3 Principles to Improve Your Logo Design Process - Legibility, Hierarchy, and Contrast

Are you a graphic designer, web designer, package designer, or motion designer? Use these 3 Steps to Improve your design process:
1. Design in black and white - As we all know, Design can be frustrating, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. I find it helps to focus my attention on only whats important. That's why I design in black and white. It forces me to focus on only the most important aspects of the logo: Hierarchy, Contrast and Legibility.
2. Focus on legibility - Legibility is essential but can get in the way of some really fun ideas. Sometimes In pursuit of a clever idea, we get carried away to the point the logo becomes hard to read. Rookie mistake. The solution? Periodically check in and ask yourself (or someone else) does the logo read well?
3. Giving a good Critique is an art - There’s much more to it than simply throwing out random opinions. Whether critiquing your own work or someone else’s, it’s important to remember that a good critique follows a process. I think of it like peeling an onion: Start by simply describing what you’re seeing. Then, say 1 thing you like and 1 thing that feels kinda funny. Then, move into what isn’t working and why. Finally, suggest ways to fix it.
These are 3 small things you can start doing that will improve your logo design skills. Getting better is a slow process, but these 3 things are a step in the right direction. We will have more tips for you soon. Keep learning stuff, one day you will be great! Thanks for watching. The Futur.
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[@TheFuturAcademy]

How do you guys like this new format? The team is trying some new things for these videos.

[@Bryan-ed9de]

UNPARALLELED, MAGNIFICENT, AND AWESOME. THE BEST

[@matthewgillespie]

It surprised me a bit after the normal, dialogue-driven episodes that have become the way you share much of your information! Having said that, I liked the quick snippets of design advice, and the speed of the video was nice (especially when I don’t have time to deep dive into a 30 minute episode!) Near the end, the hard cuts between camera angles in the middle of Chris’s sentences got me kinda dizzy. So pumped for this channel!

[@johnm1787]

I love it

[@vincentdn]

The snap-and-zoom camera threw me off at first, but I think it can definitely work with this format. Loving Chris his high-energy delivery. Overall I'm getting a young/hip vibe from the video which is probably your intent for the FA brand. Keep rocking! V

[@seanravenhill]

Fantastic! The short time format allows for fully engaged attention throughout the video! Also, a great way to take a 5-minute break from whatever hour block task you might be on. Short + Structured + Educational = Productive Break Time with Retainable Knowledge! I think a mix of this sort of short quickfire format and alternately some "deep dive" videos is a great way forward! Or perhaps break those "deep dive" videos into 5-minute modules? Great job team The Futur! A shining beacon of light in the vast ocean of the creative industry! Thank You!

[@lailaportrays]

When he said "it's like peeling an onion", I really thought it was going to be followed by a "you cry at first" haha.

[@farazsiddique5853]

Haha it's ntt funny

[@EmilyMutti_]

Me too! Hahahaha

[@bennygerow]

That's so ironic because I'm so frustrated at myself at this point! 😂😂😥😥

[@ceejay7034]

Big same haha

[@jeesus97]

"You can't own a triangle, you can't own a square or trapezoid this is for everybody to use" Thanks Chris!

[@DillanIsrael]

Jesús Acosta hi, can you pls explain what he meant by that exactly?

[@jeesus97]

@@DillanIsrael Sure! Chris said basically that geometric forms doesn't belong to anyone, you can use a square or a triangle or whatever you want in your design, because you can't own or you can't patent geometric shapes, those are for everybody to use :)

[@conqr1113]

haha damn striaght.

[@DillanIsrael]

Thanks for responding. Get it now. I agree!

[@y.z.6517]

You can't say the same with red cross.

[@MrAaron-br8un]

“Everybody gonna be reminded of something, I feel like everything’s already been done, you cant own a triangle, you cant own a square or trapezoid, this is for everybody to use” Thank you for this wisdom and logic! And you’re right, everyone’s gonna say it reminded them something then dismissing it. Everybody’s a critic but cant put an input.

[@onuohaudeagha1255]

I deeply appreciated that comment by him

[@happysloth91]

This is how education should be in the 21st century, it is fun to learn and Chris with his has proven that. You're going to the next level with the futur academy and I'm happy to see that

[@TheFuturAcademy]

Thank you. This is part of our mission.

[@philipsido3746]

Glad someone points out the importance of working on black and white for the initial logo draft. Great content and nice to have this new channel!

[@youdontneedme]

I wish your videos were released back when I was a college student.

[@somchitkittisak]

daniela e you can still always learn this king.

[@DarrenbyDesign]

I felt the same way 😭 I'm glad they exist now... If only I have 10k to just donate to them

[@youdontneedme]

@@somchitkittisak I do! following the futur in social media, it's been one of my best decisions 🤗

[@youdontneedme]

@@DarrenbyDesign hahahaha same! You can buy Chris's book or one of their courses tho :)

[@enioluwaodunjo]

I love videos like this that explain why and the mindset of a designer . Cos It’s not really about the tool, but about the principles behind good design. I love this ❤️

[@kevinscholz8069]

Way to go Chris and the team! I saw Chris speak this week for an RGD webinar, he was live and so genuine. Listen to this man.

