When it comes right down to it, logos are used to identify. They represent products, businesses, services and so much more, but ultimately they are used to create, describe and signify what something is all about. Logos are like poetry. Where poets use select words in a small sentence to convey large meaning, logos share volumes of information about what they represent. From quirky to conservative and edgy to punchy, developing a logo takes some consideration and planning. So here's a few tips to make your logo successful and few more to avoid using.

Logo Don'ts

1. Font only logos. Stay away from a font-only logo or one that uses to many fonts. Text just isn't going to leave a lasting impression. It's easily forgettable and it doesn't make a visual impact that people can connect with.

2. Clipart. Keep your artwork original. Have images designed to fulfill the scope of your branding project. Using a pre-made art doesn't look cohesive and comes across unfinished. Good design should connect to the purpose of your logo and its overall intent.

3. Scale. Logos should be built to with the ability to adjust in size without losing quality in the design. This also means don't use rasterized images for your logos. Rasterized images can provide inconsistencies in reproduction and appear pixelated.

4. Trendy. A logo should have longevity and be around for awhile. Using trends means you're not making your logo timeless. Without a unique approach to logo development it can appear like a copy-cat or outdated within a small amount of time.

5. Selfish Design. Build a logo for your customer, not for the designer's ego or your own. Your logo needs to reach and appeal to your target audience and anxious graphic artists that see your logo as an opportunity to stamp with their own personalities aren't going to produce what you need.

A good approach to logo design is working with a professional who takes the time to consult with you and learn about your needs, wants and goals. Getting a sense of who will be purchasing, subscribing or using the offer behind the logo will make a big difference in the logo's design and final outcome. A solid logo should follow a few basic principles.

Logo Do's

1. Clear. Too much detail can be overkill for a logo. Cramming in too many elements can cause it to appear cluttered and distracting. Simple design makes a logo recognizable and customers will remember it.

2. Versatility. Think about how the logo will be used and where it will be used. Your logo should look and work well in color and as a black in white image. It should also be flexible enough to use on the Internet or on an outdoor board. The color palette should be simple. Too many colors can potentially cost quite a bit down the road for promotional items and printed pieces.

3. Image. A good logo doesn't have to describe what a company does or is. Consider the star-emblem that Macy's uses - it doesn't sell stars, or the Mercedes Benz icon - they sell cars, but you don't see a miniature-auto for a logo.

4. Format. Using vector images will give your logo greater flexibility and preserve its basic structure. This is important when it comes to sizing for different media products, marketing outlets and any other situation that features your logo.

5. Feedback. Definitely keep communication transparent with your designer. It will help keep your logo project on the right path. Be cautious when sharing your logo designs with others. It's ok to get an opinion from someone, but involving parents, friends, colleagues and partners may hinder the design progress of the logo and derail the logo from meeting it's objectives.

Hopefully these basic tips will get your logo design moving in the right direction. There's a million great resources available online for additional logo design tips and tricks. Take a look around and you're bound to find some excellent information.