Logo for Business
A business logo provides an important tool for your business, because it is a quick, recognisable image that is relatable. Think of the big brands you know and trust, they all have a logo.
When starting your small business, designing a logo can be a daunting task, especially when you have no idea where to start. With so many options, a limited budget, and so much advertising suggesting it is easy to do it yourself.
This brings us to the reason for this blog, as a business, we have helped a lot of clients who have used the free logo makers or the cheap options, for instance through Fiverr, to get a logo design. The benefits of these is that they are either free or cheap, and can assist you when you are stuck on ideas, and they do provide you with a file. When starting a business and needing to save money, this looks like a good option.
The problem arises when you try to use the file for something other than social media, because the file you are given is both too small and not designed for any other reason.
The free logo makers and the cheap options are good for getting an idea you have in mind to take shape, although these options can come with limitations on this.. It is important to note, they come with limitations, and are free or cheap for a reason.
It is important to understand what logos are used for, and therefore the types of files required to suit these purposes.
Logos are used for business cards and stationery, signage, product labels and tags (depending on the business), shop fronts, vehicles, uniforms, web design, social media and anything in general you want to brand (think merchandise for promotions). The list is not limited to these, generally you can put your logo on your clothing without it being a uniform to assist in brand awareness, the possibilities are endless.
In order to be able to utilise your logo and use it for its purpose, you need your logo in different file types, that are applicable to each use, because not all file types have the same use. Some of the files are image files and some are termed “vector” files, and this refers to the fact that no matter the use, or the size you want the image, it will not pixelate.
- SVG files are vector files with no background, the use for this is on the web, therefore it is great for web design.
- PNG files are image files with a transparent background. These are simply images and therefore can be used on social media, or inserting into documents
- JPEG files are image files that come with a background, commonly associated with use by digital cameras and storing and transmitting photographic images on the web. The use for these is social media.
- PDF and EPS files, these have the same use and generally graphic designers simply have a preference, rather than a reason to choose one over the other. They are universal in nature, therefore can be used in any vector graphics software, like Adobe Illustrator. These are used for business cards and stationary, signage, product labels and tags, shop fronts, vehicles, uniforms and branding clothing, promotional products. Any printing outlets require this type of file format and without it, the products they can produce for you is not of good quality. The reason is, these file types come ready for use and don’t change when the size is altered.
Colour codes are important to both understand and know, there are two types, being RGB and CMYK, simply RGB is for screens and CMYK is for print. CMYK simply gives the information required to get the colour exactly right on anything that is not the computer, signs, business cards, uniforms, etc. RGB codes represent the code the computers use to represent the colours in your logo. Either way, it is extremely important for your branding that you know these codes, because it can be used throughout your business, in signage, in business letters (for example headings can be your brand colours) and business cards lettering; to give you an idea.
SVG and PNG file types only really support RGB formats, whilst JPEG, PDF and EPS support both CMYK and RGB. Which is another reason why having simply one file type is not enough.
Added to that, it is important to have a monotone version of your logo, because while the times are limited, there will be occasions having a black and white version is needed, and if this file type is already created for you, you can simply use it, rather than having something that looks like it has been through the photocopier, and adds professionalism.
As Graphic Designers, Encompass Web Design, provide all of these files types, plus a Logo Design Detail document explaining what you have been given. Added to this, we strongly believe in working with you at every stage in the process. Whether you have an idea already, or have no idea at all, we take the time to get to know you and your business, and work with you to create and edit until you are happy with the final result.
Contact us today, so we can help you stand out in the crowd.
