Logo Design Tips for Beginners

[gosilent]

Really finding your video tutorials informative and useful. I love the elegance and spareness of how you deliver the information. Really well done. Thank you!

[mustami83]

hello sir can u create for me Sabah Borneo Remote Control ( SBRC ) Logos....

[eldonmlong]

Lulz

[TalesOfWar]

To all those haters bashing him for his FREE ADVICE, he's a far more successful graphic designer than you are. He's been doing this for years, for money, as a professional and freelancer. The point of this isn't to show you an amazing award winning design, it's to explain the CONCEPTS and THEORIES behind how to create something that works for the project you're on. It was just a quick video to give you an example of HOW to do things.

[evajoseph100]

in this video process through design designing logos,comfortable working with the vector tools in fireworks than in illustration.

[rebelincheck]

derp

[dsavix4]

You use IE and call yourself a web designer?

Stop it.

[majofsky]

Dude, really? Not only is Helvetica the most overused typeface, making one thicker than the other is the most overused logo motifs in design today. It doesn't require any talent or technique. Someone can do what you just did in Microsoft Word.

[TalesOfWar]

@majofsky Helvetica is used so heavily because it's such a versatile typeface. It's also about as neutral as you can get in type design, so it can fit with pretty much any occasion or product you put it to and it won't look "wrong". It may not fit as well as others do for your particular project, but it'll still generally work. Also this is just an example he cooked up in under 10 mins, so what exactly do you expect?

[emodeone]

I died a little inside.

[newbutthunt]

You use IE!! 

[jaredcheeda]

I like the video, but I don't think everyone gets that you're obviously playing the oblivious "wanna be designer". Good work of satire. I especially like how you said "basically" in every sentence. hilarious.

[impablomations]

@jaredcheeda So basically what he basically does, is he basically used the same design for every job he basically does, so basically, he's basically ripping his customers off, because basically, he's a hack with no design skill. Basically.

[emecee69]

This is a joke right?

[ShutTheFuckUpDonkey]

TL;DW

'HEY YEA UHHH BASCIALLY JUST LIKE USE HELVETICA AND MAKE ONE BOLDER THN THE OTHER LIKE YEAH HUUH, I R GRAPHIK DESIGNUR HURR"

[anawesomerobot]

This is satire, right?

[mediaploy]

Consider this approach as generating your run of the mill logo designs. There is so much more to design than this video does not cover that applies to the branding process. Market research/psychology, color selection and business/product association with color, typography from a branding/identity standpoint (a typeface that reflects the business or product that will also complement or work as body copy for other marketing elements). Not to mention just basic things like kerning. Go to school.

[TalesOfWar]

@mediaploy There's only so much you can fit into an 8 min 49 second video lol. You don't always have to go to school to learn this stuff, you can pick it up by jumping in and experimenting and reading things online, but if you're the kind of person who learns better through traditionally structured teaching methods then of course going to school for it will help. Everyone learns differently, and going to school to learn something doesn't necessarily mean you'll be good at it.

[hannah68175]

this site is nice

[Amanivajra]

Extremely informational and well explained. Thank you. I was told that one should not have more than 2 fonts for a logo. Other than helvetica, do you recommend a popular handwritten or script font?

[mlwebco]

@Amanivajra There are some nice script fonts. There are so many. The best place to go is Veer, go there and click on the fonts tab, you'll find a lot there.

[mondeost2202008]

Helvetica ♥

[ceslos714]

great vid i just had to like!

[4given94]

Man, your an awesome graphic designer

[ozzyinny]

God, I wish like hell that you were my classroom teacher!! But hey, I love this and youtube for providing an alternative that is far superior. Thanks!!

[RobinFroland]

I really like you man :-) You probably have the most helpful tips on youtube.

[thezinersIndia]

Great Tips if you want custom designs logos and any other graphic designs visit : theziners dt com

[crockhunter006]

I would go to big bear lake now... haha

[JDEggo]

Hey buddy, thanks so much for sharing your expertise. So many skilled artists are greedy with their knowledge. You're the better man for what you do. I really appreciate it!

[Jackques]

also the logo of Bigbear lake. Why does that need an icon? I think the words and font alone speak enough for themselves? Not that i dont like it tough:)

[Jackques]

at 6.28 you said the logo newcars was rounded and didnt need an icon. But why didnt it need an icon and a logo like Fox audience Netwerk did?

I don't understand?

[Warfresco]

Is it al right that I do all my logo design work in Photoshop, and save as PDF's? Or would you recommend Illustrator for logos?

