How Do You Go With A Logo?

If you have just started out in business or you are looking for a logo to add identity to your team or organisation, this article is worth reading first.

No other subject has caused as many heated discussions in our family business as deciding on a suitable logo. After 30 years, it is still a contentious issue. There is one thing we do agree on though and that is that a logo must be a simple design. Our Embroidery workshop sews 1000's of logos each year - some are spot-on and a pleasure to work with. Others are beautiful artworks but shockers to stitch on clothing.

So how does your logo shape up? Did you pick some clip art to use, or did you go down the path of paying for a design service? We can tell you from experience that paying big money for a professional service does not guarantee that your logo will be suitable for use across a wide range of media. So, what things do you need to consider apart from the obvious one of choosing a logo that relates to your business?

Here are a few points to consider.

• Where will this logo be used? Sign writing, banners, vehicles, stationary, email  products, clothing, wrappings, pens, caps, television, websites……etc
• What colours suit your business but also the places that the logo will be seen?
• Do you need more than one version of the logo depending on usage?
• If it contains text, which fonts are the easiest to read in a range of situations?
• Does the design look like someone else’s?

Whatever you decide on, get feedback from someone outside of your business and the design process. Ask them what the logo signifies to them. Most importantly though, follow the KISS principle. Keep It Simple Stupid. Think Nike, Apple, Coke.

Now back to what this post is about. Designing a logo that works well for embroidery. So here are a few more points to consider.

• Size does matter. Approximately 85mm wide x 75mm high works well on most shirts on the chest whether on the pocket or above. If you are going to add team names underneath, then not so high.
• Colours should be changeable if using on a variety of fabric colours. Keep to maximum of 4.
• Design should be simple with the minimum of small individual elements and if possible, elements of the same colour should join.
• Text should be a clear font without serifs with all letters being very similar in size. Keep the amount of text to a minimum as letters smaller than 6mm are hard to read when sewn.
• Avoid using a background, if possible, to reduce the number of stitches and density of the design. This is particularly important if the fabrics being embroidered are light weight weaves or knits.
• Most embroidery businesses charge by the number of stitches used and sometimes by the number of times the needles must change colour. Remember KISS.

If you are interested in ordering work shirts for your team, Just Country, Thomas Cook  and Ritemate Pilbara, are our go to brands for the ever popular ½ button long sleeve shirts in a variety of colours and sizes from toddler to plus size men’s. If the office is your workspace, we can provide catalogues to assist you in defining your corporate style.

We hope you have found this post useful and if you would like more information on our embroidery service, or links to our online workwear catalogues, please don’t hesitate to email or give us a call at the shop. By the way we are still arguing about the best logo. I guess that’s what happens when you have 3 family members passionate about the business they are in together!

As always - we welcome your feedback!