CI Chatter » Logo Design

2 More LogoLounge Features

Chris Forsyth — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:47:35 +0000

The LogoLounge gods have favoured Corporate Image again by selecting 2 new logos to be featured in the latest installment of the LogoLounge series, volume 8. Valori and The Water Cafe were the lucky ones chosen.

The eighth book in the LogoLounge series once again celebrates the best identity work by top designers and rising talents from around the world. The LogoLounge website has today become an important reference point for all brand designers in researching and inspiration.

Latest LogoLounge Book Vol.7 features two identities designed by Corporate Image

Chris Forsyth — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 02:24:38 +0000

Our good run continues as we have 2 new identities featured in the latest LogoLounge Book Vol.7. Even though both Western Health and Black Kettle Tearooms logos are a few years old now, it seems the branding community and good folks at LogoLounge are still appreciating the brands.

The seventh book in the LogoLounge series once again celebrates the best identity work by top designers and rising talents from around the world. The LogoLounge website has today become an important reference point to all brand designers in researching and inspiration.

My Top 10 Most Memorable Brands of the Morning!

Chris Forsyth — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 01:06:54 +0000

From the time we wake to the time we go to work; get home and go to sleep. Everyday we are subjected to thousands of brands directly or indirectly whether we like it or not. Not only do we visually experience brands, we also hear, smell and subconsciously interact with brands.

Today was no different (not that I expected it to be), this morning I decided to create a top 10 list of brands that stuck out in my mind from the time I woke to the time I sat down at my desk at Big Picture Group.

Here we go:

1. TRIPLE J
The sounds of Triple J wake me every morning at 6am (I can’t stand buzzers or the like waking me up).

2. ONITSUKA TIGER
My chosen footwear selection for the day.

3. UNCLE TOBYS
A box of Uncle Tobys Vita Brits was the first thing staring at me in the cupboard.

4. CRUMPLER
My Crumpler messenger bag is the last thing I grab before heading out the door.

5. CROWN LAGER
A bit to early to be thinking and subjected to alcohol, but there’s no getting away from the transit advertising when I am waiting for a pedestrian light to turn green.

6. FORD (FOCUS)
A shiny tail badge that is the centre of my attention every time we come to a stand still in traffic.

7. LITTLE CREATURES
Again a little to early in the morning for a bevy, but the iconic Little Creatures symbol greets me every morning as I drive past the Twisted Vine Cellar.

8. THE COTERY
An excellent example of property branding in Northcote. Bold and simple; and very memorable. Definitely a favourite.

9. MELBOURNE METRO
I am guaranteed to see at least 2 trains every morning and be waiting at a crossing for at least 1. The 2009 rebrand of Melbourne Metro has been a favourite also with me. I actually enjoy (well sometimes) watching the trains roll past emblazoned with the new brand and graphics.

10. APPLE
One of the biggest brands in the world and the one brand that is a constant in my working life. My iMac greets me every morning upon arrival to work. Happy days!

It was actually a hard task to narrow it down to my 10 most memorable brands as their are so many brands trying to get their message across in all types of mediums. I could have easily made a top 50, maybe one day (or morning). Let us know what makes your top 10 for this morning.

The importance of colour in branding

Chris Forsyth — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 01:02:05 +0000

Colour is one of the strongest and most significant considerations in branding. Colour attracts the eye and can have a strong impact on people’s emotions, moods and judgement. Choosing the right colour(s) for your brand is crucial in delivering the correct message and greatly increasing your brands awareness and success.

Colours can mean different things depending on the culture, situation or industry and therefor should always be researched before a brands colour palette is chosen. Your corporate colour(s) should always appear on all your promotional material, starting with your logo and carrying through to your stationery, signage, brochures, packaging and online media. As much as possible, the colour you choose should set you apart from your competitors but most importantly represent your brand promise.

Here are few basic definitions of colours in branding and how they can represent your company:

RED is the colour of life. It shows energy, strength, love, passion, warmth, excitement, blood, desire,
enthusiasm,danger, joyfulness, speed etc.
BLUE portrays creativity, wisdom, gentleness, calmness, trust, loyalty, intelligence, patience etc.

Without choosing the right colour(s) for your brand, it is nearly impossible to achieve an effective brand identity. The below examples show how the right colour can single-handedly represent your business. Also check the Name the Brand game here.

Is your logo a great mark?

Chris Forsyth — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 02:11:22 +0000

Stepping away from your brand and just concentrating on your logo, how can you say your logo is better than another and whether it is ultimately best representing your company?

The strategic and technical thinking and development that goes into logo is always done behind closed doors. For the people (mainly your target audience) that aren’t privy to this process, how do you know if your logo is representing your company clearly and effectively? Granted that a logo is only a small part of an overall brand presence, it is however a vital organ that allows your brand to develop for the rest of your business. A simple reality check can keep your logo working for you.

Here are 5 tips to determine whether your logo is a great mark:

Distinctive
Does your logo have unique qualities to stand out from the crowd and more importantly from your competitors.
Practical
The need to have a practical logo is crucial. With the ever increasing presence of digital media, making sure your logo reproduces effectively across all mediums is important for logo integrity. Is your logo legible when scaled down in size? Does your logo reproduce confidently in digital form and does it work on coloured backgrounds or in reverse (white on black)?
Simple Visual
Communication is important, your logo must be visually recognisable in an instance with the need for verbal coaching. A great logo should contain only one visual idea, logo elements that compete with each other will only dilute your logos message. A logo with an icon should be accompanied by a clean and clear company name.
Message
Your logo must have a clear and precise message that represents your companies key positioning. Keeping your message simple allows your target audience to relate and adopt your position in the market.
Appropriate
Does the logo represent your business correctly and it’s strategic positioning? In the end this must be spot on.

You might have ticked all the above box’s and therefor on the right path with a successful brand. If you have only ticked 1 or 2, then your logo will need some extra attention from yourself and a brand agency in order to reposition your logo and company correctly. You might be thinking ‘my logo is only a year old, it should be fine’ or ‘i’ve had this logo for a long time and it has been working great for the company’, that might be the case but the reality is that your company is continually growing/evolving with time, your companies position and it’s message have most likely altered also.

Applying this simple method to your logo regularly is important in maintaining a logo and brand that is relevant to your company and your target audience.