239 JUST™ Creative Comments

• Paul July 29, 2009 at 1:43 am Reply

  This is a great article Jacob. I’m dealing with a particular client right now that does not understand what a logo is, what a logo stand for, etc … and it doesn’t matter how well and simple I explain to them … this article will help them out greatly … thanks man! pher

• Luis Lopez July 29, 2009 at 1:59 am Reply

  Excellent article Jacob, these principles are really important for every designer, and the way you explain is really clear and easy to understand for everyone I think.

• Harprabhjot Paul Chandhoke July 29, 2009 at 2:05 am Reply

  Nice post. I agree with all the said points. In fact, we follow a similar process. Minimalistic and simple designs last longer and stay evergreen. Its tough explaining to clients sometimes. But, we win most of the time. Cheers

• Daniel Pipitone July 29, 2009 at 2:10 am Reply

  Great article. I think the Pepsi vs Coca Cola is especially valid and interesting. A similar comparison could probably be also done with IBM and many other tech companies relative to Rand’s genius for timeless ideas. Thanks for posting! Daniel

• Dame July 29, 2009 at 2:14 am Reply

  Excellent article!! Very good key points and clear explanations. The Pepsi vs. Coca Cola comparison is such an eye opener on great and effective design.

• Blue Print July 29, 2009 at 2:37 am Reply

  Amazing how the Coca-Cola has never changed, I never noticed until I saw it on this post. I guess they call it “classic” for a reason.

• Fabian July 29, 2009 at 2:44 am Reply

  Great article!Great design has a hook, some thing that make a lasting impression on you and provokes a response.

• Prescott Perez-Fox July 29, 2009 at 3:03 am Reply

  You know, I’d put appropriate as No. 1 on the list. If the logo is for a prestigious university, but has a logo that looks like Toys R Us, it won’t connect with the audience — it will betray the brand. This is part of the reason we’re so upset with the London 2012 logo.

• Beaulys July 29, 2009 at 3:46 am Reply

  “A logo can be drawn in sand with fingers” That is my first rule to make logos.

• Davina K. Brewer July 29, 2009 at 4:11 am Reply

  I think Simplicity has a direct impact on Versatility. Having a logo that is flexible, adaptable, that works in color, white, and looks as good on a coffee mug or embroidered on a shirt, as it does on a business card, is what helps make it Timeless and more valuable. Great list, thanks for sharing.

• AnnMarie July 29, 2009 at 5:23 am Reply

  This article clears some of my confusion- so thank you. My senior year of art school (at Ringling), they redesigned their logo. They had a classic logo (of a star inside a hatched circle), but was afraid it tied them too much to the circus, which is understandable. After a year working with a highly reputable design firm, they created an “ever changing” logo involving a “golden rectangle” frame in black surrounded by images. The collateral about the logo had three paragraphs explaining the logo and what it meant. I have always felt, that if you need more than a sentence or two to describe what that logo signifies for a brand- it doesn’t serve its purpose as a logo.

• Nancy Creighton July 29, 2009 at 6:42 am Reply

  This is good! I can use this article to reinforce what I tell my clients — who sometimes seem to think that I’m just giving them my opinion, not the benefit of my education and experience, and not the accepted norms of the design community.

• NBK July 29, 2009 at 8:37 am Reply

  Again, an excellent post that reiterates much of what I’ve read from your past articles as well as other logo design blogs out there.

• daphne July 29, 2009 at 10:45 am Reply

  Another greatly clarifying article, Jacob =) I’m finding the quote from Paul Rand most interesting though because i’m currently thinking of ideas for an identity of an area (uni assignment) and am finding it hard to come up with something simple yet different *and* explanatory about the area… Eek!

• Jacob Cass July 29, 2009 at 3:58 pm Reply

  Luis, I do try to explain things in a more simple way so as that more people can understand them. I think it gets the point across a lot better. Harorabhjot, Part of our job as designers is about educating the client and if you can do this, half your job is already done. Daniel, The IBM logo is another great example, along with much of Rand’s work. His book Design, Form & Chaos is a great insight into his mind and design as a whole – I think you would find it quite interesting. Dame, Blue Print, I thought it was a great example too. You should also check out this post on coke and pepsi advertising wars. Prescott, I wasn’t meaning for any of them to be in any particular order and have since added that disclaimer in the article though what you are saying is quite correct. Beaulys, At first I thought that you were saying logo design is as easy as drawing in the sand, but after re reading it, I realised that you are referring to the simplicity of logo design – a logo should be simple enough, it can be drawn in the sand. Interesting way of looking at it, though I don’t think it could be applied in all logo designs. Davina, I believe the five principles listed all work together to form a “good” logo but yes I agree what with you are saying. AnnMarie, I actually thought of a circus when you first described Ringling and then realised there is a Ringling’s circus… but hey art is about fun too. I had a quick google of this golden rectangle you describe and from what I first see I think it works great – very dynamic and great for an art/design school though not all agree. In regards to describing a logo, it does help to have a describable logo, and those that are, are usually the most memorable which in turn means they are simple. Nancy, As I said to Harorabhjot, part of our job as designers is about educating the client and if you can do this, half your job is already done. Daphne, That is why many consider logo design as the hardest part of graphic design – it’s not easy to combine a whole businesses philosophy, values and goals together into one unique, memorable, simple, versatile, timeless and appropriate icon.

