A Comparative Study of Logo Design between the 70s and 90s.
Written by Jacob Cass on Friday, April 18, 2008 – 6:24 pm
This was an essay I wrote one year ago for a University class. I do recommend printing it as it is 2000 words long. Click here for a printable version. Read more »
Just Creative Design logo nominated for Logo Design Love Award
Written by Jacob Cass on Sunday, March 9, 2008 – 12:17 pm
If you think our logo is worthy to win the Logo Design Love Award, please vote for us - just leave a comment on the post over here saying ” #1 - Just Creative Design! ”
A little background info about the awards
The aim of the logo design love awards is to give some well deserved exposure to lesser-known graphic designers, and to uncover the most effective blog logos amongst today’s popular blogs.
For full information on how the awards and judging works please see the original post.
Thanks to David Airey who is the man managing the awards and also to the judges who are kindly donating their time.
DON’T MISS: The Best Graphic Design Articles from February 2008
Written by Jacob Cass on Friday, February 29, 2008 – 5:53 pm
Here is a monthly round up of the best graphic design articles from around the blogosphere this February. The articles are sorted into the categories; freelancing, graphic design, web design and various.
You can check out January’s Best Articles if you missed it last month. You could also check out the best March graphic design articles.
Freelancing
- 5 Reasons why you must reinvest in your business
If you read just one article of all the following, I would say to read this one… a long but very valuable read.
- 10 Tips for getting started as a freelancer
Some quick tips on how to get started to become a freelancer, also useful for people all ready freelancing.
- How To Get Paid Freelance Work While Still A Design Student
This was a guest article I wrote for Freelance Folder which received a huge response.
- What to do when you have nothing to do as a freelancer.
For the 0.0001% of you out there, this one is for you!
- How to become a more environmentally friendly freelancer / designer
Protect our environment using these steps.
- 5 Downsides of working at home
A newcomer to the blogging world, Verne Ho outlines some of the downsides of working at home. A good read.
- 25 Ways To Become An Effective Freelancer
A list of ways to improve your freelancing skills, a must read.
- 7 Reasons why you shouldn’t charge by the hour
A great list of reasons why you shouldn’t being using this style of payment. Very valid reasons! - 20 more resources for freelancers
Still hungry for more great freelancing posts? Here is 20 more. - Identifying the ProBono Client
How to identify a pro bono client along with tips, no-nos, and a discussion on the benefits and draw backs of pro bono work.
Graphic Design
- 70 of the Best Logo Design Resources
David lists 70 of the best logo design resources on his blog Logo Design Love.
- Veerles What is Graphic Design Poster Competetiton
I didn’t enter this as I found out about it too late but there was some awesome awesome prizes and a huge response (430+ comments). Check out the winners.
- You Thought We Wouldn’t Notice
This is an old website (not from February) that deserves a mention as they were my source for popular 22 plagiarised graphic design rip offs post.
- The Logo Design Process of Top Graphic Designers
Want to learn the secrets of logo design from the professionals? Look no further.
- How To Create Your Own Vector Cartoon Character
A great step by step tutorial from Chris. This came in very useful. - Logo Design Love Awards
A competition to uncover the most effective blog logos amongst today’s popular blogs. I believe there is 1 day left to enter from the time of me writing. Be quick!
- Spice Up Your Business Card
This is a surefire way to get more business just by improving your business card.
- Drunken Munkey Photoshop Tutorial Character Design
Another tutorial, this time in photoshop, this is truly inspirational!
- Online Business Is All about transparency
I enjoyed this article from David as it gave a great insight into the business practice of not hiding things.
- The One Page Graphic Design Portfolio Guide
You have all seen those portfolio pages with a persons work all on one page, well this is how to do that step by step.
- 22 Graphic Design Plagiarised Rip Offs
Another popular post from JCD with a huge response. Check it Out!
- Customise Illustrator for maximum efficiency
Move around your palettes to make a more productive work flow. Great for all levels.
- U-Printing International Poster Design Comp
Win an iPhone and other great prizes in the poster comp! It is about to start.
- $5000 Prize Giveaway Graphic Design Group Writing Project
Hosted on this blog, you definitly should not have missed this one.
- 99 Websites ALL Designers should know about
A hugely popular post listing 99 resources that all designers should know about.
Web Design
- Grid and Column Designs
A list of some great websites that use an underlying grid structure in their design.
- Finding the perfect webhost for you and your clients
This will appeal to bloggers and web designers out there
- 25 Beautifully Coloured Website Designs
Showcases 25 great colourful websites in a social-media-friendly manner.
- 11 ways to get exposure as a web designer
Another one from Vandelay webdesign. This can also be applied to designers in general.
- 53 Steps to follow if you want to become a web designer
Very easy to follow 53 step guide to become a successful web designer.
- 25 Visually Stunning Header Graphics
This was a great inspirational post for those who are thinking of improving their blog header design. (I like mine).
