What logo file formats do I need?

A question I often get from business owners and marketing people is: what format do I need my logo in? or what should I get from my logo designer?

While every project is different and specific concepts and effects may require a unique approach, what follows is a quick guide of what we consider to be the most typical file formats in logo design, and the ones that we normally provide. Keep in mind that certain applications require specific formats, so you should keep the various formats on file.

.PDF = Portable Document Format
This is the format we use to share all design proofs via email throughout the creative process.

.AI = Adobe Illustrator / .EPS = Encapsulated Postcript 
Vector based format
This file can be enlarged without limitations or loss of quality. It is the preferred format by most printers and graphic professionals, and the best format for any high quality printing. It is also the most flexible format. Once you have a vector file, you can resave it into most other formats. While you might not be able to open it if you don’t have the necessary “vector” software, you can forward this format to any vendors who request it.

.JPG = Compressed Image File
Rasterized. Can be saved in high resolution
This file cannot be made any larger than the original without loss of quality (we normally provide final JPGs at about 7” wide at 300 dpi). It’s a very convenient format to open, as you do not need any specialized software. If you enlarge it more than appropriate, you will loose quality. This file is perfect for websites, web banners, social media, emailing, and general screen or desktop use such as Power Point Presentations, Word documents, etc. Wondering what does JPG mean? It’s an acronym for the Joint Photographic Experts Group who created this format. 

.PNG = Portable Network Graphics
Similar to the JPG, but this file supports transparencies more easily. If properly created, this format can be useful when trying to place your logo over a non-white background. 

.GIF = Graphics Interchange Format
A gif is a bitmap image format which only supports limited colors and quality, so it should only be used for simple web applications. We normally use it for a website’s favicon, the little/miniature logo or icon that appears on your web browser, next to the url.

For questions or information on logo design projects: 
natalia@studiorod.com  |  www.studiorod.com
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Five tips on Thank You cards and how to say Thanks.

A proper thank you is always welcome, it leaves a mark of appreciation, kindness and civility, and in or hurried lifestyles, it is something that we should make the effort to do. Here are some ideas:

1. Make the time to say thanks: whether it’s a written note, email, phone call or even a text message, take some time to say thanks when thanks are due.
2. Handwrite them: while it may sound old-style, a classic written thank you always makes a good impression.
3. Have some thank you cards or stationery ready: this will motivate you to write them quickly and easily.
4. Use thank you cards as a branding opportunity: invest in custom thank you cards or compliment cards for your company and use them to subtly emphasize your brand.
5. Tell people why you are thanking them: everyone loves to hear how they have been able to make a difference. So a little reminder of what they’ve done is a great way to start saying thanks.

For questions or information on how to improve your corporate image, please contact: 
natalia@studiorod.com  |  www.studiorod.com
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7 Tips - How to create an attractive interactive presentation in Power Point or similar program.

Almost everyone needs to create a Power Point or similarly interactive presentation at one time or another. While a professional design that strengthens the branding of your company is a great way to accomplish a dynamic and great looking presentation, here are some tips that can be applied to presentations created in-house to make non-designers look very good: 

1. Use a template: this will help all your slides and pages look similar and part of the same presentation.
2. Limit the use of colors: use your corporate colors and maybe a couple of highlight colors, but no more than 3-4 colors throughout the presentation.
3. Limit the use of fonts: select a couple of good working fonts, a bold one for headlines and a lighter one for text and stick with those. 
4. Limit the use of font sizes: Select a size for headlines and a size for text and don’t alter sizes throughout the presentation to “fill space”. Consistency is the key to looking professional.
5. Resist the urge to try all the special effects: an elegant presentation uses a transition between slides and another for animated images or text, but be consistent with the effects. If you try them all, your presentation may start to look like an amateur wedding video. So unless you have a specifically cool reason to do it, exercise some "animation control".
6. Do not distort images or logos: If you enlarge or reduce the size of an image, be sure to do so proportionally. Squeezing an element horizontally or vertically to fill a space only creates a strange-looking and generally unattractive graphic. Never ever distort your logo.
7. If possible, invest in having a custom template created for your company, over which you can build your future presentations with ease and style.

For questions or information on any design projects or for information on creating a custom presentation template for your company, please contact: 

natalia@studiorod.com  |  www.studiorod.com
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8 Tips on how to use your logo in a better way.

While it is crucial to have a good logo for your business, once your logo has been created it’s equally important to use it properly in order to strengthen your corporate identity, build your name and brand, and create a memorable impression.

The following 8 tips can help accomplish proper logo implementation:

1. Files in order: Make sure your logo files are in order and accessible to everyone who needs them.
2. Use your logo: While this may sound a bit obvious it’s important to use your logo in the different aspects of your business so that your image is unified. From business cards and stationery, to brochures, vehicles and uniforms, always use your same, unchanged logo.
3. Do not distort: Never distort your logo to make it fit an odd space. Once your logo is designed, strive to maintain its original shape and proportions. If you need a different logo for a specific application, speak with your designer who can help you create an appropriate variation.
4. Corporate colors: Use your color palette with discipline throughout all your projects. Adding random colors to various applications will only distract from your identity.
5. White space: Give your logo ample space around it in every application. Your logo needs a little space to breathe, so don’t place it in a crowded corner or too close to an edge. A well placed logo is easier to see and remember.
6. Standards manual: If possible, invest in having a custom standards manual created for your corporate image. This will provide a reference document that everyone in your company can use to learn and understand the best ways to use your logo, keep it consistent and make it successful.
7. Where to be: Only use your logo in instances that you are proud of and happy to be associated with. Your logo will provide a visual association to whatever piece it is part of.
8. Finally, bigger isn’t always better. Don’t insist on making your logo as big as it can possibly be within a space. A well sized logo can attract the eye even more than a huge distorted or disproportionate logo. As Mary Poppins said: Enough is as good as a feast!

For questions or information on any design projects or for a custom analysis of your current logo and brand, please contact:
natalia@studiorod.com  |  www.studiorod.com
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