Like others have touched on already
Pros
Algorithms excel at generating geometric patterns, symmetrical designs, and mathematical curves, all of which can technically create visually striking logos.
Programmatically generated logos could push the boundaries of traditional design, creating styles that are difficult or impossible to achieve manually.
This could appeal to tech-forward brands or projects where the process of creation is part of the story.
An SVG-based approach is highly scalable, and with clever scripting, you could generate variations of a logo for different contexts (e.g., responsive design for web vs. print).
Automating repetitive tasks like generating multiple variations, applying constraints, or experimenting with forms can save a lot of time.
Technical Challenges and Limitations
SVG, Python libraries like Matplotlib, and similar tools primarily operate in RGB, but print workflows require CMYK or spot colors.
Converting RGB designs to CMYK can lead to unexpected colour shifts, especially with vibrant hues. You’d need post-processing tools (like Adobe Illustrator) to handle colour adjustments for print.
Programmatic approaches might struggle with nuanced typography, spacing, kerning, and adjustments that human designers fine-tune for logos.
Libraries like Pango (for Python) or PangoCairo might help but won’t match human judgment.
Algorithms can generate interesting patterns, but might not capture the subtleties of what makes a logo “fit” a brand’s identity. Design principles like balance, contrast, and emotional resonance often require a designer’s intuition.
SVG is a fantastic starting point, but most clients or workflows require additional formats like EPS, AI, or raster files in various resolutions (e.g., PNG, JPEG). Automating these outputs is possible but adds complexity.
Good logos must work in various contexts; small sizes, grayscale, or reversed out on dark backgrounds. Ensuring your programmatic designs are versatile may require additional testing and refinement.
Ethics:
As others pointed out, a major part of professional logo design involves working closely with clients to understand their brand and vision. This process is hard to replicate programmatically.
While your approach is innovative, it may only appeal to a narrow audience. Traditional clients often prefer the hands-on expertise of a designer who can interpret their needs in a highly personal way.
That Being Said…
There’s real potential here for projects where the process itself is as important as the output.
For example
Tech companies might appreciate a logo generated via a unique algorithm as part of their brand story.
Dynamic or generative branding could be an avenue, where logos evolve based on data or parameters (e.g., time of day, user input).
If you decide to pursue this, you might also find inspiration in Processing or p5.js for generative art or explore Adobe’s ExtendScript for automating aspects of traditional design software. Python libraries like Cairo, Pillow, or Manim could also give you powerful tools for experimentation.
This feels like a very long journey especially for someone with your technical background.
I do think you need the helping hand of a print designer/professional logo designer to help fine-tune everything, from fonts, kerning, colour variations, etc.
There is no single button to create great designs, if there was we’d out of a job.
At the moment, not even AI can replicate human ingenuity and design techniques.
We’re not there yet.
I can’t wait to have a button that says ‘Completel Design’ and I can walk into the sunset holding wads of cash.
