Logogrammatic

logo·gram   Pronunciation:\ˈlȯ-gə-ˌgram, ˈlä-\   Function:noun   Date:1840

: a letter, symbol, or sign used to represent an entire word <the ampersand and dollar sign are logograms> — logo·gram·mat·ic  \ˌlȯ-gə-grə-ˈma-tik, ˌlä-\ adjective

 

Recently, I had occasion to consult on some new logo concepts for a couple clients.  I have a pretty decent eye for design stuff, but by no means do I profess to have the artistic talent of a trained graphic artist.. let’s just get that out there.  Can I photoshop something reasonably cool?  Sure, but I like to leave that to the pros. 

I learned all about logos and promo at a very young age… my first “real” job was screen printing tee shirts at a promo company when I was 13.  So needless to say I’ve seen some very good and very bad work done.

After all, your logo is supposed to convey not only what your brand is, but hopefully what your business does or  is trying to sell. It’s supposed to represent.  When I saw the new Sony Music logo I just did not “get it”.  (Sony is not a client, this is my personal opinion.. just to be clear).  Yes, SonyBMG is back to Sony Music after several years and so were in need of a new “face”.  But, what is it? If you just saw the symbol, you’d think it was for a paint store or something.  It’s not offensive or unattractive or awful, it just doesn’t say “hey, we make music”.

Basic elements of a great logo are:

• conveys your brand
• memorable
• looks good in black and white, as well as in color
• simple yet distinctive
  

  NO ONE noticed? REALLY? WTF is right...

• no clutter or distraction
• scalable – looks good large or small
• easy to reproduce and maintain integrity
• keep in mind where it’s going to be used

A point that many miss is whether it’s easy to reproduce. If it’s going to be used for clothing, whether it be screen printed or embroidered, how tough or easy will it be to capture the nuances in colour or the fantastic detail?  What works on the web or in print may not necessarily work for your company uniform or promo shirts.

One of the biggest things so many seem to overlook is “what is this going to look like to my potential clients?” It’s important to get feedback.  What looks stellar to some, once unveiled, may not convey the message you wish to deliver.  After all, the purpose of your logo is to be “Logogrammatic”.

 

Transfiguration High School's Logo. The person who approved this has been living in a cave.

 

Logo for Catholic Youth Diocese. FAIL.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What looks like a computer mouse to some, may not to others….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The logo that was decided upon. ArtistsHeart Productions - a film & television production company. What do you think?

Want to see some more bad logos?  Click here  or try YourLogoMakesMeBarf.