• Andrew Kelsall July 30, 2009 at 3:47 am Reply

  I don’t know why there’s so many Pepsi logo updates. In my opinion, by far, the 1973 version is classic, and should have been mildly modernised, not destroyed!

• Tracy July 30, 2009 at 6:16 am Reply

  Andrew, I couldn’t agree more! I think the 1973 is not only my favorite but it can still be applied to any medium and in black and white and it would still be a good logo. Great article. =)

• KaitlinMichelle July 30, 2009 at 6:25 am Reply

  Love this post! I’ve just recently stumbled upon your website at work (summer job at in office in between semesters at my University where I’m studying graphic design). It’s been a few days since I’ve discovered it and I’ve already read through all the blogs! Clearly I have a lot of time on my hands. But I found them extremely helpful and very well put together. But just out of curosity, how did you develop such a thick skin? I’ve noticed that you’re very open to criticism, which i think is great, but it’s something I’ve been struggling with. I enjoy criticism during the process of design, I find it very necessary. But at the end of a semester we have a one-on-one critique with our professors and this past semester I took the critique too harshly. I guess it was a matter of me being too hard on myself, rather than accepting and learning from the critique itself. If anyone else has advice on this matter for me, it would be greatly appreciated! I love design and criticism is absolutely a part of the process, and I understand that. Hope to hear from you.

• Kiren July 30, 2009 at 11:02 am Reply

  Really good points my friend but I have to disagree with the Pepsi Vs. Coke thing. I think the reasoning behind Pepsi is change. They always advertise for new generations in their commercials(especially the most recent ones).

• Jacob Cass July 30, 2009 at 7:18 pm Reply

  Andrew, Tracy I also quite like the 1973 version, maybe without the rectangle bits on the sides so it is just the circle. Kaitlin, Developing a thick skin is just something that you need to learn – like you say, it is part of the learning process. Without criticism, how will you improve? Just take things with a grain of salt and you will be fine but remember you can’t please everyone. Kirin, I am not quite sure what you mean by “advertise for new generations” but if you had a timeless design, there would be no need change – that is the point.

• Kiren July 31, 2009 at 1:16 am Reply

  You may be too young to remember “The Taste For The New Generation” ads Pepsi had during the early nineties, if you ever watch Wayne’s World The Movie you’ll see what I’m talking about:). As for Pepsi’s logo change, I believe this is done on purpose to keep up with the current trends. Of course this goes against some of the rules in creating a logo…but rules are meant to be broken;)

• Tim July 31, 2009 at 2:56 am Reply

  Did you make that graphic of the Coke evolution? It has gone entirely viral and it is annoying because it’s a lie. Look up the old Coke logos. It was entirely (ENTIRELY) different in 1885.

• Jacob Cass July 31, 2009 at 12:56 pm Reply

  Kiren, I don’t recall the ads, but that would be more due to the fact that I don’t watch TV. In regards to Pepsi’s logo changes, yes this is done on purpose though if it were timeless, it wouldn’t need to be changed. Tim, No I did not create it, nor do I know the origin of the maker though I looked up the early Coke logo and it is not entirely different at all. In fact, it’s nearly exactly the same.

• Joseph Francis August 1, 2009 at 4:16 am Reply

  Paul, up top, said what I came to say. A bad client won’t recognize or buy a good logo. I wish the self evident ‘goodness’ of the logo would shine through, but for them it just doesn’t. Those clients are all about logo treatments, not ideas. Shiny, gold, marble, luminous, multicolored, whatever, etc… The last thing they want to hear is you are using Illustrator instead of a motion-blurred VRay render.

• BebopDesigner August 3, 2009 at 2:32 pm Reply

  Brilliant post! Many clients often want their activity reflected on their logo. Ridiculous? yes. But no more ridiculous than trying to explain logo design to them. This article will be a great deal of help next time I encounter the same problem. Cheers!

