Redesigning Your Logos! (Most Common Mistakes) 🔥 Ep8

Will Paterson
6 Jun 202313:35

TLDRIn this video, Mewal Patterson discusses the redesign of the Climber Now Climate app logo, which aims to regulate carbon footprints using AI and technology. He identifies issues with the original logo, such as generic leaf shapes and a rounded 'K' that resembles a leaf. Mewal emphasizes the need for a modern approach, inspired by companies like Open AI, and suggests a minimalist and non-offensive design. He uses mind mapping and mood boarding to generate ideas, leading to a unique and recognizable 'K' shaped logo. The process involves sketching, refining, and using clear space techniques to ensure the logo works well in various contexts. Mewal also highlights the importance of creating a brand identity that extends beyond the logo, including guidelines and mock-ups to showcase the logo's versatility and professional appeal.

Takeaways

  • 🎨 **Redesign Philosophy**: Improve or offer a fresh take on logos that can be enhanced, focusing on modern approaches and minimalism.
  • 🔍 **Identifying Issues**: Recognize generic elements in logos and aim to replace them with unique, modern designs that resonate with AI and AR technologies.
  • 🍃 **Eco-Friendly to Modern**: Shift from an eco-friendly to a modern perspective, emphasizing a clean and professional look.
  • 🌐 **Mind Mapping**: Use mind mapping to generate connections and ideas that can lead to clever logo designs.
  • 📈 **Vibrant Colors**: Choose a vibrant color like neon green over natural greens to make a bold statement and stand out.
  • 📝 **Sketching Process**: Sketch without pressure, allowing for bad ideas to emerge and be refined into something better.
  • 📐 **Modularity**: Consider a modular approach to logo design, where elements can be rearranged or used separately.
  • 🔡 **Sans Serif Typography**: Opt for a clean, minimal Sans Serif typeface to complement the modern look of the logo.
  • ⚙️ **Icon Integration**: Incorporate an icon that works well both independently and in conjunction with the typeface for a cohesive brand identity.
  • 📏 **Clear Space**: Utilize clear space guidelines to ensure the logo is properly placed and not crowded by other design elements.
  • 🌟 **Contextual Showcase**: Always present the logo in context to demonstrate its functionality and effectiveness in various applications.

Q & A

  • What is the main focus of the video?

    -The video focuses on the process of redesigning a logo for an app called Climber, which helps regulate carbon footprint using AI and other technologies.

  • What are some common problems with eco-friendly logos as mentioned in the video?

    -The video mentions that eco-friendly logos often become too generic due to overuse, specifically referencing the use of leaf shapes and swooshes that were common in older clip art logos.

  • How does the video suggest approaching the redesign of logos that involve AI and AR technology?

    -The video suggests a modern approach for logos involving AI and AR technology, emphasizing minimal and non-offensive designs that convey a sense of future and advancement.

  • What does the video suggest to make a logo look more professional?

    -The video suggests that making a logo look more professional can be as simple as not overcomplicating it and removing unnecessary curves or elements.

  • What is the significance of the 'K' in the Climber logo?

    -The 'K' in the Climber logo is described as an interesting case, visually resembling a half butterfly, a caterpillar, and an upside-down eye, which provides a unique visual identity.

  • What is the purpose of mind mapping and mood boarding before sketching logos?

    -Mind mapping and mood boarding help the designer come up with connections and ideas that can lead to clever logo designs. It also aids in understanding the context and desired feelings associated with the product or brand.

  • What tool does the video recommend for creating a mood board?

    -The video recommends using an app called Miller Node for creating a mood board, though it also mentions that any preferred app can be used.

  • What is the rationale behind choosing a vibrant neon green color for the logo?

    -The choice of a vibrant neon green color is to make the logo stand out or 'pop', deviating from the natural green often used by ecological companies to create a more striking and memorable visual impact.

  • How does the video describe the process of sketching a logo?

    -The process of sketching a logo is described as fun and not pressurized, starting with initial ideas that can be refined or discarded as the design evolves. It involves experimenting with different concepts until a satisfactory design is achieved.

