Logos and symbols have been used since ancient Egyptian times and have been a powerful tool in representing a bigger picture ever since. One thing that has changed over all those years is the way that companies use design aesthetics to stay up to date with modern times.
So, what makes a modern logo?
A modern logo consists of simple colors and minimalist design elements like graphic shapes or small line drawings. Designer George Bokhua said, “If you keep a logo clean and simple, it will be timeless.”
A logo is often the first thing that people see, and having a modern logo design can make them stop, think, and know that you’re a modern brand.
What’s on the Agenda?
In this blog, we will look at genius logos to get some inspiration and break down the individual elements of modern design logos. We will also give insights on creating your own logo. If you’re still unsure by the end of this blog, we’ll help you decide whether you should do it yourself or get expert help.
A Modern Logo Design Can Make A Difference
When it comes to logos, it's easy to tell which ones are visually-appealing and which ones aren’t. Modern-looking logos are more than just symbols. They are a powerful branding tool that shapes identity and leaves a lasting mark.
Modern-looking logos can be memorable and help establish brand recognition, making them easy for customers to spot and remember.
The colors, shapes, and imagery used in a modern logo design can tell the world what a business is all about. This can aid in creating special bonds from the get-go and lead to customer loyalty.
The difference that a modern logo design can make is evident when you look at companies that have some of the best modern logos, such as Apple, Nike, Tesla, and Amazon.
The Best Modern Logo Designs
Apple
Apple's iconic half-bitten apple wasn’t their first logo design. The first logo was designed by Co-founder Ronald Wayne and was an illustration of Issac Newton sitting under an apple tree.
Steve Jobs decided that the logo needed a modern, simple design and changed it to the now iconic half-bitten apple in 1977. This sleek and modern design is instantly recognizable and translates into their product and service offerings.
Nike
Nike is arguably one of the greatest to do it. It boasts a simple and familiar tick now known as the “swoosh.” This symbol communicates a powerful message that people can get it done.
This message resonates well with sports enthusiasts and has made it easy for people to connect with their brand.
Tesla
The Tesla logo shows off how modern and innovative the company is. Tesla aims to stay relevant and set itself apart with a modern logo design that captures the brand's identity. It stands for its goal of making eco-friendly cars and pushing tech forward.
The logo has a simple futuristic look that fits with Tesla's image as a maker of high-tech cars. They picked the colors to get across that Tesla is modern, luxurious, and cares about the environment in the electric car world.
Amazon
Amazon's current logo, which was introduced in 2000, is a great example of how typography can be used alongside symbols.
Its company name is in an easy-to-read font, and an arrow points from A to Z. This arrow showcases the company's extensive product range and signifies customer satisfaction.
This logo is unique and stands out whilst showing the world what Amazon is all about.
It’s the success of Apple’s and Amazon's logo redesigns that show how important modern design logos can be. When you follow certain steps, it’s possible to create genius logos that are as effective as the examples above.
Insights for Designing Modern-Looking Logos
If you want to design your own modern logo, there is a lot more that goes into it than just graphics.
A lot of research needs to be done in order to get a better understanding of the latest logo trends, and target markets. You will have to get a deep understanding of the company that the logo is intended for.
But in relation to the design aspects of your logo, you can follow some of these insights to create the best modern logos.
Insight 1: Simple is Better
One important feature of a successful modern logo is that it is recognizable when you first see it. When you keep your designs simple, it makes it easy for people to know what they are looking at.
When you add too many details, it draws attention from the message, and the consumer is most likely not going to notice it.
Insight 2: Think About Scalability
Your logo should be versatile and fit into different mediums and sizes. After all, you will be using it on billboards, business cards, online platforms and promotional T-shirts.
When you make your logo scaleable from the beginning, you eliminate the possibility of low-quality showing in the future.
Insight 3: Use Negative Space
Negative space is all the open or blank spaces in your logo. This negative space is a great tool to draw attention to the main feature of the logo.
Experiment with how shapes and typography can interact with the negative space to give them more emphasis.
Insight 4: Consider The Current Trends
The word trends could mean that things come and go. However, when designing your logo, think about incorporating a trendy logo that is modern, stylish, customizable, and versatile. Don’t just blindly follow the trends.
For example, you can use flat designs, geometric shapes, and gradient color schemes.
