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.