Thinking up logo concepts is fun. Especially for us creatives, right? But it’s also hard work. Logo design is subjective. What you like may not be what your client or colleagues had in mind. When I’m getting a creative brief from clients, I can show them hundreds of logos. They may even see a few they like. But this does not necessarily mean they’re fitting for that client’s niche or company. Another approach that seems to be effective is describing the desired logo without any visual aid. That’s what I plan to do in this article. So warm up your imagination and try stay with me as we describe different types of logo design ideas.

1. Sometimes Less is More

Logos that are simple are often highly effective at creating that, “AHA!” effect.

A one color background with a one color font can work really well for some niches. When going for a simple (or minimalist) logo design, remember to add some small detail that distinguishes it from others.

A period at the end of the name or a tiny image somewhere on the font will give the logo a distinguishing mark.

2. Materialize Your Name

Not only should your brand be used in text form, as it would be in your domain name and the development of written content, but it should also be displayed through visual elements.

Pictures are already expressive. But you can extend that expression by turning your name into a logo. Many companies choose to separate their logo from their brand name. However, it's always fun to see both incorporated together.

The trick here is to choose a symbol for your niche. For example:

-       A hairdresser could use a pair of scissors as a “V” or an “A”. Or perhaps a comb as an “M” or a “W”.

-       A florist may use a vase or a rose within the logo to represent a letter.

-       Furniture shops have a lot of options to use chairs, tables or lamps as picture letters.

3. Use the Right Color

Color plays a huge part in the psychological message of your logo. Don’t ignore this crucial part of your design process.

Colors will invoke various emotions in those who see it. Here’s a quick breakdown:

-       Black & white give off a feeling of simplicity

-       Red often signifies boldness

-       Yellow is all about safety and convenience

-       Blue indicates trust as well as socializing

-       Green has always been synonymous with nature

-       Orange is for the young and signifies trendiness

Remember to combine appropriate colors within your logo to convey a unique message for that brand.

4. Consider Shapes

Shapes are just as important as colors. Curves and edges have the same effect on the brain as colors do. Chances are you will have a lot of creative space to incorporate shapes into your logo.

-       Round shapes give off feelings of love, happiness and general positivity.

-       Sharp edges promote a message of stability or balance.

-       Triangles are often associated with safety, religion, law or accuracy.

-       Horizontal lines make us think of friendship and relationships.

-       Vertical lines make us think of strength, stability and reliability.

So think carefully about your logo’s message and incorporate or combine these when designing yours.

5. Combine Your Concepts

Having two or more interesting (and relevant) concepts in one logo is always a winner.

This is difficult to describe, so let me give you a few examples:

-       A tree that has brain as its foliage indicates a concept of education/thinking together with protecting the environment.

-       Books portrayed as buildings can symbolize the vastness of one book—comparing it to something large like a building.

-       A light bulb plugged into a laptop could mean that great ideas come from technology.

Get the picture?

As you can see, all these examples include two separate ideas brought together as one. This is a powerful way to convey your message.

6. Play with Curves

Creative freedom is my favorite part of designing logos! Is it yours too?

Space to go wild with those curves is sometimes too hard to resist. If you are adding curves, remember to get creative with the spaces you occupy and the concept of the niche you’re trying to represent.

7. Play with Edges

If curves aren’t instrumental in conveying your desired message then perhaps edges are more appropriate. Remember that edges are more balanced and authoritative than curves. The best straight edge logos turn letters into stiff representations of your desired niche.

Have fun with this one.

8. The Two-in-One Approach

Have you ever seen those awesome black & white logos that have two images in one? When you focus on the black you see a message. But if you switch to the white, a secondary message is also viewable. 

I call this the two-in-one style logo. One message fades to make the other visible. People love these logos because they are stimulating.

9. Incorporate Your Culture

What do you work with every day? What defines your business? Is there an item your staff probably dream about when they close their eyes at night?

A fashion niche shows clothes, but ultimately you work with tons of hangers each day. So be raw in your logo representation. A hanger in your logo will clearly indicate that you’re signifying fashion.

10. Eye Candy

Ultimately, a logo or theme that catches your eye will be loved by your client and their customers. Great animation or something hyper arty will certainly grab people’s attention.

11. 3D Logos

Want to stand out? Why not go for a 3D logo design?

There’s nothing technical about the design itself. it just requires some skill to create. Logos that look as if they’re standing out from the surface are super popular!

12. Go Retro

Old but cool. That’s basically what the word, “retro” means. Retro logos often look as if they were designed decades ago before technology further enabled our artistic abilities. So if you’re looking for something classic, put in the effort and design something that’s ‘old school’.

Hopefully you’ve received a fair amount of inspiration from these tips. Check out some of the great styles people have already designed and see if some visual stimulation gets those creative juices flowing in your own work.