• Mandy August 3, 2009 at 8:07 pm Reply

  Thanks for the article. I would also add ‘Scalable’ to the list, as a logo also has to be able to work on lots of different formats/sizes. The logo also need to also be able to transpire well when used in black and white – which is another factor to consider when designing a logo.

• Arwa Al Jundi August 3, 2009 at 10:31 pm Reply

  A great and very helpful article, no matter how much a person can read about logos there’s a lot to learn. But I was thinking the Timeless thing. It’s true that a never changing logo makes it more Memorable but doesn’t changing it helps in sales? For example everytime Pepsi change thier logo (with thier packaging of course) people seem to buy more just to make sure they still tatse the same. I don’t know if I made my point clear, but what i’m trying to say that changing teh logo is not always a bad thing.

• Mike August 4, 2009 at 8:34 am Reply

  Thank you for the really nice article. I’d like to add magic word 2D. It is vitally important to insist and make your client to believe you that 3D crap he/she wants is well, just crap… I bet you know what I mean. those fancy 3D letters and logos made in 3D Max … logo MUST be 2D one more (maybe even number 6 to your list): ability to draw it on the wall with a chalk Mercedes, VolksWagen etc….easy to remember, easy as hell to draw even if you are totally unprofessional painter . This is a must for really good logo and it fits your “SIMPLE” idea Best regards from Toronto Mike

• Marco August 4, 2009 at 8:04 pm Reply

  Hi, just want to let you how useful is your blog; extremely informative and lively. I enjoy designing a lot and I have been impressed with your logos that I find intelligent, creative and original. Your blog is collects a number of very usefulf resources and advices. Many compliments and keep up the excellent work! Marco

• Jake August 4, 2009 at 8:16 pm Reply

  Thanks for the helpful article, great quote by David and the Coca Cola vs the Pepsi timescale really works well to illustrate the point. I think sometimes designers get carried away with logos and create complex designs following the 2009 logo ‘trends’ although it will look pants in 2010.

• Jon August 7, 2009 at 2:13 am Reply

  You should check out the recent post over at Brand New to clear up the coke vs. pepsi misinformation caused by the graphic you used in your post. While the basic point is still valid the idea of Coca-Cola never changing their logo is false. http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/coca-cola_vs_pepsi_revised_edition.php

• BlindAcreMedia August 8, 2009 at 1:14 am Reply

  I really like the time line of the pepsi logo and coca cola logo. It shows how you can create a solid logo and never have to worry about changing it to keep it ‘updated’

• Jacob Cass August 10, 2009 at 9:58 pm Reply

  Joseph, Bebop, A designer wears a lot of hats and one of them is for educating the client, helping them to see the quality of the end product and how it will benefit their business. Mandy, To me this would be under the ‘versatile’ heading. A versatile logo would have to be scalable to be versatile and yes most logos do need to be able to work in just one colour. Arwa, Companies often rebrand to reflect changes in the market – often it does good for the company, but not always, as has been proved many times this year (think Tropicana). Changing the logo is not always a bad thing – I agree with you. Mike, In most cases a logo should be able to work in just 2D, though you can have different versions to ensure that it works across all mediums. KISS = Keep it simple, stupid. Marco, Thank you for your kind words. Jake, BlindAcreMedia, Please do see the post on Under Consideration (in Jon’s comment). It seems the time line was not entirely correct.

• craig stodola August 11, 2009 at 4:31 pm Reply

  I love the timeless timeline because it shows how a company like Pepsi can remain relevant and incredibly successful even when they change their identity. And in some ways, Pepsico, the parent company is beyond widely successuful, as they’re one of the biggest food/bev manufacturers in the world. Kinda reminds me of Fossil Watches. How many different logos and tins did they have? a TON! there is so much more to managing your business’s success than getting wrapped up in whether or not your logo is timeless. And with that, you need to look at point 5, “appropriate”. What are you selling? How are you selling? Who is your customer? It might be more appropriate for your business to update your logo as your customers and your brands shift. If you haven’t read it yet, you should pick up the Brand Gap by Marty Neumeier. ….great book. :) c

• Matt August 14, 2009 at 5:42 am Reply

  I can’t remember how I came across your site- but after reading this, I’ll bookmark your site and read more when I have some more time. This is a great article and as well as I think I may be able to make a logo, this article points out things I tend to forget. AWESOME MAN.

• Adham August 19, 2009 at 11:17 pm Reply

  Great post … It’s a shame that a lot of businesses these days are going for the cheap logo alternatives … It’s their loss I guess. Here are some tips on designing a logo on a tight deadline.

