Basic Building Blocks for Logo Design

The basis of many a logo design and graphic image are simple geometric shapes - lines, circles, squares, and Triangles. Even the graphically-challenged can create great graphics for logos, newsletters, fliers, or web pages using these basic building blocks. In logo design, simplicity is a good thing.

This is not a do this, then do this, then do this type of logo design tutorial. Instead, discover (or re discounted cover) ways to use simple shapes in logo design and creating other custom graphics.

Examples throughout this article are done in Coral DRAW, a vector drawing program. They utilize only the most basic tools - no fancy filters, fills, or complex manipulations. Look for the simple shapes that make up each graphic illustration or logo design.

Lines come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Don't get stuck in a rut.

Vary the thickness of the lines.

Make lines of dots, dashes, or combinations.

Look at the patterns that a series of lines make.

Use lines to direct eye flow.

Use lines to form barriers.

Use lines to indicate connections.

Use lines to show movement.

Be aware of what the shape of lines can convey. Sharp edges could indicate tension, crispness, hardness, formality, or high tech. Soft edges and curves may be softer, flowing, more casual, or more personal.Even small changes in line thickness, endings, or shape changes can alter the look and feel of a design.

In the "Advanced" logo design example, the lines that make up the triangle (letter A) go from thick at the bottom to thin at the top. They also suggest a set of steps (advancement) leading upward.

Notice how the round line endings give the hammer -- drawn freehand with straight and curved lines -- a softer feel.

The second version of the ifiche logo design uses rounded line endings and more curves (in the fins/lashes). Notice that a different typeface is chosen for each, to match the style of lines.

You can also create interesting patterns with a series of repeating lines. None of these designs rely on color -- although changes in color can further change the appearance of the lines.