10 Basic Steps Of A Logo Design Process

There is many ways a designer work. But here's my style: Zander Style - My 10 Basic steps for A Logo Design Process.

1) Writing a Design Brief -

Clients are to provide information, facts or even Company history. This ensures the designer have a narrowed scope to research on, saving time and money.


2) Confirmation to engage -

Contract(s) will be drafted and signed by both parties as a confirmation to engage. This serves as a protection for the client as well as the artist.


3) Research-

Research can take hours or a few days, depending on the accessibility of the information. The design brief helps to generate keywords for the designer to research on. The research usually includes competition, the industry and company history.


4) Visual Research -

Original, fresh logo, that is what all business owners would wanted. Having copied logo may get business owners into trouble. This is where visual research comes into an important play. Researching on the logo of similar companies, allows the designer to critique and better position their client. Visual Research is generally vital for inspiration and originality.


5) Conceptualizing & Sketches -

Pencil and papers. Lots of sketches, even the ugly ones. Choose a few inspirations or ideas and fully explore the possibilities.

It is advisable to work solely on a Grey scheme or a single color (maybe black) at this point of time. Worry about the colors later.


6) Prototypes -

Depending on the agreement, the designer will draft a number of prototypes for the client. These prototypes would have undergo the designer's filter and selection from the sketches before making the decision to complete them as prototypes.


7) First Presentation & Review -

My personal preference is to provide the prototypes in Grey scheme, and this allows the client to focus on the design of the prototypes.

Clients are to feedback and critiques on the design, and discuss with the designer how to further proceed. It is advisable to narrow the numbers of prototype to only one which is closest to the desired outcome.


8) Refining Process -

Refining the prototype and making changes. Note that often, if the changes are too drastic and involved a lot more time, the designer may consider additional charges to the project.


9) Final Delivery -

Once upon approval of the refined artwork, the designer will provide the completed artwork, along with necessary file upon request.


10) Maintaining Relations -

The relation built in the process of the whole project will not just end upon the final payment. The designer should maintain the relation and in any scenario should the client face problems with the artwork, the designer should be there to offer any help.