  • What is the importance of clear space in logo design?

    -Clear space in logo design is crucial for ensuring the logo works well across different contexts and sizes. It acts as a 'force field' that prevents other design elements from interfering with the logo's visibility and recognizability.

  • How does the video presenter plan to share the redesigned logo with the community?

    -The presenter plans to share the redesigned logo on a subreddit and potentially on Discord. The subreddit may feature the logo in a critique video, and Discord provides a platform for designers to share their work and possibly get chosen for a redesign.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Logo Redesign Introduction

The video begins with the host, MeWal Patterson, introducing the topic of the day: a logo redesign for the Climber app, now known as Climate, which uses AI and other technologies to help users regulate their carbon footprint. MeWal discusses the generic nature of eco-friendly logos and the need for a modern approach that reflects the use of AI and AR technology. He emphasizes the importance of a minimalist and non-offensive design, which is becoming a trend among tech companies. The host also mentions his process of redesigning logos, which includes identifying problems with the current logo, mind mapping, and mood boarding to generate ideas.

05:02

🔍 Logo Design Process

In this paragraph, MeWal dives into the logo design process. He starts by identifying issues with the original Climber logo, particularly with the 'K' character, which he feels resembles a butterfly, caterpillar, and an upside-down eye. He then explains his approach to creating a new logo that is both modern and reflective of the app's purpose. MeWal discusses the idea of using a mind map and mood board to establish connections and generate clever logo designs. He also talks about the selection of colors, choosing a vibrant neon green to stand out from the typical natural greens used by ecological companies. The sketching process is described, where MeWal experiments with various ideas, including a dynamic 'K' and a crescent moon concept, before settling on a modular and minimalist design that can be easily replicated and recognized.

10:04

🖌️ Finalizing the Logo and Brand Identity

The final paragraph details the finalization of the logo design and the creation of a brand identity. MeWal describes the refinement of the 'K' character and the development of a unique typeface using a font-making app called Glyphs. He also introduces an additional icon element to the design, which is a radial pattern of polygons signifying emissions and protection of the planet. The importance of clear space in logo design is highlighted, ensuring the logo stands out and is not crowded by other design elements. MeWal then demonstrates how the logo can be presented in 3D and showcased in various contexts, such as a splash screen, using Photoshop and a brand guidelines template in Figma. The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to submit their logos for potential redesign and a reminder to subscribe for more content.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Logo Redesign

Logo redesign refers to the process of reimagining and redesigning an existing logo to improve its visual appeal, modernize its look, or better align it with a company's evolving brand identity. In the video, the host, Mewal Patterson, discusses his approach to redesigning a logo for an app called Climber, which helps regulate carbon footprints using AI and other technologies. The redesign process is shown to be both creative and strategic, aiming to make the logo more professional and representative of modern technology.

💡Eco-friendly Logo

An eco-friendly logo is a symbol or design used by companies that emphasize their commitment to environmental sustainability. These logos often incorporate elements like leaves or natural shapes to convey a sense of ecological responsibility. In the video, the original Climber logo is criticized for being too generic and for its overuse of such eco-friendly symbols, which the host believes have become clichéd.

💡AI and AR Technology

AI (Artificial Intelligence) and AR (Augmented Reality) technology are advanced tech fields that are increasingly being used in various applications. The video mentions these technologies in the context of the Climber app, which utilizes them to help users manage their carbon footprint. The host also notes that companies in these sectors tend to have modern, minimal logos, which influenced his approach to the redesign.

💡Minimalism

Minimalism in design is characterized by simplicity and the use of basic elements to create a clean, uncluttered look. The host of the video advocates for a minimalist approach to logo design, suggesting that removing unnecessary curves and details can make a logo appear more professional and future-oriented. This is evident in his redesign process, where he simplifies the original logo's complex shapes.

