3 reasons why your logo sucks

1/3/2019

A logo plays a large role in business because it is the face and identity of a company.

A logo should tell a story and brand the business.

If a business were to take their name off of every piece of material utilized (website, ads, logo) the goal is for the consumer to still recognize what company it is.

Too many businesses are blending in instead of standing out.

So let's take a look at how YOU can stand out and make an impact by correcting the 3 biggest logo mistakes.

1. Detailed to the Max

Problem:

When a logo is too complex the eye loses what is truly important, the brand. Additionally, when a design is too detailed, resizing the logo to fit onto a business card might result in the blending of details making the design look overwhelming or muddy.

Solution:

Let's say you are a realtor and want a house represented somehow in you logo. A house design doesn't need to include windows, doors, a street light, and a garage to convey to the eye that it is a house. Instead, the design can be simplified and still convey to the eye that it represents the real deal.

This also creates room for creativity. Typically a logo is a manipulation of an object to represent an idea or mission. The more creative and simple a design, the better!

2. Totally Plain Jane

Problem:

Let's revisit my last sentence, "The more creative and simple the design, the better!" 🤔 Doesn't that sentence contradict this next point? Not at all!

What I mean by "Plain Jane" is when a logo looks like the rest of the logos in an industry, uses only plain typography, and/ or uses an image that is so boring it hurts.

A logo is a companies identity which means it needs to be unique, relatable, and memorable.

Solution:

Use imagery that enforces your companies goal/ mission in a simple but unique way. Give your designer a few different symbols that relate to your industry to work with. If you want your logo to simply be typography make sure to still be a little creative to ensure customers remember who you are!

3. Clashing Colors

Problem:

Navy blue and black looks like a bruise, Purple and brown is atrocious, and red and blue with out white is questionable. Whew! Glad I got that off my chest! 😉

Although a designer will design anything you want with whatever color scheme you give them, consider if your favorite colors actually complement each other.

A bad color scheme can make your brand look unprofessional or outdated!

Solution:

Colors opposite of each other on the color wheel are complementary and will look awesome together! Play around with different shades of the classic colors to create a more unique feel.

Here is a color wheel that shows complementary colors.