The Logo Design Process of Top Logo Designers

The Logo Design Process of Top Logo Designers

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Want to know the secrets of how top graphic designers create their logos?

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This article will reveal exactly how top logo designers of today’s modern age create their logos. It will show the design process that these designers go through to get to their final logo design.

Their Design Process:

  1. The Brief
  2. Research
  3. Visual Research
  4. Sketching & Conceptualising
  5. Reflection
  6. Positioning
  7. Presentations
  8. Celebration

1. The Brief

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.”


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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

Research

After moulding 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

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.

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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 source book, however others say that doing so, is limiting your design solution.

4. Sketching & Conceptualising

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.

When conceptualising, 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 – look between the e and x). 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 my article on 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

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 (learn 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

Positioning

This is where designers choose how to work… 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. Personally, I try to find a happy medium.

7. Presentation

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. I personally, present only the best 1 or 2 concepts.

8. Celebration

Celebration

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In a survey conducted to 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.

Summary

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 or even better, use the Print function found at the bottom of this article.

  1. Design Brief: Conduct Questionnaire or Interview with client to get the design brief.
  2. Research: Conduct research focused on the industry itself, on its history, and on its competitors.
  3. Reference: Conduct research into logo designs that have been successful and current styles and trends that are related to the design brief.
  4. Sketching & Conceptualising: Develop the logo design concept(s) around the brief and research. Use creativity. Know how to design a logo.
  5. Reflection: Take breaks throughout the design process. This lets your ideas mature and for you to get renewed enthusiasm. Receive feedback.
  6. 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.
  7. Presentation: Choose to present only a select few logos to the client or a whole collection.
  8. Celebration: Drink beer, eat chocolate, sleep, start on next logo design. Or a combination. 😉

Moral

Moral of the story

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 are interested in getting a professionally designed logo, I am currently available for hire.

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This article 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.

About Jacob Cass

Jacob Cass is a brand designer & strategist, educator, podcaster, business coach and the founder of JUST Creative, an award-winning branding & design consultancy that doubles as an industry-leading blog. Get in touch.

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233 thoughts on “The Logo Design Process of Top Logo Designers”

  4. I love the article. Thanks for sharing.

    I would have never thought of actually doing visual research. Now that I think of it, it seems almost essential. I could see how some designers who just rely on their past knowledge would get stuck in a certain type or way or design. Learning and using new ideas seems to be essential.

  7. @Liam
    Your welcome, yes I thought the graphics would liven the article up… always does.

    @Jacob Carter
    I always do visual research, sometimes even before I write the brief as it gives a better understanding of what you may be dealing with.

    @Paradise
    Thank you for your kind words.

  10. Hi David,

    So far so good, still working out a few kinks here and there but generally its going well.

    Regarding positioning, it also depends what the client wants and who the client is, ie. If Nike approached you and said do this, then pretty much you should unless of course there is good reason not to.

    The book was one I borrowed from my library but I did read it and it was quite interesting, with what I posted being the most insightful. You still haven’t posted what books you own 😛

  11. I think that if Nike were to hire a design agency, they’d do so because they want the agency’s opinion. Otherwise, all their work would be in-house. I wonder who’s responsible for Nike’s design work?

    On the subject of my library, I haven’t had time to take photos of the books, and probably better to take it one at a time. I haven’t forgotten though. 🙂

    David Airey’s last blog post..When is a ‘bad’ logo design actually ‘good’?

  12. Another arguable blog post about whether to educate your client or not, I know educating your client (www.makemylogobiggercream.com ring a bell?) would be a bit more favourable however in Nike’s example I think that they would trust a agency by the work that they have previously done so Nike would not need be educated as such, they would just expect it to be quality but of course it varies from project to project.
    I couldn’t find a thing on who does Nike’s designs but it was only a quick search. You could just list the books and provide links on Amazon.

  17. A wonderful post and thanks for sharing it with everyone. A very good presentation overall.

  20. Hi Jacob,

    Great articles, you clearly know your stuff. This information on logo design is incredible, thank you very much for posting it.

    I have a few questions and I hope it’s alright to ask:

    1) Roughly how long does the logo design process take?
    2) What is the best way to charge a client for the service, hourly or as set fee?
    3) How much should a designer charge? I’ve been a designer for 10 years but have never designed a logo, but up for the challenge.

    Thanks again!

  22. Great Article! I work for the best web design firm located in NY called NoamDesign and it’s always great to stumble upon articles that help motivate, educate and inspire! Thanks!

  26. Nice overview and I especially like the added graphics, but I’m sure you probably already figured that! 😉 I think a lot of designers, myself included, skip the reflection part. It’s a nice idea, but sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day, week, or whatever the deadline is for a design. It’s definitely a good idea, and I’ve had times where I’ve thought of something better days later, but by then it’s past deadline and too late.

  27. Kristina,
    That is also true, that is why I usually try to start logo designs as soon as I can so I can get the reflection part in, it really does improve the final result.

  29. Yup … Reflection is a big part for me too. I had a little giggle at the ‘creative cul-de-sac’ as it’s something I think that we have all experienced.

  30. Great post!

    It’s always nice to read a short reflection on how the design process works (or at least how it should) because sometimes you find yourself making too many adjustments to fit client constraints.

    I especially liked #6. Personally, I think I would like to start positioning myself closer to your business/lawyer analogy.

    Thanks for the read,
    Lawrence

  34. Great article Jacob!It’s so true without a strong brief your are flying blind.How do you handle clients that only offer a very basic brief? I’m starting to tear my hair out with ones that are…I need a logo for a Gym.

