Logo design is not easy even when you’re a seasoned designer. That’s because, in spite of being so small in size, the logo needs to express the ideas that define the brand. Also, most logo designs need to be simple and unique enough so users can easily identify them when they buy the brand’s products or services.
Plus, designers must be aware of copyright infringement rules and regulations to avoid stepping on another company’s toes. If this happens, you may be liable in front of a court of law if the affected company or individual decides to take legal action.
As you can see, there is a lot more to logo design than just drawing the concept and checking back and forth with the client to make sure they approve. Plus, once the design is approved and you can start working, there are other things to consider too. For instance, how will you send the logo to your customer?
A beginner designer may think that it’s enough to send the vector format of the logo. After all, this file includes all the details so the client can do whatever he/she wants with it. Sadly, things aren’t that easy (if you want to get a good reputation and increase your customer base).
Any proper designer will make sure the customer has all the formats and sizes they need for various activities (marketing campaigns, print, online use, and more). This step is important because a design looks different in various sizes. Also, the colors may need some adjustment for various types of media.
Therefore, before you format your files for logo design, here are a few tips to follow:
#1: Choose the Right File Type
AI, EPS, PDF, SVG, PNG, JPG? What type do you need to use in order to make sure your logo designs reach the customer without too much fuss?
Well, all these represent file formats that designers use in their activity. Each has various pros & cons, but the most common one is the PDF. A PDF file is easy to view, can be a vector (if generated from Adobe Illustrator or another software), and can be shared easily online.
Plus, you can easily convert PDF to Word and other formats, which makes this format extremely flexible when it comes to working with various documents and designers.
#2: Editable Files
Keep in mind that, even though it is your creation, the logo is your customer’s property (they paid for it). Therefore, in order to make sure they have everything they need, it’s important to add a file that is editable.
This usually means sending out a working file (from Adobe Illustrator or another vector software) that the customer can use to adjust the logo in the future. They may even decide to change designers and will retain their right to edit your creation.
#3: Check Your Agreement
This is usually a concern for freelance designers and small companies because things can get ugly if the initial agreement is not honored in full. When you accept a job that requires you to design a corporate logo, it’s important to read the fine print and make sure you understand everything.
That’s because corporations like to add or change clauses that may not be beneficial for the second party. Also, if you forget to deliver something or miss it because you didn’t read the agreement, you may be found in breach of contract, which is a serious deal.
#4: Transparent Background
The default with graphic software platforms like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop is a transparent background. However, when presenting the concept and the logo idea, many designers like to use colors that highlight various qualities of the logo.
Still, when the logo is ready to be delivered, you must make sure to remove any background color (even white) or graphic elements. Otherwise, the customer won’t be able to use the design.
#5: Different Files for Different Versions
If you have more versions of the same logo, make sure to save them in separate files and name them accordingly. Never send out one file with all the logos gathered together (even if you’re using separate pages)!
Also, if there are different sizes of the same design, it’s best to send each size separately.
Overall, it’s good practice to discuss how the logo will be used, the formats the customer needs, and the different variations they want. This way, when the design is ready, it will be easy to format everything and deliver it.
