Logo design advice

[kev1e]

Hi am looking for advice in logo design i would be gratefull if anyone could help. I have books on logo design that i use for inspiration and learning which i find a great help. When starting out a logo is it a good idea to have some sketches first before going to the computer? I have used picture fonts to kickoff a design but am not sure where i would stand with copyright laws?. Since this is just a hobbie at the moment i have been making up company names then design a logo to suit to create a portfolio. Should i keep my design simple till i gain more experience? I am really looking for any advice in logo design?

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[Logo-Mechanix]

Hi Kev, logo design is an art form in itself. Books are a good way to learn about logo design what might work and what might not. I always start with sketches first in black and white only, making up companies and designing logos for them is a good way to learn and to also look at existing logos and determine what makes good or bad logos. You always want a logo easily read and easily remembered. You can always post some of you ideas here and we will be glad to give you a few pointers and opinions.

[VoodooChild]

Im just studying at the moment but have an interest in logo design myself and like you have designed a few logos for small companys. I tend to have the thought in my head then sketch something out on paper first before going to the computer, if this is what you`ve been doing then stick to it....
There is a handy write up on the start up page of this site.
I posted a logo I designed on here and got feedback from designers, maybe you should consider that. They can tell you what is wrong with it (if any of course).

[Navian]

When starting out a logo is it a good idea to have some sketches first before going to the computer?

Always.

I have used picture fonts to kickoff a design but am not sure where i would stand with copyright laws?

Picture fonts? You mean like Wingdings? Depending on the font, most of fonts that you have with your software/computer as long as the software is legit (legally owned copy), you should be fine with copyright laws. However, if you have a font that didnt come with those and you downloaded it, with out permission or sales recipt you could risk some serious trouble.

Now, using a picture font to start a design for a logo, I'd rethink this. Although, using typography tricks, you can accomplish some of the same thing without even using a picture font (ie, wingdings)

Since this is just a hobbie at the moment i have been making up company names then design a logo to suit to create a portfolio. Should i keep my design simple till i gain more experience? I am really looking for any advice in logo design?

Always keep logos as simple and black/white as you can (create them in a vector program). As it is just a hobbie, there isnt a problem with copyright issues. However if you ever start designing/printing/selling designs without proper permission & licenses (business and software), you could also be learking in some trouble.

My 2¢, take it for what its worth.

[kev1e]

Thanks for the feedback i value all your comments will starting posting some of my work to get some feedback. Thanks again to everyone