• euonymous August 21, 2009 at 5:50 am Reply

  Great post. I am not graphically gifted, but in my experience one of the most important rules is your #4 – has to work in B&W and color, all sizes. I’ve written marketing guides that explain how corporate logos can be used. Some just aren’t versatile enough to do a variety of jobs. Meanwhile, that list of 100 great logos is a hard hitting demonstration. In my personal list of great logos, the old Digital Equipment Corporation logo is right up there.

• Martin Leblanc August 23, 2009 at 10:49 pm Reply

  I think many of these old rules don’t apply when the logo is used mainly on the web. You can have much more details and colors than on print and the logo will still “work”.

• Douglas Bonneville September 8, 2009 at 7:15 am Reply

  “I think many of these old rules don’t apply…” If you try and reinvent a hammer, you’ll end up with a hammer that just doesn’t work right. The fundamentals of good logo design are a known quantity and fixed permanently. The closer one adheres to these well established rules, the better your work will be received by the public. Deviating from the formula – and you can if you wish – simply results in logos that communicate something negative to the extent of the deviation you might make. All one has to do is go look up some “bad logos” posts to see some of these deviations.

• Shailaja September 9, 2009 at 5:22 pm Reply

  Good post Jacob. I agree to all design principles mentioned above, but I strongly feel that understanding client breif and what exactly is the requirement is the key to a good logo design. Offcourse the simple the design the more the IMPACT… secret of branding. keep posting good articles. Thanks Shailaja

• Alex Frew September 9, 2009 at 10:24 pm Reply

  Hey Great article!, im studing Graphic Design at the moment and this article puts the logo design side of things in great perspective. The comparison of Pepsi and coke realy gets the msg across nice work

• Anny September 11, 2009 at 3:27 pm Reply

  I’m currently in the process of creating a logo for a person that is not paying what its really worthy in comparison with the work and time that I’m investing. But at least I’m taking this opportunity to practice and use it as part of my experience, even though I feel so frustrated and stock, I have several days researching and making sketches but still feeling that I’m not going anyway with this ideas and I feel stock. I’m really sad to see how people do not really value the work that as professional graphic designers we have to do to create an unique and professional logo. Thanks Jacob for this articles, I’m glad to find a community of graphic designers, I feel supported. If you have some articles about what to do when you feel stock creating, I will appreciate it.. Thanks

• Steph September 21, 2009 at 11:02 am Reply

  I’m in the process of creating a logo for a school project and can’t decide whether i want to place it inside a coloured square or just have the symbol on it’s own on a white background with the company name underneath. What’s more versatile? Box or no box?

• xprowebwise September 30, 2009 at 2:44 am Reply

  A good design is never an accident. It is created …

• Alex October 23, 2009 at 6:07 am Reply

  Really interesting post, Jacob. Those points are spot on, and the detail you go into is very useful. I wish more clients knew this sort of stuff, and the challenge it is in meeting all of these elements in designing a good logo. Alex

• sabz October 30, 2009 at 6:10 am Reply

  Haha, I like the Coca Cola & Pepsi comparison. Good one. Your site is very resourceful btw. :)

• Brian- Logo Design February 8, 2010 at 9:50 pm Reply

  The illustration of really apt logo designs have brought forth each point of the article in very emphatic way.Very well presented

• David Airey February 12, 2010 at 2:31 am Reply

  Jacob, I have been thinking about your approach to ‘teaching’ the elements of what makes a good logo. From my experience in this field, even I don’t feel in a position to impart such ramblings–sorry if that is harsh but this is my responsibility as a fellow designer-All the comments you make in this post are entirely subjective. Even the word ‘good’ is subjective. I think you need to reconsider the overall approach to how you ‘teach’ your message. While I appreciate your motive, I urge you to please re-evaluate this whole JCD platform. I know this might seem out of the ordinary, however this has been a long time coming. Don’t take this personally. I wish you the best of luck.

• Jacob Cass February 15, 2010 at 2:00 am Reply

  David, Although I understand where you are coming from, I try to teach in the most objective way possible. Of course, everyone will have their own opinions on what makes a good logo, it is very subjective by nature. I do realise this, which is why I compiled this article with quotes from various other professionals in the field, all with their own opinions. People can then use this as a foundation and then build upon it. And yes, I do find your comment out of the ordinary, especially considering the many articles on your own personal site that have this same approach. But don’t get me wrong, I appreciate your opinion and would like to hear more on the matter. Feel free to comment here or email me. Thanks David.

• ToughTomato Web Design March 12, 2010 at 12:49 am Reply

  Thanks for the great article. You really put your point through using some highly respected brands!

• Alicerose April 1, 2010 at 8:42 pm Reply

  thanks for this tutorial.Now i can easily understand importance of a logo and hope can teach my friends as well.

• Boldis Media April 29, 2010 at 9:02 pm Reply

  Good examples of 5 principles logo design.

