Hi to all the logo design folk out there.

I was hoping to get some advice which is the preferred app for creating logos.

I realize there are several options with the main ones being:

Photoshop :

- great visual effects and layer, no vector graphic support.
- no steap learning curve.

Illustrator or Macromedia Freehand:

- support for vector graphics.
- higher learning curve?

My main concern is regarding the vector graphics. It is my understanding that if I plan to use the logo for only my web site that Photoshop should be fine.

But for scaling the graphic a vector image would be best. Say, I want to print it on my business card, etc. Could anyone provide the 1, 2, 3 on logo design regarding what format to go with? Or even a link to such an article? Thanks.

Use Illustrator to create the logo, then add effects in Photoshop. It's easier to scale a vector peice and you never know when you'll want to make a new banner or icon or something. Plus if you ever decide you want to go ahead and print it on some stationary then there's no problem.

To go into more detail on logo design (sorry, no links. I remember this stuff from classes)

It's best to start off on paper with a pen/pencil/paintbrush. It's easier to get your ideas down on paper than to fiddle with the pen tool.

Once you are satisfied with what you have on paper, digitize it in black and white in a vector graphics program (illustrator, freehand, etc). Black and white because you get a great contrast of shape and form and it's easier to see what forms work and what don't. Keep in mind all the basics such as balance, weight, and direction.

After you have a good black and white logo working, dive into color combinations. http://www.webwhirlers.com/colors/wizard.asp is a good place to find color combinations easily.

Lastly if you want you can go into Photoshop and goof around on it.

This method works great because you get a strong logo that works in black and white (save money on ink), works in color and has defined somewhat of a color scheme for your company, and all of it is scalable to whatever media you decide to put it on.

For more on logo design i found this book:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/156496759X/qid=1110349031/sr=2-2/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_2/103-4053364-1108644
it looks promising. I'll head over to B&N tomorrow and see what I can recommend.

Aside from the process go nuts! Do what looks good and what looks right and above all be original. Really get your mind flowing.

Another program you may like to try is XaraX (http://www.xara.com).

Originally posted by phos
Use Illustrator to create the logo, then add effects in Photoshop. It's easier to scale a vector peice and you never know when you'll want to make a new banner or icon or something. Plus if you ever decide you want to go ahead and print it on some stationary then there's no problem.

To go into more detail on logo design (sorry, no links. I remember this stuff from classes)

It's best to start off on paper with a pen/pencil/paintbrush. It's easier to get your ideas down on paper than to fiddle with the pen tool.

Once you are satisfied with what you have on paper, digitize it in black and white in a vector graphics program (illustrator, freehand, etc). Black and white because you get a great contrast of shape and form and it's easier to see what forms work and what don't. Keep in mind all the basics such as balance, weight, and direction.

After you have a good black and white logo working, dive into color combinations. http://www.webwhirlers.com/colors/wizard.asp is a good place to find color combinations easily.

Lastly if you want you can go into Photoshop and goof around on it.

This method works great because you get a strong logo that works in black and white (save money on ink), works in color and has defined somewhat of a color scheme for your company, and all of it is scalable to whatever media you decide to put it on.

For more on logo design i found this book:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/156496759X/qid=1110349031/sr=2-2/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_2/103-4053364-1108644
it looks promising. I'll head over to B&N tomorrow and see what I can recommend.

Aside from the process go nuts! Do what looks good and what looks right and above all be original. Really get your mind flowing.

You can't get any better advice than this... Excellent Phos! :agree:

I use freehand and fireworks to create logos, or graphics or whatever. Only problem I find it I like using the two of them together much like you would use illustrator and photoshop, which gets pretty expensive to purchase. You can always try freehand and fireworks for 30 days for free so thats a big help in making a decision.

Use only ILLUSTRATOR or FREEHAND.

BS.

Corel is far more powerful. :stickout:

Not industry standard - Industry leading... ;)