Creating a logo that is similar to LinkedIn’s can be a great way to establish your brand identity, especially if you want to convey professionalism, networking, and career development. However, it’s important not to copy LinkedIn’s logo outright, as that could lead to legal issues. Instead, you’ll want to create an original design that evokes LinkedIn’s style and aesthetics. Here are some tips on how to design a LinkedIn-esque logo while still making it your own:
Use a simple, sans-serif font
LinkedIn uses a customized version of the Helvetica Neue font for its logo wordmark. This gives it a clean, modern, and minimalist look. When choosing a font for your own logo, opt for simple sans-serif fonts like Helvetica, Arial, or Gill Sans. Avoid ornate serif fonts, which wouldn’t capture the pared-down style of LinkedIn’s logo.
Incorporate your company’s initials
LinkedIn’s logo features the company’s initials “LI” in a stylized form. Using your own company’s initials is a great way to mimic this effect while making your logo unique. Experiment with different stylizations and placements of the letters until you find something distinctive.
Use a solid, professional color palette
LinkedIn uses a simple blue and white color scheme, with accents of grey. When selecting colors for your logo, choose hues that will represent your brand well and give off a polished, corporate vibe. Some examples are:
- Dark blue – stability, trust, intelligence
- Grey – professionalism, sleekness
- Black – authority, strength
Avoid bright, flashy colors that detract from the sophisticated image you want to project.
Incorporate simple geometric shapes
LinkedIn’s logo makes use of basic shapes like circles and rectangles to house the letterforms. Using simple shapes like lines, circles, squares, or triangles can add structure to your logo and make it more visually impactful. Don’t go overboard with complex shapes – keep it clean and geometric.
Try a flat, minimalist design
LinkedIn’s logo has a distinct flat, minimalist aesthetic. Embracing this type of pared-down design for your own logo can help tie it visually to LinkedIn’s. Focus on simple iconography, clean lines, and minimal texture or dimensionality. Too much detail will make your logo feel cluttered.
Create a symbolic icon
In addition to its wordmark, LinkedIn has an iconic “in” symbol that represents connecting professionals. Consider incorporating an abstract icon into your logo that encapsulates your brand. However, don’t just replicate the LinkedIn icon – brainstorm meaningful symbols and shapes that symbolize your company’s mission and values.
Examples and Inspiration
Here are some examples of fictional logos that take inspiration from LinkedIn’s style while still having an original design:
Company Name | Logo |
---|---|
Acme Recruiting | |
CodeDevelopers LLC | |
BizConnect |
Key things to notice:
- Use of sans-serif fonts
- Initials incorporated prominently
- Simple iconography and shapes
- Professional color palettes
- Flat, minimalist aesthetic
While inspired by LinkedIn, these fictional logos have unique stylistic differences that make them distinctive. Analyzing examples like these can help guide your design process.
Design Considerations
Here are some key points to consider when crafting your LinkedIn-style logo:
Brand Values
Your logo should reflect your brand’s values, message and personality. Don’t just mimic LinkedIn – think about what makes your company unique.
Target Audience
Your logo should appeal to your target demographic. LinkedIn’s logo works well because it appeals to a professional audience. Make sure your logo resonates with the customers you want to attract.
Memorability
An effective logo is distinctive, recognizable, and memorable. Yours should be unique enough to make an impact and stick in people’s minds.
Visual Identity
A logo is part of your broader visual brand identity. Make sure your logo aligns with your brand colors, font choice, and other visual elements.
Scalability
Your logo should look clear on both large and small scales, as it may be used on anything from letterhead to website icons. Test it at different sizes.
Longevity
An effective logo can become iconic and last for decades. Choose a timeless design that won’t quickly go out of style or need to be redesigned.
Tips for Execution
Here are some tips for actually creating your LinkedIn-esque logo:
Research competitors
Look at logos used by competitors in your industry. This can inspire ideas and help you differentiate.
Start sketching
Brainstorm design concepts on paper before digital design. Sketching lets you iterate quickly.
Prioritize black and white
Focus first on how your logo looks just in black and white. Color can come later.
Choose the right font
Experiment with different font pairings until you land on one that aligns with your brand identity.
Use vector design
Create your logo in a vector editing program so it can scale sharply to any size.
Simplify
Err on the side of simplicity – remove any excessive details.
Check legibility
Make sure your logo and all text is clearly legible, even at small sizes.
Test it out
Get feedback on your logo from target users before finalizing the design.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about creating a LinkedIn-inspired logo:
Should I hire a designer?
If you don’t have strong design skills, hiring a professional graphic designer can be worth the investment. However, there are also free logo building tools you can explore first.
What file format should I use?
Your logo file should be in a vector format like EPS, SVG, or AI so it can scale sharply to any size.
Can I just modify the LinkedIn logo?
No, you should never directly copy or barely modify an existing logo. Your logo must be your original creation.
What if my design looks too much like LinkedIn’s?
If your logo design looks too similar to LinkedIn’s, you’ll need to go back to the drawing board. Focus on making your concept more unique.
Should my logo include my company name?
Your company name doesn’t have to be in the logo, but it’s often helpful for brand recognition, especially for new companies.
Conclusion
Creating a professional, LinkedIn-inspired logo for your brand takes strategic design thinking. Focus on simple fonts and iconography, minimalist aesthetics, and incorporating your brand personality. Brainstorm concepts, get feedback, and refine your logo until it distinctly represents your company while evoking LinkedIn’s branding. With an thoughtful, unique design process, you can develop a logo that helps establish your brand identity in the marketplace.