THE THREE LOGO TYPES
Font-based: This type of logo is basically letters done in a custom font style. Some examples of this type of logo are: Facebook, Twitter and Sony.
Literal Illustration: This is taking what a particular business does, and incorporating it into the logo. For instance if you were a ballet teacher, you could have a simple illustration of ballet shoes alongside your company name.
Abstract Graphic: This is a picture or symbol that doesn’t have any existing meaning. Nike’s swoosh is the perfect example of this type of logo.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD LOGO?
1. Simple & Clean
Less is more when it comes to logo design. An over-complicated design or a symbol cluttered with layers will be hard to duplicate and may not be as memorable. Good logos look fresh and simple. Another thing to consider when creating a logo is the number of colors included. The more colors you have in your logo the more expensive it gets to print. A nice rule of thumb is to keep a logo to two or three colors (including black as one of the colors).
2. Easy to Remember
Customers don’t have much time. You want to provide them with an easy-to-remember, unique symbol to help them quickly associate with your business.
3. Not Trendy
Once you decide on a logo, you shouldn’t change it. It should be able to stand the test of time for the duration of your company. So it is a good idea to stay clear of those design choices that may be fleeting -- like the 1980’s neon madness.
4. Versatile
You will need a logo that looks good in black & white as well as color. Additionally, you will want a logo that can be easily printed on anything – t-shirts, mugs, vehicles, trophies, business cards – you name it. Of course, you may not need those things for your business, however, it is better to leave your options open. Avoid lengthy horizontal logos, which can be difficult to fit on various projects.
5. Fitting & Appropriate
Think about your business-type and industry. Create a logo that is appropriate within those areas. For instance, if you are in the finance business, you will want to have a conservative and professional feel to your logo. If you are a professional clown, obviously you can go in the more playful direction. A nice way to determine what is appropriate for your business is to research what some of your competitors' logos look like.