3D Logos: Pros and Cons - By Jonathan Munk
Any entrepreneur would tell you they want their fledgling business to be memorable to potential customers and even to competition. One of the best ways to stand out is by having a solid, professionally designed logo. One way to make your company logo stand out is to have a logo that looks 3D. But is a three dimensional logo always better than a plain, flat 2D design?
A good rule of thumb to remember for all graphic design is that simpler is always better. Many a graphic designer has been chagrined by a client’s request to add gradients, complex illustrations and other items to a logo that make it look more three dimensional. These elements usually make for a cluttery logo that is anything but easy to remember, and many times it’s nearly impossible to make the logo look right in all applications (gradients in a logo can’t be sewn onto hats, for example).
3D logos are also more expensive to reproduce, as they almost always have at least three colors, making printing and embroidery costly.
However, sometimes a 3D logo is fitting. Adding three-dimensional elements to a logo can make it extra appealing to kids. That’s why Nickelodeon, Nerf and Care Bears, which targets kids, use logos with 3D elements, while their parent companies—Viacom, Hasbro and American Greetings—have simpler, more mature looking logo designs that appeal more to investors and other stuffy adults.
When deciding whether or not to use 3D elements in your logo design, consider the following:
• Price: Printing costs can be high for logos with several colors
• Target Audience: 3D logos are highly appealing to children, but many times they are too busy to be remembered by most adults
• Use: How are you going to use your logo? Gradients don’t translate well embroidered on hats or shirts.
• Memorable: What is the best way for your organization to become memorable in the minds of your target customer? What appeals to them?
By keeping in minds these few suggestions, you will have a much easier time deciding how to make your company memorable, professional and appealing to your target customers.
May 21st, 2007
Well stated.