Logos come in all shapes and sizes, but not all logo files are created equally. Many companies are in a rush to complete their logo as it's one of the first items needed when starting a business.
Your logo is a very important investment in your business, and a good logo will not only enhance your image — it will also save you money in the long run.
A well executed logo file should:
- Use unique design elements - No clip art or elements copied from other designs
- Be provided in a single color - Some logo applications (i.e.: engraving, glass etching, die cuts, embossing) can only be rendered in a single positive or negative space
- Be provided in various file formats including AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS (Encapsulated Postscript), JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), PNG (Portable Network Graphic) and SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics)
- Be flexible - Should be able to work as an icon in social media, websites and other alternative digital media applications
- Not contain strokes - Strokes in digital files can sometimes scale improperly when imported into different software applications
- Not have white areas - any area defined as white can create issues when used in certain types of reproduction, e.g., etching, embroidery and silk-screening
- Not contain fonts - All fonts should be converted to outlines
A properly created logo file takes more time, but that extra time will save you headaches and money when sharing and reproducing your logo in different types of media.