Graphic design is a creative profession but at times, it can take a toll on design professionals. Designers may have to work late hours and over time, their workspace may get so cluttered that it can affect productivity. In some instances, they tend to overlook maintenance of their hardware and PCs properly which can lead to system breakdown.

If designers are not organized enough, it is possible to lose track of commonly used resources and data. While it is true that a logo design professional is not a hardware expert, it is important for such a person to keep his system in proper shape and work in an organized manner.

•  Keeping System Cool and Clean

Basic as it may sound, this is important for a corporate identity design professional. Professional design apps like Photoshop, InDesign and Coreldraw draw huge system resources. Often, designers need to multitask with these apps running in background for their work. This exerts pressure on the CPU and graphic subsystem, which makes the interior of a PC really hot. Hence, a designer should ensure that system temperature does not cross permissible limits.

Basic as it may sound, this is important for a corporate identity design professional. Professional design apps like Photoshop, InDesign and Coreldraw draw huge system resources. Often, designers need to multitask with these apps running in background for their work. This exerts pressure on the CPU and graphic subsystem, which makes the interior of a PC really hot. Hence, a designer should ensure that systemModern desktops come with chassis temperature monitoring. However, designers must ensure a desktop PC cabinet does not get overheated. It may lead to system crash and damage to hardware components. Since, heat generation is often caused by dust accumulation, it is important to perform periodical cleanup of desktop and laptops running these apps. Those designers who use laptops for their work should use laptop cooling docks while working. temperature does not cross permissible limits.

• Keeping Backups

Irrespective of his type of work, a logo designer should keep backups of critical and frequently used data and resources. Despite best intentions and maintenance, PC hardware components can crash unexpectedly and in such an unfortunate event, a designer who does not keep backups of his data will land in trouble. He may lose client project data and his own resources.

A designer can use backup applications that perform regular data backup automatically. Mac users can benefit from Time Machine, which is a very efficient data backup application.

• Resorting To Cloud Services

Cloud computing has caught the fancy of designers and large technology companies alike. Cloud web based services can help designers tremendously. They can save their resources in storage and access these later from any place with an internet connection. This eliminates the need to carry presentations, designs and media files physically. Designers can also use Cloud based design apps to supplement their work.

• Using Tablets for Enhanced Productivity

Touch screen tablets like iPad can help designers in enhancing their workflow. Design giants like Adobe have unleashed tablet centric design apps that can aid designers significantly. Using tablets, designers can jot down design ideas on the move. They are easier to carry than laptops and can also be used for presentations at various places.

• Organization is Not Merely a Habit. It’s an Attitude!

Time management and streamlining workflow can significantly help complete project work efficiently. Discipline is important. A disorganized or haphazard style of work may cause a designer to lose his clients due to poor output. Planning a project before implementing it, organizing resources and setting personal goals and sticking to it are some of the ways a logo designer can see his project through successfully.

If you are planning to print your logo design, choosing high quality printer paper is important. Paying attention to paper quality is critical because a shabby paper can ruin even the most beautiful design. Additionally, poor paper quality may create a negative impression and can prompt people to reject your promotional brochures or leaflets.

We will first discuss in brief, features of various types of papers. Later, we will provide you with some useful tips for choosing the right paper for your design.

Types of Papers

Fine quality card- Fine quality card is high quality and reliable. However, one must exercise caution while inserting it in the printer. If you want to use fine quality card, opt for a test session to evaluate the outcome.

Pulp - Pulp is a risky option. The reason is that pulp papers are usually soft. In addition, they do not score high on quality. They also jam printers easily. Therefore, if you are using pulp papers for printing logo designs, insert a single sheet at a time in the printer.

Typing paper - This type of paper suits basic color layouts and simple graphic designs. It may not be ideal for complex print work.

Fine/Printer Paper - In most cases, professionals opt for fine/printer paper. They are perfect for any type of graphic jobs.

Handmade paper - This one scores high on the aesthetic aspect. Various types of handmade papers exist, with each of them exhibiting various features. Some types of handmade papers are soft and can interfere with the printing process.

Photo quality paper - If you are looking for accurate printing, opting for photo quality paper can be a great idea. However, it may not be suitable for certain types of printing.

