Really Good Logos Explained: Top Design Professionals Critique 500 Logos & Explain What Makes Them Work

by Margo Chase, Rian Hughes, Ron Miriello

So what does make a logo "really good"?

Really Good Logos, Explained focuses on the nuts and bolts of good design--the specific decisions designers make every day, which result in logos that are either thoughtful and purposeful, or logos, that fall short of the mark. Filled with succinct yet tremendously informative critiques of 500 logos designers and clients alike will get a rare glimpse inside the mind of top creatives, whose comments provide practical, effective advice for improving and creating your own designs.

Four internationally acclaimed designers were presented with this challenge of explaining, in five sentences or less, what makes each design effective or how the design could have been improved. The rules were simple: No jargon. No fluff. No pretentious designer-speak. The result is a collection of razor-sharp insights from some of today's top creative minds.

Really Good Logos, Explained examines the aesthetics of good logo design, and points out, with wonderfully specific detail, exactly what makes each design sing--what makes them "really good."
--back cover

Genres: Design, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s get the full disclosure ickyness out of the way: I’ve got work in Rockport’s recently released Really Good Logos, Explained. But there are plenty of other good reasons to pick up this book in addition to the siren song of seeing Tokyo Farm’s goodness in print. Really Good Logos, Explained isn’t the standard grid-after-grid of logos in isolation that make up most of the logo reference genre. Instead, Rockport has asked design luminaries Margo Chase, Rian Hughes, Ron Miriello and Alex White to review 500-plus logos and explain exactly why, in their opinion, they’re so good. “In their opinion” is the key phrase here, and exactly what makes the title so interesting. Chase, et al. don’t always agree, and you certainly won’t always agree with them, but getting a peek into the thought processes of some very accomplished designers as they chew apart a logo is an all-too-rare treat that shouldn’t be missed. There are a couple of small things to nitpick. The amount of feedback from each author is a little too brief, and the bonus chapter, “Not-So-Good Logos, Explained,” doesn’t feature as productive feedback as I’d hoped. Still, those are tiny niggles and neither is a deal-breaker for this unique book.

[Michael Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

TODO full review:
+ The concept is simple but excellent: take 4 professional graphic designers of good reputation, invite people to submit logos for review, and record the key part of the review for 500 of the best-rated (and some of the least). What works? What doesn't? Why?
+ The diversity of material is excellent, and the book does a good job to separate and identify the nicest logos. The wood-like flying pidgeon is one of their favorites, and one of mine.
- The actual judgment criteria remain a bit unclear, and many reviews are only done by two or even only one of the reviewers. More importantly, some of the reviews include contrary opinions, which remain unreconciled. The authors could have included the ensuing discussion, for the benefit of the reader.

[franthormel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was nice that there were a lot of icons that were grouped and given why it does or does not properly resemble an idea but I felt like there were too many (500?).

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my favourites, as it's not just a reference for inspiring logos but it really explains what makes a good logo (as the title suggests). Four professionals with a lot of experience in the logo game provide honest and mostly informative opinions on selected logos. I appreciate the critique that a lot of the logos get, particularly in the minor details that non-designers will not notice, but designers should certainly be aware of. Of course, much of the comments are subjective but I think it's safe to say that a really good logo will transcend these personal opinions and stand out among the rest.

Got a good kick out of the "Not-So-Good Logos, Explained" chapter, but would have definitely loved to see more. Guess that's that unabashed pleasure in witnessing the horrific. I'm ashamed to admit that I've been guilty of committing some of the crimes mentioned in said chapter, but I've long learnt to be more scrupulous and perceptive.

Also love how Margo Chase and Alex White included the Batman (of Burton's film franchise) logo as one of their favourites. It certainly is a classic.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book - high quality production and rather helpful. The only thing I didn't like is that not all logos were reviewed by all four professional critics. In fact, some were only reviewed by one. What was so great about this book, is that many times, the reviewers had differing opinions and it was helpful to read each of them. The fact that so many of the logos only had one review left me wanting more, but not in a good way.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how this book goes beyond eye candy to discuss why certain logos are or aren't successful, including opinions from a few different designers. Interesting to see how subjective and varied their opinions are, and how my thoughts are similar or different.