• Mukonyezi Sarah May 3, 2010 at 6:31 am Reply

  being a new designer..i have really learnt a lot from your article. bavo

• Pamela May 16, 2010 at 9:38 pm Reply

  Hi, I always look to your posts because they are very helpful. But that lifetime of Coca Cola logo evolution might be mistaken. Coca Cola logo did change, and comparison needs to be fair. Even more, if you click in the link that you put up there, it would take you to a page where says that this chart is wrong, then they show the correct one.

• psd a Xhtml May 23, 2010 at 1:25 am Reply

  Thanks for this list. Logo is very important for any brand

• Peter July 4, 2010 at 5:31 am Reply

  Hey, I am not a logo designer or something like that. I am just organizing my self to open up a website but wanted to first research about logos. I am not searching any further because I love the way you’ve presented this article. You have included what other logo designers think about the points you have presented. I like that personally. Thanks. Peter.

• Drew Brees jersey July 6, 2010 at 5:49 pm Reply

  I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.

• Adam July 26, 2010 at 5:20 am Reply

  Very well put. I think many people overlook the important points mentioned in your article.

• NICK August 10, 2010 at 10:00 pm Reply

  This is a great article Jacob…Those points are spot on, and the detail you go into is very useful. I wish more clients knew this sort of stuff, and the challenge it is in meeting all of these elements in designing a good logo. An effective logo is (in no particular order): * Simple * Memorable * Timeless * Versatile * Appropriate but i think these 5 step can makes the good logos as well as if we follow these simple step in our life style we can also become successful in life….in every field these step can work… thanks for sharing such a nice article

• James August 14, 2010 at 7:11 am Reply

  I love this, thankyou. I am now showing this article to all of my clients who want logos.

• ShinobiPrincess August 21, 2010 at 2:29 am Reply

  Nice article and blog Jacob! Just a question though, i’m a newbie in this field and a student. I’m a bit confused..Does logo designing implies that you need to make sure that the font you will use should NOT use any free standard issue fonts? Does it mean, you always need to buy fonts in every logo design or would there be any software you can suggest that allows you to design your own font? I appreciate your help.

• Imroz - web design August 30, 2010 at 11:50 pm Reply

  All logos are wonderful indeed. The designers are very creative.

• montreal graphic design company September 4, 2010 at 1:29 am Reply

  Yes, I fully agree with you. Just wanted to add one more point Logo should be captivating as well

• Melissa September 12, 2010 at 2:52 am Reply

  Thankyou for the help. I used theese 5 tips for my IT homework and got an A* xxx

• Essex Website Designers October 12, 2010 at 9:41 am Reply

  I think the illustation of both pepsi and coke just shows how getting that logo right first time can make it for you, can you believe in 1985 they had that same coke logo we do now in 2010? it’s rather amazing and just shows the strengh of that logo

• Sokobanja October 15, 2010 at 4:32 am Reply

  Excellent thinking. Everything you’ve said you’re right. Thank you for your excellent post

• Dave November 12, 2010 at 6:28 pm Reply

  Great article and website in all. I am new to Graphic Design and have just completed my first Semester of study. ALl these tips and guidlines are great. Keep up the good work

• Web Design Hamilton December 18, 2010 at 2:00 pm Reply

  McDonalds is probably the most memborable logo for everyone. Who can’t remember the two fingers drawing the M out on the tv commercials.

• Impec December 18, 2010 at 4:41 pm Reply

  I would add one more principle. The logo should be deep. It’s hard to catch but when it’s so it distincts cheap companies from respectable.

• claire January 4, 2011 at 4:51 pm Reply

  The timeless logo of Coca-cola really inspires me. It has some minor changes in background, some additional designs on the side, but the font, curves & shape still remains. A classic example of successful branding, much like the bottle design.

• Jeesh January 5, 2011 at 1:44 pm Reply

  this really helped me a lot :D i am making a logo for some coursework, and I had no idea what to do, so thanks :D

• Mark Fitzpatrick January 16, 2011 at 7:44 pm Reply

  Jacob, Great stuff, thank you for sharing. I think the timeless logo is obviously one of the hardest things to achieve but if it is accomplished it is something that will net you recognition and revenue. I recently worked with some great logo designers to create my logo for my own business. Here is hoping that 50 years from now it will be similar! Thanks! -Mark

• web design manchester January 21, 2011 at 5:57 pm Reply

  The tutorial has been a great inspiration for me . I think it is one of the best ones i have seen . Keep it coming.

• creative web design January 27, 2011 at 5:16 am Reply

  One thing not to forget, indeed, is that people have to memorise your identity.

