I am not sure if you can find a much larger first impression that is made of you business that your Logo. That fact alone makes one aware of the importance it holds in your business branding.
As you may already know I specialize in logo design. The reason for this specialization is not only because I enjoy logo design, but also because I am a firm believer in the importance of a quality logo to a business, organization, or team. I think that logos and the vital roles they play in the promotion of a company or organization is greatly underestimated at times. A logo is at the front lines of your brand identity. It is your first impression and we all know how important those can be. Brand recognition is what helps people begin to relate to the products or services that you offer.
The logo visually represents your company and its objectives. That is a huge role! If that wasn’t big enough, you also have to keep in mind the amount of time a logo is given to get it’s message across. Sometimes not much time at all! That is why a logo needs to be clear, clever, and original.
A logo reflects how big and important you consider your company to be. A cheap and unprofessional logo can work against your efforts to grow as a company or organization. Also, sometimes it is assumed that a logo has to be bright, bold, or loud just to attract attention but a simple and clever logo that reflects the key features of your company shows that you have put effort and thought into your company.
Logos are as I mentioned above, a graphical representation of what you do/offer. You want your logo to speak loudly to your target audience and stand out from your competition. There is a lot to be researched and considered when designing a successful logo for a company. You want a designer who takes the time to soak in all of these factors as they are developing your logo.
An overdone logo with no concept can create confusion in the minds of the person looking at it. Other things that need to be considered are what and where you are going to use your logo.
If you are planning to start a business or organization I hope this message speaks volumes to you. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating the importance of having a professional logo designed for your business. At Link Creative we are more than eager to offer you our services in this department and I am confident in my ability to follow everything I have outlined above in creating a custom, effective logo for your business or organization.
Recently I have been researching sports team logos and mascots. It is one market I am interested in pursuing more. With logo design being one of my specialties I naturally have great passion for everything it involves. If you add sports to the equation, I’m all over it like Shaq on the boards.
Just as a good logo mark greatly benefits a company so it does for a sports team. A team’s logo represents a their passion and drive. It is something for players to wear with pride, and for fans to adore.
I love observing all the different team mascots and logos and seeing the transitions they have gone through over the years. There is a great website that has archive of just about every sports teams logos past and present. Check it out! www.sportslogos.net
To see a logo as it was years ago, and see what it has transitioned to now is just fascinating. Some are better than others but the great ones give careful thought and effort into creating a mark that best represents the unique aspects of a team. Many teams have had their logos redesigned to better fit current times and I think these are great transitions if done well. Some of my favorite examples are the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Purdue, and Xavier, just to name a random few that has caught my attention. All of these redesigns I see as successful not only on design terms, but in that they brought a fresh new look to the logo while maintaining the feel of the team/schools traditions.
Below are a few sports team logos and graphics I have created myself. I am very eager to take on more of these projects in the near future. I thoroughly enjoy all of my creative projects but this, I have to admit, is one specific project that holds a special place in my heart. There is so much excitement to be found in creating a successful team logo.
Every project from Link Creative has a thorough creative process with essential steps. I like to share an overview of this process with prospective clients as it can be very informative and beneficial. Some steps may vary from one project type to another but this is a good general overview. As an example I will use a new logo design to show you my process.
The Brief
This first step is the most important and detail is key. This step involves me getting to know everything about your company, the project, and your creative needs/expectations. Most information can received by filling out a creative questionnaire. We can then communicate in a variety of ways, email, phone, or meeting. The initial brief ensures no time is wasted and focus is kept, ensuring the project’s effectiveness.
Research/Brainstorm
With the information I obtained in the first step the next step is to brain storm and research. I look at aspects like target market, competition, trends, what should set you apart, your history, and most importantly your future. The more detail obtained in the first step the more creative wings can expand in discovering the most successful ideas.
Sketching
After all is soaked in from above out comes the pencil. This is where a good number directions and ideas are beginning to be visually explored. I will be honest, some may be brought to life on a napkin at a restaurant but some of the best things are born in odd places! Nothing better than the true freedom to sketch and explore. These thumbnails are key to discovering. Below are some examples of thumbnails for a logo design.
Prototype Design
After refining select thumbnail sketch ideas I then take them into the computer (adobe Illustrator) to bring a few protype designs to life. Some clients want to see 2 or 3 versions, but it all depends on the project scope. Your options are first send to you via PDF in black and white versions so that we can focus first on the form and shape of your logo. Color is left for the end stages.
At this point it is your time to look over what I have provided and I am always open to questions and suggestions.
Finishing Touches
We are nearing home stretch as I follow your review. I will finalize the idea with color and apply any direction you may have given me at this point. My aim is to always work close with you to provide a logo that is perfectly fitting for the needs of your business or organization.
Supply
Last but not least is the final delivery. You need the goods right! Your project will be provided in the highest resolution and file format that is needed. Logos are provided in Vector format (which can be scaled to any size without loss of quality). If you have any other specific file requirements, just ask.
Finally after tons of time with tons of interruptions I have finalized a logo for Link Creative. For anyone who may have followed my process on HOW design Forums (forum I frequent for critiques) you would know that this has been a long process. This is the 3rd of 3 version that I thought were final, but realized I wanted to go further. I think designing a logo for yourself has to be one of the biggest challenges. After all this time and work I am as close as I can get to being thoroughly satisfied! I feel this mark says it all.
With this logo I wanted it to communicate “link” visually, thus choosing to create a script lettering. I wanted it to have a mixture of an elegant sophisticated look with a pinch of funk and urban. Those two seemingly different touches I felt would be a good combination that would speak to my target audience, and communicate my diverse abilities. I also created an icon to be used when appropriate. This icon has a concept if it’s own with its continuing linked flowing line forming the L.
The theory of Link Creative is being the creative connection for all of it’s clients. Connecting good design to your business which in turns connects you with your market.
