So since this is my first post…I’ll just tell ya a little about me. I LOVE do-it-yourself stuff. I am always tinkering around and researching new ways to be self sufficient. In fact I just started my very own square foot garden…but that’s another story. So in that spirit I’m going to share some great resources & tips for getting a great professional looking logo on a shoe string budget…or even FREE! WOO HOO who doesn’t like free? Also I love using “…” I apologize in advance 
Logos are important. You don’t want some clip art from word with some standard overused font. That is a big no-no. When I see logo’s like that I think unprofessional, undependable, small-time company, start up… They may be great…but that is the impression a crappy logo will get you. With these resources you will no longer have an excuse to be looking shabby.
Just so we’re clear…if you have the resources I would definitely go with getting a custom logo designed. But if you are on a tight budget than this is your best bet.
Tip #1: Think about color
Color does have meaning. It can make your business look fun, warm, professional, dependable, fancy, kid friendly … you get the picture.
Here is a fun site that will teach you about colors in a fun quick way: http://www.mariaclaudiacortes.com/colors/Colors.html
Tip #2: Don’t use ANY of the standard fonts that came with your computer.
Especially don’t use Times New Roman, Arial, Tahoma, or Comic Sans. These are not meant for logos. They look bad. Need a kewl font? Go here for some kewl free fonts: www.dafont.com
- Scripts: Can be fun, feminine or elegant
- Serif (Like Times New Roman…but way better …try Trajan Pro): dependable, been around for a while…I think of financial institution, education
- San Serif (Without the little feet like Tahoma…but with more flair): modern
- Rounded bubble: Web 2.0 This is popular right now, but not a good fit for every type of company…many new companies are going with this look to give them a fun, younger, social media type feel.
Those are not always true, but it will give you a some guidelines. Also its kewl to mix it up. Use a Script with a Serif, two different colors, two different sizes or make one word bolder.
Tip#3: Don’t use clip art that you found in your word program.
Sigh. You would think these are basic things…but I see this stuff all the time. Ok, so where do you get your graphics? Here are some great sites where you can get free logo graphics or you can get them pretty cheap.
- http://www.pixellogo.com/
- http://www.logoyes.com/
- http://www.logomaker.com
- http://www.logotemplater.com/
Tip #4: Get some feedback
You may think its cute that your 8 year old designed your logo, but you may be surprised that others don’t feel the same way. Email your friends & family and ask for their honest feedback. If you don’t have any friends and family here’s a great place to get feedback…or just look at kewl logos & get inspiration. http://www.logopond.com
One of my favorite things about a good logo is when it makes me think…”Oh, that’s really clever”. It’s not just about putting putting a related graphic next to your name. A great logo will incorporate your business name & what you do in a creative way graphically.
Ok…last thing. Whatever you do, whether you do it yourself or hire someone make sure it is vector based. That means it is in a format that can be blown up really big (bill board/big sign) or shrunk really small (business card) without loosing quality.
If you come up with something and want some feedback or just want to show it off please share it! Have fun.
