Creating a Logo

[wfoster]

Hey,

I am creating a logo for my fathers new business, his business revolves around the military. He supplies lifejackets, rope, life rafts, life saving equipment and fenders for tugs. They supply quite a lot.

My problem is I am not very creative and I am not a whizz on Photoshop. I have CS4. Anyone have any ideas on what I could create, any tips or advice? Maybe any useful resources I could use or ideas of how I could put the name of the company.

Thanks.

 

[obibobi]

Keep it clean and simple.
It's usually the problem with amateurs (I'm one myself) that you try to put too much information into a logo.
And when the customer (that has no feeling for colors, design) are very strong about what it should represent, it often leads to something embarrasing.
If you have Illustrator it's better for logo design.
You can find free tutorials on the web, check Youtube also.

I've been asked to do "something similar" to this:
http://www.globalshieldsecurity.net/
Imagine this logo on the chest pocket of the security guard, will you be able to read everything ?

But I did a much cleaner design.

 

[wfoster]

Keep it clean and simple.
It's usually the problem with amateurs (I'm one myself) that you try to put too much information into a logo.
And when the customer (that has no feeling for colors, design) are very strong about what it should represent, it often leads to something embarrasing.
If you have Illustrator it's better for logo design.
You can find free tutorials on the web, check Youtube also.

I've been asked to do "something similar" to this:
http://www.globalshieldsecurity.net/
Imagine this logo on the chest pocket of the security guard, will you be able to read everything ?

But I did a much cleaner design.

Every image I create, I make it simple. I am just about to buy Illustrator, thanks for the advice.

 

[ezekielrage_99]

Personally I find the following links very useful for getting inspiration for creating a new identity.

Smashing Magazine
Logolounge
Logopond

For the actual logo I'd advice:
1) Keep it simple
2) Refer to point 1
3) Make sure it give the message you want, so test it with a group of people ( I have seen many logos fall apart because it hasn't been test).
4) It should have meaning and substance
5) Timelessness, cool web 2.0 style might be good now but think how your logo will look over time
6) Research industry trend and who the product will be sold to. I means that you'll be able to reach the client with far greater success.
7) Be unique, distinct and memorable.
8) Adaptable. The biggest mistake I have seen with logo design is that the logo will only look good on one media, avoid this at all cost

Before getting into any sort of an application I would strongly suggest the best tool to use for creating a new logo is a pencil and paper, Photoshop/Illustrator should be the very last thing.


Good luck.

 

[Mac-in-oldtimer]

Hey,

I am creating a logo for my fathers new business, his business revolves around the military. He supplies lifejackets, rope, life rafts, life saving equipment and fenders for tugs. They supply quite a lot.

My problem is I am not very creative and I am not a whizz on Photoshop. I have CS4. Anyone have any ideas on what I could create, any tips or advice? Maybe any useful resources I could use or ideas of how I could put the name of the company.

Thanks.

To create a useable logo, you either need to have a natural ability, experience/education or a whole lot of time not to mention Photoshop / Illustrator / Drawing skills. You don't seem to have any of that so I don't think any advice on here will help unless you just steal another logo and rename it which could get your dad in a whole heap of trouble.

I'm sorry but your dad needs to realize that being cheap will only get him an amateur looking logo which in turn will make his business look amateur so he is going to have to settle or invest some money to get an experienced designer.

 

[ezekielrage_99]

To create a useable logo, you either need to have a natural ability, experience/education or a whole lot of time not to mention Photoshop / Illustrator / Drawing skills. You don't seem to have any of that so I don't think any advice on here will help unless you just steal another logo and rename it which could get your dad in a whole heap of trouble.

I'm sorry but your dad needs to realize that being cheap will only get him an amateur looking logo which in turn will make his business look amateur so he is going to have to settle or invest some money to get an experienced designer.

I totally agree, but the bonus of doing it yourself means your logo can end up here