Amongst several logo shapes and designs, circular logos have become one of the most acknowledged and much-used forms of design today. Several businesses have been using such shapes and thereby enjoying the benefits of their round attributes. In this article, we’ll discuss the significance of having round symbols in your logo design and help you master the art of circular logos.
First, let’s determine – do we need circular logos? And what significance do these shapes hold in a brand?
To understand the real implication of a circular design, we need to know how the shape of your logo influences your audience’s mind.
When we take a more in-depth insight into our ancient culture, we find that human beings in earlier days started communicating through varied basic shapes. They composed these shapes corresponding to the fundamental geometry of the universe.
Fast forward to this present day, we have taken inspiration from ancient days and started using geometric shapes to intrigue our audience.
Why is this so? This is because the circle has earned both psychological and philosophical value in the design sphere. According to psychology, as a circle is an enclosed, complete and eternal entity and has no beginning and no end, it’s a perfect way to represent completeness.
Scientists put forth another interesting theory – they say that circle evokes feelings of safety, calmness and are often related to terms like movement, femininity, gentleness and eternity.
These are some of the important reasons why over the years the circle shape has gained new symbolism and have been associated with different connotations.
Eventually, an intricate symbolism has been related to the shape ‘circle,’ so vast that it covers feelings from calm and safety to upsetting and fear. Needless to say, a circle has emerged as a significant influence and importance in art as well as in design.
Now about circular logo design – there’s no denying the fact that a logo is the keystone of every branding and visual identity. Using the round symbols in a logo has the essential task of attracting the viewer’s attention.
In addition to that, a logo represents the brand and influence people to relate with the brand positively. Designers have concluded that one of the best ways to captivate people’s attention is by using a circular logo technique.
To explore what makes a good circle logo design, we have jotted down a few tips and tricks to make you a pro circular logos making.
Take a look below and use the tips to create the best circular logos of all times:
1. Understanding Your Audience Before Introducing Circular Logo
Although a much talked about point, before designing a logo, you need to understand who your target audience are. Undoubtedly, you can create a logo that aligns deeply with your target audience preferences.
When it’s about creating a circle logo you need to research more, as different shapes of logos have a different effect on the audience, so it’s highly advisable to find out whether your circular logo will compliment your branding efforts or not.
A look around the world would reveal that circle based logos are mostly used by the automobile industry. Almost all car companies use logos that are circular in shape because a circle shape stands for stability, strength, trust and thus engage audience and induce them to buy.
For example: BMW logo is popular among vintage circular logos and is also a good illustration of companies that knows which shape would impress the audience.
2. Create A Visual Hierarchy To Add a Deeper Meaning
Visual hierarchy is the arrangement of design elements in such a way that implies importance to the most crucial aspect of the design. To put differently, visual hierarchy determines the order in which the human eye perceives what it sees. In a field of perception, this order is created by the visual contrast between forms.
Hence, creating visual hierarchy is essential while designing a circle logo, to add a deeper meaning in the design. But before that, you need to identify what are the elements of a circle logo, so that you can wisely use up space.
There are several ways you can create a visual hierarchy in a circle logo – you can curve text with the company name and slogan where the monogram is placed at the middle to attract attention to the name of the company.
For example, a close look at the Volkswagen would reveal that it makes use of the circle in a creative way.
3. Stick To The Golden Ratio Principle
Design experts reveal that there is no universal formula for creating a perfect circle logo. But there is a number of techniques on how to use a circle design in a logo. One of the most popular and successful combinations is using the golden ratio principle with a circle.
What is the golden ratio?
The golden ratio or the golden rectangle is a mathematical proportion. The shape has a proportion of 1 to 1.618. When it comes to applying in the design, there are two sets of thoughts-
- Setting up a design using a grid-based on the ratio to create harmony
or
- Doing nothing and let the ratio apply automatically
The golden ratio is used to achieve beauty, balance and harmony in art and design. The best example of a circular logo that is well known for the golden ratio is the iconic Apple logo.
We can’t deny the logo’s simplicity and ability to convey a brand message with ease. In this logo the designer cleverly uses circle forms to create elements that overlap and subtracts parts of the main body of the logo. The circles are approximate of the same sizes and the artist creates various asymmetrical shapes which are harmoniously put together.
4. Design a Circular Logo With Symmetry
Symmetry is yet another essential element of designing. Logos that are designed symmetrically represent a firm, reliable, stable look thereby emitting the impression of security. Needless to say, symmetric shapes have calming effects on the human eye, and thus when symmetry and circles are combined a desirable outcome of attractiveness is achieved.
Symmetry in designs is mostly used for circular logos in the automobiles industry. But if you want to know about a perfectly symmetrical circle logo design the best example can be of the
Shell logo designed by Raymond Loewy.
Take a look at the logo.
The artist renders a simple look with certain 3D effect using the circle as a base and thereby cleverly bringing symmetric lines on both sides.
5. Main Brand Consistency For Maximum Impact
Besides a number of tips and tricks, there is one essential tip which you mustn’t miss out while designing a circular logo – don’t forget to maintain brand recognition. In order to strengthen your brand recognition, it is imperative to desire brand consistency.
Whether you want to add wordmark to the circle monogram or add some other element in your circular logo, you have to maintain the similar typeface to your brand recognizable.
According to design experts you need to use clear-cut typefaces in your circular logos with text rather than a slim font. In a circle, a slim typeface is not clearly visible and makes your logo non-functional.
As you know that your brand logo will be placed on all your brand items, therefore it’s essential to carefully design your logo to maintain the consistency of your brand.
Create Your Circle Logo and Get Their Attention Hitched
Circles are one of the most ultra-recognizable shapes among different shapes and sizes. When it’s about signifying unity, stability and wholeness circle logos are best among all. To make your logo memorable, use a circle logo for your business.
When you want to know what suits you best Logo Design Team is the right place to get your solution.
