Tip of the week: The basics of a ‘good’ logo

A good logo needs to be memorable, simple, timeless and appropriate. These 4 concepts are not the only things that comprise a good or effective logo but I think they are a good start.

Memorable. Obviously, the purpose of a logo is to establish brand identity and public recognition so it is important that your logo is easily remembered by patrons and can be described to someone who has never heard of you.

Simple. When designing a logo, I always remind myself: “keep it simple, stupid.” You want your company logo to evoke as much feeling as possible without being too busy. The Philanthropy logo is a great example of this concept.

Timeless. The logo you use should be able to stand the test of time. Will it still be relevant 15 years from now? Or will it go the way of shag carpeting and date (or out date) your company?

Appropriate. This seems like an obvious concept but I see logos all the time that are simply not appropriate for the business they represent or the demographic they are meant to appeal to. You might use a ‘grungy’ font for a Metal Band’s image but this would likely not be appropriate for a pediatric dentist.

If your current logo does not fall into these categories and you’re ready for an image overhaul or if you’re in the process of starting a new company, please feel free to contact me for a free quote.

© bubbalove, iStock

Tip of the week:

This one is for all my home office folks out there….especially fellow freelance designers like myself. It can be a challenge to separate work life from home life when the two happen to coexist in the same space. Here are a few helpful habits I’ve learned through many years working and living in the same place. First, make sure you have a designated ‘work space’. This seems obvious but I know a lot of people who have set up their work stations in the corner of a bedroom which is simply not conducive to work. Second, get dressed. Yes, it’s more comfortable to sit at a desk wearing pajamas, but I have found it helpful to get up, get dressed and drink a cup of coffee before ‘heading to work’. Everyone else does it, why can’t we? Third, use light and color. Using ambient light and colors that inspire you will help your productivity and will keep you from feeling so tired you want to walk down the hall and get right into bed. Forth, make office hours and (try) to stick to them. I know as well as anyone that all-nighters are sometimes necessary but use office hours as a guide and try to start separating yourself from work at the end of the day. Finally, close the door. When you’ve reached a stopping point for the day, get up, walk out and shut the door behind you. This will help remind you that just because you’re ‘at the office’ doesn’t mean you have to be working.

© annelijah, iStock Photo

After a bit of an adjustment period trying to make the mental and physical switch back to the real world from a relaxing cruise in the Caribbean, we’re officially back in the swing of things. Breakaway Graphics is a new member of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and will also be featured in the Who’s Who of Nashville and Williamson County Magazine (coming out Spring/Summer 2010). We in the process of becoming an Accredited Member of the Better Business Bureau (natch!). While these are all very important developments in regard to my company, I wonder: what steps have you taken recently to better your company?

In this market, businesses big and small are having to think outside the box. Companies who had all the clientele they could handle are now considering things such as Direct Mail as part of their marketing strategy. (Direct Mail, by the way, can be a very effective tool. Especially when the services offered by some higher-end Direct Mail companies are utilized to the fullest.) Many are switching up their advertising outlets to get their message to a new set of eyes. This brings me to my:

Tip of The Week:

As a business owner, you must be prepared for the single most feared event in business: Market Failure. If you are one of the many businesses struggling to keep the dollars (and clients) coming in, it is not too late! Find the time to go to more networking functions. Consider new advertising outlets. Examine where your strengths and weakness are and address them head on. Whatever you do, never, ever, under any circumstances, defeat yourself. Tell yourself that you can overcome and succeed. Then believe it.