[@orenji]

Looking forward to more of these! Sending my thanks to Chris and his team!! You guys rock :)

[@negative42]

I love how this is edited, it really adds to the energy. Great video!

[@conqr1113]

It does. Doesn't it. I have created my channel now finally after taking tips from him. Chris Rocks!!!

[@dangealon]

This new channel is a step in the right direction! Cool format btw!

[@Exnihilo37]

this is dope. im hyped for the two channels

[@balazssimon-tajdina546]

This channel is my new favourite! Thank you guys!

[@1WillyDAVID]

pure gold, thanks a lot guys!

[@BronsonLivesHere209]

Great points Chris! I would love to see more of these critique videos. Very helpful.

[@tkatdesign2669]

Love hearing your opinion on these logo's! Great content.

[@riyaarzx]

Now it make sense! Cool!!!

[@vglab5957]

I'd like to thank you Mr Chris, you make me progress every day

[@ricky_szn4582]

I love the new channel, helps keep things organized!!

[@latenightcanvas147]

Great content! This is exactly the kind of stuff I’m needing in my life!

[@ClaudioMurru]

Thank you for this new Chanel ! ... I'm Hungry of learning ! Let's gooo !

[@zenkreative8058]

Great video, I love how a simple change to a logo can have a dramatic effect on it, for example the Trident logo.

[@AshishKumar-zi9gy]

Already loving the content thanks for this 😀

[@mrebbesen]

Very excited for this channel. I'm guessing well move into some deeper stuff, can't wait :)

[@graphicflame7874]

Finally you started it. Thanks. Waiting for more vids. :)

[@jo69123]

Pure gold Chris!

[@enioluwaodunjo]

Love the different camera angle too. Sweet edits! ❤️

[@serge9066]

Quick and to the point. Thank you.

[@shaunaeasterling3273]

I love that I've been able to watch you and your team grow!!! It's very encouraging.

[@TheFuturAcademy]

Thanks!

[@AnshMehraa]

I absolutely love this format

[@jagofour]

I have always take this into consideration while designing logos for clients for sure. What I would like you to make is a video is about sketching concepts for making logos. That would be awesome. Love the new channel by the way 👌🏼

[@valeria_flores]

This type of videos will be very helpful!! So excited about the new chanel!!! :)

[@travelwithgoose]

Love this channel! Thank you Chris and team

[@kitmuntham7130]

immediate actionable advice. thankyou the futur!

[@bahadurkhan4431]

Thank you, Chris. You are a Great teacher. God bless you.

[@bygrapher]

Usefull and clear as always! Thanks a lot to the team :)

[@CoolGuyDesigns]

Very solid advice. Legibility is always key!

[@jwohanlim651]

Thanks for making this happen!

[@CreativLLC]

I love you guys SO much!

[@DepressionTalks1]

Thank for critiquing and sharing your insights! Definitely helpful

[@RikGierman]

Great tips Chris! Your channle has helped me form my business in the last couple of years! Thanks again!

[@netherdark]

Quick & concise. This really helps refine my process. Thanks!

[@TheFuturAcademy]

You're welcome.

[@ngoctram4691]

Thank you for sharing! So easy to understand and learn!!!

[@siddiaz1623]

same feeling when you giving a critique to someones work like peeling the onion, It make them cry in the end.. but I love that..

[@temynator]

Thanks! Great tips!

[@jamespilz1514]

Mannn! I'm diggin this. I love the video style with the fast cuts and blue lighting! Chris, I also really appreciate your quick and concise content. I'm very excited to see the up and coming stuff!

[@TheFuturAcademy]

thanks James

[@dinselamores3584]

Looking forward for the future ❤

[@erikodijk9912]

Love the video! keep up the good work

[@BoomChuckaluck]

I do appreciate the the way you edited this. This way the Academy videos separate from the style you have at The Futur. Feels like fun over here!

[@Sasscat58]

Thanks Chris!

[@Jonesrful]

Soooo ready for more!

[@TheFuturAcademy]

Yea!

[@RobertBloom]

Loved this and looking forward to more!

[@TheFuturAcademy]

Thanks

[@BillyDiamond]

You rock man!

[@dorminac]

This felt really nice. Straight to the point. Examples, corrections, final tips. Done. Another sub for you guys!

[@TheFuturAcademy]

Thanks.

[@MarkWilder68]

This was amazingly helpful.

[@LeaveImpression]

Thanks for the Amazing Video. I m super excited about this new channel.

[@TheFuturAcademy]

;)

[@aarav3184]

Thank you Cris for sharing valuable information. I didn't know about any of the design mistakes you pointed out.

[@GraphicDesign-]

This is a really amazing video I have ever watched in my entire life.

[@wemake5319]

Great content!

[@ohstayyeah]

Wow, I love love your sense of humour! Very interesting how pro designer sees and thinks.