[TalesOfWar]

@Warfresco If you're just making stuff for the "web", so stuff you don't plan on printing, then you should be fine with Photohshop, though I'd use a TIFF or PNG rather than a PDF if it has no vector elements. If you plan to use them in print or to change the size quite regularly, then you're better off using Illustrator. Fireworks has vector tools too, but I personally never use it so I can't say how good or bad they are, but many people (like this chap in the video) swear by it.

[AnotherKentPaul]

So you see it's not only the logo that has to look crips and clear, it's also the website or product around, for instance websites, business letters or packages. Nice tutorial on how easy you can create logos just using contrasts, shapes and different fontfaces.

[popeye2mil]

hello how do you thin out text in illustrator? thanks in advance

[GolDenBoy451]

Not only Web ..u can use it in other fields

[CRIMSONxFROST]

Oh man, Big Bear Lake must be pissed they didn't hire you, especially seeing what it could have been. Thanks for the tips though, I'm a graphic design student and this definitly gave me some insight =D

[etegg11]

Question!!!!!!! - where do you get your images from to use?

[Zuul47]

@etegg11 there's a website where u can download copyright free images....simply Google sxc....its the first link. all u have to do is sign up for a free account.

[eldenicolp]

Sorry, but i think you are underestimating the profession. May be you are a good designer, and you have the right techniques, but logo design involves many other aspects to be considered.

Concepts, positioning, other competing companies , GESTALT theories, and lot more.

despite of all my comments, I agree that "logo must be simple", we always say, less is more.

castez.com.ar

[xxxJayD213xxx]

Why didn´t you punch out the bear image in the circle?

[kicox1]

Totally agree, I've been doing flyers for a while but recently started working with vector logos and most clients ask for a complex design so I give them their version and my own clean and simple idea and they go wow ur right , the simple one is much better.

[Willsterdude3000]

Very good.

[Wallfishin]

Very nicely explained. Thanks :)

[doylegirl1]

Love your videos!



[moumitakundu]

clean and simple just the way i like it

[jollyjackliao]

damn your good, time to make my logo!

[BenDavies1991]

Hey, very nice vid - however is there any reason why you start it in Fireworks? Is it a bad idea to start with Illustrator?

Thanks

[mlwebco]

@BenDavies1991 Hi, there is no particular reason to start in fireworks other than personal preference. I'm just comfortable working with the vector tools in fireworks than in illustrator. For some reason, the vector tools in fireworks gives me more control it seems. But I know many people that feel the opposite and works primarily in illustrator. All that matters is what makes sense for you to get the job done. Ive been using fireworks so long, it's like my digital sketch pad for everything.

[BenDavies1991]

@mlwebco Cool, thanks for your reply. :)

[sieg2k10]

Great tutorial man. Learned loads from such simple tips

[kisschasey2010]

Interesting how to video. Is there a button in the program to add creative thinking? We are getting far too reliant on computers. For good creative logo designs, check out logoloco.com.au for ideas or examples of good execution ...then start sketching

[bradj23]

Thanks for that great video as usual, you are allways a great resource whenever I get stuck.

[LimitedWard]

Any suggestions to make a logo that's slightly less "formal?" The design is great for professional websites, but what about companies where they really want to connect with the client?

P.S. I know my way around a computer (i.e. web design and graphics design) so feel free to explain in greater detail if needed :)

[Mocharain]

Great Video :)

[vongoth01]

Great tips indeed!! My friend who wants to learn logo designing can learn a lot from this vid.

And oh, anyone looking to save money on logo designs you can use my coupon codes. Check out my channel for coupon giveaways :-)

Von

[Piktro]

Helvetica junkie, nice.

[cartmanfatass]

Thank you!

But do I necessarily need Illustrater if I'll ONLY use the logo for a website?

[mlwebco]

@cartmanfatass If you're just using for the web, there's no need for Illustrator. You can just create a jpeg in Adobe Fireworks or Photoshop.

[cartmanfatass]

@mlwebco

Thank you for your fast response! I subscribed.

[D3ffl0ser]

Is there no way to "thin out" text without having the fonts he did?

[mamutercan]

hey, i liked ur video and i'd like to ask a question to you..nearly all documents and tutorials on the web are about more like company/firm logos...but how'bout other types of logos, like the ones for cities, organisations ?? i need to design a logo for a small city and i have problems finding useful information about how that type of logos differ from other types...anyhelp'd be appreciated...thanks..

