Size and shape of logos

I wanted to discuss this briefly, after seeing the latest new logo posted down in the vendor sections.

I love the design work he does, and I realize that he is just doing what his customers are requesting, .............however, do any of these people consider how much ad space one of those logos would take up in a newspaper/yp ad?? That's why I had mine designed wide and flat..........fits nicely in my ads.........

Below is one of my yellow page ads. This year I switched to color ads in some of my listings.


What is your feeling on this topic? I think logos should be small and easy............and not take up too much room. Of course, a large thing like that could be memorable, but I think it could be argued both ways.........

Opinons?

Opinion...

"Large and memorable?" Well, who can argue with that?

I know what you're saying here, Mike, yet why conform to the "standard" layout of logos in a time when it is so vital to stand out from the competition?

People are always drawn to circles (or circular) over any other shape. A left to right logo has a chance of being lost within the rest of the ad copy, while a logo that makes the viewer move their eye from top to bottom and over some artwork will be much more memorable.

While I don't necessarily believe including the phone number in a logo is the best idea (because your logo will have to be big to ensure prominence of the ph. #), it does pull the info together in ads as well as stand alone formats such as signs and shirts.

The topic you bring up can be argued until the end of time with valid points on both sides, so.... great topic, Mike!

There is so much to consider in a logo. There are a lot of theorys. I see logos that have no meaning and appears to have no thought process behind them - other than a cool looking picture.

As to your question - I agree with you to an extent. Yes, an individual that is creating or having a logo made - should be aware of the cost. I see these logos with all these colors. The first time an individual does a 4 - 6000 mail-out, brochures, or just business cards in general - they will realize the cost in all those pretty colors. When I use to develop logo's, I would always inform the customer of the possible future cost of having certain colors or design in logos. Yes the design of logos can cause extra cost in printing, etc - depending on the fine detail of the art work. The question to ask "How much advertising do I plan to do?" If its a lot, then you need to consider colors and design of a logo. If it not a lot, you don't need a big memorable logo, who will see it anyway. Just because you have a cool picture, lots of colors, or just large does not mean a logo will be memorable. Its like the old saying "Its not what you say, but how you say it". The same applies to a logo. The number one key to a successful logo is being unique.

Well said, as always, Tim!

And don't forget, the greatest logo in the world will not save a company providing poor service. Your logo commands the respect that your company deserves.

I.E. ..... PEPSI has a highly recognizable logo, but if it suddenly tasted like vinegar, chances are the logo along with the business would fade into obscurity.

And, being unique is relative. 50 other companies could have exactly the same logo as PEPSI, but since PEPSI puts out so many people's favorite soft drink, they stand so far above the imitator's and ultimately eclipse them completely.

Having a great/unique logo only adds/reinforces to the customer appeal/recognition when a company provides a service they cherish or need.

I agree that a logo should be recognizable, but also agree with Mike, that it needs to be able to be used in advertising without compromising size, or costing a huge amount. Better to have a simple logo that is versatile. My logo is the basis of everything I do for advertising, business cards, truck lettering, etc. I can put this at the top of letterhead, letter my truck with it, make business cards. Depending on what I'm using it for, I can move the other information around, such as phone number, services provided, website, etc. In other words, I can make it fit no matter what I'm doing.

While not "conform(ing) to the "standard" layout of logos" is a great idea, if it costs a new business a huge amount to use it in an ad, it may be more of a liability than a benefit.

By the way, this is my logo, and thanks to Beth for her initial ideas, and thanks to Keith at KBGraphix for his help in creating a final product!