Source: https://www.rawpixel.com/image/101529#
Hi all, today I will show you my creative process for SteemLinked's logo.
Steamlinked is a project from 
I really wanted to be a part of this because I actually use these kind of sites to get creative jobs.
The requirements for this logo was to picture people connecting and there was a stated preference for blue shades.
The final result is a clean, abstract, modern and highly legible logo.
Let me tell you about my thought process for this one.
Details
I started off with an abstraction for the people using basic shapes: a circle for the head and a another semi-circle to convey the arms.
Then, I used this abstract "person" as a module to create different combinations of linked people.
I went from simple compositions, to complex, to simple again. Trying to find the perfect and uncluttered visual balance.
Concept
In some of the modules one arm stretches out trying to shake hands. I think this is the basis of online jobs, to agree on the terms of each contract.
Some words that helped me come up with this concept were:
- Proximity
- Networking
- Agreement
- Chain links
- Link
Color and font variation
I explored with the module, now adding blue shades, a square proportion and san-serif fonts. These are some of the drafts:
Final Selection
How did I manage to choose between all of these? Well, first off, the logos with only two people were the best to scale down and remain legible, so I went in that direction.
I struggled between two options, the first one with the stretched arms trying to meet in a handshake and the second one with the two people about to handshake, but stretching their arms on the opposite side.
****I worked on the proportions of the final two contenders. I have updated them so they don't display the tagline.**
Aesthetically, the hand that stretched on the opposite side looked better because the two modules look like they are forming an "S" for "SteemLinked" shape in a diagonal.
I finally picked the last version to continue with the app icon.
I also modified the thickness of the linear element (arms), because they felt to heavy. This meant creating a negative offset path of -4 pixels to slim the shape.
I had already chosen the font Caravan as the best. It is a strong San Serif with an element of youthfulness and fun expressed with diagonal terminals, most visible in the unusual "k".
App Icon
The iconic element was simple enough to become a memorable app icon. I used the shapes in white (negative) over the gradient of blues and added more gradient shadows to give it dimension. I did several versions, but I consider this one the best.
The app icon looked very well in big and very tiny sizes.
Finally, the proof/screenshots ahead
Benefits / Improvements
This logo has a lot of positive features, it is:
- A memorable and clean logo with an iconic element that is legible at very small sizes.
- An accurate representation of what the platform does: connect people and make agreements between 2 parties, symbolized by a gesture to handshake.
- A representation of the first letter of the name: "S" for SteemLinked.
- A logo that feels young, modern and fits well visually within other apps.
- Flexible enough to be expanded into abtstract patterns for collateral and promotional design backgrounds.
Tools
- Adobe Illustrator for logo construction
- Adobe Photoshop for intro image and app icon mock-up on smartphone.
- Premium Royalty free image from: https://www.rawpixel.com/image/101529#
Original files
I have updated the files for the logo, this time without the tagline
I have updated the files for the logo, this time without the tagline
The folder of files is here and contains:
- Editable Illustrator file (CS5 and above) with font in curves
- App icon from mdpi to xxxhdpi formats for Android (png)
- Final logo in versions: color, positive, negative and white at 1000x1000px (png)
PS:
Nothing makes me happier than sharing the things I know with others, especially with fellow steemians. So don't be shy with your comments and questions because I answer them all.
Have a great day!
Posted on Utopian.io - Rewarding Open Source Contributors