Twitter and {My Heart Felt} Life Logo and Header Design
July 22, 2010
I always enjoy meeting new friends and building business relationships through Twitter (my all-time favorite social networking site). When I first started with Twitter 2 years ago, I never imagined the great benefit it would be for me and my businesses. It was a slow start at first but it became a catalyst to take my business from part time to full time, from mediocre to now very successful.
To me, Twitter is not just about business, but it is also personal. I call it “Relational Marketing” – building relationships that help market your business because you get to know people on all different levels. They begin to trust you because they can see who you really are through your daily communication.
I now have almost 10,000 followers and the number grows each day. And out of those people, I closely follow about 100 to 200 who I have categorized as friends. I have a column in my Tweetdeck where I can follow their tweets and keep in touch with them aside from my complete list of followers. In that list I have all different people from fellow blogging mom friends to long time clients and fellow entrepreneurs.
One of my mom friends, named Alaina, otherwise known as @AlainaFrederick on Twitter who I have known for quite sometime requested my graphic design services. We have worked together on projects in the past. She came to me about creating a logo and header design for her blog which she recently moved to a new domain as well as new theme on Wordpress. I asked her my usual list of design questions.
These were a few of her specifications for the logo design:
- Want design to mimic fresh start
- Love colors in Hummingbirds & Dragonflies (maybe use that image)
- Simple / Plain
- Elegent with a hint of fun
I came up with a few different logo drafts for her to choose from.
Alaina and her husband both liked the last one with the hummingbird. I then created a Wordpress header graphic and a 125×125 button to match.
I got specific instructions that she wanted a transparent header design with no background color so that it would work seamlessly on her site. This is what the logo and header design look like installed on her Wordpress blog.
I think it looks awesome, don’t you? Another happy client! Thanks Alaina and thanks Twitter for another great business connection!
FPE Services Logo and Header Design
June 15, 2010
I always love when previous clients come back to me for other graphic design projects. This client, I worked with last year on her blog header. And I guess she was pleased, because now she has come back for more. Gotta love a happy client!
This client’s requests were fairly simple. She needed a logo and header design for her new Virtual Assistant business called FPE Services Online. She specializes in Wordpress and Social Media Maintenance.
These were a few of her specifications:
- Some sort of Socialable Icon representing social media maybe?
- Colors – blue and silver
- Graphics in the header to represent social media platforms
With not much to go with, it was really up to me to come up with a design that would best suit her business. When I plan a design for any graphic, whether it be a logo, header, or even a button ad – I always first take a look at what the business or website is all about. So, for this graphic, I took the idea of a social icon and came up with a couple different option for her to choose from.
I let her know that my personal favorite was #4. And she also asked opinions from some of her friends and family and that was one of their top choices as well. So she decided to go with it.
My next project was taking the logo design and creating a website header for her. I thought a lot about how to incorporate the different social networking and media icons into the header and then decided to tie in the site’s title “Social Community Organizer”. When I think about organizing in business, I think about file folders. So, I decided to create file folder images with the social icons on them. I also incorporated the circle design from the icons into the background of the header as a faded finish into the blue. Great opportunity to play with the image fade in one of my favorite (free) design programs called Gimp.
My client was very pleased with the outcome on both the logo and header designs. Can you believe I didn’t even have to do any revisions? I LOVE that!
“The New Media Market” Social Media Conference Graphics
March 27, 2010
I am not usually one to do pro bono projects, but I was asked by one of my Twitter friends if I could help them by creating a logo & header for their new Social Media Conference that they were putting on Illinois. I am a BIG FAN of Social Media, so I agreed.
They gave me the title & tagline and pretty much gave me full reign to come up with the design. I love that! So here is what I came up with:
These first 2 images are drafts, so you will see that the images are not clear and the stock watermark is visible. When I create graphics, I do not purchase any stock images until I get approval from the client.
The client liked the first logo image the best. They said that the second one looked too close to the Coca-Cola logo. They also said that they wanted the emphasis on “New Media” instead of “Media Market”. So here is the final logo design with the tagline added:
One the logo was complete, I had to incorporate that into a header design for their Thesis Themed Wordpress Site. I decided to take the logo graphic of those jack looking things and use them within the background of the header. I used soft transparent colors so they would blend into the design.
My final part in the project was to get Thesis set up for them. I installed the header, added a nice blue colored background and then finished it off with customizing the navigation by incorporating the colors from the header.
So, there ya have it (as I always say). A pro bono project that wound up being a winner. My client and her team love the design and I felt good for helping them out. They are planning on adding me as a sponsor, so that will be some nice recognition and possibly opportunity for new clients in the future – love that!
So, what do you think? Do ya like or what?
Logo Design for Autism Foundation
February 11, 2010
This client came to me with several different ideas for her logo design. In all of them she wanted to incorporate a puzzle piece and a heart representing how love fits into the complex puzzle that makes up this special disorder. I did some research and found a few great images that would work. I then came up with a couple different designs with just the colorful puzzle pieces.
She loved the first one with the darker lettering, but decided she wanted to go with a different image. So, this is the final outcome. Can you see the little hearts on the guys holding the puzzle? I added those – nice touch right?
Essential Elements for a Custom Logo Design
December 31, 2009
Your logo is something that can be used on web sites, banners, and printed materials such as letterhead, business cards, flyers, and more. However in having a custom logo created for you, there are a few essential elements you need to consider. Following the tips provided will help you to create a memorable brand.
