How to find inspiration for a logo and a name for your business
Photo by Freddy Castro on Unsplash
Branding is one of the most crucial elements in setting up a business, and it starts with the name and the logo. Your business name is your company’s first impression, while your logo is the visual representation of your brand. Combined – they form a powerful combination that can make or break your business’s public perception. But where do you find inspiration for these critical elements? Below, we will look at different ways to source inspiration for your business name and logo.
Look within your business
The best place to start when searching for a name and logo inspiration is within your own business. Reflect on the core of your business—your mission, vision, values, and unique selling proposition. What is the essence of your business? What are you offering, and how is it different from what’s already in the market?
Let’s say your business is a coffee shop that sources its beans directly from sustainable farms. The name could emphasize the direct connection with farmers or the sustainability aspect. For the logo, it could maybe an image that combines coffee with nature or farming. By aligning your name and logo with your business’s essence, you can create a strong brand identity that resonates with your target audience.
Turn to the gaming world
Believe it or not, the gaming world can be an excellent source of inspiration for your business name and logo. Video game companies have mastered the art of creating captivating and memorable game names and logos that immediately communicate the game’s essence.
Take the game “World of Warcraft,” for example. The name immediately conveys a sense of a vast, exciting world filled with adventure, which is exactly what the game offers. The logo, with its bold, gothic-style lettering, further emphasizes this epic, adventurous feel.
Video game logos often make creative use of symbolism and color to communicate the game’s genre and mood. For instance, the logo for “Assassin’s Creed” uses a stylized ‘A’ that subtly incorporates a blade, referencing the game’s core mechanics.
Inspecting how video games use names and logos to communicate their essence can spark ideas for your business. Maybe you can incorporate symbolism related to your industry in your logo, or perhaps a two-word name, like many video games when they generate a clan name, would suit your business.
Draw inspiration from the world around you
Inspiration is everywhere—you have to keep your eyes open. Pay attention to words, phrases, or visuals that capture your attention in your daily life. These could be things you come across in books, magazines, on TV, or while surfing the internet.
Sometimes, the perfect name or logo idea could come from an unlikely source. You might be watching a sunrise and creating a color palette for your logo. Or a word you read in a novel could inspire a business name that perfectly encapsulates your brand. Don’t limit your sources of inspiration; the world around you is teeming with ideas.
Harness the power of brainstorming and feedback
Don’t underestimate the power of brainstorming. Gather a team – including employees, friends, or family – and throw around ideas. You might be surprised by the creativity that comes from these sessions. Encourage all ideas, no matter how ‘out there’ they seem. Often, the best ideas come from thinking outside the box.
Once you have some potential names and logo ideas, seek feedback. Present your ideas to a diverse group of people and listen to their thoughts. There are many reasons why feedback is important, but essentially, it will provide valuable insight into how your name and logo will be perceived and whether they successfully communicate your business’s essence.
Finding the perfect name and logo for your business is a journey of exploration. It involves delving into the heart of your business, drawing inspiration from the world around you—including the exciting world of gaming—and harnessing the power of collective thinking.
While it may take time to find the right name and logo, it’s worth the effort. These elements form the cornerstone of your brand identity, a crucial factor in your business’s success. So be patient, stay open to inspiration, and enjoy the creative process. Your perfect name and logo are out there, waiting to be discovered.
