Many times, a designer will have a concept for a logo, such as a bird in flight, but struggle with how to communicate that rather simple idea in a new and dynamic way. Bill Gardner, founder of LogoLounge, has been looking at, tracking, and writing about logo design styles for over thirty years. In this course he will walk members through six different visual effects that will help communicate your ideas more effectively. You'll learn how transparency can communicate a promise of clarity, how texture and light tell stories, and how three-dimensional shapes make your ideas almost touchable. Incorporate these effects into your designs and turn "nice" logos into ones that capture the hearts and imaginations of clients and their customers.

No other topic has driven corporate identity more quickly than sustainability. When it comes to logo design, whether businesses are tied directly to the environment or not, references to nature abound. In fact, the most-searched terms, year in and year out, on Bill Gardner's popular LogoLounge site are terms like "tree," "water," "earth," and "nature." In this course, Bill tackles the hidden symbolism behind how we depict our planet, from what's in the sky to what grows in the ground, and teaches you how to use these symbols to give your logo designs more impact. These valuable insights will have you looking at nature in ways you never considered before, and help you better explain the natural elements in your logo designs to your clients.

The handmade aesthetic isn't limited to little boutiques; even large businesses (including Starbucks, Nordstrom, and Whole Foods) understand when it's best to play the "handmade" card. Kick back in the LogoLounge and learn how imperfection, texture, and personality can help add a sense of authenticity to your client's brand. Design expert Bill Gardner shows how to decide when a human touch is appropriate, incorporate free-form and line-drawing illustration techniques, use color and texture to make surfaces seem more tactile, and use typography to express specific ideas. The good news? You don't have to relinquish your favorite digital tools. Bill shows how to create this "old world" look using "new world" shortcuts.