethic and motivation is required to get up and get your work done. Fortunately, I never have trouble with this. I did used to sit at the computer in my dressing gown and slippers but now I make a conscious effort to get ready as if I was going to work.
  • I do sometimes find it hard to balance my social life with two jobs and the domestic chores definitely take a backseat when i’m busy. You need to make sure you look after yourself too, know when to stop working and give yourself a break. I find this very difficult – there are a few times when I find that I am still on the computer past midnight and I haven’t had dinner yet!

Even with the cons I mentioned above, if you are motivated I would definitely recommend working for yourself. I feel very privileged to be able to do something that I really enjoy (most of the time!)

Got a project in mind?

01536 391 745 hello@tjdesign.uk

Logo design and branding – points to remember

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A good logo design is highly instrumental in establishing a business brand and creating a long lasting impression among its customers. It should be able to create a powerful impact on the viewers and successfully exude the nature and attitude of a business. Ideally, a company logo design should be able to communicate your company ethos, principles, mission and the nature of product/service offered, to the viewers.

A professional logo design would establish a professional image of your company and strengthen your brand. Actually, in most cases the consumer gets the first impression about the company through your logo. Your business logo should build a brand that is strong enough to give your consumer a visual imagery of your company. People should be able to identify your company on sight of your logo.

Trend shows, most of the good logos are simple and often text based. Think of the IBM, SONY or Microsoft logo, even if you view a part of it you will be able to recognize the company. It is extremely essential for a logo to be easy for people to remember.

This principle of simplicity applies in most cases, however, we often see exceptions in Government Organizations, Hotels and Luxury resorts etc because they want to put up a classical exclusive image. This again brings us to a very important point that should be considered for a good logo design – the nature of business.

While simplicity can be the basic principle for any logo design, the designs might vary widely depending on the nature of business. For example, a financial institution might like to use a bold face font to express solidarity and stableness where as a courier service or transport company might prefer italicized fonts to express the speed and movement involved in their business.

In addition, while specifying the design requirements for your logo you should consider the fact that you will probably have to use your logo on your fax cover and other places where it will be in black and white. You should ensure that your logo looks equally good and attractive in black and white.

I would also suggest avoiding a very trendy look for your logo if you are planning for a long-term business because what we concern “modern” today might be backdated tomorrow. It is very important that your logo designer knows how to maintain this balance.

While any professional logo designer should be able to create a custom logo design once you have provided them with your specifications, you should be careful to select an experienced designing company and not land up with some single designer start up venture.

Last but not the least important factor is price. You are paying for your logo – something that is going to be used to establish your brand and represent your business for years, so you should be ready to pay a decent amount while it is also not necessary to pay some large amount for a logo. With the online logo design firms coming into business, now you have a wide choice of price for your logos and it should not be difficult to find a logo designer that fits your budget. Some logo design sites would even allow you to quote your own price for your logo.

Got a project in mind?

01536 391 745 hello@tjdesign.uk