I had to repost this super-helpful list, from InternWhisperer. Thanks to Hans Damkoehler for sharing on the forum!
45 RULES FOR CREATING A GREAT LOGO DESIGN
Do not use more than three colors.
Get rid of everything that is not absolutely necessary.
Type must be easy enough for your grandma to read.
The logo must be recognizable.
Create a unique shape or layout for the logo.
Completely ignore what your parents and/or spouse think about the design.
Confirm that the logo looks appealing to more than just three (3) individuals.
Do not combine elements from popular logos and claim it as original work.
Do not use clipart under any circumstances.
The logo should look good in black and white.
Make sure that the logo is recognizable when inverted.
Make sure that the logo is recognizable when resized.
If the logo contains an icon or symbol, as well as text, place each so that they complement one another.
Avoid recent logo design trends. Instead, make the logo look timeless.
Do not use special effects (including, but not limited to: gradients, drop shadows, reflections, and light bursts).
Fit the logo into a square layout if possible, avoid obscure layouts.
Avoid intricate details.
Consider the different places and ways that the logo will be presented.
Invoke feelings of being bold and confident, never dull and weak.
Realize that you will not create a perfect logo.
Use sharp lines for sharp businesses, smooth lines for smooth businesses.
The logo must have some connection to what it is representing.
A photo does not make a logo.
You must surprise customers with presentation.
Do not use more than two fonts.
Each element of the logo needs to be aligned. Left, center, right, top, or bottom.
The logo should look solid, with no trailing elements.
Know who is going to be looking at the logo before you think of ideas for it.
Always choose function over innovation.
If the brand name is memorable, the brand name should be the logo.
The logo should be recognizable when mirrored.
Even large companies need small logos.
Everyone should like the logo design, not just the business that will use it.
Create variations. The more variations, the more likely you are to get it right.
The logo must look consistent across multiple platforms.
The logo must be easy to describe.
Do not use taglines in the logo.
Sketch out ideas using paper and pencil before working on a computer.
Keep the design simple.
Do not use any “swoosh” or “globe”symbols.
The logo should not be distracting.
It should be honest in its representation.
The logo should be balanced visually.
Avoid bright, neon colors and dark, dull colors.
The logo must not break any of the above rules.
4 Comments
timeoutdad | 04/22/2010 12:52 PM
We should come up with a quirky set of rules for logo design, because we’ve had quite a few winners that don’t follow these rules. For example, some of our logo designs have the taglines on them. Some of our winners have used bright, neon colors. Also, every one of ours obviously has the name of the product and not just a picture/icon.
Does anyone have a suggestion for software? What programs do most of you use to make the logos?
jess | 04/22/2010 1:08 PM
Oh, just to be clear! These aren’t our rules… just a helpful list of guidelines from a design website. Feel free to regard/disregard as you see fit =)
ChrisMoores | 04/22/2010 3:28 PM
I cannot find a single thing wrong with the list you’ve put together. Nice job,
kitt | 05/22/2011 10:18 AM
Hi,
I am trying to find out what the logo is for with the background and the white lines going through it (bottom left pictue on your examples)
Hope you can help.
Many thanks.