Read and Discuss: How to make your logo ready for the customer

Thanks 4 sharing, seems very practical!

Unfortunately, I don't have Illustrator. Besides Illustrator & AI, the complex graphic tools, there is a simpler solution - an online logo maker for newbies.

jdanek's comment is pointed, and I remember a tutorial ever says it's necessary to start logo design with sketches, since color will confuse you. A point is: If a logo is ugly in sketches, then it still sucks in colorful world.

"What are your strategies to make a logo ready to use for the customer?"

When I design a logo for any client, I always "start" with sketches.  No color.  No PNGs.  Customer decides on logo based on the sketches, which are pencil renderings.  Color does not enter the equation until the customer has approved the design conceptual ( pencil sketch ).

The design itself is based on Black and White.  The vector artwork is created using Black and White swatches.  Typography is kept "live" until the customer has signed-off on the logo, then a "copy" of the original is prepared using font outlines.

Next round are color palettes and ( 3 ) different Spot Color versions based on the Black and White artwork previously approved by the customer.  Customer then approves and signs-off on the final vector artwork, now two versions, 1.) Black and White, 1.) Spot Color.  I typically "print" a contract proof and have the customer sign-off on the print proof.

Web versions come later.  Bitmap versions ( if necessary ) can be handled by whoever is following "the branding guide".  That goes for the web people.  So, a branding guide is crucial in the over-all deliverables to the "customer".