From Sketches to Symbols: Must-Read Books on Logo Creation
A logo is the face of a company, and in the world of branding, it is the first impression a business gives to the public. More often than not, the logo is the only thing that a company is recognisable by.
If you are a graphic design veteran or have just started exploring the wide world of graphic design, an important question of how you make a logo may arise. In the article below, we review six books about logo design. Hopefully you will find each one of them unique and inspiring.
1. “Logo Design Love” by David Airey
In Logo Design Love (2008), David Airey delves into the subject of great logo design with the passion one might expect from a true enthusiast. His case studies, derived from his personal experiences, seek to deconstruct the process by which memorable and effective logos are created – from justifying the significance of a logo in concert with one’s brand identity to the nitty-gritty of creating effective designs. It’s an informative, engaging, and visually rich read.
2. “Designing Brand Identity” by Alina Wheeler
Alina Wheeler’s Designing Brand Identity (4th edn, 2013) is a must-have for anyone working on a brand identity project or refreshing an existing one. This hardback publish-on-demand reference is like a Swiss army knife of brand identity and logo development. The book has an obvious emphasis on logos, which are an important part of any branding toolkit. Wheeler’s book clearly organises a useful step-by-step approach to building an effective, enduring, and culturally resonant logo. It’s a great choice for those working on a tight deadline to ensure a quality outcome. And talking of tight deadlines, if you are a design student who isn’t a fan of writing and those deadlines are creeping up on you, then the help of essay writing services may prove useful. Academized, for instance, is a great writing provider that can aid you with any academic project.
3. “Logo Modernism” by Jens Müller
Logo Modernism is an extensive exploration of logo design, presenting numerous logos from the mid-20th century. Here’s what makes this book a standout resource:
- Extensive Collection: Features over 6,000 logos.
- Categorisation: Logos are sorted into three distinct styles: geometric, effect, and typographic.
- Time Frame: Focuses on designs created between 1940-1980.
- Page Count: Spans nearly 600 pages, each filled with inspirational content.
- Artistic Value: Beyond a study guide, this book is celebrated as a work of art that offers a historical view of the modernist principles influencing today’s logos.
In its pages, you’ll find iconic logos such as the minimalist IBM logo, the stylised NBC peacock, and the simple yet effective ABC circle logo, among others. These examples illustrate the enduring influence of modernism in graphic design.
4. “Logotype” by Michael Evamy
Logotype is purely a celebration of typographic logos – those that use text and typeface as a stand-alone creative device to signify a brand’s message. Michael Evamy’s curation of hundreds of logos provides readers with a compelling visual archive of the pared-down ethos that typography can deliver when it’s used in a creative and concise manner, making it a gift for designers who favour the essence of the message over the embellishment of the messenger.
5. “Symbol” by Steven Bateman and Angus Hyland
Symbol by Steven Bateman and Angus Hyland is a book about the use of symbols in logo design. The authors dissect the meanings and stories behind the symbols to teach anyone who reads this book how to tell visual stories more efficiently. If you want to know how to use symbols to communicate your message in logo design with more power and depth, this is the book for you.
6. How to Use Graphic Design to Sell Things, Explain Things, Make Things Look Better, Make People Laugh, Make People Cry, and (Every Once in a While) Change the World by Michael Bierut
Not a book solely about logos, but with a fascinating chapter on the subject, Michael Bierut’s book is a wide-ranging and amusing survey of graphic design, often framed by events in his own career. He discusses various projects, including logos, that have had important cultural effects. The book is a good primer on what makes visual communication effective, and it is also witty and fun to read.
7. “Really Good Logos Explained” by Margo Chase, Rian Hughes, Ron Miriello, and Alex W. White
This book takes a unique approach by not just showcasing logos but also diving deep into the rationale behind their designs. What sets this book apart is its format – four veteran designers critique over 500 logos, explaining what makes them work (or not). This conversational approach pulls you into a roundtable discussion among experts, offering insights into the thought processes that drive effective logo design. It’s like being a fly on the wall in a design critique session, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. This book is perfect for anyone looking to get into the nitty-gritty of logo effectiveness, providing practical advice through professional analysis.
8. “Identity Designed: The Definitive Guide to Visual Branding” by David Airey
In “Identity Designed”, David Airey offers a holistic view of not just logos but the broader aspect of brand identity, with logos playing a crucial role. Each case study in the book provides a comprehensive look at the branding process from start to finish, giving readers an inside scoop on the strategic thinking involved in creating a successful brand identity. Airey’s clear, direct writing makes complex design principles easy to understand. This book is particularly valuable for students and new designers as it bridges the gap between theoretical learning and professional reality, showing how the principles taught in classrooms play out on the global stage.
Logo Creation: A Gateway to Mastering Brand Identity
Reading through these books offers not only the technical know-how but also a true insight into what goes behind a great-lasting logo. Each book approaches the craft differently, from the step-by-step teachings of designing great logos to the inspirational lessons from iconic brands. Any aspiring graphic designer wanting to master the art of logo design is not only being taught the how-tos of the craft but also being equipped with the tools to turn abstract ideas into lasting logos.
