One of the biggest mistakes I see in the world of logo design is the common use of Raster image formats such as JPEG, TIFF, GIFF, PNG etc for print. This is a mistake surprisingly common even within large respectable corporations resulting in an unprofessional result both in print and PDF production.
What is a vector image and why is it good for logo design?
When designing a logo the standard method is to use a vector graphics software such as Adobe Illustrator. A vector image, such as EPS or AI format, is made up of precise mathematical points which mean it can be scaled to any size with no loss of quality.
The beauty of Vector files is that not only do they print with super clarity at any size imaginable, but they also remain sharp within low-resolution PDF exports which are essential for modern day document exchange. Due to Vectors being made of anchor points as opposed to pixels the file size is also microscopic meaning your PDF file sizes remain tiny despite the increased quality.
Since logo designs are typically created in vector software, they can also be modified and tweaked at a later date, and can also be adapted for other media easier than raster.
What is a raster image and why is it bad for logos?
The alternative to vector is to use a raster graphics software such as Adobe Photoshop which is made up of pixels, which gives a ‘blocky’ looking effect when scaled up. This means that raster images are not suitable for logo design.
Although it’s possible to use a large raster image for your logo, if you do intend to use it for large format printing you will need a ‘huge’ file which is simply not practical.
Although I’m throwing a negative spin on raster images they do have a positive. Due to the nature of software such as Photoshop, the effects that can easily be achieved are unbelievable. If your logo design or icon is purely for online use such as a website, the results can be outstanding, with effects almost impossible to achieve in Vector software. It’s also worth noting that providing the artwork is 300DPI (Dots Per Inch) at the size required, and in CMYK print format, the end results will be high quality regardless. Of course not advisable for a growing organisation due to flexibility issues!
So if you want a new logo design that’s created and provided as a vector, or simply want your current logos recreated, contact me and I will be more than happy to help out and create a logo for you!