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OUTDOOR LOGO DESIGN

DESIRABLE QUALITIES IN OUTDOOR LOGOS

Logos are used by companies and organizations to make themselves known to the public. The ideal logo would be easily recognizable and would link the image to the company or organization. A logo’s job is to get the consumer to associate it with the service provided by its owner. It also serves as the business’ identity and trademark.

For outdoor logos, there are some important characteristics that they should possess in order for them to become effective. Logo designers should keep these essential guidelines in mind when creating a logo targeted at a specific audience. These would help the designer create a logo that can be used by specialty stores or locations that are inclined towards the outdoors.

Should be Simple

When designing logos, it’s better to strive for simplicity. A lot of times, these logos would be printed on gear or hung in a big sign. Having overly complex logos would make it more difficult for the consumers to recognize the images or the name of the company or organization. A simple logo would not only make it easier for the company to reproduce it, but also make recognition quicker.

The logo of Browning Outdoor and Equipment shows only a silhouette of a deer’s head. There aren’t any colors involved and no other decorations. It is simple and will be recognized on a jacket or on a holster. There is no need for any extra images or color because the idea for the store is quickly communicated with the creative design.

Relates to the Consumer

Especially when dealing with products that have a specific target market, it’s important to make the consumer relate to the logo. A lot of these identities are aimed at hobbyists who enjoy the outdoors. To make a logo an effective one, it should have a connection with its market. It wouldn’t be wise to use a symbol that an outdoorsman wouldn’t recognize for a company selling gear, for example.

The logo for Hike Safe, is a good example for a logo that relates to its audience. The boot print image would instantly be (recognized) by people who enjoy hiking. They see the boot print and relate it to the hiking trips they have been on and can connect the two images.

Communicates an Idea, Principle or Description

For outdoor brands, the images used should represent an idea or principle. And that principle should be the company or the organization’s own. Theme Parks and Recreational Areas, for example, should utilize a logo that showcases the environment. This logo of the Centennial Park incorporates a lot of different ideas. The first, is the tree which symbolizes the environment. Within the tree’s leaves are images of people enjoying themselves and having fun.

The caption “an eco-friendly environment” shows us that Centennial Park wants to be known for its advocacy for the environment. This is mirrored through the recycle sign in the tree and the myriad of animals present in the logo.

Should be Unique

It goes without saying that a logo should be unique. Firstly, of course, is that it is illegal to use someone else’s logo as your own. This goes against copyright laws. Secondly, since a logo represents the company or organization’s identity, it wouldn’t be effective to have a logo that looked like someone else’s. If your brand is confused for another, then the logo is not generating any brand recall and the consumers wouldn’t be inclined to patronize your services.

A logo should also be unique in order to stand out from the crowd. You want consumers to be able to differentiate your logo from others. This would ensure that your company or business is thought of when your logo is recognized. This creates brand recall.

Captures the Eye

In order for the consumer to feel a connection with the brand’s logo or be intrigued enough to learn further, the logo must first be seen. A logo that is not pleasing to the eye will be passed over by the consumer.

An aesthetically pleasing logo would be one that has clean lines and an elegant form. Logos with too many images or conflicting use of color schemes would not catch the eye of a potential customer. The brand’s names should also be easily read. A logo becomes useless if it cannot ingrain the brand’s name into the minds of its target market. An illegible font or words that are typed too small would make it difficult for people to read a company’s name.