Various
- Brian Gardners Wordpress Theme Contest
Win a holiday on a cruise to the Bahamas just by advertising Brian Gardner’s new theme!
- How To Set Up A SideBlog
I have wanted to get onto this, this is a tutorial on how to make a mini blog for your main blog so you can post smaller articles. Not so much a graphic design article but useful to blogging designers.
- Stunning Photography that inspired me to learn photography
30 creative photos that are very much worth looking at. - Is Your Blog C.R.A.P?
This was a guest article I wrote for dailyblogtips outlining the 4 basics principles of design.
Viviens Social Media Project project has now been extended for one more month! Learn more about social media and its benefits in this massive project.
Hope you enjoyed the list. Is there any others that you really enjoyed this month?
The Logo Design Process of TOP graphic designers
Written by Jacob Cass on Friday, February 1, 2008 – 1:48 pm
Want to know the secrets of how top graphic designers create their logos?
This article will reveal exactly how 75 top designers of todays modern age create their logos - a way previously untold or explored - the way they don’t want you to know about. It will show the design process that these designers go through to get to their final logo design. I also use this process on all of my logo designs.
This is a summary of the secret logo design process that 75 top designers told to Leslie Cabarga in his book The Secret Life of Logos: Behind The Scenes With Top Designers.
Their Design Process:
- The Brief
- Research
- Visual Research
- Sketching & Conceptualising
- Reflection
- Positioning
- Presentations
- Celebration
1. The Brief
Nearly all designers agree that the initial accumulation of information from the client is the most important step, either by a face to face interview or a questionnaire. This is where you must establish the design brief. Designer, John Homs says “You really need to understand your client very thoroughly before you get started. Logo Design is never just shooting in the dark. It’s just the opposite.”
If you haven’t got a client yet you may be interested in how to get your first job. Or if you need help on writing a design brief check out how do you write a graphic design brief?
2. Research
After molding the design brief, getting to know your client’s businesses is the next crucial step in making a logo successful. Research includes general reading on the industry itself, sometimes on its history, and on its competitors. If budgets allow, external research can be carried out.
3. Visual Research
This is research not into the clients business, but into the actual logo style. This is where we seek out a look, a style, an approach or attitude, usually to attain a period or style that we are unfamiliar with, or to refresh ourselves with what is new or successful. Eg. Find logos of similar business’ and critique them. This is where you look for inspiration. Designer Wendy Stamberger said “I look more for techniques and to ask myself why a certain logo looks corporate, or what makes a really good health care logo… or for example why do I like this logo and dislike that one?” Designers should do this to gain a better understanding of the industry and competition.
Note: Some designers actually refuse the use of visual research, preferring to use their own mental sourcebook, however others say that doing so, is limiting your design solution. What do you think?
4. Sketching & Conceptualising
Developing the logo design concept(s) is where creativity comes into play, this is where the designer must create the logo by using the design brief and the research conducted. Some designers use a napkin to sketch, some use a sketchbook and some use the computer as paper, this is all a matter of personal choice, however using a computer first up is not recommended what so ever.
When conceptualizing, some designers are mainly concerned with the graphic style and image of a piece while others try to convey deep meaning or some sort of visual puzzle (such as the arrow in the FedEx logo). These types of logos have a bigger impact on the viewer and when a designer creates one, they know it straight away. It will be unique and will add a dimension to the experience and to the whole identity. For more information on conceptualizing check out the how to design a logo or the ultimate guide to logo design or if you need help on typography, check out the top 5 typography resources.
5. Reflection
Taking breaks is as important as the physical research and the design brief. It is so easy to get stuck in a creative cul-de-sac (how to be creative) and get tired of a project and this is why logo designers take breaks. By resting, your ideas mature and develop in the back of your head. When you go back to your project, you have renewed enthusiasm, insight and opportunity. This is also a good stage to get feedback from others.
6. Positioning
This is where the designers choose to position themselves. They either position themselves like contractors and take orders according to their clients wishes (ie. Don’t advise their clients of design matters) OR they position themselves like a business and build themselves a long term relationship (ie. Guide clients to a more appropriate solution much alike how a lawyer does.) Designers have to choose how they wish to work.
7. Presentation
This is where the designer must present their work to the client. They can choose whether to show the client a huge variety of logo design concepts (if it is hard to gauge a clients taste) OR they could choose to showcase just a few select logo designs. This is another debatable issue worthy of an article. What is your opinion?
8. Celebration
In a survey conducted to the 75 top designers, when the job is finally finished and approved, 31% of designers celebrate by drinking beer, 12% head for chocolate, 22% head off to bed to catch up on sleep and the other 35% can’t celebrate because they must start on the next logo design. What do you do?
Summary
Below is a summary of the whole design process for quick review. You may even find it useful to print the whole article - if so, make sure you print the smart way.
- Design Brief: Conduct Questionnaire or Interview with client to get the design brief.
