If you have ever found yourself curious about what kind of work is involved in a logo design, then this study might be of interest to you. I am going to take a logo graphic that I created for a client, and run you through the process step by step. So fasten your safety belts, this is going to be intense!

1. Soak Up Inspiration

In order to begin, you MUST place yourself inside the mind of a sponge. Once you have the project details from your client you can start opening your eyes to everything around you. There are so many incredible resources right at your fingertips, it would be a shame not to take full use of them. Here are a few places that I highly recommend looking into:

• iStockphoto – If you have already tried the main image search engines such as Google or Yahoo, try a stock photo site and you will find photography, illustration, video and more.
• LogoLounge Book Collection – These are essential for any designer interested in logo design. Each volume is organized neatly into different sections (i.e. “sports, shapes, enclosures, etc.”) for endless hours of browsing. Sometimes I will search through an entire book looking strictly for color schemes.
• Bookmarked Websites – If you aren’t as obsessive about organizing your bookmarks as I am, that’s okay. But my bookmark site feature sees a whole lot of action, and it really comes in handy when I need to get some great ideas or check out some trendy styles. Try LogoPond or Creattica, just to name a couple.
• Browse A Bookstore or Library – It wouldn’t hurt to step into the vast world of books and do some research on the subject matter for your logo design…

2. Sketch

Now that your brain is filled to the brim with ideas, it’s time to explore them through sketching. This is an ESSENTIAL step for any artist because it is the best method for unleashing your thoughts efficiently onto paper. These sketches will quickly tell you if they are worth exploring further as concepts. I recommend using graph paper, as this will make it easier to create custom typography and other precise illustrations. Here is an example of my sketches from the Bolt Flyers project.

3. Concept Exploration on the Big Screen

Next, I will scan my sketches, doodles, and illustrations in to my computer. This enables me to recreate the worthy concepts by tracing them with the pen tool in Adobe Illustrator. This step is typically where I start getting picky with my work, deciding whether a certain sketch or idea is going to work. This is also an appropriate time to throw a bunch of different fonts onto your art board; I like to place them side by side to see which ones give off the right vibe.

Once you have some promising typefaces to work with, you can start pairing your type with your icon in various layouts. NOTE: I do not start working with color until the next step, these layout concepts should be created in black and white or grayscale so that you can give them ample contrast.

4. Organize, Finalize!

Once you have your layouts to choose from, it is a matter of choosing the most flexible one for the client’s purpose.

Enter “Get A Design Job,” an incredibly thorough PDF guide to landing your dream employment. I found it to be a very interesting read, and learned quite a bit from its wealth of information. Please feel free to download, and good luck in your search!

Download PDF

Get_a_Design_Job_2008

If you are interested in checking out the contest details, click here.

It has an easy-to-use interface for quick portfolio updates. Its simplicity really makes this the premier online method of showcasing your work.

Click the button below for a direct link to my Behance Portfolio…enjoy!

Time for show and tell – this is a current project that I have had the pleasure of working on this weekend. It is for a band called, “Vortex Park,” hailing from Atlanta, GA.

I just received my new business cards this afternoon, and they look incredible! I went with a new printer this time, and I would strongly recommend them to anybody looking for biz cards. The company is MOO Custom Business Cards, and they can create a whole host of different promotional items. I went with the unique MiniCards, which are 1.1″ wide by 2.76″ tall. Tiny, huh? These trendy cards can be customized, up to 100 different images (great for showcasing portfolios)! Check them out here.

From design magazines to my brain to you.

I know what you’re thinking…about time, right? Welcome to the True Blue Graphics blog section.

What can you expect from this blog?

Be on the lookout for interesting articles that inspire, educate, and even some that tickle your funny bone. You will also see posts containing freebies and resources for your next design project! Follow me, Trey Ingram, as I explore creative concepts in the wonderful world of graphic arts.

I don’t claim to know everything about my craft, but I am always seeking to soak up more design skills. Kind of like a sponge. Yes, exactly like a sponge. Check back frequently to watch me grow into a colossal design giant! You might discover a few things along the way, too.