Another consideration is giving thought to how the mark will be reproduced. A good
logo is as effective in black and white as it is in color. Many logo designers will work up
the designs in black and white first. The idea is that if a mark doesn’t work well in black
and white, color won’t help it. Also, there will be many instances where a one-color or
black and white version is required. These include silkscreening on t-shirts or novelty
items, newspaper ads, one-color posters, etc.
Start by getting some inspiration from the logos of well-known bands and solo per-
formers. A Web search for “band logos” will yield some starting points. Of course, you’ll
also want to review your competition’s logos. How do various logos, also called, “marks,”
reflect a band’s branding? How do the letterforms, symbols, colors and other elements
work together? Do they provide a clue about a band’s music and attitude?
The next big question is whether to design your logo yourself or hire a professional
designer. Perhaps you have a friend, fan or other acquaintance who can create a profes-
sional level design. You might luck out and have a band member who’s adept at graphics.
Such was the case with the iconic KISS logo that was designed by guitarist, Ace Frehley.
A professional logo designer can be expensive, but using one can be money well
spent. A good designer will ensure that the selected design is an authentic reflection of the
band’s identity and branding. Usually, they will also provide you with a range of file for-
mats, in both black and white and color, that will reproduce well in a variety of instances.
Many will also include a style guide for the logo that shows how it’s built, colors, fonts,
etc.
Your Brand Is More Than Just A Logo