[@GuyPorteous]

yasss ma bois killing it as always

[@TheFuturAcademy]

Thanks

[@neodidi]

Educating... Love this 👍👌

[@emmanuelpuzynin1574]

Chris, I held a speech in my college about you, thefutur and blind. I’m very glad to learn from you while still being teenager. Thank you;)

[@TheFuturAcademy]

Do you have a video recording of that speech?

[@dandigitalcom]

To the point, and constructive criticism. You guys are a great inspiration for my own channel - *much love*

[@TheFuturAcademy]

Thank you.

[@HericheYassine]

I loved the using of sound FX, and the new style of editing, great improvement ... Thefutur it's the future! Love from Algeria.

[@TheFuturAcademy]

Thank you. Hello Algeria.

[@mr.dundos]

Love your channel...keep it up

[@austin404305]

Thank you for this second channel!

[@TheFuturAcademy]

You're welcome

[@tahatahir1133]

This video is awesome I will share in my graphics class!

[@asifzzaman1632]

Loooooooooove the new channel!!!!

[@TheFuturAcademy]

Yayyyy

[@0000_official]

I would add a very important thing #4. Test, test, test with your (potential) clients! Not only with designer peers! Because the logo is for them. Legibility - no way to test it better than with a client. The clients won’t be able to tell you in a clear language what’s good or what’s bad with it, but they can tell you how the feel about it and what it makes them think about. So you don’t test with clients to understand what fixes to make but to understand how a real client will look at it and feel about it. And then you go back to your design team and discuss about the feedback a possible fixes.

[@harshadaaupare]

Really awesome to learn with this video... Liked it !!!!!!

[@TheFuturAcademy]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@tramhum7873]

More videos like this please. Thank you the Futur ☺️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@nooraniali]

Loved it

[@digitald0m]

Clarity is important. Very good Information.

[@lockettowl]

I like this. It was helpful.

[@OMIMmusic]

Really helpful video thank you so much!! ⚡

[@prosperpercy]

Thanks for an amazing video

[@duranburnett]

Absolutely love these discussions. Only issue I have is the fact that the main guy is almost too powerful, I always feel the rest of the group is very cautious to say something. He is just too good in comparison and when they then mention something it almost seems stupid, no matter how good their ideas might be. When working with a boss that is so inspiring it can be overwhelming, but Hey main man make your employees feel a bit more relaxed when they speak. You probably don't notice it, but you intimidate the crap out of them. You are brilliant but we can relate to your employees easier, and they give us more confidence because of that. Anyway always love the videos.

[@beauxflamiano5502]

I love how Chris broke down steps to giving critiques. #Thanks

[@robertidonotsharemyfullnam496]

2:30 Yes "Audio" exactly what i thought especially for people who are knowledgable about the classic JBL 4430 Mastering Monitor Design, which many Audio-Heads still are, regardless wether they are musicians or postproduction guys. So perfect logo for a Vintage-Mastering-Monitor-Restoration-Business or something ;)

[@konzzz]

Thanks for this!

[@LogoDuniya]

Nice work, keep it up.

[@souljabry29]

Really looking forward to the *Futur* of this channel

[@TheFuturAcademy]

I see what you did there ;)

[@souljabry29]

I was debating it but in my heart of hearts it felt wrong not to

[@tonysturn7769]

Thanx Chris. 😁👌

[@d-hashgraphic4585]

THANK YOU

[@TheKidsdrawing]

Nice video, I 'm following always thanks :)

[@stefanmatthiascorneliusgla5262]

I like the shorter videos with condensed content. But also looking forward to the next Logo Critique.

[@PlaylistProductions]

Describe what you see.. Then feel.. Then steps to improve.. Really useful for videos too!

[@EPHONIC]

New format is great. Like the quick recap approach. Easy to digest in a busy day. I do disagree with Chris on Hudlum logo. I believe it is completely legible due to proximity of forms (H) and similarity of stroke weight. The L and U are a bit distracting but are needed to ensure that the letterspacing is consistent. It does detract from the H though and competes for attention/meaning.

[@RicoAlencar]

So excited for this new channel, i already consume everything on The Futur, more quality content for everybody, yay!

[@MachoGamer09]

The future team doing great work..👏your efforts are simply invaluable..👍this is first channel I've ever seen in my 7 year's design learning career which introduces us the great people sharing there experiences with the designer's community..👔 The team future is the new BUSINESS OF DESIGN.. Thank You...🙌

[@TheFuturAcademy]

Thanks

[@zolanisibanyoni3163]

Thank you

[@ARPCreation]

Great!

[@mucharamdwikananda8925]

love the edit

[@TheFuturAcademy]

Thanks

[@parthosarkar5270]

Please post more videos on logo designing advice! Would be very helpful! PS. Amazing video🔥

[@HeavyRiven]

Very useful 💜

[@maishadesign7193]

nice content I loved it

[@alexisvlogspr8545]

Here present!!!an subscribed!

[@transgreaser]

such meaningful criticism, because it makes more sense.