Famous Logo Design Tutorials – Learn from the Best!

The process of fabricating a logo design isn’t as simple as it seems. Some people think of a logo as merely a symbol that can be made in a jiffy. In reality, there is a cumbersome and complex process behind the creation of every logo design. Since logos serve as brand identities for companies, they must be created with a proper concept and scheme in mind.

The design process, at its best, integrates the aspirations of art, science, and culture.

Jeff Smith

One must always remember that logo designing does not merely involve the use of Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. There are several ‘off-the-computer’ steps that make the logo design possible. Each and every step is crucial in the creation of an identity design. A logo design process normally goes through the following stages: Research and Brainstorming Sketching and Mind mapping Digital Execution Client Feedback Refinement and Modifications Finalization

For your understanding and inspiration, I have amassed 6 of the best logo design tutorials of famous logos. Right from their conception to their finalization, the logo design process has been illustrated with step by step explanation. Simply navigate through the slider to view the formation of these famous logos.

Vivid Ways Logo Design:

Creative Zagora Logo Design

WordPress Logo Design

Google Chrome Logo Design

Mercedes Benz Logo Design

Ferrari Logo Design

Which of these logo design tutorials did you enjoy the most?

Locate your Brand on the Color Spectrum – A Logo Wheel!!

Whenever I think of famous brands and their popular logo design, one question always pops into my mind…what makes them so special? Is it only that unique symbol which makes a brand so famous and builds it identity? Or is it the attractive color that grabs the attention of customers? Regardless of what makes a logo design memorable, I believe that companies can make a logo prominent but it is the customers who make a famous brand. Since the color psychology plays a vital role in logo design, I decided to construct a logo color wheel of famous brands. There are countless renowned brands with their logos in different shades. Therefore, I have created a color spectrum showing how colors have made each brand special and memorable for its customers.

Find Your Brand On The Color Spectrum: As per my observation, I have noticed constancy in the selection of colors by brands within the same industry. For example, you will observe that most of the social networking sites have blue colored logos. Fast food logos are located on the red or yellow color range. Also, many soft drinks like 7up and Mountain Dew use green to denote freshness and lime effect. So, I think it will be fun finding out which part of the color spectrum your brand lies in. And if you are a new brand, this logo wheel might help you decide the right color for your logo design accordingly.

If you think I have missed out any of the famous logos that can add more color to this logo wheel, feel free to add them.

6 Most Long-Lasting Brands of America

In today’s world of corporate branding, several brands come and go. Only a few have managed to survive the test of times and still lead the brand race. But do you know the real secret of durable brands….their consistency of logo design. Brands that have stood for centuries have seldom changed their logo design. Uniformity of your logo plays a vital part in determining your brand’s recognition and recall. Today, I would like to share with you the history and success story of 6 most durable brands of America. These brands have survived for over centuries without making any dramatic changes to their famous logos. Also, these long-lasting brands have made it to Wall Street’s list of most iconic logos. Some of these brands and logos date back to the 18th century, surviving through generations.

1. Coca-Cola – Spencerian Font:

Although Coke was created way back in 1886 by pharmacist John Pemberton as a drug but soon it turned out to be the most successful beverage of America. The Coca-Cola logo was created by John Pemberton’s bookkeeper, Frank Mason Robinson, in 1885. He came up with the name of the brand and selected the logo’s unique cursive typescript, known as Spencerian script. Although Coke’s packaging has witnessed several redesigns but changes to their logo have been minimal. This has been the secret to their long-lasting impression on their customers.

2. General Electric – Stylized Font:

General Electric is another brand that is counted among the top 10 brands of the world. Its original logo, displaying the stylized G and E, was used at the company’s foundation in 1892. It was later trademarked in 1900. All the way through its century old existence, GE made minor adjustments without altering the original style. The most noteworthy change was the addition of blue color to the background in 2004. This consistency in logo design played a major role in the durability and memorability of GE brand.

3. Vicks – Triangle Shape:

Vicks, invented in 1890s by pharmacist Lunsford Richardson, is another brand that has been existent for over a century. The brand and its products are now owned by Procter & Gamble. Its trademark was its triangle-shaped logo that has been flipped, colored, made solid and given a bold over the years. However, the triangular shape has remained constant. This was a crucial part that created brand recall of Vicks.

