Your logo is the face of your business—it’s the first thing your customers see and a key part of building a memorable personal brand. But even the savviest female entrepreneurs can stumble into a few common logo design mistakes.
What are the most common mistakes to be avoided when designing a custom logo?
Don’t worry; it can be a tricky business, designing a logo. That’s why I’m here to break down five major logo design mistakes, show you how to fix them, and add in a couple of logo design tips to help you create a brand logo that’s as vibrant and daring as your growing business.
Let’s dive in!
Logo design mistake #1: Too Much Detail
The Mistake: A logo that’s overly complex or unclear.
You’ve just launched your fabulous bakery, and your logo design includes an elaborate illustration of cakes, bread, pies, and cookies, all wrapped in a ribbon. It’s charming and full of personality, but when you scale it down for your business card or your social media profile, it becomes a blurry mess.
Why It Matters:
A logo design should be simple, clear, and legible. Overly detailed logos don’t scale well and can be hard to process at a glance. Your audience should be able to recognise your logo in seconds—whether it’s on a billboard or a business card.
The Fix:
Streamline! Strip your design down to the essentials. Focus on a clean, simple symbol or text that represents your brand. If you love brand illustrations (and who doesn’t?), consider using them elsewhere in your branding, like on packaging or your website. Your logo is not the place for intricate artistry—it’s about clarity and impact.
Logo design mistake #2: Not Having a Vector-Based Design
The Mistake: Using a pixel-based logo instead of a vector one.
You might not think about file types when designing your logo, but trust me, this is a game-changer.
Logos created in programmes like Canva are often pixel-based, which means they’re made up of tiny squares (pixels). When you scale them up—say, for a banner or a poster—they can look blurry and unprofessional.
Why It Matters:
A vector-based logo is made up of mathematical paths, so it stays sharp and crisp at any size. Whether it’s on a banner or a pen, your logo will look flawless.
The Fix:
Work with a designer who creates vector-based graphics using tools like Adobe Illustrator. Already have a pixel-based logo? It might be time for a redesign to future-proof your brand.
Logo design mistake #3: Using an Illegible Font
The Mistake: Choosing a font that’s difficult to read.
I get it—fonts are fun! A swirly script or decorative typeface might feel like the perfect way to add personality to your logo.
But if your audience has to squint or guess what your business name is, you’ve lost them.
Why It Matters:
Your logo should be easy to read at a glance. A hard-to-read font can confuse your audience and make your business less memorable.
The Fix:
Look for fonts that balance personality with readability. A few quick tips:
Well-spaced fonts are easier on the eyes.
Avoid overly narrow fonts that make letters indistinguishable.
Identify individual letters with ease—if your font makes “r” and “n” look like “m,” it’s a no-go.
Your logo font choice should reflect your brand’s vibe while ensuring clarity. Think playful but professional, bold but legible.
Logo design mistake #4: A Busy Background
The Mistake: Adding gradients, watercolours, or overly complex backgrounds behind your logo.
A colourful gradient or artistic watercolour might look great on its own, but behind your logo, it can create a chaotic, cluttered look.
Worse, it often lacks contrast, making the text and design elements hard to read.
Why It Matters:
Logos need to stand the test of time and work across various platforms. A busy background can quickly date your design and make your logo less versatile.
The Fix:
Stick to simplicity. Opt for a transparent or single-colour background. Your logo should stand out on its own—no extra frills required. Remember, less is often more when it comes to effective design.
Logo design mistake #5: Being Too Literal
The Mistake: Designing a logo that’s too obvious.
Let’s say you’re a photographer, and you opt for a camera icon in your logo. While it’s clear and relevant now, it might not grow with your brand.
What if you expand into offering creative direction or workshops? That camera logo suddenly feels limiting.
I recently worked with Rhiannon Louden who started off as a brand photographer but has grown her business to include services like brand strategy and mentorship for small businesses. Rhiannon is a prime example why going with the obvious can limit your business growth. Read all about Rhiannon's new brand design here.
Why It Matters:
Your logo should reflect your brand’s essence, not just its current services. A literal logo can feel generic and restrict you as your business evolves.
The Fix:
Dig deeper into your brand’s personality and values. What makes your business unique? Incorporate elements that are personal to you and resonate with your audience. A logo that tells a story will always be more memorable than one that spells out the obvious.
Final Thoughts: avoid the common Logo design mistakes
Your logo is more than just a pretty design; it’s a key part of your brand’s identity. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you’ll create a logo that’s bold, colourful, and daring—just like your business.
Whether you’re designing it yourself or working with a professional, focus on simplicity, scalability, and personality.
A strong logo will not only stand the test of time but also help you stand out in a crowded market.
Get in touch for a FREE call to chat about your branding project.
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