Every job has stress associated with it and creative jobs are not an exception to the rule. In fact sometimes that stress can lead to creative block and make it that much more stressful and challenging.
I have been dabbling in graphic design for about six years now and I am passably ok, I would like to start using illustrator and learning that programing to further my skills but for now I am using what I know like the back of my hand even if it does take more time to accomplish tasks. With that my current job has asked me to take a stab at logo/branding redesign.
My current job by the way doesn’t necessarily offer the easiest entity to create for. There are thousands of them and thousands on thousands of variations of very similar logos. So I guess you would wonder why I am struggling with this assignment?
The answer isn’t short, or easy. In fact it is wrapped up more in my process and need to create something that isn’t reflected in similar entities logos.
There are there are six rules or things I generally think of when undertaking a logo project. And it’s these thoughts that plague me as I try to come up with something for my employer.
As a graphic designer these six items are the rules we generally try to abide to create some wowing designs.
Simplicity: Simple is usually best. You want your logo to be immediately identifiable yet still convey the message of your business.
Is it Identifiable at a Distance: Logos are meant to draw the eye and be on display everywhere. They are essentially the first point of contact for a business.
Versatility: A logo needs to be used for everything and every where. On shirts, hats, totes, billboards, stationary, etc.
Colors: Colors matter, but it shouldn’t have to many colors. It shouldn’t have outdated color schemes, it should always look professional, and it should look just as good in black, white and grayscale as it does in color.
Uniqueness: Sometimes there are entities that will have similar logos, ideas within their logos seen hundreds of times. Being unique and stepping away from the standard is ok.
You Do Not Have to be Literal: Many think logos have to be literal to the entity they are designing for but that isn’t the case. Sometimes breaking the literal mold is for the best. As it is the clients and those served who give the logo it’s value, it is their desire to rep it and display it that cements it in the minds of others.
The reason I am struggling is because I was presented with an outdated color palette that isn’t working for me and the client wants me to stay literally within the bounds of the tried, true, and tired idea of the same overused concept seen in thousands of other logos.
I have tried to create within their asks to the point of an actual break down and a very strong desire to walk in and refuse to create their logo or continue the project. As a professional I am not thrilled and feel that it will be a dated and pointless logo redesign before it ever goes live. I pride myself on creating logos that can live for years so I am not sitting in a good spot as a creator or mentally.
It is stressful when you find your professional opinion doesn’t mesh with the clients ask. As a professional I strive to take their desires into account but I also need to have them trust me when it comes to designs. Over stressing can cause block and now I am at an utter loss for where to go or what to deliver for this client. It is my hope that stepping away for a bit will help, but I will also be having a conversation and laying out my thoughts so they can be on the same page.
A conversation that did take place and allow me to air my concerns and get them thinking more on the same page as I am. I have been given the go ahead to work within the color palette and to work more abstractly and non-literally. I was pleased they were willing to hear my thoughts and not be offended or put off, I have had clients in the past who it was their way or bust even if their ideas didn’t deliver a lasting product.
Fingers crossed for me as I enter design land. We are looking for a kick ass logo with branding and lasting power— some of my ideas are really in left field so I have a feeling the struggle is still going to be great so I am putting a few traditional logo ideas into the mock ups for them as well.