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How to make logo look less flat

Sep 5, 2012 7:26 AM

Tags: #illustrator #logo #techniques

Ive made a logo. But for some reason it is still looking a little 'flat'.

See here for the logo:

http://santacatarinabrasil.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/logo-new.png

Which techniques I could use to make it more alive?

Thanks a lot!

735 Views 4 Replies Latest reply: John Danek, Sep 5, 2012 11:28 AM

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1. Monika Gause,

Sep 5, 2012 7:39 AM in reply to FloripaDesign

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First print it in a size suitable for a business card.

Then think again. There are several details in this logo that will vanish when using it in small sizes. Introducing even more detail to this design won't make it better.

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2. FloripaDesign,

Sep 5, 2012 7:50 AM in reply to Monika Gause

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Ok, thanks.

Maybe I should make one version for small print and one for screen?

What changes would you make?

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3. mjarrott,

Sep 5, 2012 8:05 AM in reply to FloripaDesign

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Most logo designs I create in Illustrator don't have as much dynamic appeal on screen because I'm not viewing them on textured surfaces (business cards, shirts, promo material).

If this is a logo that is meant to appear on a website, however, you may be able to make minor tweaks. Most logos that appear 3-dimensional (or at least have some sort of dimension to them) do so by using light and shadows. I won't go into details with your logo specifically, but take a look at logos that you like and see if you can find where they're using light and shadow to suggest different dimensional planes. Gradients can be a simple and effective tool for adding dimension.

This link directs you to a gallery of some nice logos that have a 3-dimensional feel (most with gradients).
http://designshareblog.com/inspiration/35modern-best-gradient-3d-logo- designs/

Cheers,
Michael

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4. John Danek,

Sep 5, 2012 11:28 AM in reply to Monika Gause

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I agree with Monika on this one. Logo design should not necessarity be an illustration or a picture representation. But, if they do...they are kept simple ( i.e., ATT's Globe icon ). And, because the 3-D element is the dominant graphic, gradients can be applied and they will hold up at smaller sizes. Even then, an alternate graphic is probably used in severe cases where detail is limited. Your current design has some basic elements already and, as you've admitted, it still appears "flat". Case closed.

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