Logo Design: Get the best quality!
Updated: Aug 25
Understanding the difference in quality from DIY versus Hiring a Pro.
YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS A LOGO!
Maybe you're new to the world of graphics and discussions of the digital world. You need a logo, but aren't sure you really need to hire a designer for this.
"What am I actually paying for when I use a professional?"
A: The difference in logo quality is from the software it is created in and the file you receive from it.
VECTOR = BEST QUALITY OPTIONS
RASTOR= LOWER QUALITY OPTIONS
Using a Vector based program uses a mathematical formula (CLEAN LINES) that describes where points lie in relation to each other as well as the path between them.
Professional Logos offer:
Resolution independent (can be scaled up infinitely and will always stay crisp)
Small file size (unless the vector is incredibly detailed)
Look sharp on both regular and high resolution displays
Can be easily converted to pixels when necessary
WHAT IS RESOLUTION EXACTLY?
• A "Pixel" is viewed as a tiny physical colored square that is the smallest building block of raster images.
• "RESOLUTION" is how many pixels is in an image.
A pixel is a single point or the smallest single element in a display device. If you zoom in to a raster image you may start to see a lot of little tiny squares.
How big and sharp an image is depends on the amount of pixels that build it. The higher their density of pixels, the sharper the image appears. Resolution refers to the detail of the image. Images with low resolution have less detail and images with high resolution have more details. Resolution is typically measured in pixels per inch (PPI) or dot per inch (DPI).
WHAT THE CLIENT'S FILES ARE USED FOR:
YOUR WEBSITE: Your website needs JPEG or PNG files, that are 72 PPI and no more than 2000 pix wide for quicker screen loading. Digital files/for ex. marketing use, also can use 72-150 PPI and no more than 2000-3000 Pixels wide, for certain web/post/upload usage.
YOUR PRINTS: A client receives a PDF, as it is high resolution 300 DPI and shows transparency for multiple print uses, such as branding. And client also receives a TIFF file which is a large file with a lot of detail, great for print ( some printers require) with a background (non-transparent).
HOW: Vector created graphics are mostly created in ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR ( a design program through a subscription) and are drawings based on on line and points:
Vector graphics are resolution independent, meaning they can scale infinitely without losing their quality.
Most large size logos you see today, such as you might see on a truck are = vector based.
The result is the ability to blow up very large with NO PIXELATED (blurry/chiseled) edge to the design but only CLEAN, STRAIGHT edges.
That same illustrator file (.ai or "Adobe illustrator" file ) can also be sized down and printed to look equally sharp on promotional products, apparel, stationary, etc... and look clean and crisp with no blurred edges.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE WITH A.I. GENERATED LOGOS?
UNQUE BRANDING or A.I. DECORATION?
GRAPHICS= GENERIC, REUSED ICON, FONTS & LAYOUTS
Q: Can't I create something myself with my own photograph, type-program or some "free" online logo generator? What's the difference?
Logo generators do not understand your business goals, target audience, or market positioning. They cannot evaluate:
Brand personality
Industry expectations
Customer psychology
Long-term brand growth
What you get is decoration, not branding.
Poor Scalability Across Platforms
Many generated logos look acceptable on a screen but fail when applied elsewhere. Common issues include:
Complexity issues-
AI designs can be overly complex, making them harder to scale or use across different media
Text that becomes unreadable when resized
Icons that lose clarity in small formats
Layouts that don’t translate to print or signage
You will not have Ownership: You do not own exclusive rights to AI-generated images; others might create similar designs.
You may have Legal Risks: AI-generated logos may not be eligible for trademark registration, and it is recommended to conduct reverse image searches to avoid copyright issues.
A logo should differentiate your brand, not blend it into a sea of sameness.
WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE WITH YOUR FINAL LOGO PACKAGE:
The Web Files you will receive are JPEG or PNG. And the Print Files you will receive is PDF. (more about this below)
CMYK vs. RGB: YOU NEED BOTH.
Often logo maker/AI Generated designs produce graphics in a web color file mode (RGB) ONLY!!
Web files and Print files use different color modes ( 3 part or 4 part).
When starting a business, it's a lot of work getting that logo and branding complete. Doing it properly through a professional will help so you will have the best quality design and delivery of the correct files for all uses. You will not have to back-track and one day, resigning properly and pay-over again in time and/or money!
Your Logo Is More Than a Pretty Picture, it's Branding That Works for Business!
Sarah Bryce Designs is a woman-owned small business & designer in the Bethany Beach area. Sarah specializes in marketing & design work in both digital and print. www.sarahbrycedesigns.com
See also: My Google Reviews
Contact Sarah for more information. www.sarahbrycedesigns.com
