A great logo comes down to having great ideas.
Using the creative process I outline in this video, I’ll show you how to come up with strong ideas and walk you through the exact process I use to design logos from start to finish.
In this project for Wren Stationery Company, I take you behind the scenes of my entire design workflow — from the first spark of an idea to delivering the final files. Whether you’re a beginner designer or just curious how logos come to life, this guide breaks down each step in a clear, creative way.
If you’d like to try designing a logo for yourself, grab my free Logo Design Workbook that walks you through each stage.
Step 1: The Project Brief
Before opening any design program, I start with a project brief — a simple one-page document that outlines the goals, tone, and audience of the brand.
For Wren Stationery Company, the goal was to create a logo that feels natural, refined, minimal, and approachable, reflecting sustainability and creativity. This document becomes the north star for every decision that follows.
Step 2: Mind Mapping
Mind mapping helps me move from words to ideas. I start by writing the client’s name in the middle of the page and branching out with any word, feeling, or object that connects to the brand.
When the page is full, I highlight the strongest words and turn them into nouns — those nouns become my jumping-off points for sketching visual concepts.
Step 3: Visual Research
This is where I gather images, logos, and design references to build a visual mood board. I look for black-and-white icons, competitor logos, typography, and photos that express the brand’s tone.
I don’t copy — I look for patterns, clichés to avoid, and opportunities to explore something fresh.
Step 4: Sketching
Sketching is where I translate those words and images into shapes. I start with fast, messy thumbnails — the goal is quantity over quality.
Sometimes I combine two different ideas, like a feather and a paper airplane, to see what new concepts appear. Sketching by hand keeps me loose and creative, without the limits of software tools.
Step 5: Rough Drafts & Critique
Once a few sketches stand out, I move them into the computer. I start in black and white to focus on shape, then slowly add type and color.
Feedback is key. Whether it’s another designer or a friend, I ask:
- What’s working well?
- How could this be stronger?
- Does it fit the client’s brand?
I keep refining based on feedback and always check back with the original brief to stay on track.
Step 6: Present & Deliver
When the designs feel strong, I put together a presentation that shows the process — not just the final logo. I include the brief, mind map, sketches, and mockups that help the client visualize how the logo will live in the real world.
For Wren Stationery, that meant showing the logo on notebooks, planners, and coffee cups — the kinds of objects their audience actually uses.
Once approved, I package everything neatly for print and web. Delivering polished, well-labeled files is the final step that makes a project feel complete.
Closing:
So that’s my full logo design process — from the first idea to final delivery.
If you’d like to try it for yourself, grab my free Logo Design Workbook that walks you through each stage.