Choosing the Perfect Paper

• The paper type should complement the final product. If you want printout of simple text or mails, standard copier paper can fulfill your purpose. High-budget promotional campaigns, on the other hand, require glossy and heavyweight paper.

• If you are printing by yourself, reading the printer manual thoroughly would be a good idea. Each of type of paper possesses certain features that produce different results, when used on different printers. A matte finish paper, for example, allows ink to dry easily. A glossy paper finish offers a bright look and highlights artworks and designs.

• Research about the features of paper you have chosen. Paper has four major features-opacity, brightness, weight, and smoothness. Opacity refers to the amount of light that can pass through the paper. Brightness refers to how white it appears. Weight is calculated per 500-sheet ream. Smoothness refers to paper texture. Smoother paper is ideal for laser printers. Inkjet printers, on the other hand, require textured paper.

• Consider basic guidelines. If you are planning to use printer paper, consider its brightness and weight. For printing colorful logo designs, opt for brighter and heavier paper. It will grab attention of your target visitors.

Choosing the right paper can have a positive impact on the quality of your corporate identity design. Additionally, it can reduce your printing cost and save the environment (since you avoid wastage of paper).

Did you know that paper quality and type could alter color of the printed product? Yes, it is true! Many times, clients blame designers for messing up the colors. However, they are unaware of the fact that in certain cases, the paper quality, and type are responsible for the change of color. In fact, various paper stocks can produce various tones from the same ink color.

Even if you do not opt for color ink, controlling color is crucial. If you print black ink on a color substrate, there are high chances that it would appear containing color.

Paper Types and Printing

Many people, while printing designs, ignore the issue of paper quality. As a result, the poor quality of paper ruins a great logo design. If you are interested in obtaining perfect printouts of your design, paying attention to various aspects is important. These aspects can include design, type of paper, paper quality, and good quality inks.

Remember, that paying equal attention to all these factors will help you to avail high quality printout of your business logo design.

The importance of using good quality paper lies in the fact that customers usually judge a company by evaluating its marketing products. If you provide them with high quality promotional materials, they will automatically assume that quality of your products/services is good and you have an impeccable corporate identity. Consider the fact that customers purchase products only from a trustworthy company.

Issues you should consider…

• Thick paper usually indicates esteem and credibility. If you are handling a prestigious project, opting for thick paper can be a good idea. For printing brochures, opt for 70-100 pound cover. 13 or 14-point paper is ideal for printing postcards.

• If you are interested in grabbing attention of your target customers, choose glossy paper. The gloss finish will highlight designs of the page, thus attracting the customers.

• If you want your logo designs to possess a subtle appeal, printing them on matte stocks can be a good idea. Designs printed on matte stocks suggest exclusivity and grace.

• To enhance appeal of your printed designs, you can use special coatings, such as UV and aqueous. It will protect your designs as well.

• If your company promotes eco-friendliness, use recycled paper stocks. This will convince your customers that you practice what you preach.

While developing designs for a particular project, decide the type of paper you will use for printing purposes. This will ensure that the designs and paper type complement each other. A smart design looks good on a sleek paper. For subdued designs, on the other hand, matte stocks would be perfect.

If possible, request the printer to provide you with free paper samples. This will help you to envision your designs more quickly and efficiently.

Other Factors in Printing

Apart from the type of paper used, the light under which a person is viewing the printed material can also drastically alter the color tone. It can be added here that supermarkets often opt for this technique for changing color of their displays. Lights alter appearance of meat displays, often providing it with a fresher look.

Before signing any deal, do not forget to request the printer to provide you with a proof. Opting for a hard copy, even for digital proof can be a great idea. Remember that a PDF proof will not show correctly the color of your designs.

To ensure that color of the printed product does not change drastically, consider these tips.

Shapes, forms or lines are significant components of logos. The use of shapes and lines has also an impact on the audience you are targeting. The shapes or lines that your logo design artist includes in the design will help people to understand your brand or company. It is important therefore, to know how these should be used in your business logo design.

SHAPES

1. Use of Circles, Squares or Triangles

You will find companies that use circles in their design. Circles are used in logos to depict continuity, safety and perpetuity. For example, 'LG' and 'GE' both use circular logos. You will also find other numerous brands that use circles in their logos. Circle denotes completeness. It establishes a comprehensive corporate identity.

