For companies big and small, one of the most important tools to marketing products and services is brand identification. Brand identification includes recognition by customers of a signature product, like Apple’s iPod or McDonald’s Big Mac. However, this type of identification comes from recognition of a company’s logo and color scheme. In order to stand out, a company needs to develop a custom logo design that best fits their products and company identity.

Before brainstorming and coming up with sketches of your custom logo design, it is important to survey your particular market and observe competing logos. The first reason for this is to prevent duplication of an idea. For example, if you are running a fast food restaurant, you may want to avoid using the Golden Arches of McDonald’s or the same color scheme as Burger King. Another reason to do some research in your field before developing a custom design is to get ideas from what is absent in your field. Perhaps your new custom logo design will have a color scheme that is lacking in a particular market or your logo will have a basic shape that will stand out from competing companies.

Once you have figured out a general idea for a custom logo design, it is time to hone in on details. The first step is to choose a basic geometrical design that fits well with your company. If you are an automotive company, perhaps using a steering wheel shape or engine profile works best to build brand identification. Another step is determining how much print is going on your custom logo design, with short succinct messages working best. Finally, it is time to determine what color scheme would go best with your custom logo design. While bright colors may seem a logical choice to get customer attention, more subtle color schemes may work best for your custom logo design by not distracting from your brand name.