What do cars, shoes, and graphic designers have in common? You can’t use a one-size-fits-all mentality when choosing the right one.
Many factors in choosing a designer are subjective–do you like their style, are they within your price range, do you get along, etc. What’s right for you may not be right for someone else.
However, when it comes to logo design (or redesign), there are a few things you should expect from any decent designer. We’ve created a list of logo design must-haves.
- multiple versions
- multiple files
- revisions
- style sheet
For those who don’t want all the details, we’ve condensed the article into an infographic.
When all is said and done, your designer should provide a few different versions of your logo. Having multiple versions offers flexibility – the flexibility to have the right logo for any need that arises. You’ll want a horizontal version and a stacked version, because there will be times when one of those versions just won’t fit where you need it to and you’ll be glad you have the other available.
If your logo is more than one color, you’ll want a one-color version. Think about community events (festivals, walks/runs, etc.) Frequently, sponsors can have their logo included on the event t-shirt, but most of the time, event shirts are done in all black or all white. Event sponsorship is a good way to get your name out in the community, so you’ll want to have a one-color version ready in case you need it.
Not all files are created equally. The file you upload to your social media accounts is not the file you would send to a screen printer to have your logo printed on a t-shirt.
You’re probably familiar with .png and .jpeg files. Those are just the beginning. You’ll need a file for a print-resolution logo in addition to a file for use on screens. You’ll need vector files (.eps or .svg, for example).
And, of course, let’s not forget you’ll have multiple versions of your logo, so that means multiple files for each version.
In our opinion, a designer shouldn’t just send you a finished logo after your initial meeting. You should have the opportunity to provide feedback along the way. That is the purpose of a designer offering revisions.
At some point, your designer should present you with a number of ideas. The designer should take your feedback into account and return with updated options, and eventually, you will arrive at a finished logo. The number of revisions will vary from one designer to another.
A style sheet is a place to keep the details about your brand. It contains logo specs and usage information. Having this information in one place will make it easier for you to keep a cohesive look with later projects, such as a website or brochure.
A style sheet will contain the fonts used in your logo and the color palette. It may also specify certain guidelines for logo usage. For example, one style sheet may mention how much blank space to leave between the logo and any other elements on a page. Another company’s style sheet may specify that the logo should not be used in any colors other than black, white, or the company’s signature color.
If this seems like a lot of information, you’re not wrong. However, our goal is to provide you with what you’ll need, and that includes information as well as logos. Gerenuk Designs will take the time to explain what you’re receiving and why. Contact us today to get started with a logo design project.