You can use square shaped logos, if you are in the real estate business, since square denotes home and steadiness. Square also denotes equality. However, be careful if you are using triangles in your design, because a triangle often signifies disagreement. You can also use concentric circles that denote shelter or stability.

2. Use Shapes that Amuse

It is fun to use shapes in your business logo. For example, if your business is related to love or romance, i.e. a dating site, you can make use of lively colored hearts.

You can make your logo interesting by combining different shapes. For example, you can merge a square with a triangle and create an impressive illustration. Such an illustration can be used for businesses that are associated with home oriented services. Say for instance, if you are a home loans provider, or a home designer, you can combine triangles and squares to create your company's logo. However, using such shapes might make your logo too predictable. You can make it interesting by including a catchy tagline that evokes feelings of home and hearth.

3. Be Abstract

To avoid being too predictable, you can opt for distinctive twist in your designs. You can combine shapes and include some abstract elements to lure audiences. Use shapes or symbols that communicate the right blend of feelings, emotions and sentiments to a customer. Sometimes, it is also important to make your audience think, without being predictable. However, your logo should look meaningful and match the theme, or activities of your business.

LINES

1. Similar and Consistent Lines

Lines too have symbolical significance. You can use similar and consistent looking lines to guide your customer's vision towards the name of your company, or its initials. This is generally done in logos that are iconic in nature.

2. Use of Firm Lines

If your business is of a serious nature, you can use firm lines to denote dependability and seriousness. For example, if you are dealing with academic text books, you can include stiff lines in your business logo.

3. Use of Curvy, Curly or Stylish Lines

Use of curvy and stylish looking lines is best for businesses that deal in interior designing, or if you are the owner of a fashion brand.

Many of us have gone through the experience of submitting a particular design for print and gaping at the final product that looks completely different from the original one. In some occasions, the color tone changes drastically. Sometimes, the title gets half deleted.

To avoid such common mishaps, it is important to pay attention to certain factors, before you submit your logo design for print. We provide you with some simple guidelines:

• Pay Attention to Resolution - A commercial printer needs submitted designs to be 300 dpi. If you create a design at 72dpi, the printing department will not be able to utilize the file for printing. As a result, the prepress department will have to resize and stretch the image. There are high chances that resizing and stretching would blur the design and ultimately, damage it.

• Consider the Issue of Bleed – The printing department usually trims off 3mm on every side. Anything that exists outside the original canvas size will be considered as a “bleed”. For this reason, avoid placing any important text or content in this particular area. If necessary, you can readjust the canvas size, but avoid placing anything important in the ‘risk’ zone. Additionally, ensure that the content maintains a minimum 6mm distance from the edge of the canvas. This technique is important for placing the text in the ‘safe’ zone.

• Size - Printers will design size of the files according to your instruction. Unless you specifically request, the printing department will not enlarge or stretch the file.

• Color - For print of your business logo design, two major types of color spaces are usually used. These include RGB (red, green, blue) and CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black). Computer monitors use the first type of color space for displaying various items. For printing purposes, the second type of color space is used. Color shifts usually remain invisible in color photos. However, color conversion can have a strong impact on rich colors. Still, in most cases, color shifts are hardly noticeable and have a minor effect.

• Use Black Intelligently - If your design includes solid black zones and content that is over 36 points, opting for Rich Black will be a good idea. This technique will ensure that the color does not end up looking gray. However, for rest of the text, avoid using Rich Black. For thin and small content on the design, avoid using 4-color black. 4-color black is perfect for larger areas. However, using the same on limited areas can mess up the content and can even make it unreadable.

• Fonts - Converting fonts to paths is a great idea. For converting purpose, you can opt for programs, such as FreeHand or Illustrator. The main benefit of using these programs for conversion purposes lies in the fact that you do not have to forward the fonts with the files. After conversion to paths, the content assumes a vector shape and looks similar to its original state. If you avoid converting the fonts to paths, it may interfere with the way you want your design to be seen.

Consider these tips to ensure that the final product looks perfect. All the best!

When you start a logo design project, you may come up with a number of brilliant logo design ideas. However, when it comes to showing all your designing ideas to your clients, you need to think twice. Some people are of the opinion that designers should show as many designing ideas as possible to their clients, while others opine that showing all your ideas to the client at once can be counter-productive.