4. Quaker Oats – Quaker Man:

One of the oldest and popular food products of America has been the Quaker Oats. Its famous mascot, known as "The Quaker man", was registered in 1877. The Quaker Man signifies the value of State of Pennsylvania, home of many Quakers. In its entire 134 year period, the Quaker Oats logo has been altered only thrice. The first version of the logo showed the Quaker man holding a scroll with the word "Pure" on it. The image remained constant over a century only to transform into the smiling face on Quaker Oats products today.

5. The New York Times – NYT Font:

The New York Times is America’s most long-lasting and popular newspaper. It is famous for its font used in its logo which was created in 1851. In the 160 years of the tabloids presence, the logo has witnessed negligible changes, although the style of the font has been invariable. The most significant of changes was simplifying the name to The New York Times in 1857. Other minor change included the removal of ‘the period’ after the name in 1967.

6. Johnnie Walker – Striding Man:

Although European countries like France and Germany are eminent for its wine and whiskeys, Johnnie Walker is one American spirit that has stood among the top whiskey brands for centuries. The American whisky originated in 1820 as Walker’s Kilmarnock Whisky and was renamed to Johnnie Walker Whisky in 1908. Its logo design is famous for the "Striding Man" image, created by cartoonist Tom Browne. This image of a ‘walking man with top hat and cane’ has been the hallmark of Johnnie Walker brand and has constantly remained more or less the same. This consistency in logo design laid the foundation to long-lasting success of the brand.

If I missed any of your favorite brands which have been serving you for years, feel free to add it to the list here.

28 Logo Design in Action – Logos on the Move!!

Although in visual terms, logo design is a stagnant image or icon that represents a company. But in real terms, a logo design can drive the customers into acting favorably towards the company. In a nut shell, your logo is that influences customer’s action. Therefore, it is really difficult to create a brand identity that can persuade the audience to take a favorable action. One of the many novel practices of logo designers is to show movement and action in logos. Logos with movement depict that the company is dynamic and eager to achieve growth and progress. Moreover, they help communicating the message that the company is brave to changes and is versatile in what it does. Following are 28 action packed logos that depict movement in them:
Action Adventure Squad	Action Now
Amutrem	B.boy
Blastart	Breaking Free
Catharsis	Christmas Stampede
Cinema Ptgate	Mobile Ideas
Lynx	Deadline
Dodo Pizza	D’s Garage
Good Deed Seed	Grunau Move
Higher Motion	KX Karate School
Lab Tunes	Loco
Move	Moving
Nest Coffe Lounge	Perpetual SeeSaw
Pura Nature	Sink
Swing Studios	Tango de Tightrope
So do you think logos with movement have a significant effect on consumers?

What Made You a Logo Designer – Find out!!

Sometimes in your careers, there comes a time when you wonder “Why am I here in the first place?” Being a logo designer, many similar questions pop into my mind as well, concerning what led me into the field of creating a logo design. Was it for the money? Or was it because designing is my real passion? Honestly speaking, I never gave this all much of a thought.

However, it’s a fact that every person has his/her own personal motives for choosing a particular career path.  Same way, logo designers have their own reasons to be in this field of logo designing. Here, I list some of those “real” reasons that might have inspired you to be a logo designer. You just have to read them, enjoy them and decide which of these causes motivated you into a logo designing career. If you have another reason, I’ll definitely enjoy knowing .

1. To Make Big Bucks: The first and most common reason that makes people enter a profession is to make a living. Of course majority of logo designers specialize because of their interests in graphic arts, but the cause for making ends meet overrides their motives. Mostly people go into this business with a perception that logo designer salaries are lavish. It might sound a little rude but mostly the basic motivation of becoming a logo designer is to make big bucks.

2. To Earn Awards and Recognition: There is a common perception that the field of graphic designing yields fame and glamour. Some logo designers long for recognition and admiration. Their core purpose for joining the field is to earn rewards and appreciation from the design community. People who hunger fame and respect, believe logo designing to be a good option. Sure there are main acclaims and accolades for logo designers, but is it really the only motivation?

