The role of logo design is expanding as more and more businesses compete for the attention of consumers. In essence, logo has grabbed the spotlight in the branding world. A very dramatic display of such phenomenon lies in the apparel industry.

If you don’t believe me, just look outside your window and see the different clothing logos. Do you see any pattern? Those who are old enough know that these symbols are more exposed than they were 20 or 30 years ago. In those days, most logo designs of different brands are usually hidden on the inside of the collar. It later evolved to small logos on the chest just like Ralph Lauren’s horseman logo and Lacoste’s crocodile logo. (more…)

If you’re designing a page or running an e-store I bet you’re curious to know the behavior or reading pattern of your online visitors. Thanks to eye tracking method, researchers can analyze where online visitors are looking on your site. The output is what we call heatmaps.

Though this is a very useful tool, most entrepreneurs do not use eyetracking method for the simple reason that this service is not quite affordable. The good news is there are several sites simulating heatmaps to help you optimize your Web pages. (more…)

Even the best and the most talented logo designers should know how to negotiate with their clients to survive in this business. At the end of the day, a logo designer will need the client’s buy in to complete the task and of course get your paycheck.

That’s why you should learn and master the art of negotiations to help your clients see through your eyes and appreciate the logo design you’ve just created for them.

3 Basic Tips for Logo Designers

1. Have the right perspective. You client is not the enemy. He’s a powerful friend who can recommend your services to his personal and professional networks. Be the problem solver by understanding their needs thoroughly. With this right frame of mind, you will tend to focus on solving the issues at hand.
2. Explain the logo design. Don’t just flaunt it. Explain your logo design process again or why you came up with that final output. Build co-ownership by highlighting the inputs and feedback coming from your clients.
3. Listen before you react. It’s a common reaction to get defensive and even annoyed when our project is criticized. Resist the temptation of talking back. Learn to control your emotion and listen attentively to their remarks. Analyze the information thoroughly before reacting.

A flexible logo design is now in demand as brands are exposed in different media and events. Businesses need to adapt to different conditions and even ride the wave of the future. Instead of changing your logo design from time to time, why not create a flexible one?

MTV Logo the Classic Example

We know Google logo changes according to holiday or special events. An innovative candidate is Logobama.com with its ability to include our photos on Obama’s logo design.

But nothing beats the flexibility exhibited by the famous MTV logo. Created Created more than 25 years ago by Frank Olinsky and his Manhattan Design team, it is constantly changing according to music genre, holidays, seasons, cultures or graphic trends. In fact, this logo design prides itself for its ability to change.

From the basic black letter “M” and dripping “tv” in small caps to symbolize music television, it has undergone perhaps hundreds of iterations but its fundamentals remain over the years. All redesigns are based on the signs of times and preferences of the youth generation.

Make Your Logo Flexible

Yes, flexibility requires you to be a bit creative and knowledgeable about graphic design software. Before making any wild attempts, play around with basic elements like colors and common Photoshop effects.

Note this logo design is not for everyone. You need to test if your target market is receptive to this idea. A financial logo design, for instance, connotes stability and trust. I bet using different logos to a bunch of financially-distressed individuals will simply not work. Know your market, that is.

via Writing for Designers

The longtime logo design dispute between the famous fashion trademark Polo Ralph Lauren (PRL) and United States Polo Association (USPA) has reached another milestone. According to the latest report, the US Court of Appeals has sided with the sports group.

The Case of Double Horsemen Logo

The suit started way back in early 80s when PRL filed a trademark infringement complaint for using the so-called “Double Horsemen” logo design featuring a pair of polo players mounted on horses while holding polo mallets. The lawsuit is against USPA and Jordache, the clothing company given the licensing rights to use this design.

There are different versions of this design – silhouette version of 2 horsemen, same version but with USPA text below, the plain drawing version you see at the right side, and that same version with USPA text below.

Though the silhouette version was found infringing to PRL’s trademark, the rest are cleared by the jury since there is no likelihood of confusion on these designs.

You can read the comprehensive legal arguments at Las Vegas Trademark Attorney blog.