Tips for Designing a Web 2.0 Logo

The Graphics Guy    graphic design, logo design, Uncategorized, web 2.0, web design    

Usually in Logo Design, a designer creates his/her logo concepts with print in mind. In today’s Web 2.0 world… logo design has taken a different direction. Instead of creating a logo that would be featured on business cards, letterheads, brochures, newsletters, etc…. today’s logos are also designed to meet the digital means of  electronic advertising/marketing (websites, blogs, web ads, eBooks, television, etc).

Basically the design elements are somewhat the same… icon and word mark, but the biggest difference is color. For printing methods, designers use Pantone PMS colors… but in the digital Web 2.0 community… RGB is standard.

What? RGB? That’s not what I learned in Logo Design 101?

Yes, that’s more-than-likely true, and in some cases you should follow what you’ve learned. But ask yourself this question: how would this logo look on a website? That’s when Web 2.0 Logo Design comes into play.

Here are 4 tips for designing a Web 2.0 Logo:

1. Research: the first step is ask your client what they plan to use the logo for. If they plan to use only for the web… obviously Web 2.0 is the answer.
2. Color: Yes, RGB is the color mode you should be using. Mostly Web 2.0 logos are mostly made of brighter and/or softer hues of blue, green, orange, and red. Black and Grays are used too… avoid yellow, pink, and purple. You can still use Pantone Colors… but make sure you your design program is set to RGB color mode. This will give you an accurate representation of web color.
3. Fonts: Using clean, easy to read fonts is essential. Remember you are designing for the web, and some fonts do not display well at smaller sizes. I suggest using Myriad Pro, Trebuchet MS, Arial Round, Tahoma, and Georgia. If you prefer to use another font- that’s OK… a good way to test if the font is “web-friendly” is to reduce your image to around 60 pixels in height. If you can read it… its OK to use. Also don’t be shy about using the regular (not bold) version of your font choice… you’ll be surprised with the results.
4. Elements: If you study the well-designed Web 2.0 logos (ex. Google, Skype, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) you’ll discover most designs are a combination of simple geometric shapes, gradients, strokes and web-friendly fonts (see font section above). The popular webby icons are often used along with soft shadows.

In closing… the general principals are clean, neat, bright, soft, and simple. Keep those in mind and you’ll come up with sweet designs.

WordPress… More Than A Blog!

The Graphics Guy    web 2.0, web design    

If you own a small business, more than likely you have a website to promote your business. In most cases, you’ve hired a web designer to design something cool. The frustrating part… you have to pay a web designer to handle updates.

What if I told you can update your own website without paying for it?

Ever heard of WordPress?

WordPress is an FREE blogging tool used by millions. It features a very easy-to-use CMS (Content Management System) than can be used for more than blogging. The hidden secret (that most business owners don’t know) is WordPress can be used as website, too.

Whoa! WordPress can be used as a website too?

Yes. Believe or not… WordPress can be configured to be your business’s website.

Sounds Sweet?

Sure, you might have to pay somebody to design and configure your WordPress website… but think of the money you’ll save on updates? Additionally WP is ideal for SEO (Search Engine Optimization)… making it the perfect choice for gathering that great search engine results you are looking for.

Four reasons why you should use WordPress for your business website:

1. Content Management-WordPress’s CMS is very easy to use. All you have to do is login into your Admin Control Panel, find (or create) your page, and make your updates. The text editor is much like Microsoft Word, so all you have to type and select post.
2. Google loves WordPress- Check out this great video from Google’s Matt Cutts.
3. Themes and Plugins- if you don’t want to hire a web designer, there are plenty of FREE themes and plugins. Although these FREEBIES cost you no money… we suggest hiring a web designer who is familiar with SEO techniques.
4. Hosting-GoDaddy offers an easy install. All you need to do is purchase a domain name and WordPress hosting, answer a few questions… and you’re up and running.

Throw The Hammer Down!

The Graphics Guy    graphic t-shirts, Uncategorized     cavs lebron james shaq austin carr, Get That Weak Stuff Outta Here Throw The Hammer Down I Like Boobie MVP 23 Diesel 33 Big Witness Protection King James Deep In The Q Cleveland Cavaliers

Show your Cleveland pride with my original Cleveland Cavaliers inspired apparel. All designs feature Cavalier Wine & Gold and are available in t-shirts, hoodies, long sleeve tees, ladies styles and much more!

• Get That Weak Stuff Outta Here- best seller
• Throw The Hammer Down
• I Like Boobie
• MVP 23
• Diesel 33
• Big Witness Protection
• King James
• Deep In The Q