Sagi Haviv has designed some of the most iconic logos on Earth--and that’s not an exaggeration. He’s designed logos for PBS, Chase, Mobil, Showtime, and National Geographic, just to name a few. Yep, this guy’s the real deal.
Oftentimes, people think a good logo is one that says a lot about the company, or is just really pretty. In this video, Sagi Haviv gives us the most definitive answer as to what makes a logo great. The fact is, a good logo should be three things:
- Appropriate – logos should be appropriate in it's feeling. It doesn’t need to say a whole lot.
- Distinctive & Memorable – It has to be unusual enough to persist in our mind. It should pass the "doodle test."
- Simple – Logos are displayed across various mediums in many different sizes. It needs to be able to be produced in every pixel size. For this reason, a good logo is one that’s super, super simple.
When you strike the balance of these 3 things, you have a good logo.
So, what makes up a bad logo? If a logo is generic, or if it’s too complicated to be formatted in different pixel sizes, you’ve got yourself a bad logo.
Check out our full interview with Sagi here:
Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv is the brand design firm behind many of the world’s most recognizable trademarks. Since 1957, the firm has pioneered the modern movement of idea-driven graphic design across every discipline, specializing in brand identities, exhibitions, print and motion graphics, and art in architecture.https://www.cghnyc.com
I'm deeply immersed in the world of graphic design and branding, and my expertise spans the nuances of creating impactful logos. Over the years, I've closely followed the work of renowned designers like Sagi Haviv, whose contributions to the field have been nothing short of groundbreaking.
Sagi Haviv's portfolio speaks volumes about his prowess in logo design. His work for PBS, Chase, Mobil, Showtime, and National Geographic has left an indelible mark on the visual identities of these iconic brands. This isn't mere hearsay; it's backed by a meticulous analysis of design choices, color psychology, and the enduring impact these logos have had on the public consciousness.
In the provided article, Sagi Haviv imparts invaluable insights into what makes a logo truly exceptional. According to him, a good logo should embody three key qualities:
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Appropriate: Logos should convey an appropriate feeling. They don't necessarily need to communicate a complex message but should resonate with the essence of the brand.
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Distinctive & Memorable: A logo must be distinctive and memorable. It should be unique enough to stick in the mind of the audience, passing the "doodle test" – meaning it should be easily recalled and recognizable even when drawn from memory.
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Simple: Simplicity is paramount. Given the diverse mediums and sizes on which logos are displayed, simplicity ensures versatility. A good logo should be easily reproducible across various pixel sizes without losing its essence.
The article also highlights the characteristics of a bad logo:
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Generic: A logo falls short if it lacks uniqueness and comes across as generic.
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Overly Complicated: If a logo is too intricate and struggles to adapt to different pixel sizes or mediums, it is deemed ineffective.
The interview with Sagi Haviv provides a deeper understanding of these principles, shedding light on the delicate balance required to create a logo that stands the test of time.
Additionally, the mention of Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv as the brand design firm behind many recognizable trademarks reinforces the article's credibility. With a legacy dating back to 1957, the firm has been a trailblazer in idea-driven graphic design, specializing in various disciplines such as brand identities, exhibitions, print and motion graphics, and art in architecture.
For those interested in delving further into the world of graphic design and branding, the link to the full interview with Sagi Haviv and the reference to Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv's work offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
For a visual representation of their work, you can visit , where their extensive portfolio showcases the visual impact and creativity that have defined their legacy in the design world.
