Community-based organizations and companies that want to exude a community feel (such as a bank or credit union) can benefit from a community logo. Community logos are somewhat general by nature and therefore can be used for a wide variety of applications and in a number of different ways. What your logo does for your organization or business is simple: it helps to establish, build, and reinforce your "brand". That is important whether you are a for-profit or not-for-profit business. After all, even non-profits have a brand. Look at the YMCA, Goodwill, or the Salvation Army. We all recognize the red bell design of the Salvation Army's logo without even hearing the bell ringing for donations outside on the street. That is effective brand building in action.
Creating Positive Feeling with Your Logo
Ultimately, your designer can make recommendations for your community logo but you are in total control of any turns that the design takes. As such, you should consider logos that leave the viewer with a positive feeling. This can be achieved through the appropriate use of imagery. By adding a graphic that is relevant to your business or organizational goals, you work towards cementing yourself in the eyes of your would-be and potential patrons.
Colors and Your Community Logo
The general feel of your community logo should leave those who see it with a "feel good" thought and a positive image of your organization or company. You can achieve this feeling with colors. Think about the colors that relate to your industry or to what you offer. Are you an eco-friendly organization? If so, then green is an ideal choice. The colors chosen in your logo can also be indicative of the goals that you are working to accomplish and the vibe that you want to set. Is your organization full of energy? A bright color or a neon color choice might be the best bet. Are you more professional, grounded, and traditional? A neutral cream or sand shade might be in the best interest of your organization for creating a logo. Above all, your logo should exude your style, and you should enjoy the colors that you choose. If your storefront or office space has a particular color scheme that you plan on keeping for the long-term, then you might wish to coordinate your colors with those colors. Keep in mind, too, that absent all color, your design should still retain its good looks. This will give you the option to print your logo in cost-saving black and white if the occasion calls for it.
Scalable Community Logos
Another notable aspect of logo design to consider when working with a professional logo designer to get the logo that will help you build your brand is scalability. Your logo should look awesome in a one-inch high design on your company's letterhead, and just as nice when blown up to six-feet high to include on your exterior signage. Whether plastered on a freeway billboard or printed on the side of a pen, your logo should not lose clarity or meaning regardless of how big or little it is rendered.
