wow. my first blog post for graphic design II (122). we're designing a logo/identity package for Hands4Paws, a relatively local non-profit organization that helps find loving homes for dogs + cats. i'm a tad intimidated when it comes to designing a logo. they seem so simple, yet you need to say SO much. the logo needs to embody the organization and its values while communicating a message and capturing the audience's attention. successful logos are minimal, look good in both color and black-and-white, work for an array of media, and are instantly recognizable. here are a few of my faves:
did you know that this girl scouts logo was designed by saul bass? me neither, until now!
i love the use of negative/white space in the major league baseball logo. the player is getting ready to make a connection with the ball, which seems like its floating in space, but is actually directly in the player's line of vision. the white elements—ball, player, and bat—are beautifully unified.
an english graphic designer, john pasche, developed this logo for the rolling stones in 1970. here's some trivia: it was commissioned for 50 pounds, but the stones liked it so much they gave pasche 200 pounds. this is likely the most recognizable logo for a rock band. you'd be hard-pressed to find one as iconic as this.
these 2 logos are newer, and i think they're good examples of impeccably designed, simple logos. do the designs break new ground? no, but they don't necessarily have to. both use clean, minimal shapes and classy, easy-to-read sans serif type. viewers don't have to think too hard to figure out what each logo is trying to communicate.
when i create the Hands4Paws logo, i want to keep these important elements in mind. i also want to make sure i'm capturing the essence of the organization.