The solution ?

Showing all your brilliant design concepts to a client may confuse him with too many choices. Of course, diversity will impress some clients. If you are lucky, your client will spend time evaluating the positive aspects of all your designs and pick 2-3 designs that he thinks will best represent his corporate identity. But most often, this is not the case. In their desire to design a customized logo, clients may ask you to combine one design concept with another; fuse the font used in one logo with the image of another, choose the color of one design for another’s image, etc.

The best of everything does not necessarily create the best! Too many designs and their combination may simply spoil the original concept. The result will be, in most cases, far from perfect.

If you don't want to leave the fate of your designing project with your client, don't show him all your design samples, except a few. If your client does not like the first few ideas you show to him, you can then show him other design samples. This process will help the client to make up his mind easily.

Before you show your logo design concepts to a client, you need to know him well enough to decide whether you should or should not show him all your designing ideas. To be successful in any business, not only do you need to be an expert in your field, but know how project coordination works:

• You must know the client's business before designing a corporate identity for him. You must control the creative process of the project. For this, you need to identify the decision-maker in your client's company and show your design samples to the correct person. For instance, if you are dissatisfied with corresponding with a project coordinator, insist on showing your designs to the project head instead.

• It's possible you receive the project brief from a designer with a very different outlook from the sales manager. A meeting with both the designer and marketing department is necessary to understand the goal and purpose of a design.

• During the project, you must communicate with your client frequently and request him for feedback. Your client’s feedback in the early stages of the project will help you design better. In the end, there will always be a few trials and errors before you and the client can finalize a logo design.

Remember to show design samples to your client as examples of your work and not design samples from where features can be picked to design his logo. You would want to avoid design concept duplication.

Selecting colors for your corporate logo design can be a daunting task. You may have a few favorite colors that you like to implement in design, but when you select the colors for a logo, remember that it has nothing to do with what you like or dislike. Your logo’s color palette has 5 purposes and you should choose those colors that will help you establish your brand.

1. The color psychology should reflect the brand’s story- Every color has its own psychological meaning and depending on where they are being used, their meanings changes. For instance, red can be used to convey “love”, “revolution”, “passion”, “fear”, and many other messages.

Color, combined with other design elements, changes its meaning and helps viewers connect with a brand. For instance, if you use a red heart symbol in your design and depending on other graphical elements, your logo could be made to represent any brand from medicine to Valentine’s Day! Fonts also play an important role in establishing the color psychology.

2. Lay the color foundation- Some logo designers feel compelled to use maximum colors in their logo and unfortunately, end up creating a rainbow instead of an appealing logo. When you design a logo, use only 2-3 colors that represent your brand; reserve other colors for designing promotional materials such as brochures, leaflets, etc.
3. Balance light and dark colors in the logo- A logo generally has a symbol and the company name/tagline. You should use both dark and light colors to make the logo eye-catching to help viewers identify the different elements in the design. For instance, if you want to make both your company name and symbol noticeable, light and dark contrast will keep both of them prominently visible to the viewers.
4. Too many colors increase printing cost- Your logo will be used in business cards, letterheads, print advertisements and many otter places. Don’t use more than three colors in the logo. The more colors you use in the design, the higher your printing costs will be.
5. Pay attention to color matching- If you choose colors that don’t go well with each other, your logo will lose its appeal. Colors should create a visual harmony. For instance, aqua goes well with sky-blue and when placed together, creates high visual appeal.

When you select colors for your logo, keep these guidelines in mind and use logic over passion. A perfectly color-balanced logo makes your brand memorable and helps you connect with your target audience.

A logo design is not solely about colors and designs. Catchy slogans do also play a crucial role in promotion of a business. Slogans are phrases that make your brand memorable and also accentuate its quality and standard. Therefore, a catchy tagline is part and parcel of corporate logos to make the message delivered memorable to your target audience.

Designing is not the sole responsibility of a logo designer; a designer should also add a suitable tagline to a corporate logo to match your brand. If taglines are poorly written, it will dampen the impact of your logo, no matter how attractively you design it!