[papercut1987]

Simple is good. I'm a student looking to create a logo for myself, ur video really helped, looks like now I have to keep up with illustrator. :) Great tuto

[tomigrl4u]

Thanks Mike for sharing but I am to view anything in this video, the screen is Black :(

[webcoredesign]

Soem great advice! Good job!

[ned338]

Where can I get all those helvetica fonts? Your logos look really cool. I'm starting a company pritty soon and I'm trying to design a logo for it for a website and cards.

[dorkusaliorpus]

@ned338 linotype.com/1266/neuehelvetic­a-family.html.

[lbrty4all]

PERFECT tutorial for beginners! Thank you SOOO much for sharing your talents!!! I too wanted to know why you don't just start in Illustrator...why start in FIreworks and then go to Illustrator? Do you have to save the file first and then open it in Illustrator? Thanks for any further info you can share! Keep up the SUPER work!

[sidescrollin]

lol your bigbear site was soooo much better 

[amaz1ngenius]

I checked out the newcars.com website well done! how many hours aprox did you put in that?

[mlwebco]

@amaz1ngenius The newcars.com site was a lot of hours... all that was done over a 9 month span.

[deeinkc]

Awesome video!! Thank you!

[Bakinskiy]

i been trying to create a logo for hair salon, but nothing has pop to my head is there possibility you can help me a little the company name is "Bellla Bat Ohr" they need a logo thank you

[StrawberryBoyns]

Hi just wondering why you draft it out in Fireworks then take it into AI, how come you don't just start in AI? I've never used Fireworks before so not sure on it's abilities.

Thanks =]

[TrueRappersin]

Nice Job !

[intelligentopinion]

Really good video that is simple yet effective.

[VanellaMusic]

Very helpful tips. You should sell that Big Bear Lake designs to the government now lol

[Maxsdiscos]

Interesting video, I agree that the simpler logos are, generally the better. But some addvanced logos (eg Alton Towers in the UK) are very good.

[ocero14]

Mr. Locke: you are great!!! Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge

[TeresaVid]

I've been wondering too... Where do graphic designers (you) get the graphics (i.e. the bear) for logos??  Are they simply clip arts you've gotten over the internet?

Thanks for this tutorial by the way, it's helpful.

[mlwebco]

@TeresaVid For a while now, I get all my graphics and icons from istockphoto [dot] com

[ayo1]

@mlwebco I thought you couldnt use istocks photos icons and such for logos?

[lordcimek]

@TeresaVid You can also get graphics like that in AAA logo.

[kzgreenarts]

Are there logos that look good that dont use Helvetica? It almost seems over-used? (from a non-graphic designer standpoint)

[TalesOfWar]

@kzgreenarts There's loads of logo's that don't use Helvetica that look great, it's just that Helvetica is about as perfect as a font can be (sounds sad I know, but it's true). The font itself doesn't get in the way of the message of the words. Other fonts seem to try and catch the viewers attention and can cloud the message of what the words say. Helvetica is pretty much neutral, it doesn't get in the way and let's the words do the talking so to speak.

[subimaldas]

You are a master Bro... Rock on!! :)

[liragura]

You are a master

[jh3835]

great work!

[djmiguel831]

love the info and how easy it is to understand....question were can i download the other helvitica fonts like the thin medium exct? thanks

[TalesOfWar]

@djmiguel831 If you have a Mac you get a bunch of weights for Helvetica, same with some Linux distros too methinks. If you want to do it legally you'll have to buy them from Linotype. Professional fonts cost a fortune, but there's good reason for it. Go to fonts . com and search for it.

[asigravitate27]

you completely pwned that website

[caminocalma]

great vid!

[caminocalma]

great vid. helps so much. thanks!

[selinger85]

GOOD JOB! :)

[designbyterrain]

Very impressed with these videos.  I'm enjoying the sort of simplicity of approach, but it's really effective.

[mlwebco]

@designbyterrain Thanks, appreciate the feedback. ;)

[joh0017]

hey whats your email?

[mlwebco]

@joh0017 If you have questions, you can email me at mlocke@mlwebco.com, thanks!

[spenderx]

thank you!

[thetechall]

just a question,

you logo is super simple :P if you were to re-design it what would you do? (or any logo for that matter what do you take into consideration)

[mlwebco]

@thetechall Sometimes I look to see if there is something you can do with letters, like joining two letters, or placing a symbol inside of a letter, something like that, just playing off certain letters is what I look for in a logo. 