• Dodge Neon SRT4 January 31, 2011 at 7:38 am Reply

  Thanks for the Post. One thing i always prefer, is for a website, logo is important very much.

• ericka January 31, 2011 at 9:59 am Reply

  wow, so nice website, so usefull and good work ,congratulations and thanks. xD

• Veizman February 2, 2011 at 8:29 am Reply

  Great Informative (and educational) post.The Pepsi & Coke comparison is very telling.

• Jason Firth February 3, 2011 at 4:17 pm Reply

  Great points, well made. However (and my lack of experience in the field of graphics may be obvious here) but it’s easy to make these points with examples such as Coca Cola (like everyone else does). I believe that Coca Cola and the like are not necessarily great logos. Had they been designed just the other day for a small and up and coming soft drinks manufacturer then they may have been rejected. The marketing and constant exposure behind (or in front) of these logos is what makes them memorable not the design. Pepsi has changed so often as it has constantly battled to move out of Cola’s shadow. Same with Google. Proof of a bad logo being burned into our minds. We’re eventually convinced a logo is timeless because we attach so much emotion, feeling and memories to a it… or are we attaching those feelings to the experience of the product/service and marketing?

• amber February 7, 2011 at 12:18 pm Reply

  Thanks so much for your blog post. I’m working on re-branding for our company and these tips will come in so handy! Thanks! Would you say it’s more professional to have a logo made up of words or is it appropriate to add a symbol or image if the company name lends well to it?

• Mark Taylor February 11, 2011 at 8:36 pm Reply

  Very educational post i liked the Pepsi & Coke comparison.

• watana web design February 18, 2011 at 1:34 am Reply

  Great article! I like your article, I can not strong English but i should to read your article and understand it. It need for my works and a development for my works. Thank you very much.

• Adam February 18, 2011 at 4:36 am Reply

  Great article. I really like the Coca Cola example :-D I don’t know how about you but I don’t like the new Pepsi logo

• Paula February 20, 2011 at 1:10 pm Reply

  Thanks for sharing so much knowledge about logo design, Jacob! I am learning a lot and it’s big fun to read your articles! Your work is fabulous!

• Faraz February 27, 2011 at 4:41 am Reply

  Its just the most simple to understand article about logo design,i just loved it totally.The most simple yet complete and explaining the purity and main point behind the topic.do keep sharing these kind of posts,they are really helpful in making our mind to good designs.

• Rey March 2, 2011 at 6:46 am Reply

  Awesome! Very informative post. I have learned that there are five principles of Effective Logo Design. Will apply what I’ve acquire in this post on my website. :-) Also, your website’s graphic is crucial particularly when funneling visitors’ information through opt-ins. It helps in converting visitors to customers.

• Cesar Buscacio March 3, 2011 at 8:03 am Reply

  Você acredita mesmo que a perenidade da logo da Coca-Cola é devido ao desenho?

• J-I March 3, 2011 at 10:24 am Reply

  As a starting graphic designer, I refer to alot of web sites and books for some help. I am glad to say that your site is one of the sites I look at for knowledge and education. I thank you for what I have learned by reading your posts. I have been reading your posts since mid 2010, and you continue to educate. Great Job. The only thing that I see as puzzling in this post though, is, exactly how is it that one makes a memorable logo? I personally think that, to some extent, it’s upto the Company it’s self to determine whether or not the logo will be memorable. If you follow the other four principles you can still have a good logo, but if the company decided that the logo is not to modern enough, or if they just wanted to change their image, then how does one achieve the longevity one is looking for? Regarless of what the logo looks like, many companies decide to change their look. We can take the same example of Pepsi, and I know others have mentioned this before, but the Logo that I believe is the most memorable is the 1970′s logo. As you mentioned before as well, minus the rectangles. That logo just wows me evertime i see it, as opposed to their 2008 logo. Nothing in the Pepsi company said memorable like the classic Pepsi of the 70′s. Though 70′s logo still a memorable logo, I think they pulled off a pretty good logo during the 90′s and the mid 2000′s since the concept and the font was consistant with the 70′s logo. In short, I feel as if since 2008, the Pepsi brand has not been the same.

• Alex March 20, 2011 at 6:44 pm Reply

  Im a junior in high school and want to become a graphic designer and I’m right now in an advanced graphic design class. You have no idea how much your article has helped me!! Thank you thank you thank you. By the way your portfolio is awesome!

• Stanley March 24, 2011 at 10:41 am Reply

  wonderful and informative article about logo design and really useful examples

• Web Design Kansas City March 24, 2011 at 4:19 pm Reply

  Every designer knows how frustrating it is to work with a difficult client. In the future, we’ll suggest that our clients who want a logo designed read this to have a better understanding of the elements that go into logo design.