Normally, designers will work with copywriters to come up with catchy taglines. Here are some essential tips for creating enticing taglines for your corporate logo.

1. Make Taglines Short

The shorter, the better! Write something short and snappy. Use not more than three words when you are writing a tagline. For example, if you are creating a tagline for the logo of a famous television channel, a tagline like, “Entertaining the World” is suitable.

2. Capture Audience Attention

Taglines should be created keeping your target audience in mind. Make the subject, style and language of your tagline direct. Make it concise without beating around the bush. Use simple language but be crisp in your approach so that your target users easily understand and appreciate what you have written. Use words that sound professional; you are, after all, representing a corporate brand.

3. Fine-Tune Tagline with the Logo

Ensure that your tagline gels well with the logo. Remember that your tagline should not outdo the prime objective of the logo. Make sure that both the tagline and logo harmonize each other.

4. Be Unique and Original

Create taglines that sound unique and original. Borrowing ideas is not a good idea. Your tagline should represent an idea that is entirely your own. The idea conveyed should be genuine to make the right impact on your customers.

5. Be Optimistic

The tagline of your logo should give out positive vibes to your audience. Remember that your tagline will fail if it communicates any negative message to your target customers.

6. Highlight Benefits

Your tagline should highlight some benefits to your customers. Include some crisp lines to make customers say, “Wow…I am getting this!” For instance, Café Coffee Day says “A lot can happen over coffee”. It piques curiosity, is fun and entices.

7. Use Your Brand Name

Including the brand name in the tagline is important to make it more effective. It will remind the audience of your products and services every time they see your logo with the tagline.

8. Create a Call-to-Action Statement

Create a statement that persuades your customers to purchase your products or avail the services. The statement should be powerful enough to establish you as a brand. Remember that a professionally created statement will make your logo design more dynamic and effective. For example, “Feed a Child” for a social campaign will attract many people.

9. Make it Memorable

The tagline should be created in a way so that whenever customers read your tagline, it reminds them of your brand, products and services.

Logos delight visually but a powerful tagline speaks about your brand to the people!

A lot of people talk about ‘brands’, but only a handful understand the meaning and most misinterpret the idea behind it. Businesses, entering the market with their products, must attract new customers by telling them about their products. A brand acts like a single, credible quality by which your products will be known and identified. Building a brand, or an easily recognizable product identity, is therefore, important.

A compelling logo design can help to convince your targeted audience of your merit and reason why they should opt for your products instead of your competitor’s. However, to make your brand successful,  logo designing isn’t enough.

You must avoid the following to stop your brand from fading from the customer’s mind:

1. Temporary Brand Goals

Brands may falter due to short-term or temporary brand goals. There are companies whose primary business focus is reaping high profits. Profits are important; it is the lifeline of any business, however, it is important to lay out your product benefits before selling them to your target audience. Chasing profits without earning the trust and admiration of your customers will do you no good. A brand not credible is a brand bound to fade.

2. Treating Brands as Products

Treating brands as mere products means making headway to inevitable doom. For instance, if McDonalds served only American fast-food without amusement, there would be no difference between a roadside shack and McDonalds! The brand satisfies its customer’s taste buds with fun, entertainment and convenience accompanying! That’s its USP (unique selling point) and why it has become popular with the young and old alike.

3. Not Adaptable to Change

Not being flexible and adapting to changing customer preferences is another reason why brands may fail. Quite simply, if you can’t give your customers what they need from you at any given moment, their interest is bound to fade. Apple, for example, has and continues to come up with advanced products and their versions with enhanced features every six months to keep up with technology, as well as satisfy its customers with the latest in technological development.

4. Failing Customer Expectations

Coke tried to introduce the ‘New Coke’ with a different taste and flavor but failed since customers found Coke touting a ‘Great Taste’, false.

It all boils down to getting your money’s worth from any product. False claims do more harm to a product than does any actual lack of merit. If your garment is prone to shrink after one wash, don’t claim it will not. People are less likely to notice the slight fade in color, but will certainly watch out for a comfortable fit post washing.

5. Not Monitoring the Brand Health

Brands may fail if businesses don’t monitor their brand’s health regularly. Improve your brand before it fades; take customer feedback seriously. Remember, it is easy to revive an unsuccessful product but hard to revive an unsuccessful brand.