A logo should be thought of as a living design. As times and styles change, the logo design should keep up. Otherwise, a logo starts to look old and tired - not things you want to portray to your customers. Mild changes can make a big improvement while still helping retain the image your customers have come to recognize and trust. The changes can be simple - think of it as a graphical facelift. Lightening or darkening of colors, slight changes in font type or size, and variation of the overall shape are little things that can make a big difference.

When customers look at your logo, they automatically associate your logo with what it's like to do business with you. A old, tired logo might make customers feel like your business is old and tired too. That's why some mild updates can go a long way. Too many changes can alienate your customers, but smart, subtle updates will help them feel like your business is improving and staying "with it."

Every once in awhile I'll come across a logo that includes several icons, several fonts, taglines, and more. I suspect most of these logos are the result of a CEO not being able to decide the one thing his company stands for. So he throws in everything, hoping his customers will recognize something that appeals to them. But the result is exactly the opposite. These logos are so crowded and complex they are impossible to remember and appeal to no one - except the CEO. The best logos are simple. A single icon and easy-to-read logotype. And often no icon at all. When you're ready to create your logo, keeping it simple will help your customers recognize and remember who you are and what service your provide. And that is critical to the long-term success of your company.

Jonathan Munk writes articles for major Logo Maker companies such as http://www.LogoWorks.com and http://www.LogoMaker.com

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