- Research: Conduct research focused on the industry itself, on its history, and on its competitors.
- Reference: Conduct research into logo designs that have been successful and current styles and trends that are related to the design brief.
- Sketching & Conceptualising: Develop the logo design concept(s) around the brief and research. Use creativity. Know how to design a logo.
- Reflection: Take breaks throughout the design process. This lets your ideas mature and for you to get renewed enthusiasm. Receive feedback.
- Positioning: Position yourself as a contractor or build a long lasting relationship. ie. Client orders you what to do OR You guide client to the best solution.
- Presentation: Choose to present only a select few logos to the client or a whole collection.
- Celebration: Drink beer, eat chocolate, sleep, start on next logo design. Or a combination.
Moral
When given a brief, every designer interprets in their own way and if an assignment is given to 100 different designers, it would return 100 different logos, few of which would resemble each other. Though we all endlessly conjecture what makes a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ logo, one must remember in the end, the ultimate arbiter of logo design greatness may only be the satisfied, paying client.
The secret moral to this story, therefore, is to work hard, but not be too hard on your first concepts as the process itself, is the key to ultimate success.
If you liked this article be sure to subscribe to Just Creative Design so you don’t miss out on the next one!
DON’T MISS: The Best Graphic Design Articles from January 2008.
Written by Jacob Cass on Monday, January 28, 2008 – 4:03 pm
As outlined in my Blogging Goals post at the start of the year, one of my goals was to start a reoccurring monthly post and with a little thought, I came up with this idea of showcasing the best articles of the month on the topic of graphic design, so I present to you “The Best Graphic Design Articles from January 2008″. Expect the next one at the end of February.
- Design A Logo - The Ultimate Guide
This was an article written by Gino over at You The Designer which showcases exactly how to go about making a logo for yourself along with some tips, references and inspiration. This got featured on front page of Digg. - Photoshop Quick Tip: Bigger Font Previews
Shows you how to make your font previews bigger in Photoshop, something that is quite handy when choosing a font. A great article from Jennifer from Laughing Lion Design. - 16 Sensational Poster Designs
This is another article from Gino, which showcases 16 band poster designs. A good mix of different styles of design and good inspiration. This article was also heavily dugg. - 16 Blogs With Unconventional Layouts
This is a showcase of 16 blogs that use a different style of layout (much unlike other blog showcases), useful for anyone wishing to redesign their blog. A great article from Vivien at InspirationBit.
- 15 Great Examples of Web Typography
A post which showcases great typography on the web because of their treatment of text - not just because they are pretty. - 20 Signs Your Working For The Wrong Graphic Design Company
This is a guest post written by Louisa Nicholson on Tara’s Graphic Design Blog that tells you 20 tell tale signs, in order, that you are working for the wrong company. - Finally, a PC that Every Designer has Dreamed about
This is a great article from DT, an industrial designer from Designer Sojourn, that shows the features of the Napkin PC - “Using e-ink and RF technology it allows designers to draw in colour and skip the very tedious stage of transferring the sketch into a digital format.“ - Logo Design Love Launches
If you love David Airey, then you will love Logo Design Love - a new blog by David Airey focused entirely on logo design.
- 5 Vital Logo Design Tips
This was actually a guest article written by myself for David Airey’s blog. It outlines the 5 vital steps you need to know for a logo design. A must read for any one needing to improve their logo design. - The Creative Process
Lauren from Creative Curio is in the middle of redesigning her blog and she is recording her creative process. So far she has written about her Research and Thumbnails, her Experiments and her Researching Alternatives. - 32 Amazing Inspirational Pieces of Graphic Artwork
This is a compilation of 32 great pieces of graphic design from BlogSpoonGraphics. I love these posts and I have added it to my 101+ Places to get Design Inspiration. - Show Us Your Workspace
This is a cool, fun post from BittBox (a very awesome resourceful blog) which showcases designers workplaces. This can be inspirational and depressing as some of their workspaces do make you quite jealous! - Best of January 2008
Although this is not entirely on graphic design, Smashing Magazine have compiled a good list of the things you shouldn’t have missed in January 2008. Many hours required here
- 15 Wonderfully Simple Logo Designs
A showcase of 15 logos proving that the best logo designs are simple on David Aireys new blog, Logo Design Love. - 7 Ways to Give Your Freelancing Career A Boost
A short and sweet post from Freelance Folder on how to effectively make your freelancing business a success. - Vintage Web Design Inspiration
A great collection of web designs that use a vintage style over at Web Designer Wall. This list is a great source of inspiration for all. - 12 Incredibly Crafty Ways to become a High Profile Freelancer
Over at Freelance Folder, Skelli, a great writer that posts on many famous blogs provides 12 things you can do to add value to your freelancing business and build your profile as a freelancer.
I hope you enjoyed this list and if you did so please don’t forget to subscribe to my blog. If you have any other articles that you think should make this list, please add them to the comments.
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