Brand Identity

How to Design an Effective Logo for Your Brand

This project guide helps two Sky’s the Limit members work together through four meetings as they collaborate to build your logo and brand.

Meeting 1: Create a brief that explains the design requirements

Before this meeting:

In this meeting:

  • Brainstorm what you want your logo to convey. It might be helpful to look at examples of logos or brands that you like and dislike as a jumping off point. 

  • Discuss the elements that go into a logo – typography, imagery, colors, style, etc.

  • Take notes so that you can share later on.

After this meeting:

  • Share your logo ideas with friends or family members to see what they think.

  • Note any agreed-upon next steps.

 

Meeting 2: Create or hire someone to create a few designs

Before this meeting:

  • Review the feedback you received from friends and family.

In this meeting:

  • Decide who will be creating your logo.

  • If you’re designing the logo, here are some helpful tools: 

  • If you’re hiring someone else to create your logo, consider using Thumbtack, Upwork, or 99Designs or reach out to a designer you know. 

After this meeting:

  • Hire someone to create versions of your logo or start by creating a design yourself.

  • Note any agreed-upon next steps.

 

Meeting 3: Choose a design and revise

Before this meeting:

  • Make sure you have at least two logo designs.

In this meeting:

  • Review the designs and determine which one best reflects your brand. 

  • Then compare that brand to the brief you wrote. Is there anything that could be done better? Or anything you’d like to see displayed differently?

After this meeting:

  • If someone else designed your logo send them feedback and revisions. If you designed the logo, make revisions based on your meeting.

  • Note any agreed-upon next steps.

 

Meeting 4: Finalize and make sure you have appropriate files

Before this meeting:

In this meeting:

  • Think about where your logo will appear (website, product packaging, business cards, stickers, etc.). You may need single color versions or different logo shapes. 

  • You’ll also want to be sure you have the appropriate files (vector or .SVG, .JPEG, and/or .PNG files).

After this meeting:

  • Create the files and versions you need and start to use them and share them with your mentor and anyone who gave you helpful feedback!

  • Be sure to mark your project complete, update your business tracker, and start a new project!

Want to talk to someone who can help?

Sky’s the Limit members are connected to a community of volunteer business mentors, more free tools and guides like this one, and exclusive funding opportunities.