• Veranstaltungstechnik Berlin April 8, 2011 at 4:53 am Reply

  The Logo from the London Underground is realy Simple an Timeless! I like it.

• Pretty April 8, 2011 at 10:05 am Reply

  Great article Jacob! Thanks for sharing such a good information. A logo can make a company rise as well a destroy it. It’s a very important decision that has to be taken seriously. I think Pepsi made the mistake at first by making its logo similar to Coca Cola’s

• Ottawa Web Design April 12, 2011 at 9:26 am Reply

  This is Great Article Jacob. I really love the article, and the way you wrote. Making a good logo is to make a logo which explains the matter.

• Gen McKeiver April 12, 2011 at 10:16 am Reply

  I know how important brand identity is but I keep finding other logos that I like better than mine and I keep second guessing if mine represents me. Thank you for all of your pointers, this is going to help me decide if I redesign or keep the same one.

• Tim Read April 15, 2011 at 4:01 am Reply

  Thanks for that – its easy to get caught up in getting a complicated concept over, when really what you want to do it keep it simple… first simplify it in your mind, then the simple version comes out on paper.

• Donovan Crow April 21, 2011 at 5:24 am Reply

  Just a quick word to say thanks and this post was very helpful for me.

• China CCTV Camera April 22, 2011 at 2:43 am Reply

  Amazing how the Coca-Cola has never changed, I never noticed until I saw it on this post. I guess they call it “classic” for a reason.

• Concurs cosmetice May 17, 2011 at 8:57 am Reply

  Yeah, tell it to the dude that wants the logo to be in “purple, green and neon yellow”, with a deep black shadow. And that’s for a seaside hotel :-)

• Grafik Tasar?m May 21, 2011 at 11:10 am Reply

  Hi, love to read your articles; we are a graphic design agency located in Istanbul. I agree with most you have written about a good logo design, except keeping it simple. In the end, it’ll be the marketing success of the company with whom the logo will be associated with. Complex and detailed design but great services, happy customers, that logo shall still be a good logo. I guess :)

• Mark June 7, 2011 at 10:37 am Reply

  This is always a subject up for debate. Its sometimes about the overall branding rather than just the logo. I think most of the major brands have strong logos but there some that don’t seem to have a very strong logo at all but a very strong brand identity.

• Nazan June 21, 2011 at 11:33 am Reply

  amazing article about logo design! the difference between coca cola and pepsi logos is a very clever comparison. the principles of good logo design are seriously informative, thanks a lot.

• Whoo¿ June 28, 2011 at 9:20 pm Reply

  Harley Davidson has the words “MOTOR COMPANY” around it…

• Swift Creations July 4, 2011 at 3:35 pm Reply

  Some really good tips and examples here. Thanks a lot for sharing.

• Denim Geek July 5, 2011 at 10:02 am Reply

  Great post, I love the Pespi – Coca Cola comparison. Why fix something that isnt broken, right.

• Muhammad Shahbaz July 10, 2011 at 12:23 pm Reply

  Very informative post i like it keep it up dude!

• ideaoz.ru July 11, 2011 at 11:21 am Reply

  Coca Cola simply legend

• ocimnet July 25, 2011 at 1:52 am Reply

  Thanks for the great article

• Michael July 25, 2011 at 11:28 am Reply

  Awesome post, congratulation Jacob. I totally agree with you.

• Michael July 25, 2011 at 11:30 am Reply

  Awesome post! I totally agree with your tips.

• Creative Direction July 31, 2011 at 11:58 am Reply

  Thanks for the tips, it is always important to get an idea of what style of brand fits with what client and this will be really useful to show them in briefing. Many thanks for sharing

• sarah August 6, 2011 at 8:51 am Reply

  Coca Cola has a really timeless logo, but honestly in my opinion pepsi tastes better…

• Virtual Agents September 7, 2011 at 10:05 pm Reply

  Your mention is very helpful. “A good logo is distinctive, appropriate, practical, graphic, simple in form and conveys an intended message.” Thanks for this post. I love it.

• Nilu September 10, 2011 at 4:16 pm Reply

  Very informative and useful article, that 5 principles is just the key to a good logo design. Thanks.

• Yordan September 11, 2011 at 3:57 pm Reply

  5 principles for effective logo design. Thank you for this article.

• jayjay September 16, 2011 at 4:21 am Reply

  great:D xxxx

• website logo design usa September 17, 2011 at 2:37 am Reply

  that’s what I always used to believe. A logo should be simple and it should involve less colours. .

• Markus Jalmerot September 21, 2011 at 1:11 pm Reply

  Amazing logos from the companies featured. Especially Coca cola stand out as the premium brand over Pepsi – even though Pepsi actually taste better.

