I recently designed a logo and T-shirt for a 5k Charity Run/Walk called Race 2 Grace. All proceeds from the event will benefit Forgotten Children International. When I start a project, I begin with rough brainstorming sketches (seen below). The goal is not to make pretty sketches, but to conceptualize as many ideas as I can. I typically fill up several pages in my 11″ x 14″ sketch pad before I transition to the computer to develop what I consider to be the strongest concept(s).
Once I’ve developed the strongest idea, I always finalize it in Black and White first. I don’t begin thinking about color until the logo is able to stand alone in Black and White.
For color, I chose yellow because it helped define the roads in the design. The blue complimented the yellow and also provided enough contrast for the black text to pop off of it. 
Finally, for every design that I create, I also put together a Style Guide indicating color specifications for print and web. I include PANTONE color specifications for Coated Process, Coated Solid, Uncoated Process, and Uncoated Solid. I also include RGB and Hexadecimal colors for web.
Tags: freelance, graphic design, logo, t-shirt
Hello, my name is Brad Thomas and I'm a graphic designer specializing in logo and identity design. This blog is where I share the process that goes on behind some of the projects I work on, as well as other design-related insights. Comments, questions, and project inquiries are all welcome. Thanks for stopping by.