What type of font should i use for my lgo

tkowebworks · 10-04-2011, 09:16 AM

Should I use a "common" font for my website logo, meaning something that commonly comes with most programs,
OR
should I try to buy or find a free download for a unique font?

What is common practice? I don't mind doing either one, but I've seen some pretty cool ones out there and I don't want to sell my logo short by having something really common.

Any suggestions?

mackonline · 10-04-2011, 01:25 PM

It's your logo. Obviously you should prefer something unique

pdxwebdesign · 10-05-2011, 11:44 PM

Perhaps I'm old-school, but I always try to pick a typeface that works for the brand I'm trying to represent and then tweak it so it isn't just a font slapped next to a mark. That's where uniqueness really comes in, I think. My 2 cents.

Phreaddee · 10-06-2011, 12:59 AM

comic sans!

no seriously...the "font" can be as generic as you want, it will not "harm" or "cheapen" your design. Some of the worlds largest corporate companies use some very basic fonts. (take microsoft for example)

it just needs to be memorable, legible and consistent with your overall branding

Coffee Freak · 10-06-2011, 01:39 PM

Font logos can be some of the most fun and most challenging, but there is a fine line between "just another word" and a logo. Sometimes it's as simple as adjusting the kerning between two letters that turns a word into a logo, other times it's the typeface itself. I am often times amazed at how much companies will spend revamping a logo for one reason or another. I used to work for Ecolab and they spent MILLIONS (not thousands - MILLIONS) because they had some consultant say that the old logo:

was too dark and needed a lighter color to represent the more "green" feel they were going for. They also adjusted the kerning between the L and the A and changed the starburst in the O to look less like salad forks as seen here:

Money well spent. Perhaps I'm a little put off because not long after they roll this crap out, they can no longer to afford to keep some folks on staff. Namely me.

anna · 10-06-2011, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coffee Freak

Font logos can be some of the most fun and most challenging, but there is a fine line between "just another word" and a logo. Sometimes it's as simple as adjusting the kerning between two letters that turns a word into a logo, other times it's the typeface itself. I am often times amazed at how much companies will spend revamping a logo for one reason or another. I used to work for Ecolab and they spent MILLIONS (not thousands - MILLIONS) because they had some consultant say that the old logo:

was too dark and needed a lighter color to represent the more "green" feel they were going for. They also adjusted the kerning between the L and the A and changed the starburst in the O to look less like salad forks as seen here:

Money well spent. Perhaps I'm a little put off because not long after they roll this crap out, they can no longer to afford to keep some folks on staff. Namely me.

Aww! Sorry to hear that! Just remember when one door closes, another opens...

sdesign1 · 10-06-2011, 02:11 PM

You should pick a font which suits the style of your business. Remember some fonts look like they are from certain eras too, so think about that when you are selecting onein caseit goes out of fashion. If you think you need a quite fancy handwriting type font it might be best to buy/get a free one. For a simple, basic, sans serif font you could use a common font. So it really depends. I prefer to find a unique one and tweak it some more in Illustrator

Coffee Freak · 10-07-2011, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anna

Aww! Sorry to hear that! Just remember when one door closes, another opens...

It already has.... I'm now a stay-at-home dad soon to be a work-for-yourself-and-stay-at-home dad.

computerGeek · 10-09-2011, 03:02 PM

it's always safe to use a common font.. it's easier to read and familiar for most online users. however, you have to put emphasis on your logo colors.

ccowan · 10-19-2011, 06:09 AM

Test your font and whole logo for that matter in solid black and white and make sure everything is still noticeable and legible. Just a note to go along with the other great comments!

10-04-2011, 09:16 AM	#1
tkowebworks New Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 8	What type of font should i use for my lgo Should I use a "common" font for my website logo, meaning something that commonly comes with most programs, OR should I try to buy or find a free download for a unique font? What is common practice? I don't mind doing either one, but I've seen some pretty cool ones out there and I don't want to sell my logo short by having something really common. Any suggestions? __________________ Cruise the Danube River in Europe Nightlife in Orange County

10-04-2011, 01:25 PM	#2
mackonline New Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 22	It's your logo. Obviously you should prefer something unique __________________ websites strategies, online marketing http://sitebuilder.trafficmedia.com/ visit me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Websi...56295617760976

10-05-2011, 11:44 PM	#3
pdxwebdesign New Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 5	Perhaps I'm old-school, but I always try to pick a typeface that works for the brand I'm trying to represent and then tweak it so it isn't just a font slapped next to a mark. That's where uniqueness really comes in, I think. My 2 cents. goldenwaters likes this. __________________ 420 Creative // Portland Web Design // @420Creative

10-06-2011, 12:59 AM	#4
Phreaddee Diamond Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Newcastle, Australia Posts: 1,135	comic sans! no seriously...the "font" can be as generic as you want, it will not "harm" or "cheapen" your design. Some of the worlds largest corporate companies use some very basic fonts. (take microsoft for example) it just needs to be memorable, legible and consistent with your overall branding __________________ if (headhurts == "possibly") { alert ("keep going!"); } else if (headhurts == "yes") { alert ("go to sleep"); } else if (headhurts == "damn !@#$ mofo scripts...") { alert ("give up and have a beer!"); } else { alert ("watch TV"); }

10-06-2011, 02:11 PM	#7
sdesign1 Silver Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 109	You should pick a font which suits the style of your business. Remember some fonts look like they are from certain eras too, so think about that when you are selecting onein caseit goes out of fashion. If you think you need a quite fancy handwriting type font it might be best to buy/get a free one. For a simple, basic, sans serif font you could use a common font. So it really depends. I prefer to find a unique one and tweak it some more in Illustrator __________________ Web Design Liverpool

10-06-2011, 01:39 PM	#5
Coffee Freak New Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 24	Font logos can be some of the most fun and most challenging, but there is a fine line between "just another word" and a logo. Sometimes it's as simple as adjusting the kerning between two letters that turns a word into a logo, other times it's the typeface itself. I am often times amazed at how much companies will spend revamping a logo for one reason or another. I used to work for Ecolab and they spent MILLIONS (not thousands - MILLIONS) because they had some consultant say that the old logo: was too dark and needed a lighter color to represent the more "green" feel they were going for. They also adjusted the kerning between the L and the A and changed the starburst in the O to look less like salad forks as seen here: Money well spent. Perhaps I'm a little put off because not long after they roll this crap out, they can no longer to afford to keep some folks on staff. Namely me.

10-09-2011, 03:02 PM	#9
computerGeek Silver Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 231	it's always safe to use a common font.. it's easier to read and familiar for most online users. however, you have to put emphasis on your logo colors. __________________ Custom Web Design for Businesses

10-19-2011, 06:09 AM	#10
ccowan Bronze Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 34	Test your font and whole logo for that matter in solid black and white and make sure everything is still noticeable and legible. Just a note to go along with the other great comments! __________________ Custom Vector Logos \| SEO Backlink Packages

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