Logo Design Process - Client - Austin Realty

 Logo Design Process - A Step by Step Guide

Have you ever wondered what goes into designing a logo? After all, it seems that any monkey can slap some type together along with a shape and call it a day, right? Well, first off if you hire a designer that has that M.O. , run. Run as fast as humanely possible.

The truth is, that the rest of us designers take the design process very seriously. It takes research, creativity, and patience. Add that to the fact that a client is expecting good results, means that to make a name for yourself in the freelance biz you can't afford to cut corners.

So, if you're looking for logo design work and are curious to see what happens behind the scenes, read on. Similarly, if you are designing your first client logo, the following came help establish a game plan for you to knock the clients' socks off.

1. Research

Research other logos in the same field.That way you get an idea of what's already out there and  which logos work and which ones don't.
Make a note of the ones you like/don't like. Plus, note what elements all of those logos have in common. This will be your base in determining what rules you will break or keep.
Include all of your findings in a report.

2.Thumbnails

Now the fun begins! For at least 30 min. sketch non stop any of the ideas you may have, numbering them as you go. Don't worry about the details, make them messy. You're just getting the creative juices flowing. This thumbnails will be from where you'll draw your rough samples for the next.

3.Digital Samples - Rough

Using Illustrator/ Photoshop/etc make clear markups of various thumbnails you like. Keep it in black and white, don't add any color or gradients.(You'll do that later) Right now we want to focus on just the concepts.The client can then make their choice on the design , nothing else.The following rough samples were based on thumbnails 10, 11, 30, 29, 33, 38.

4. Client Approval
Ask for the client to approve a design(s) and then add color variations.

5. Wait for final color approval, and then apply to files.
Include PDF, JPEG , GIF files and the original AI and PSD files upon payment.
Don't forget to include both CYMK and RGB profiles for each design, clients may need both in the future and having this done will save time.