Our Comprehensive Logo Design Process Explained – 8 Essential Steps

We have created this blog article to showcase how our team works on a logo design project and the various roles and steps involved in the creation process. Typically, we follow a consistent process for any type of logo development, regardless of the client’s industry and branding strategies. In this case, we illustrate the logo development for “Pata Negra,” owned by “El Mercado,” a new Mediterranean restaurant located at EmSphere shopping center in Phrom Phong, Bangkok.

Key Layers in Logo Design Process

Beyond having skilled designers and an art director working on the logo project, the project manager plays a crucial role as the main point of contact with the client. They ensure a clear understanding of the client’s requirements and design expectations. The account manager is also part of the project to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Our team consists of:

• Account Manager
• Project Manager
• Art Director
• Creative Designer

Understanding the logo design timeline

The timeline for such a project typically ranges from 3 to 5 weeks, depending on the number of revisions and the promptness of client feedback. Here is an example of timeline which includes the different milestones.

Before starting any project, it is essential for our team to understand the client, their requirements, and their expectations. This is usually accomplished during the initial briefing between the client and our agency, either online or in person.

Step 1: Questionnaire

We begin by sending the client a comprehensive logo questionnaire. This questionnaire includes two sets of questions that help our team gain a clear understanding of the client’s business and the objectives of the rebranding.

The first set of questions is more general, focusing on the client’s business, including the company’s vision, mission, history, and competitors. The second set is more subjective, related to their aspirations, positioning, and style for the new brand.

This form can be completed individually or as a team and usually takes about 30 minutes. Once we receive the completed questionnaire, we review all answers in detail and seek further clarifications if needed. This step is crucial to ensure both teams are aligned which will also allow us to defined a brief which will be shared to our design team.

Step 2: Mood Board & Brief

A branding mood board is a collection of visuals, such as images and graphics, that convey a general idea and design direction. We typically provide 2 to 3 different directions, which are then presented to the client for review. This step, though quick, is an effective way to ensure that we develop concepts that match the client’s artistic style.

Step 3: Research and Initial Sketching

As we enter the creative process, the first step is to conduct research to generate opportunities and conceptual ideas. We look for keywords and ideas that we then illustrate on paper or digitally. Usually, two creative designers work on both research and sketching to ensure a variety of ideas that will later be developed into complete logos.

Step 4: Consolidation of Concepts and Presentation

We gather as a team to present and review all sketches, ideas, and opportunities. After discussing improvements, we select the best ideas, which are then compiled into a PDF presentation with 20-30 slides. This first presentation is shared with the client and focuses mainly on conceptual ideas, provided in black and white to save time and offer a variety of concepts (usually 4-8 unique ideas). Each concept is accompanied by a detailed explanation of its origin and underlying idea.

Concept 1
In the first concept, we incorporate the symbols of the Iberian pig and acorn, which are main to the restaurant’s theme and are related to the name “Pata Negra.” This results in a simple yet modern and friendly logo symbol design.

Concept 2
In the second concept, we draw inspiration from Cubism, an art movement with its roots in Spain. We harmoniously merge iconic elements of Spanish and Andalusian cuisine and culture – the Black pig (Pata Negra), Wine, and Tomato – into a welcoming symbol designed in a playful Cubist style.

Concept 3
The third concept presents the logo symbol in a playful hand-drawn style, illustrating Spanish food elements that resonate with the restaurant’s offerings, including Pata Negra, wine, and various Spanish ingredients. The hand-crafted aesthetic gives a approachable and casual vibe.

Concept 4
In the fourth concept, we’ve crafted custom word marks that incorporate distinct elements symbolizing the restaurant, including Pata Negra, pig, acorns or olive. Three design options are presented below.

Concept 5
The logo symbol pays tribute to four tiles, each featuring patterns related to the restaurant, including the Black pig, acorn, wine, sun, and ocean. We present two design options – one with four tiles combined into a single image and the other with four individual designs.

Concept 6
The sixth concept centers around “Pata Negra,” which is the main theme and the restaurant’s namesake. We incorporate the shape of Pata Negra and integrate a custom wordmark within it. This shape provides a distinctive visual identity to the logo design while also highlighting the restaurant’s name and its unique story.

Concept 7
The seventh concept is a tribute to Mediterranean heritage. The customized word mark is encased in intricate Mediterranean-inspired patterns. We’ve further enriched the design with symbols that resonate with the brand, including the acorn and olive. This logo design ensures the prominent display of the restaurant’s name.

Concept 8
The final concept adopts a minimalist approach to the logo design. By combining the letters “P” and “N” from “Pata Negra” with the iconic acorn shape, representing the Black Iberian pig’s diet. This design gives a modern, playful, and approachable feeling that embodies the restaurant’s identity.

Step 5: Concept Selection

The client can provide feedback via email or during a meeting. We ask them to select 2-4 favorite concepts and provide feedback on each. Our team then revises these concepts, providing alternatives and variations in color, illustrations, and font style. This second PDF presentation, consisting of 15-20 slides, is reviewed by the client.

Step 6: Design Revisions

At this stage, we work on revisions for 1-2 concepts, making minor adjustments to fonts, symbols, and colors based on client feedback. These revisions, though small, are crucial to ensure client satisfaction. This process can be repeated if needed, as we remain flexible with the number of revisions.

Step 7: Fine-Tuning and Approval

Once the client selects the final concept, our team makes minor adjustments. These adjustments can be done in real-time during a physical or online meeting, where the designer shares the screen and fine-tunes the logo. This quick process ensures both teams are satisfied with the final logo.

Step 8: Artwork Delivery

After final approval, we provide the artwork in various formats, such as AI (Adobe Illustrator), PDF, JPG, and PNG. We also provide the artwork in both CMYK (for print) and RGB (for screens) color settings.

Additionally, we provide a mini logo guideline to help the client maintain consistency in fonts, colors, and logo usage in future materials. At the end of the project, the client owns all artwork and copyrights of the logo.

Our comprehensive logo design process involves eight essential steps to ensure a successful outcome for every project. From the initial questionnaire to understand your business needs to the final artwork delivery, we maintain a consistent approach. Key players in the process include an Account Manager, Project Manager, Art Director, and Creative Designer. Our timeline spans 3 to 5 weeks, featuring milestones like mood boards, concept sketches, and revisions. 

To get started, contact our Project Manager, who will guide you through every step, ensuring your vision is brought to life with precision and creativity. Reach out to us at info@asiamediastudio.com for more details.