Like a teenage couple with hormones running wild, it’s easy for business owners and executives to fall in love with a logo design without considering the long-term implications. What they may not realize at the time, however, is that this is one of those decisions that you really should think through, instead of simply going with your first instinct.
Because the wrong logo can do big damage to your business, and its image, not to mention be with you for a very long time, here are seven things to look out for:
- Logos that aren’t a good match for your company’s personality. An artistic, attention-grabbing design is wonderful, but without any tie-in to your company’s culture, products, or mission, it’s just an interesting picture. Look for a logo that gives people some sense of what your organization is about.
Logos that won’t age well. Some logos, like potential mates, look a lot better now than they will in a few years. Having strange color combinations, bizarre fonts, or other novelties is a good way to make your logo more interesting in the short term… but worse for the wear when styles change.
- Logo designs that feel generic. Just as you don’t want to go too far off the deep end with the “artistic vision” for your logo, neither do you want it to feel so plain that no one can tell it from all the other millions of logos that are out there. We know it’s a fine line between “classic” and “boring,” but it’s one that your graphic design team can help you find.
- Logo designs that look too much like someone else’s. It should go without saying that your logo needs to reflect your business, not someone else’s. It can be tempting to borrow inspiration from a Fortune 500 company, but the last thing you want is doubt, ambiguity, or a lawsuit. Keep that in mind and choose a design that’s just as original as your team is.
- Logo designs that are radically different than what you have used in the past. There are times to completely re-brand your organization of course, but you shouldn’t do it on a whim. Dramatically changing your logo or other brand-identity pieces is a good way to confuse your customers, not inspire confidence in the marketplace.
- Logos that are too complicated. There are a lot of really interesting logos out there that probably fall into the category of “creative nonsense.” They’re cutting-edge, in a way, but they’re also so complicated or bizarre that they are literally difficult to look at. As we hope you understand by now, a clean, classic look is best, so avoid having your creative team go off the deep end.
- Logos that you don’t like. Your logo isn’t coming to you via arranged marriage, so don’t think that you have to like something just because everyone else does, even if it’s your design team. While they can give you great input and guidance, you’re the one who has to live and grow old with your logo for a long time coming, so don’t let anyone talk you into something you don’t fall in love with yourself.
Does your logo fall into any of these pitfalls?
Ready to take the plunge with your next logo? Give us a call and we’ll set you up with one that will make you feel warm and fuzzy for many years to come and establish your desired perception of value at the same time.
