Principles of Logo Design: A Practical Guide to Creating Effective Signs, Symbols, and Icons

by George Bokhua

Learn to design simple, powerful, and timeless logos.

*Winner of the 2022 American Graphic Design Award for Book Design from Graphic Design USA*

When you think of a brand, often the first thing that comes to mind is the logo, the visual representation of that product, place, thing, or business. The power of simplicity for these marks can never be underestimated—a logo that comprises simple shapes can communicate a stronger message than a complex one, leaving a lasting impression in a viewer’s mind.

In Principles of Logo Design , noted logo designer George Bokhua shares his process for creating logotypes that will stand the test of time . Applying the enduring principles of classic texts on grid systems by Josef Muller-Brockmann and on form and design by Wucius Wong, Bokhua elaborates on his popular online classes, demonstrating in detail how to maximize communication with minimal information to create logos using, simple, monochromatic shapes.

This comprehensive volume Knowing how to design a great logo is a core skill for any graphic designer. Principles of Logo Design helps designers at all levels of skill and experience conceive, develop, and create logos that are not only pleasing to the eye but evoke a sense of perfection.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction, Art, Business

224 pages, Hardcover

First published August 8, 2022

Reviews

[Brooke McGowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is absolutely brilliant and creates accessibility and agency for aspiring and seasoned graphic designers alike. It clearly outlines a myriad of design principles with detailed rationale for each example. Beyond educating the reader from a multi-faceted context, it takes the logic of design into action by teaching application, presentation, etc. From the variations gradient can offer to psychology, to pricing structure for your work, George Bokhua’s Principles of Logo Design is a must-read for anyone interested in visual communication.

Over two hundred pages of pure brilliance with clarity. I will certainly recommend this book to my graphic design peers and aspiring designers.

Thank you NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group and Rockport Publishers for the opportunity to provide an honest review for this ARC.

4.5 stars

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took one of George Bokhua's designer classes on Skillshare, and enjoyed it so much that when he announced he was publishing a book, I preordered it. This handsome volume is a distillation of all his years of design experience. It's not really a how-to so much as a book of inspiration and useful guidelines for aspiring designers.



Visual design is a field of its own, and what Bokhua does is mostly logo design. You know the Nike swish, the Golden Arches, the Apple... apple? All those logos that look so deceptively simple you'd think any art student could sit down with a sketchbook and after a few hours of coming up with different ideas, produce something good. Reading Bokhua's design book, I was struck by how many designs seem elegantly simple and easy to see how they were constructed, in the same way sometimes I read a book and think "I could write like this..." But could you really? Could you do it consistently and hit the mark every time? Are you sure you know all the little tricks and subtleties that go into polishing a work to perfection?



There are pages and pages of logos, with sections about figures, negative space, abstraction, geometry, balancing colors, the design process, and presentation. He demonstrates combining shapes to create pleasingly aesthetic compositions, and precision in measurements (he uses software, like everyone else nowadays, and advises to adjust angles like 44.3 degrees to 45 degrees, make sure all measurements round off to whole numbers and normalize them, and many other little refinements that an observer will never notice but the human eye will catch). The last section is business-focused, with a chapter about how to deal with clients.

It's quite a nice book, and my only complaint, ironically, was that I didn't like the typesetting and thought some of the text was blocky in a way that seemed less than elegant.

This is a book to inspire designers but it won't make you a designer. It's not a manual of design techniques or even how to develop your own style, but one designer's career portfolio, more or less.

[Phillip Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a graphic designer, I find logos to be one of the more challenging aspects of my work. Finding the balance between simplicity, meaning, easy to remember, and other factors is not always an easy task. When I saw this book, I knew that it would be a good read.

In it, there is plenty of helpful information that can get you started with logo design, or improve your methods. Each section is clear and has plenty of illustrations to help you understand the concept being talked about. I saw plenty of techniques that I plan to put into practice.

I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with many design books, this is more of a coffee table book of inspiration from the author rather than an instructive how-to. This is not a "guide," it is a checklist. That being said, the section headings make a comprehensive list against which to review a logo project. Have you sketched pictorial marks as well as letterforms? Have you tried patterns as identity elements? Beyond that, however, there is very little depth to the writing and it is only really there to pad the logo examples into a book.

[Kristin C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book serves as a good overview on the fundamentals of logo design. It explains basic concepts, different types of logos and why they work for different companies. It also demystifies visual principles and offers good insight into the actual design process.

A few years ago, I tried designing a logo myself and I also tried hiring a few individuals to communicate my vision. Having first read this book would have save me a lot of time, money and frustration.

If you are looking to design a logo, this book is a good first start!

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic overview on the principles of logo design and would be a great resource for anyone interested in the field. I wouldn’t consider it text book caliber however, that was not the internet of the book so it shouldn’t detract from or be a deciding factor in the value to those considering logo design as a career path or working in the field. I truly enjoyed it and feel it’s a great read.

[Frauke · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is essentially a coffee table book suited for clients, visually pleasant with solid examples, particularly useful for teachers or beginners in logo design. However, the title suggests a more in depth and practical manual. As a mid level designer, I gained only a small amount from it. The layout and typography also feel poorly considered, which is unfortunate.

A nice book to own, not one you will often return to for study.

[Leyla Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having worked in marketing for many years before retiring, I find this book really interesting both from the artistic side of the design but also how a logo can say a lot about a company or sales concept.
This book focuses on the graphic side of logo design, with lots of art work and ideas on color, presentation and much more. Thanks you NetGalley and the publishers for the DRC

[R.Z. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an important book that illustrates what to look for in outstanding and effective logo design. The illustrations are magnificent and very instructive. Both designers and artists will gain insights from reading Bokhua's beautiful book. I found it fascinating.

[Shannon Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

must read for new/beginner designers!

I loved this book that much, I finished it in two days, the information is well broken down and easy to digest. It’s explained well and will really help me in my 4th year at university!

[Joana Luari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book. It’s incredibly informative and straightforward. It covers everything you need to know about logos—from concept to final digital files and presentations. The author also offers valuable advice on how to price your services.

[MS · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 starzzz

[Kristi Tõnnus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book for beginner

Easy and useful read for beginner logo
designer. It is written in easy english so everybody understands!
Loved it very much!

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to choose only one book about logo design, it would be this one.