Music is the most beautiful form of communication which easily supersedes boundaries. The way in which music has evolved over the course of time is in exact co-relation to the evolving tastes of man. Centuries ago, music was only heard in live performances by the elite few who could afford it as a luxury. Now, every child who can work a computer can have access to it within minutes. There are so many genres of music, so many styles that cater to different tastes, that to be able to represent your name and establish your mark, bands create unique logos for their album covers and posters and they get them printed on t-shirts and other paraphernalia.
How Music and Logo Design Fit Together?
Logos of music bands and individual artists get so much attention and the fans that follow the bands are often seen sporting the band’s logo either in the form of tattoo or wearing t-shirts, posters, mugs and on other items that to have an impressive logo has become a must for every new band. The benefits of good logo design are endless in the music industry. It is a way of getting initiated in the music scene, to make your entry with a good soundtrack, packaged with a unique name and logo to make it memorable. Most of the logos that have gained popularity have been created by their own band members, or the friends of the group, using their available supplies, some have been crafted through sketches and paints and printed for album cover. Using their own DIY logo making tool and using the many style fonts available in the systems nowadays, creating a melodious logos is not that much of a hassle. Among such greats that were created by the band member themselves are:
The Def Jam Recordings by Rick Ruben
This music venture got its recognition through its stylistic logo, which is said to have been created by Rick Ruben, who was also the co-creator of this band. This is his ultimate in DIY Ruben creations, as he also made some logos for his previous bands which he was a part of. Using his own creativity and his aunts’ supplies from Estee Lauder where she worked, he made this logo with the capital D and J offset by the rest of the name, using Helvetica because he considered it to be a serious font, and had nothing to detract from the rest of the logo. This logo is now considered one of the most iconic in the music industry.
Fools’ Gold by Nick Catchdubs and A. Trak
This New York based hip hop band already had a unique name and to fit the mould they created for themselves the very smart logo depicting a gold bar with the words FOOL’S GOLD on the front. This too was designed by the band members themselves, Nick Catchdubs along with fellow DJ/Producer A. Trak in 2007. Being inspired by the cartoons on Nickelodeon all his childhood, nick wanted something that would not appear too serious. And you can bet it doesn’t!
Giant Step by Kevin Lyons
For a New York night club, hiring a professional seems like the best option for a logo, but luck was on Kevin Lyons’ side the day he knocked on the door of the groove Academy and met with Maurice Bernstien and Jonathan Rudnick. They took one look at his sketch book and decided to give him the chance of his lifetime, where he created the logo that become symbolic in its own way with the club and its music. Its design held a clear message of what the club was all about, with the word giant lettered like a trumpet, and the rest of the letters moving to its music. The club owners were extremely satisfied with this logo, and the core of this design is still being used today.
Weezer by Patrick Wilsen
This logo was designed for the band by its own drummer Patrick Wilsen, and it has gained recognition and stood the test of time, though originally designed in the lower case, this flying W is now used by fans in hand signals, proving itself to be a successful logo.
The Ramones by Arturo Vega
The logo with the presidential seal and the names of the band members around it is well known for projecting this band’s patriotic associations. Designed by a long time friend of the group and New York City artist Arturo Vega, this logo helped put the band on the music map.
Although all these bands have logos that were self creations and encourage anybody who feels creative enough to spin one for them, there is nevertheless a separate quality of those logo designers who have studied it and are designing the logos professionally.
Let us take a look at some of these geniuses:
1. Danielle Figel:
This artist has some really great designs and his style is non generic. There are many logos that can really hit the right note and his logos are worth looking at. Visit his website www.daniellefigel.com and see for yourself.
2. Jeffery Wright:
This logo designer appears to be a true music lover, and his logo designs are nothing short of mind blowing. For any band that is looking for an edgy logo to go with their band name, he is your guy. He is a Rock Band music logo designer and has an impressive portfolio. Contact him at www.jefferywright.com .
3. Prezmyslaw Jakub Wolosaczonek:
A graphic indie designer from London, this guy has got very unique designs and has really nailed his idea with the Beat Box logo, his work is surely to be checked out. You can contact him through www.visualrevolt.net
4. Icey011:
As unique as his name are his designs, this designer from Michigan brings to you his cool pieces that may be just what you are looking for. He mainly works as an online logo maker, and his music monster design seems pretty impressive. He can be found at https://twitter.com/Icey011
5. Wadey:
Going by the easily memorable name of Wadey, this designer works from Warwickshire, United Kingdom. His designs have the fusion of colors with imagery that give a boost to any name that you want in your logo. His logo for Inflight Music that can be used for any music store is really inspired. Visit him through https://twitter.com/MichaelWady
6. Fahmy.Zone:
Well some people like their work to be their only recognition, and this designer with the unusual name of fahmy.zone is one of them. His designs are worth looking at, and his work is an impressive collection of art and design. You can contact him through http://www.brandcrowd.com/users/profile/fahmy.zone as well.
7. Wowu:
This designer from Poland shows a flair for color and contrast with his slogans, and names are unique, fresh and eye catching. If you want a logo that is immediately noticed, this guy seems like your guy, take a look at his wise take on the ‘sound mates’ and how he has made the two music notes join hands like ‘mates’. Contact him through https://twitter.com/mandu_pl as well.
8. Krystan S:
This up and coming designer from Johnston, Rhode Island, America is a new artist who has started her career as a logo designer. Her designs are original and the colors incorporated give them a youthful vibe.
9. Gabriel Rosado:
Working online by the name of Gabsman, here is a designer who made logo for the music theatre company, and by the looks of it, he has got real nice knack for mixing colors and fanfare in one small image. Take a look at his portfolio on Logopond and see what you can find.
10. 4340designer:
Sometimes anonymity can also lead to something great, as by looking up this designer with the unusual profile name I discovered that his talent is just waiting to be tapped. His one logo is enough to lead a true searcher to a pot of gold…Maybe. He can be contacted through Logopond.
11. Abhishek4198:
Abhishek is a result oriented professional logo designer with 8 years of experience and has also worked in interactive flash animations and graphic/web designing. He also has knowledge of 3D animation, and his creativity is evident in his logos presented at his portfolio, and his presentation of the words Broken Records in the shape of a music record is really innovative. Visit him at Logopond.
12. Milos Pirog:
Milos works in branding, illustration and web designs, and has an impressive array of logo designs in his portfolio. His style is for Hard Rock, and cutting edge designs are done very well by him. He is the Head of Design at 10Clouds, and he can also be followed on twitter @themilosz
13. Michael Jimenez:
Michael is an Orlando based logo designer and also works in graphic designing. He has been working professionally for the past 6 years, and his work is a fresh blend of his innovation and creativity. Check out his designs on Dribble and Behance, and he can be followed on Instagram too.
14. Carl Goldson:
Known online as carlos08, this designer has variety of designs that are really inspiring and give a fresh look to all the logos. He has incorporated colors as well as bold graphics and the use of different typography.
Let’s hope that the world finds new epic designers among the many who are striving to make a name for themselves in today’s music industry.
