Warning this post may not be pretty, there may be some ranting going on. With that in mind, here goes:

Sometimes I really have to wonder who designs some of these company logos. Are they graphic designers? If so, have they ever sent any of their designs to print before? Do they know what the end use will be for their lovely logo design?

Now. . .I’m not criticizing the concepts or the graphics themselves so much – to each his own – beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all, right? My pet peeve is the color choices used in some logo designs. Logos that will eventually sometime, someday, somewhere be printed, maybe on paper, cloth, plastic, you name it the logo will eventually be reproduced.

That being said, why? Why would anyone create a logo today with four spot colors plus black and two of these spot colors cannot even be converted to CMYK? I ask you. . .why do you think this happens?

You may be wondering why I’m getting all riled up about this. Well, when clients come to me to have a project printed what is one of the first things that is usually discussed? . . . How much will this cost, of course! I’ll tell you right now, a five color logo with four custom spot colors ain’t going to be cheap!

Designers, all I’ve got to say is step away from the color palette before somebody gets hurt! . . . Ah, ha ha, all kidding aside . . . just think mindfully about your color choices when designing corporate logos. Color is GREAT . . . just be sure that the colors that you choose can be easily converted to CMYK. It will make life easier for all involved. Your printer will be happy, your client will be happy and you will be happy because you won’t have to hear the client complaining about the cost of getting their printing done!

What are your thoughts on color in logo design? Have you had issues with multiple spot colors in a logo and the cost of reproducing it?