Logo Creation

[designerdemarco]

I am realizing that the world of design keeps on getting larger and larger for a self-taught individual! Is their anyone who can help me with the general concept of logos. I know a good starting point is Illustrator, but I need some general information. Some beginner tips would help. I have to create three logos: one for a food pantry, one for a forum and one for facial/spa products. Any great tutorials on logo creation would help. I am going to search the tutorials on this web site as well, but any additional information would be helpful! Thanks a bunch!

[kialua]

The main object of any logo is to sell the product. Or make it understandable enough to want to buy it. You are not an artist? There are many factors to take into consideration and not really general guidelines to making a logo except creativity and "reproduce-ability". One instructor I had made us spend a lot of time in the Yellow Pages phone book looking over good and bad logos getting familiar with what worked and what didn't and then fixing bad ones or recreating them all together. It's a talent and a learning process. Good luck.

[Scott Weichert]

Actually my starting point for any logo is a pen and paper.

Write down words that describe the company, pick 5 of them and write down 5 words that describe those words. Then start doodling images to express the words on your last list.

[The Repro Kid]

yes, you will find there is a great deal of emphasis on a logo reflecting the "feel" of the company's philosophy and mission.

[Lukas Engqvist]

The logo should be unique and distinguishable. Some logos will have to retain their feel when printed, emosses, in colour, black-and-white, negative etc.

[designerdemarco]

I appreciate everyone's expertise in this matter. I am hoping to take a few classes to enhance my knowledge, but let me tell you sometimes being self-taught is stressful! :D I will take all the advice you have given me and hopefully come up with some great designs.

[sdijock]

If you go to www.logopond.com you'll see some incredible logo designs by designers of all different skill levels - some professionals and some amateurs. It'll at least give you a good idea of what a logo's purpose is and also provide you with some design inspiration.

Good luck.

[The Repro Kid]

I appreciate everyone's expertise in this matter. I am hoping to take a few classes to enhance my knowledge, but let me tell you sometimes being self-taught is stressful! :D I will take all the advice you have given me and hopefully come up with some great designs.Don't stress it! :)

Take a look at these web links (http://elitebydesign.com/105-logo-design-tuts-and-resources/) I found on a design related blog.

The 150 links are great. Text from the blog: "Nothing says “professional” like a well designed logo. Today, I want to showcase 105+ logo design tuts and resources to help you take your logo design to the next level.
RESOURCES
These resources are meant to give you the tools you need to design the perfect logo. However, nothing will help you more than practice, discipline, and endurance.
1.) What Makes A Great Logo - An article that explains four methods to creating a better, more memorable logo.
2.) Logo Design Trends - 2008 - It is always interesting to see logos evolve over time. How will they evolve in 2008? This article makes some pretty good predictions
...etc.