• marketing services September 28, 2011 at 9:24 pm Reply

  Most definitely true. I think the the most undermined key aspect you speak of here is the APPROPRIATE part. Many young designers tend to sink into the visual aspect rather without taking in consideration the long term effect the logo needs to have on the viewer. Thank you for this post, definitely something any designer or marketer should read

• Nitin lokhande October 8, 2011 at 5:06 pm Reply

  The logo design principles is really useful for everyone who want’s to make an infective & memorable logo design…thanks

• Dom Digital Marketing October 19, 2011 at 11:54 am Reply

  Great examples of what makes a logo – a logo, especially with the timeline and comparing CocaCola to Pepsi. Nice work.

• Mobile Web Design October 22, 2011 at 4:55 pm Reply

  If only a few more logo designers would stick yo these principals and followed the clients brief life would be so much easier.

• SANJAY November 3, 2011 at 3:32 am Reply

  I completed MBA from best university in London, and i started my own jewellery business in INDIA. i understand the real meaning of logo after read this small but important article im my life. I m going to start another business, i promise to you that i will use this article in my new business logo.

• Website Designing November 8, 2011 at 6:30 am Reply

  thank you for telling about the use of a good designed logo.

• Logo Designing November 8, 2011 at 6:34 am Reply

  A Good examples of what makes a logo – a logo, especially with the timeline and comparing CocaCola to Pepsi. Good Work

• ranna azam November 20, 2011 at 12:22 pm Reply

  this is a really great piece of article.i guess Pepsi vs Coca Cola is especially interesting. great job!thanks for sharing it.

• Angel Hui November 20, 2011 at 12:43 pm Reply

  hi, google brought me here ;) your information really help me much in deciding my design career in the future… though i am still worried about if i could get into local university now lol

• Ritesh Seth November 22, 2011 at 2:53 pm Reply

  It was refreshing to read your article. Even as marketing professionals, we sometimes overlook the very basics of brand devices (i.e. logo in this case). I have bookmarked your page to share with others in the office. Thanks, Ritesh Seth

• Alaa November 22, 2011 at 11:57 pm Reply

  This is a really nice article, Its simple and to the point, I Love it… Thaaanks… :)

• Hannah December 8, 2011 at 6:03 am Reply

  Hi Jacob, Thank you for all the intelligent and useful content you post on your website. Being a graphic designer myself I look at loads of other’s websites for different things to be inspired by, and somehow, often by complete accident, I will always find yours again, giving me useful information or inspiring ideas. All us anonymous faces appreciate your efforts:)

• Swamykant December 21, 2011 at 12:58 am Reply

  Nice post. I will surely remember this rule while creating next logo. Thanks

• Daly January 18, 2012 at 10:59 am Reply

  This is very well outlined and summed up. I’d like to print it out and give it to my every client before they decide to order a logo.

• pooshda January 26, 2012 at 8:51 pm Reply

  Great Article, I apply a lot of these principles to my own logo projects as well. A lot of people (clients) don’t seem to realize just how much work and thinking is really involved in creating a great logo.

• Praveena Sarathchandra February 3, 2012 at 12:27 pm Reply

  Well written post! Thanks for sharing these great tips!

• Article Marketing Italia February 5, 2012 at 1:15 pm Reply

  What do you think about the Copyright on the logo?

• Scott March 29, 2012 at 6:05 pm Reply

  There are some logos that are just timeless and should not be messed with. Coke is one of them. Every time they tried something new it just didn’t look the same.

• Justin April 17, 2012 at 11:46 am Reply

  I would like to add one thing to your list. Contrast. Having contrast between background and foreground is very important.

• Logo Designers May 2, 2012 at 3:06 am Reply

  Just too good! Your post is direct, descriptive and has the most relevant examples. I simply loved the Pepsi-Coca Cola logo comparison based on the ‘timeless’ factor. The logos of Toysrus and WWF are really good examples.

• Kamran Khan May 5, 2012 at 4:41 am Reply

  Hi Jacob, I have some reservation regarding JUST CREATIVE logo and website. I will be highly appriciate your attention on my request. Thanks.

• Susmita May 9, 2012 at 5:50 am Reply

  can anyone clarify what is timeless and classic design? It would be a great help

• daniel maul May 16, 2012 at 5:41 pm Reply

  Hi Jacob - Thanks for at great post. Most clients don’t understand the “Simple” and “Timeless” unfortunately. Do you ever deal with some problems like that?

  • Jacob Cass May 16, 2012 at 5:51 pm Reply

    I think they go hand in hand, and it’s our jobs to educate clients as much as possible. If they are a tough client, show them their ideas and yours.