3. For Self-Satisfaction: This is one reason that I’m sure many logo designers have for choosing their career paths. However, I strongly believe that no matter which profession you choose, satisfaction should be your driving force for working. You must ask yourself…”Does logo designing really give me satisfaction?” This is because if you’re not content with what you’re doing, then it’s a futile practice altogether.

4. Family Tradition: Another reason, which seems a little lame, is that some become logo designers because their father/brother/cousin is a logo designer as well. Following the footsteps of your ancestors is a very general practice in many careers. It sounds a little nerdy, but some people enter the field of logo design simply because their parents wanted them to do so. Or maybe your parents were quiet impressed by a cousin who is/was a logo designer and want you to be exactly like him: D

5. Inspired by a Famous Designer: The last reason that might have got you into logo designing is inspiration from a famous logo designer. Many people have idols and mentors that they follow all their life. These influential people have a deep impact on what kind of a career path you choose. For instance, you might be a Paul Rand fan and wanted to emulate him. Hence you were inspired by a famous logo designer in becoming one yourself.

What is your motivation? Did you become a logo designer for any of the above reasons? Or is it because you were good at Photoshop, had ample of time and nothing else to do

8 Web Design Award Logos – Rewarding the Best One!

As I explained in one of my earlier posts, there are several factors as to why you are a logo designer. I made it crystal clear that money is not the only motivation for becoming a graphic, logo or web designer. Encouragement and appreciation also plays a supportive role in nurturing a professional. Awards, praise and honor helps everyone grow and be more productive in their respective fields, be it logo designers/graphic designers/web designers. In view of the aforesaid, I thought of covering some of the famous logo design awards of 2011. But since lately the web design awards are imminent, I decided to write about them first. I shall soon be coming up with a post covering the logo design awards as well. For now, here are 8 of the most famous and reliable web design awards that are nearing:

1. Webby Awards

The Webby Awards was set up in 1996 and is being run by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Asides giving web design awards, it also a prize called “The People’s Voice Award”, which is based on the voting of the online community. Some of their famous judges include Arianna Huffington (Columnist), Matt Groening ("The Simpsons" creator) and Richard Branson (Virgin Atlantic Founder)

2. WebAward

Since its inception in 1997, the WebAward is being administered by the Web Marketing Association. It awards yearly accolade to websites from 100 categories. Some of its prominent Sponsors include Website Services, Mycroburst and BurstMedia. Its 15th annual international WebAward Competition is underway and the deadline to enter is Friday, May 27, 2011

3. Favourite Website Awards

The Favourite Website Awards (FWA) has been working since 2000. FWA is among the most popular and authentic web design award in the industry. It is an award program based in England and hands out a “Site of the Day”, “Site of the Month” and a “Site of the Year” prize. Some of its famous judges include Lars Bastholm (Ogilvy), Clemens Dopjans (adidas AG), Diana Helander (Adobe)

4. The CSS Awards

The CSS Awards are granted to the finest CSS based websites in the world from the top designers, firms and bloggers. There are two categories awarded namely “Site of the Day” and “Site of the Month”. Among the jury are Fabio Sasso (founder of Abduzeedo) and Romain Colin (Founder of Fubiz.net).

5. Interactive Media Awards

The Integrative Media Awards were set up in 2005 by Interactive Media Council (IMC). It honors the some of the top class web designs in the world. The decisive factors for adjudication include design, user-friendliness, content, and compatibility. The judge panel includes Derek F. Martin (American Express), Aaron Gallagher (CNNmoney.com), and Nicholas Carlos (Time Warner Inc.)

6. W³ Awards

Presented by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, the W³ Awards honors creative excellence on the Web, and recognized the creative and marketing professionals behind award winning Sites, Videos and Marketing Programs. Its partners include International Academy of the Visual Arts and Behance.net

7. American Design Awards

American Design Awards was founded by Brandon McKay in 2000. Co-founders were graphic design professionals Kevin and Art Javid. Based in San Diego, California, the American Design Awards is listed as an internationally recognized design award institute. It receives an annual design submission of around 35000.

8. GD USA

Since its inception in 1963, Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) has been a guide for graphic, web and logo designers. The organization gives honors is graphic design, web design and package design respectively. The deadline to enter this year’s web design contest is April 29th 2011.