It’s easier than ever to create a logo online. There are plenty of tools that allow you to design a logo even without in-depth knowledge of graphic design. Unfortunately, many beginners make mistakes that can negatively affect the professional appearance and success of their brand. Here are the most common missteps you should definitely avoid when designing a logo online.
1. Overly Complex Design
Less is sometimes more – and this is doubly true with logos. A logo should be simple and easy to remember. If you add too many details, colors, and fonts, it can look cluttered and lose clarity.
2. Generic Icons and Symbols
Templates can be useful, but make sure your logo doesn’t look like every other logo. If you choose generic symbols like a light bulb for innovation or a graph for growth, your brand will easily blend in with the rest. Try to stand out with something unique!
3. Poor Font Choice
Fonts are more important than they may seem. If you choose a hard-to-read font or combine several mismatched fonts, the result will look unprofessional. Stick to one or two well-matched fonts instead.
4. Inappropriate Colors
Colors influence how people perceive your brand. If you choose an inappropriate color combination, you may turn off potential customers. It's also important to ensure your logo looks good on both light and dark backgrounds.
5. A Logo That Doesn’t Scale Well
Your logo should look good at any size, whether on a business card or a billboard. Too many details can make it illegible when scaled down. Therefore, make sure your logo works in a smaller version.
6. Using Images Instead of Vectors
The logo should be created as a vector (e.g., in SVG, AI, or EPS format) so it can be resized without losing quality. If you use PNG or JPG, it may blur or lose sharpness when enlarged.
7. Overlooking Competitors
Take a look at your competitors' logos – not just for inspiration, but more importantly, to avoid creating a logo that is too similar to existing ones. An original design will help you stand out and differentiate yourself.
8. Not Testing Your Logo
Don’t forget to test your logo! See how it looks on different backgrounds, in different sizes, and on various devices. It should be easy to read and visually appealing both online and in print. You can then save the different color versions of your logo in BrandCloud – a place where you can clearly view all variations together.
Conclusion
Designing a logo online is quick and convenient, but it’s worth paying a little more attention. If you avoid these common mistakes, you’ll create a logo that truly represents your brand. And if you’re unsure, there's no harm in asking a professional graphic designer for advice or using a high-quality online logo design tool.