Insight 5: Tell a Story
A good modern logo design should not only look visually appealing but should also tell a story about your brand and its values.
Use symbolic elements or subtle visual cues that relate to what you offer.
Insight 6: Use Relative Typography
Typography is as important as elements, illustrations, or shapes. A font in itself has the ability to give off a certain message about your brand.
If you are making a logo for a playful brand, then you could use fonts that resemble that. Check out some playful font options here.
Do it Yourself or Get Expert Help?
When it comes to designing a modern logo, you have two main options. You can do it yourself, or you could seek the expertise of design professionals. Both of these options have advantages and disadvantages.
Here are some pros and cons of the do-it-yourself approach:
Do It Yourself
You might be feeling confident in your design skills and want to give it a try. There is no harm in trying, and if you’re not happy with the results, you can seek help. Here are the pros and cons of doing it by yourself.
Pros:
- Cost Saving
- Creative Control
- Learning Opportunity
Cons:
- Time Commitment
- Limited Expertise
- Potential for Mistakes
Logo Design Resources
You don’t have to be an artist to create a stylish logo. There are numerous resources available to help you make professional-looking modern logos. These tools can save you time and give you modern logo design ideas:
- Design Software: You can invest in design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer, or Sketch. These programs allow you to use vector drawing tools specifically designed for creating logos.
- Online Logo Makers: If your budget is tight and you want an easier option with more pre-made features, you have choices. Online tools such as Canva, Looka, and Wix logo maker are excellent for beginners.
- Design Tutorials and Courses: There are many online tutorials for those who prefer to gain knowledge before jumping right in. You can use platforms such as Skillshare, Udemy, and even YouTube to gain a wealth of education in design.
- Stock Image Libraries: When looking to incorporate graphic elements into your logo design, you can utilize stock image libraries. The most popular options are Shutterstock or Freepik. You can choose between limited free versions or pay to get more options.
- Font Resources: To get the perfect fonts for your logo, you can look at website font repositories such as Google Fonts, Adobe Fonts, or MyFonts.
- Design Inspiration: All designers need some inspiration. To get good modern logo design ideas, you can browse logo galleries on platforms like Behance, Dribble, and even Pinterest. Seeking modern logo designs can spark new ideas and help understand the current design trends.
Remember that Rome wasn't built in a day, and designing a professional modern logo requires patience and practice.
Getting expert help is advisable if you are new to design, and here is why:
Getting Expert Help
Hiring a professional logo designer can be a worthwhile investment. These experts already have the programs and creative skills necessary to ensure quality designs. Seeking expert help has many pros and only a few cons.
Pros:
- Professional Experience
- Time-Saving
- Fresh Perspectives
- Quality Designs optimized for all mediums
Cons:
- Could be Expensive
- Potential Brand communication challenges
Modern Logo Design Services
If you have decided that you would instead get professional help, there are numerous services available that cater to every type of business and all budget sizes. Here are some of the most popular options to consider:
- Subscription-based Services: Design as a subscription offers a more streamlined approach by having many design services available at your fingertips for fixed prices, including modern logo design. Going with this option can provide you with services such as website design, social media design, and advertisement design. This means you can get all your design needs met by one team.
- Freelance Logo Designers: Hiring a freelance logo designer is a cost-effective solution. Be sure to read reviews and make careful hiring decisions, as quality could be questionable. You can look for freelancers on Fiver, Upwork, and Dribbble.
- Design Agencies: Suitable for businesses with bigger budgets. Working with design agencies such as Pentagram, Landor, and Wolff Olins can be a good investment.
- Crowdsourced Design Platforms: Crowdsourcing a logo design involves creating a contest and receiving multiple designs from various designers. Then, you can choose which option you like best. You can do this on sites like 99designs and DesignCrowd.
If you want more information on the prices and services offered by these different types of design professionals, you can check out our curated list of graphic design services available and find out more about how much graphic designers charge.
Conclusion
As we finish, think about how much a logo can say at first glance. Making modern logos is about simplicity, scalability, and clever use of negative space.
Just like the famous logos of Apple, Nike, Tesla, and Amazon, making the best modern logos isn't just about pictures – it's about making a visual identity that sticks in a world of design.
So when you start making your logo, remember the best modern logos aren't just images – they're strong storytellers that grab and stay in people's minds and hearts.