💡Visual Identity

A visual identity is the visual representation of a company's brand, which includes its logo, color scheme, typography, and other design elements. In the video, the host discusses the importance of maintaining a visual identity within the redesigned logo, ensuring that it is recognizable and memorable. The unique shape of the letter 'K' in the Climber logo is highlighted as an example of a strong visual identity.

💡Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is a brainstorming technique where ideas are organized around a central theme, with branches extending outwards to represent related concepts. The host uses mind mapping to generate ideas for the logo redesign, starting with the word 'climate' and expanding to related words and concepts. This technique helps him to establish connections that can lead to innovative logo designs.

💡Mood Board

A mood board is a collection of images, text, and samples that communicate a design's visual direction and emotional tone. In the video, the host creates a mood board to set the aesthetic and emotional context for the logo redesign. He uses apps like Miller Node to compile images that inspire the design and to establish a visual 'vibe' for the Climber app's branding.

💡Sans Serif Typeface

A sans serif typeface is a type of font that does not have the small lines or 'serifs' at the end of strokes. Sans serif fonts are often associated with modernity and simplicity. The host chooses a sans serif typeface for the redesigned logo to maintain a clean and minimal look, which aligns with the modern approach of AI and AR technology companies.

💡Brand Guidelines

Brand guidelines are a set of rules and standards that ensure consistent application of a brand's visual identity across various mediums. In the video, the host mentions using a brand guidelines template to help the client understand their brand's identity and how it stands out. This template includes components that can be easily replaced with the client's own, allowing for a quick and effective presentation of the brand's visual elements.

💡Clear Space

Clear space, in logo design, refers to the area around the logo that is kept free from other design elements to ensure the logo stands out and is not visually cluttered. The host discusses the importance of clear space in minimal designs and demonstrates how to use it effectively. He uses guides and shapes to create an even distribution of space around the logo, which helps in placing additional design elements like icons without compromising the logo's visibility.

💡3D Effect

A 3D effect in design gives a two-dimensional image a three-dimensional appearance, adding depth and dimension. In the video, the host experiments with a 3D effect for the logo using Adobe Illustrator. This effect can provide a new perspective for the client and make the logo more engaging, showcasing how the logo can be adapted for different contexts and presentations.

Highlights

The video discusses a redesign of a logo for an app called 'Climber' that helps regulate carbon footprint using AI and other technologies.

The current logo's issues are identified, including the generic use of leaves and the rounded 'L' to 'A' that resembles a leaf shape.

The presenter believes in modernizing logos, especially for AI and AR technology, to reflect a futuristic approach.

The 'K' in the logo is redesigned to look less like a butterfly or caterpillar and more modern and sharp, symbolizing uncontrollable carbon emissions.

The process of redesign involves mind mapping and mood boarding to establish connections that lead to clever logo designs.

The use of a vibrant neon green color is chosen to make the logo 'pop', deviating from the traditional natural green used by ecological companies.

Sketching is an enjoyable and stress-free part of the process, where the presenter plays with various ideas, including a crescent moon and modular elements.

The 'K' is redesigned as a polygon, signifying a sharp and dangerous element, representing carbon emissions.

Sans-serif typeface is chosen for its clean and minimal look, allowing the 'K' to be the main focus.

An additional icon or visual element is incorporated into the design to be repeated over the brand identity.

The presenter uses the app Glyphs for more control over font design, allowing for fine-tuning of the logo type.

A radial grid or pattern of polygons is created to serve as a warning sign, symbolizing the protection of the planet from emissions.

Clear space is emphasized in logo design to ensure the logo works well by itself and within the brand identity.

The final logo is tested in 3D within Illustrator to provide a new perspective and ensure it works from different angles.

Photoshop is used to create mock-ups, including a splash screen, to demonstrate how the logo could be used in real life.

Brand guidelines are discussed as a way to help clients understand their brand's identity and how it stands out.

The presenter uses Figma to create brand guidelines, allowing for fast and easy customization of components.

The video concludes by inviting viewers to submit their logos for potential redesign and to join the subreddit or Discord for further interaction.