Well, whether you are a designer or a company wishing to have your logo made, a few things need to be seriously considered when designing a logo. A badly designed logo can cost your reputation as a designer as well as your clients, and if you are a businessperson, you will send the wrong message to your customers. Therefore, it is pertinent that you understand these mistakes that can be avoided when designing logos.

1. Inadequate research

It is your duty as a designer to find out what your client needs and wants. Do a proper background research on your client and find out important details like the target market, the competitors in that market as well as the goals of the company in general. This information will guide you as you begin the designing process.

2. Creating your own logo

As a business owner, you should never try to design your own logo. The chances of you failing to create an appropriate logo are very high. Leave it to the professionals. Most bad logos are a result of rushed work or a design by an armature. Leave the designer to work at his or her own pace without rushing the designing process.

3. Using borrowed logos

It is very embarrassing as a designer, when you use the clip art that comes with the designing software. Create something unique to your client. Trying to make a logo that resembles other companies in the market will destroy the company’s goodwill.  Have something original to identify you instead of being in the shadow of another company simply because your logo resembles theirs in a way. Choose colors, fonts and shapes that are unique and outstanding.

4. Using too many colors

The colors you use while designing are very important. Every color has a meaning behind it, for example red is a bold and powerful color, green represents health and sometimes prosperity. Research on the color that suits the company and use it appropriately. Avoid using too many colors in the logo as it is expensive to print and it can also be confusing to the customer. One or two colors are enough as they are easy to identify from far and will stick in the minds of customers.

5. Using illegible fonts

Choosing a font is yet another important step. Use a legible font that is also attractive such that it will have a good impact on your customers. Fonts can be bold, elegant as well as traditional. Choose a font that represents the message of the company. Try to keep it simple by using one or two fonts, too many can be confusing.

6. Using monograms

One of the most common mistakes that designers make is using monograms made out of the initials of the business name. They have been overused and to make an impact in the market, a company should avoid such. Use it only when you have no other option. These monograms are not as effective at first. They only become effective after a long time of exposure so be very careful with them.

Therefore, the next time you want to design a logo, do your research well. Have a professional do it for you to create a unique logo, be considerate when it comes to the colors and fonts and in my opinion, simply avoid using monograms!

Henry Lawson is a well known marketing consultant associated with Ecommerce Melbourne for many years.