One of the biggest barriers for aspiring logo designers appears to be the natural tendency to create a product that is appealing to the client and not necessarily to one's self. I recently taught a fairly computer literate person the basics to photoshop, and in a few days, he was fluent in the application. In fact, he could create and trace just about anything that he could think of. The problem is, logo design, like many professions, isn't as easy as it appears to be. Fluency in the application you choose to work with is only the beginning.

I have synthesized the making of an established and successful logo designer in a few simple ideas. "Application fluency. Developing an unbiased & artistic eye. Innovating and Reflecting. Equipment. Time." or for short "Fluent, Unbiased, and Innovating."

As my pupil ventured into logo design contests, he was blinded by his own sense of appeal and aesthetics. This is where developing an unbiased & artistic eye becomes an important trait to develop. It is just as vital to satisfy the client's needs as it is to make a product that is appealing to you. Rid yourself of the idea that you must like what you're designing, the answer is you need to picture that client's needs and embody them within a logo adorned with your creativity, innovation, and skill.

Once you acquire the skill of unbiased design while keeping your own style and artistic eye, there are a few more requirements that play into perfecting the seemingly simple profession of logo design.

Once a concept is completed, one usually believes the product is a perfect winner; the truth is, just like anything, if you leave it alone for a few hours and come back to it, many flaws will appear that seem obvious at the time. Call it revising or reviewing, it is the clutch step in polishing your design. It can include searching for inspiration or simply gathering perspective on your design.

Finally, the most overlooked elements of becoming a successful logo designer are also the most essential. One must have the right equipment and a significant amount of time set aside in order to progress in this field. Tools as simple as the right font can turn heads on a design and even the right colors. Do not feel restricted by the overused corporate blue color for every firm that approaches you for design; look around, see what colors compliment each other nicely. In addition, take a trip to google and search for tech fonts or free corporate fonts, I assure you it will increase your chances of bringing home the W.

You're probably wondering how someone would write a logo design guide. The truth is I only came to realize these elements played a vital role in my design process and practice as I gathered perspective on my design. Revising and reviewing – innovating. Never restrict yourself, design has no boundaries.

Alex Aschenbroich
Designer