Logo design help from some one who knows what they're doing?!

[matthew1471]

I've got some ideas for logos for my sites, can't afford a designer, but am eager to learn...

Are there any really good tutorials that you know of? That go through the basics, from the software, to the filetypes to save in, to getting well anti-aliased curves?

For example, I've knocked up a few pngs in Fireworks, but when I reduce them down to a size that I need, it looks like the 1px curved border has increased to 2px (gone fuzzy as well).

Am I even using the best software for the job?

 

[Joshua]

You would be better off designing your logo in Adobe Illustrator (vector file format) - that way you can scale according to current and future needs. Then you can simply save a raster version in PNG or another appropriate file format.

Google for illustrator tutorials to learn the basics by all means. Here are a few links to get you started:
Illustrator & Vector Tutorials - VECTORTUTS
ttp://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/02/05/illustrator-tutorials-best-of/

The point of a logo is to be distinct and representative of the identity (site, company etc) so I would advise against following a generic logo design tutorial, unless you want a generic logo of course.

In fact I would advise against using your own work for your landers if you can avoid it. Focus on what provides you a competitive advantage (if anything at all) and outsource those tasks you are weak at. Then when you find a 'formula' that works scale it as much as you can through outsourcing. Later you might want to bring people in house but thats going far off topic.

If you can't afford to do so then by all means learn to design logos and landers. You could then use your skills to build up enough money to start balling. There is more to good design than technical proficiency though. Pm me if you want any advice or help, I would be more than happy to provide as much as I can.

 

[spock49]

Fireworks can do just as good a job as AI, except it doesn't have a steep learning curve.

Native PNG format is vector;

I think the problem you are having might be that you have "border" or outline for your drawn object. Depending on how much you scale it down, it may look "fuzzy" as you said. Turn off the bordering option and see what happens.

Depending on which version you are using (CS4 just came out), just Google "Fireworks tutorial" or if you want to read it while crapping, take a book out from your local library.

I've got some ideas for logos for my sites, can't afford a designer, but am eager to learn...

Are there any really good tutorials that you know of? That go through the basics, from the software, to the filetypes to save in, to getting well anti-aliased curves?

For example, I've knocked up a few pngs in Fireworks, but when I reduce them down to a size that I need, it looks like the 1px curved border has increased to 2px (gone fuzzy as well).

Am I even using the best software for the job?

 

[bobsoap]

I use Illustrator for logos. If you don't have it, there is a free, open-source vector graphics editor: Inkscape. Draw Freely. - I haven't tried it though. Once you go Adobe, you never go back, lol. Although I have to say they are horribly expensive.

Anyway, use a vector application for logos. If you use Illustrator, save files as AI. You can export them to raster graphics if needed (as mentioned above).

There is a very detailed logo design tutorial here - you can use it to learn some basics in Illustrator. It's REALLY detailed in all steps: Project WordPress, Part 5: Logo Design | Vibr8bros.com
Somewhere on that site is also a good article about avoiding blurry pixels in Illustrator, btw.

More on theory than on the technical side: My logo design process | David Airey » graphic designer, logo designer
He posts most of the logos he does and the design process for them.

Another site for vector tutorials: Vectips

Why not post your work here, by the way? You could get some valuable feedback.

 

[matthew1471]

These replies are absolutely brilliant and just what I was looking for, thanks guys.

It's purely logos I need to design, and I'll post the work up when I've finished.

 

[larrybn]

You would be better off designing your logo in Adobe Illustrator (vector file format) - that way you can scale according to current and future needs. Then you can simply save a raster version in PNG or another appropriate file format.

Google for illustrator tutorials to learn the basics by all means. Here are a few links to get you started:
Illustrator & Vector Tutorials - VECTORTUTS
ttp://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/02/05/illustrator-tutorials-best-of/

The point of a logo is to be distinct and representative of the identity (site, company etc) so I would advise against following a generic logo design tutorial, unless you want a generic logo of course.

In fact I would advise against using your own work for your landers if you can avoid it. Focus on what provides you a competitive advantage (if anything at all) and outsource those tasks you are weak at. Then when you find a 'formula' that works scale it as much as you can through outsourcing. Later you might want to bring people in house but thats going far off topic.

If you can't afford to do so then by all means learn to design logos and landers. You could then use your skills to build up enough money to start balling. There is more to good design than technical proficiency though. Pm me if you want any advice or help, I would be more than happy to provide as much as I can.

Brilliant post, couldn't have said it better myself. I often use Fireworks, but Illustrator I have to admit is better. Build up your skills and then you know that you should get what you want when you actually commission design work.