[thetechall]

@mlwebco ok just got something to add to that, any tips for using gradients in logo's (like the new cars one). in this case what do you have to take into consideration, like i know you have to think what color backgrounds it can go on for website and buisness cars but what else

[leyton2610]

Im just new to the logo designing. I actually need a logo for my e-business assignment.. so was just checking out several youtube videos. Just letting you know that the explanation and everything was perfect!! Im gonna try now.. will see what it gives... :)

[PersidianTV]

This was great, I feel like creating a web page and now I have some ideas on how to make it not crappy. Thank you.

[tosikuai]

hi can you suggest any website where we can download the graphics to make logos?

[paint1487]

this is really great man, thanks!

[Lightiel1]

Great tutorial. Turning noobs into pros. Looking forward to more.

[ZombieTigress]

It looks like you are trying to give people a recipe, and there is none...

Don't take this the wrong way though

[daveparkk]

great video, i like how you talk at a perfect pace and get right to the point

[chiccosanchez]

why do the logo in fireworks then finish it off in illustrator? why not just design it within illustrator

[mlwebco]

@chiccosanchez I find it easier to play around in Fireworks first before I get serious in Illustrator. To me, using the pen tool and editing and merging shapes in Fireworks is much easier and quicker. Also, using FW allows me to quickly view logos in different formats, against different designs, mocks, screenshots, etc.

[mlwebco]

Thanks for all the positive feedback on this video. ;)

[Moony2811]

you are a good teacher :)

[mlwebco]

@Moony2811 Thanks much appreciated.

[websitedesignmumbai]

This video is really good ...

[dhvcat91]

i don't have any idea how to use adobe illustrator, it was referred to me by a friend who is so familiar with it however she's too busy attending work reasons why she cannot teach me even the basics. i need an advise which of your videos will guide or help me to familiarize the basics of Adobe Illustrator. thanks in advance.

[scoonieh]

Do you always use Fireworks when designing logos? Just curious. Great tutorial.

[milktearhapsody]

It was really helpful, i love your video :) thanks!

[purerush4]

thank you so much! very helpful!

[Deweythesecond]

Wicked! This was so helpful, I also was shocked at so many famous companies all using the same font! I needed to know what the difference was between sans serif and serif. I created a simple logo, similar to these, so hopefully the client will like it.

Very helpful, and your voice is also sexy.

[challou]

thanks!

[1026nin]

...I'm a little sick of helvetica, to be honest - it looks great and it's versatile, but it's everywhere!

[genarob31]

Best tutorial guy out there!

Thank you!

[mlwebco]

@genarob31 Hey, thanks for the kind words. Much appreciated. ;)

[sherylb91]

I really have enjoyed this video! I am still learning indesign but really looking forward to moving onto illustrator next! Your suggestions are simple and very helpful, thanks so much for sharing

[abeerhkhan]

Hey! buddy!

Where do you get all those fonts?

[mlwebco]

I have a license of Adobe Font Folio. But you can also go to a site called dafont (dot) com. Tons of free fonts there. ;)

[mullet559]

@mlwebco you have a license to adobe font folio OMG you must have money its expensive

[mlwebco]

@mullet559 it's an license I kept from one of my old employers. They paid for it. I know, it's quite expensive.

[webguruindia]

Wow..awesome video! Learnt a lot from it.

[ItsMataX]

yes very helpful thanks!

[mlwebco]

Thanks for the feedback!

[marcyrbd]

thanks, so much for the tips :)

[mlwebco]

You got it!

[RabioMusicEmpire]

Really nice mockup you had at the end, very impressive. Keep it going! :)

[mlwebco]

Yeah, I always find a way to throw in a mockup of some kind. :)

[q8humanity]

Great Tips, I hope to see more : )

thanks

[mlwebco]

Thanks, more definitely coming. I wish I could do several daily. Just been busy lately. ;)

[djmixmind]

Do clients ever down grade your design ?

Meaning you have a great logo for your client but then they say they have a better idea and there idea is crap?

Ive been there :/

Great Video!

Ej-

[mlwebco]

All the time! ... ha ha

To be honest, I've learned over the years that clients with smaller budgets are more likely to do this. Larger companies that I've worked for that have large budgets tend to back off and let the team of designers come up with the best proposal.

But yes, we've all been there. I had a few clients pay me pretty well, but refused to let me give them a new logo. The logo was so bad, I never showed the site on my portfolio. But they paid me anyway. It happens!

Thanks!

[djmixmind]

I love the Mock up you did here also!

NICE!

[anointeddreamer]

lol I know just what you mean! haha

[mlwebco]

Right!...we've all been there. :)