02. Seek inspiration
Inspiration comes in two ways—from outside and from within. So, we’re going to break this step into two.
First, explore the logo-verse around you. Pay attention to the best logos you come across on a daily basis, and be proactive by conducting online research. You can discover relevant logo trends and find interesting logo ideas by browsing different design blogs or the Pinterest boards and Behance or Dribbble accounts of established designers.
Creating a mind map is a great way to start off your logo design project. It can help you to think about how different elements will work together and how the design may be used in various contexts. Mind maps can also help bring clarity to complex ideas and provide an overview of how all the pieces fit together. They’re often used as the starting point in a design process and can help designers explore different ideas while forming an overall plan.
Competitor research will help inspire your logo design, too. This way, you can see what people in your industry are doing, take note of what works and what doesn’t, and most importantly—ensure that your logo won’t be too similar to someone else’s.
Next, look for inspiration within. Spend some time brainstorming your vision for the perfect logo. Take it seriously, but make it fun by creating a mood board or listing adjectives to describe your brand.
Here are some brainstorming questions to get the ball rolling:
- What adjectives describe my brand?
- Who is my ideal customer?
- What colors represent my brand values and message?
- What symbols or characters could I use in my design?
- What are some of my personal favorite logos, and why?
These creative moments with yourself and your team are important for honing in on the message and purpose of your brand. Also, consider gathering your colleagues and friends to help get a well-rounded perspective.