We need to address the many myths surrounding logo design. It keeps people from making mistakes and even helps them create well-performing, awe-inspiring designs. 

Here are some logo myths you should know. I hope this will help you ease your logo design process and even make it a fun experience. 

1. More is Better

When it comes to logo design, it’s not always those with more details that win. Sometimes, simpler designs are more effective. 

The more is better myth has perpetuated many aspects of design. The truth is people gravitate towards logos they easily understand — logos that need no explanation or elaborate comprehension.

But take note: You can also be less effective with simplicity. In short, being too simple can lead to a generic design. So the best way to do it is to still think of a very unique concept, one that hasn’t been thought of before. Or even consider concepts unrelated to your niche. This way, even if you design a simple and clear logo, it will make an impact.

2. Bigger Budget Means Better Designs

Just because you’ve put in a lot of money on the design doesn’t mean it will come out beautiful and effective. In fact, even with less budget, you can still create a wonderful design that can attract attention from your audience. 

Although yes, let's accept it. Bigger budget allows you to access high-quality designers and topnotch design agencies. But even then, you’re still not sure how the logo will turn out. 

Take the London Olympics logo for instance. Many criticized the eccentric design and even considered it to be the ugliest logo of any olympics. The cost? £400,000. 

See, expensive logos do not equate to positive perception. So what factors should you consider more than the budget? Communication. A designer should have a proper understanding of the client’s needs and the brand’s goal message. 

A clear design brief and communication between the two parties may affect the result of the logo more than budget alone. 

3. A Logo Should Have A Symbol

Not all logos should have a symbol. In fact, some famous logos are made of font styles alone. These are called wordmarks. It’s the use of different letter styles and colors to project a unique visual identity. This is also a logo. It’s different from the logomark or iconmark where instead of words, they use symbols.

Now, a wordmark, if done right, can also be a powerful logo. The key is to have a unique and legible font design. One of wordmark’s advantages is the direct telling of the brand name, as opposed to just icons and symbols with no name.

If you can’t choose between logomark or wordmark, you can actually design both and include both in your branding. This way, you get the benefits of being known by your name and by your image. 

4. A Logo Should Reflect The Brand Service

A logo doesn’t have to be related to the brand’s products or services. For example, we have Apple’s logo. The fruit apple is in no way related to computers but the image of an apple with a bite has become the tech giant’s symbol. 

Next is Starbucks. The twin-tailed mermaid is in no way associated with coffee and food services — very far from it. And yet it has become one of the world’s most recognizable logos. 

So here’s the truth: A better logo design uses symbols that are not related to the products or services of the brand. In fact, it can catapult the company to fame because of its unique brand projection.

Although it’s not to say you cannot create a wonderful logo based on concepts related to your niche. This only means you need to widen your scope. You need to brain dump and mind map harder until you’ve exhausted your options. 

5. Should Follow Industry Style

This is another myth with logos. Not anyone has to follow the industry styles. In fact, it could also be affecting the uniqueness of the logo if you choose to follow a certain style. 

The ultimate goal with the logo is to be as unique as possible. And by following an industry style, you only set your logo up for the generic list. 

Most brands fall prey to this myth. They think they should adhere to the unwritten rules and expectations of their industries. This leads them to copy other logos. Result: their logo is nothing inventive and original. 

So break free from this myth. Be bold. Think differently. And challenge any kind of standards that shroud your means to be creative. Logos are meant to stand out not fit in.

6. Logos Are Forever

While logos should be consistent and long lasting, they’re not meant to be forever. Look at the logos of most famous brands. See how they evolved from hand-drawn to minimal 2d graphics. 

Of course, you should think through your logo design. But don’t dread it too much that it takes forever before you decide on the final look. Logos are not forever.

There will come a time when you need to rebrand because you evolve from the past identity. 

So to keep up with the new identity, you also need to modify the logo. 

Here’s how some brands do it. They tweak the color or the icon. They erase some details or even completely replace the logo. 

These things can happen in the course of your business operation. Mergers, acquisitions, bankruptcy, market and product improvements — all these contribute to why some companies need to rebrand. 

Rebranding requires a different approach than creating the logo from scratch. And it may take more budget needs because it will require more research to the established customers of the brand. 

Final Thoughts

Now that we’ve addressed some myths plaquing  the logo design community, it’s time we ponder what should be considered when designing  a logo. 

These essential elements should be top of your watchlist: simplicity, symmetry, legibility, vectorized, and uniqueness. Other factors depend on your budget and goals. 

When it comes to budget, it doesn’t have to be that huge to come up with an effective logo. Logo makers like BrandCrowd help small business owners to create their own logo from the thousands of available templates. 

Over to you. Are there any myths you know about logos that need to be dispelled? Share in the comments. 

Written by DesignCrowd on Tuesday, September 28, 2021

DesignCrowd is an online marketplace providing logo, website, print and graphic design services by providing access to freelance graphic designers and design studios around the world.