  36. Don’t you just hate taking on design work for a company when they already have a shit logo!! A good logo should compliment a design it is going on. It’s a nightmare when you design something good for a company and then you have to place their poor logo onto your great design.

  37. That’s the turth! Especially while I am designing a logo for someone. I like your site Jacob Cass, Hope we can have more communication in the future!

  38. Thanks Jacob Cass for your valuable post. I think Logo design is an important area of graphic design, and one of the most difficult to perfect. The logo is the image embodying an organization. Because logos are meant to represent companies’ brands or corporate identities and foster their immediate customer recognition, it is counterproductive to frequently redesign logos. The term Logo Design refers to a number of artistic and professional disciplines, which focus on visual communication and presentation.

  39. Excellent layout of the key aspects related to creating well thought out and planned design. Its not all about creativity there is logic in it to 🙂

  42. “… 35% can’t celebrate because they must start on the next logo design.”
    Isn’t it an easy way to professional burnout? Celebration should be one of most important stages, it helps to find motivation in this job.

    Thanks for the article.

  43. thanks for the nice article…I am too often part of the 35% that miss the celebration phase and head straight to the next logo design.

  45. For me research research research! is the key. You can never do enough research. Having a good grounding goes a long way towards satisfying the greatest of needs from any client when designing a logo.

  48. It’s interesting to discover that this guide doesn’t deviate from what I naturally do …

  49. Really helpful because logo design is my weak point. The beginning, when it can go in any direction, is where I fail and run out of ideas

  50. Hi Jacob,

    I am glad to read your article, is really helps me in the way of designing and i feel i learn allots of new skills, understanding the steps of creating logo step by step….

    Thanks alots….

  52. The process described here is certainly going to act as a bookmark for many aspiring logo designers. Great thoughts!

  54. Those are exactly what I am doing every time I start my design. I am glad I`m on the right track.

  55. But there are always some clients who don`t understand at all our process as designers. They always think creating logos is EASY and instant. I met a few clients who came up to me at the very last minute and asked me to design NICE logos for them in a matter of less than 24 hours.

    I usually just told them I couldn`t guarantee I would finish on time.

  56. Ok, just right after I posted my previous comments.

    Now I am being asked to produce a logo in less than 4 hours, with no given time for brainstorming, no information about the company, and the worst part is minus presentation from me, the designer.

    Great.

  57. A well written brief should reduce bad direction for end design. Badly written brief or even worst NO brief is just asking for trouble.

  59. Haha, I found another great post by Jacob Cass, this one is definately bookmarked and I will be having a good look over your website in some detail early in the new year. Thanks for the helpful articles.

  60. Hello. I have a potential client that would like me to design a logo for their company. I gave him a very very fair quote and this is how he responded:

    “But what if this design doesn’t jive for me, either? Am I paying for your time to produce something or for a logo I’m going to use?”

    How do you think I should respond? Help please.

  62. Hi

    This is Raj Gopal am a graphic designer, am mad about ur articles & designs the way of working & after work the way of rationale i love it.

  64. I would advise anyone looking for a designer to read this as much as I would advise any designer to read.

  67. Just go through your logo design creation process.. Good article on the logo process. Thanks for sharing.

  68. Thanks for this post. I love the designs. Icredible Site. It’s really well structured and I found very helpful tips. Keep it up!

  70. The logo design process can be complex and it is easy to go wrong. This article is a good overview of the steps involved in the process and of the places where things can go wrong.

    I wish there were articles like this when I started out. Really wish I’d stumbled upon it a few years ago – when you first wrote it.

    Thank you – I’ll be pointing clients at this to clarify their understanding of the process.

  71. I find that keeping the clients informed about the process and letting them know how I work definitely helps them understand what they’re paying for. It also helps out in the word of mouth referrals.
    Design process and a questionnaire are the tools that’ll help a designer differentiate himself/herself from the specwork/freelancer websites market.

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  78. Hi! I have a question for all of you: how much time does it take you to go through all the process of creating a logo?
    also, what do you do to fasten it? because, let’s face it, most people won’t even try to understand the process and just nedd you, the designer, to finish a logo in only 5 hours. Do you think that’s unreasonable?

    I hope you can help me! I’ve been in this industry for one year, and I always face this problem .

    And thanks for the info, btw!!

  79. Hi hunter,
    the time spent for designing a logo may vary from one project to another depending on the kind of client, the deadline imposed, my will to explore new techniques or just be straight and effective.
    But once the brief is done (the interview will the client may take from 30 min to 1 Hour) the Research and Sketching steps can take from 1 to 2 hours.

    In any case the most time consuming part is the conceptualizing and refining steps. It generally take from 2 to 5 hours in order to show around 5 differents propositions to the client.

    So I’d say that including the brief It takes me around 4 to 8h to be able to show 5 choices of logo to the client.

    Not to mention the fact the the client will most of the time want to add, remove or change something till the final version, but that is another story.

  83. This is what i was looking for Jacob! This is what professionals doing for getting the perfect idea for making a custom logo design..This post is old but the quality of this content is very trendy for the graphic designer..

    Thanks!

  86. An attractive Logo plays a very crucial part in your company/organization growth. Your Company’s logo holds the attention of the prospective customer and secondly does it for a reasonable cost. It is very important to make a logo for Startups or small industries because of fame and popularity.

  88. Thank you sir for the provide great article and “Free Logo Design Inspiration Ebook”…
    i am your big fan sir………

  89. i absolutely agree with you about the design process.
    i think… this is what professionals doing for getting the perfect idea for any design project

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