Gradients in logos are a divisive topic: certain people despise them and find they look tacky, while others love them. The flat style looks for logos is common these days, but that does not mean gradients are extinct. It essentially means that many patterns in logo design may seem more dated than they ought to. When used correctly, the technique can be effective, but often designers use it as a crutch to hide poor design concepts.
There are positive and poor ways to use gradients, whether you prefer them or dislike them. Freelance Bazar has compiled a shortlist of what to accept and what to ignore when it comes to gradient use in logos these days.
Do: To improve the style, use subtle gradients.
Do not really: use strong gradients, specifically in the smaller and more complex areas of your logo design.
Although Google’s latest logo design leans toward the simple style theme, it contains a rather slight linear gradient. One such impact gives the classic logo design dimension without resorting to the old beveled and engraved feel. Moreover, in the logo on the right, the use of gradients within the smaller shapes of the logo occupies the graphic, making it seem much less formal. To not consider that it would most likely not print well at certain sizes.
Do: Before adding gradients, create an accurate solid version of the logo.
Please do not: use gradients in the logo design because they find it impossible to copy or read.
The sturdy variant of the logo will appear bold and simple on non-screen mediums such as embossed, letterpress paper, posters, and embroidered clothing. Using needless gradients to the emblem makes it seem washed out and overcomplicated, and it simply does not translate well. The main takeaway is to keep it easy.
Do: incorporate gradients into the logo design in an innovative and brand-relevant way.
Do not: use gradients to generate symbolic imagery that is unrelated to the brand.
The use of a gradient in the Airbnb logo is appropriate for a business that makes travel easier. The transition from dark blue to light blue resembles the bright, sunny sky that most people equate with vacations. Our fictitious logo design on the right strongly relies on gradients inside it to provide dimension and contrast. It does not, however, convey any significance. If we removed the gradients, we would be left with an equally abstract square that is easier to see in print.
The bottom line is that if your gradient is not benefiting your logo, it is hurting it. Find a different solution.
Do: Use competent, well-executed gradients in your logo.
Do not: use gradients that seem to have been thrown together haphazardly.
Your customer came to you because they wanted a technical template that they could not make themselves. As a result, ensure that the gradient is working properly. Determine the correct source of light if it is intended to reflect a light shining on your logo. If you want to emphasize a certain aspect of your logo, do not use a variety of gradients to prove your case where one will suffice. Gradients should be placed with care.
Do: Configure the gradients for the best possible printing results.
Do not: Neglect printing problems.
Patterns do not often print well and can result in an unsightly banding effect relying on the consistency of the printer, so it is critical to plan the files for the best results from the outset, beginning from the design process. The fact of the matter is that if you want to use gradients in your branding, do so sparingly. Your client’s business could make it big one day and really need their logo carved into the marble floor of their headquarters or even projected into the sky like the Batman signal and patterns do not translate well in those genres.
Conclusion
The outcome is that you are solely using badge gradient color on your website. You never know when the logo you created for your client’s business will reach the pinnacle and then be used through all media outlets, so make sure the logo you create is highly customized and of the highest quality and individuality. Finally, the architecture should be appropriate and competent in every way.
Some FAQs-
Can a gradient influence the readability of a logo?
People believe that having a gradient logo would detract from the text or key design of their logo. This is only possible if you do not use the best gradient for logo design in the proper manner. That is why it should be used subtly and not overdone so that the main design does not vanish or become shadowed.
Is a gradient used in the design?
Freelance Bazar believes that the most popular logo will be the one with the best style. If the color gradient logo is the primary consideration or if you want to cover for a mediocre design by incorporating excessive gradients, you are going in the opposite direction.