Create a logo from scratch

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Creating a logo from scratch

1. First, we're going to start a blank project

Run AAA Logo 2008. The program starts into the "Template Library" window where you can see the logo templates. We do not need templates as we want to create our own logo. Press the "ESC" button to close the "Template Library" and start a blank project.

2. Second, we're going to create a logo using the shapes

Before you start creating a logo from scratch, it's recommended to think it over and make an outline of the logo. My concept of a logo is this. I want to create three square shapes like the logo of BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) and put a letter into each box. The letters correspond to the name of my company - "Technical Communication - Europa" - TCE for short. Besides I want to add a shape of a globe to show that my company provides my services globally. Below the boxes there will be my URL address - www.tc-europa.com and my slogan - "We Write. You Win." So, let's get started!

I choose Object > New Image from the "Object" drop-down menu on the toolbar. A "New Object" dialog box opens:

Now I can edit the first element of my logo - the box. I can adjust its width and height by toggling the "Width/Height" slider. Note all changes are reflected immediately on the canvas. Keep on adjusting till you see the box you need. Now I choose the color of the box - solid black. I can also rotate or flip the box and even select a new shape from the "Select Shape From Library.." dialog but it's not included in my outline and I keep these settings as they are. Click "OK".

My logo has three similar boxes. I need to create two more boxes. The simplest way is to make a copy of the current box and paste them onto the canvas.

I choose Object > Duplicate Object from the "Object" drop-down menu on the toolbar. A duplicate object is added to the canvas. I repeat this operation again. Now I have three boxes on the canvas. I arrange them using the mouse and the grid. The result looks like this:

3. Third, we're going to create add text to the logo

Now I should put three capital letters - T, C, E into the boxes.

I choose Object / New Text from the "Object" drop-down menu on the toolbar. A "New text" dialog box opens:

I enter "T" into the "Text Line" field, adjust font size, choose color - solid white and select the font type from the font preview window on the right. The font type is SF Old Republic Bold. The letter is displayed on the canvas. I repeat the operation until I have three letters in the boxes like below:

4. Forth, we're going to add a new shape to the logo.

Now we add a globe to the logo as it is planned in the outline.

I browse through the "Shapes" library preview on the left of the work area and in select the shape of a globe in the "Icons, signs 5" category. After adjusting its color, gradient and effects and get the logo like the one in the image below:

5. Fifth, we're going to complete the logo with the URL link to our website.

Now I add the URL link to my website. It's easy.

Go File > Save Project and save a project for future editing. That's pretty much you need to do.

You can also export the logo for print or web by using "Export Logo for Print" or "Export Logo for Web" option from the "File" menu.

As you see, creating a logo from scratch is just as easy as from templates. You can create a professional-looking logo in few clicks but you should prepare the outline before you get started with the logo design.