When designing a logo remember the point: to identify the band

The best logos will be legible. I've seen amazing lettering jobs done for band names, but if you can't read it, it defeats the point. Combining interesting artwork and readability is a challenge. Some bands are willing to give up the legibility part for a highly stylized font, especially it seems in the case of metal bands--and if your band favors a logo that is unreadable then consider restating your band name with your tagline below it.  (article continues below)

Another thing to consider when making your logo design is future printing--keep colors to a minimum or you'll end up having to pay more every time you print. Some bands have two versions of their logo--one that is full color and picture-like for displaying on things such as websites, and the other is a simple line version of the same thing usually taken down to two or three colors.

Also shrink your logo down and see if it is still legible. You might be making small button banners out of it, and some sites will only post tiny size logos.

What makes a logo stand out? Next time you are looking at a guitar case or a wall covered in stickers shut your eyes, then open them and see which ones immediately catch your eye. Why? I've noticed that big clear words stand out. In fact, you will often hear people who are looking at the stickers say the big words aloud. (article continues below)

Which ones stand out?

Most of these are good--which do you notice right away? Firstborn? the Ballistics?
Which logos do you notice last? The Devil Rides Out and One Room Down.
What about the Fanny Pads? Did putting the bright color in the background make a difference?

A band's logo generally evolves and often it takes changing logos several times to find a good one. So keep these tips in mind as you search for your perfect band logo.

This article by Sofro.com, 7-2006
 

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