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Do you need a quick refresh of the tenants of logo design? Why should you consider adding “visual salience” to your logo? How can you balance being literal and creative in your creative process?
In this podcast episode, Sam Carvalho speaks about 10 logo design tips.
Podcast Sponsor: Brighter Vision
When you’re in private practice it can be tough to find the time to even review your marketing efforts, let alone to make improvements where needed.
Whether you are a seasoned clinician with an existing website in need of a refresh, or a new therapist building a website for the first time, Brighter Vision is the perfect solution.
By first understanding your practice and what makes it unique, Brighter Vision’s team of developers are then able to create you a beautiful website that will attract your ideal clients and get them to contact you. Better yet, they also provide unlimited tech support to make sure it’s always up-to-date, and professional search engine optimization to make sure you rank high in online searches – all at no additional cost.
But best of all, we’ve worked with them to create a special offer just for Practice of the Practice listeners. Get your first 3 months of website service completely FREE. To take advantage of this amazing deal, head to brightervision.com/joe.
In This Podcast
- A picture paints a thousand words
- Use empty space to keep your logo space clean
- Use shapes to think outside of the box
- Imagine your logo in use
- Color is the key to good logo design
- Be literal with your logo
- Be authoritative with your logo
- Create visual salience with a pop of color
- Don’t reinvent the wheel
- Don’t be afraid to rejig the wheel
A picture paints a thousand words
A logo is a visual representation of your brand, so why tell people what you do if you can just show them?
Sam Carvalho
Use simple icons to communicate who you are. Hire a professional to design your logo because it can make all the difference to get creative as opposed to going with the obvious choice.
Use empty space to keep your logo space clean
You want to make sure that people can read your logo from a distance, or when it’s small, and including blank space will help achieve this.
At times, you could even find a really great font, increase the spacing between the letters, and you have yourself a minimalistic, sophisticated logo.
Sam Carvalho
Using blank space in your design makes your logo easier to integrate seamlessly into different designs and formats.
Use shapes to think outside of the box
Shapes are a great way to make your logo stand out. Consider using a simple square around your logo, which also works well with other designs and formats that your logo may appear in.
If you want to explore further, you could look into including gradients or textures which can push your design to the next level.
Imagine your logo in use
When designing your logo, make sure you think about its intended uses:
- Are you looking to use it on a uniform?
- Is it going to be printed on flyers?
- Will it just be for your website?
You can always use a Mock Up Generator to see how your logo will look in use.
It’s also good to think about how you’re going to promote yourself when creating a logo. If you’re going to be doing a lot of networking … create a logo that will look good on business cards.
Sam Carvalho
Color is the key to good logo design
Use various shades of the same color to create subtle contrasts within your logo, instead of always opting for black and white.
Consider the PayPal logo, as they have used different shades of blue to create elements of contrast, but have still maintained a simple, powerful design.
Be literal with your logo
If your name is an object, include that object in your logo design.
Don’t be afraid to lean into the obvious. There’s a reason that Apple’s logo is, well, an apple. It’s simple, it’s obvious, but it’s one of the most renowned logo designs in the world.
Sam Carvalho
Be authoritative with your logo
Be literal while making sure it fits your organization.
Ask yourself: If I saw this logo for the first time, would I trust this company?
Keep in mind that a font can go a long way to helping you create the right logo.
Serif fonts help to create a more classic, professional feel.
Create visual salience with a pop of color
While it’s recommended to first design a logo in black and add color last, it is without a doubt the color that adds the finishing touch and brings the design to life.
This is called visual salience.
Salience is a quality that makes an object stand out against its surroundings. One easy way to do this is with a pop of color.
Sam Carvalho
Don’t reinvent the wheel
If it feels right, then go ahead and use it.
Have a look at your competitors and see what their logos look like. Are there any common themes or colors?
Take note of this, but be sure not to directly copy anybody else’s design.
Don’t be afraid to rejig the wheel
Transformation is necessary but gradual. Build your design over time on your established brand, so don’t trade the old for the new, and rather redesign the old.
Be bold and try new things.
Use patterns, overlapping shapes, and contrasting colors to create a modern logo while remembering that modernization doesn’t have to be outright to work.
Useful links mentioned in this episode:
- If you’re ready to get started or just want to learn more about how Brighter Vision can help you grow your practice, head on over to brightervision.com/joe.
Check out these additional resources:
- The Secret Formula for Creating Can’t-Ignore Brands with Mark Drager | MP 121
- Email Sam at [email protected]
- Design Services With Sam
- Check out the Practice of the Practice Network
- For more branding advice, click here
- Apply to work with us
Meet Sam Carvalho
Sam Carvalho is a graphic designer living in Cape Town, South Africa, with over five years of experience in both design and marketing, with a special interest and experience in the start-up environment.
She has been working with Practice of the Practice since 2016 and has helped over 70 therapist entrepreneurs take their practices to the next level by enhancing their visual branding. She loves working with a variety of clients on design-intensive tasks and is always up for a challenge!
Follow Sam on Instagram to see some of her work. To work with Sam, head on over to www.practiceofthepractice.com/branding.
Thanks For Listening!
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