Keep It Simple – Keep your logo design simple. That does not mean it has to be boring but it really should’nt be too busy. Having too much in the logo design can cause confusion and may turn a person off causing them to utilize another company instead of yours. The key here is to remember that simple logos are identifiable, making them easy to remember. Think about the Golden Arches (McDonald’s) and you will get the picture. A person should be able to identify your logo. That is how simple it should be.
Your logo should also look great in color and in black and white.
Color It Correctly – Color is another essential element for your custom designed logo. Make sure that you are using colors that help to identify your brand. The colors you choose will also be used on all elements for your visual identity. This includes things like your custom website banner or header, button ads, promotional materials, media kits, and every facet of your branding efforts. Your colors must be cohesive and they have to be pleasing to the eye as well. When you choose your colors, choose wisely and correctly. A graphic designer can help you through the process of choosing colors that work well together and will help you promote your business and brand effectively.
Images & Text – Many logo designs include both images and text. It is almost imperative for your brand that you include some sort of image, especially at the beginning of getting your brand out there. However with the right font, you can create a powerful logo that will be memorable and recognizable. One question to ask yourself in choosing an image is if people will be able to identify and remember the logo as it relates to your specific brand.
Make Your Logo Flexible – Your logo design should be flexible in several respects. Your logo should be able to reproduce in both color and black and white. While color is vital due to branding, the shape and form of the logo is pertinent. The bottom line is that if it will not work in black and white, it will not work in color either.
You also want your custom logo to be scalable enough so that it looks equally good in many different sizes, whether it is on a small business card or on a giant IMAX cinema screen.
In conclusion, remember that your logo design will tell your customers who you are, so make sure that you send them the right message. This can only be ensured when you follow the essential elements and tips shared in this article.
Click here to see examples of our logo design work.
The Importance of a Custom Logo Design
October 9, 2009
Why Do I Need A Custom Logo Designed?
Making a good first impression is key in gaining prospective clients. Chances are, you won’t get the opportunity to sit down with them over a cup of coffee and convince them that your company is the best fit for their needs, especially if your business is mainly online. Referrals are great. A website is great. But more importantly, you need to capture the client’s attention through a logo design that truly represents your business in a memorable and professional way. A well-designed logo is your way of having that cup of coffee with the client and gaining their trust and respect.
- What does your company “Look” like? “Feel” like?
- What is the personality of your company?
You want your customers to know right away what your company stands for and how they’ll benefit from your services. All this is accomplished through a well-designed custom log0. Your logo should take those specific business personality traits and convey them visually in a way that the client will understand.
Logo Creates Identity and Branding
If you are a start up business, you really need to have a solid logo to create awareness that you have plunged into the market. Launching new products in that case would be backed up by an image which is your identity and which makes your business and your products or services stand out positively. Of course, quality of your products or services holds prime importance, but your logo plays a vital role in giving those products or services instant recognition and credibility among your target market.
Your prospects don’t need to know right away that your company consists only of you, or that you just started up two months ago, what they really want to know is, “Can you get the job done?” If you really can get the job done, then make sure they feel confident with your company at first glance. It can be love at first sight with the right logo. A well-designed logo that relates your company’s personality and professionalism will establish rapport between you and your prospects, and will in turn boost business.
A custom designed logo, has the ability to convert itself into a powerful brand which is recognized by all. Think about the popular companies like Nike, Coca Cola, and McDonalds. They each have logos that are recognized worldwide. We know Nike by the swoosh. We know CocaCola by the unmistakable red. We know McDonalds by the arches. And the list goes on.
Through a custom logo design, you can be the business that others will remember – the one that stands out against your competition. So, if you do not have a properly designed logo, you may be missing the chance to be truly identified.
A logo also represents your business on company letterhead, website, brochures, ad campaigns, business cards, emails and more. So, if you do not have a logo or you are not pleased with your current logo design, we can help! We can take your ideas – your vision – your brand, and create an individual identity that is all your own through one simple graphic logo.
Chances are, you won’t get an opportunity to sit down with prospective clients and convince them over a cup of coffee that your company is the best fit for their needs. So, how does anyone ever gain new clients?
Well, referrals are always nice. However, in order to really capture a prospective client’s attention and gain their respect, your logo is your best bet.
And nobody spends time looking into a company whose logo looks like it came off of a free CD, right? Of course not! A well-designed logo is your way of having that cup of coffee with the client, of convincing them that your company is the best fit for their needs, and of gaining their trust and respect.
Elements of Good Logo Design
What does your company “look” like? “Feel” like? What is the personality of your company? You want your customers to know right away what your company stands for and how they’ll benefit from your services. All this is accomplished through a well-designed custom logo.
A logo encompasses all the feeling and personality behind a company. Who you are, what you stand for, and why what you have to offer is better than the competition. Your logo should take those intangible “personality” traits and convey them visually in a tangible way that the client will understand.
Look Professional
Your prospects don’t need to know right away that your company consists only of you, or that you just started up two months ago. Sure, they’ll find out eventually, but what they really want to know at first is, “Can you get the job done?” Don’t make subliminal excuses by sporting a logo that screams, “We just started two months ago and didn’t have time to put together a corporate identity!”
If your prospect asked you face-to-face, “Can you do what I need you to do?” and your answer started off by saying, “Well, it’s just me, but I’m pretty sure I can get the job done,” I don’t think your prospect would stick around to cut a deal. You wouldn’t make excuses like that face-to-face, so don’t make them with a poorly designed logo.
Build Confidence
If you really can get the job done, then make sure they feel confident with your company at first glance. It can be love at first sight with the right logo. A well-designed logo that relates your company’s personality and professionalism will establish rapport between you and your prospects, and will in turn boost business.
