The world we live in today is a far cry from what it was decades ago. Thanks to the gradual evolution of technology, we are able to do things beyond our wildest imaginations. Although we are yet to reach the level of flying cars and instant teleportation, the birth of three-dimensional printing has changed the design industry in ways we never would have thought.

By now, we’ve all been acquainted with 3D images and videos, but have you ever heard about 3D logo designs? Although flat logos still thrive in the world of design, there’s no denying the development of 3D logos has opened the doors to new possibilities. From corporate logos to simple abstract logos, the three-dimensional effect has created an illusion of a company’s message jumping off a page, and this has definitely left a positive impact among prospective customers.

Letter-S 3D Corporate Logo

Abstract Company Logo

Letter-R 3D Corporate Logo

What Is a 3D Logo Design?

It’s easy to tell a 2D and a 3D logo design apart, as the latter appears to be more realistic than the first. Common 3D designs possess a shadow effect and a floating illusion, it’s almost as if the logo is about to fly away from where it’s at. This type of logo is appealing when it comes to websites and TV commercials, as it creates a futuristic feel to effectively draw in an audience. Sleek and simple shapes and colors will work best for 3D logos, especially if you want to avoid a complex and over-the-top design.

Choosing Between a 2D and 3D Logo Design

There are pros and cons that come with a 3D logo design, making it difficult to decide whether you should stick to the traditional flat logo design or to take the risk with a 3D one. A lot of businesses have decided to follow the path of various well-known companies by making their own version of a 3D logo. Fortunately for them, it worked out perfectly. But even if everyone else is doing it, that doesn’t mean you’re obliged to do so as well.

Designing a 3D logo can be tricky, especially if you fail to put two and two together. There’s no doubt that a 3D logo can be visually dynamic in digital media, but it’s bound to cause more trouble on print. The logo may fail to print smoothly and clearly, and it’s likely that the logo may lose its essence when scaled to a smaller size.

Additionally, printing 3D graphics tend to be more expensive due to the fact that it’s sometimes impossible to print this type of logo in less than four colors.

But then again, 3D designs can easily bring out the personality of a brand. Considering how 3D graphics are often incorporated in motion graphic design, a three-dimensional effect will make it seem like your logo is alive and kicking. This becomes a fun and creative way to connect with your audience, while still being able to get your message across.

So at the end of the day, there’s no clear answer as to what type of logo design would work best for you, as it all depends on the medium you use and how you plan to work around it. If you want to be in the safe side, it would be best to create a 2D and 3D version of your business logo and use the necessary design on the medium that best compliments it.

3D Abstract Spherical Logo

Black and Yellow Logo

Importance of Having a Logo

When you go on a trip to the grocery store, do you randomly put items on your cart or do you consider the company behind the product first? It’s not unusual for consumers to possess a powerful relationship with a brand, especially if the trust has already been built. But before a strong brand is even developed, a good logo design came to be.

A logo is deemed to be a visual representation of a company, serving as one of the foundations for good branding. Think of it this way, it’s almost impossible to think of a brand without its logo design comes to mind. It might as well be the “face” of a business, one that customers will associate the company’s products or services with. Not only will this help you efficiently and effectively market your brand, but this may also create a positive customer perception. This, in turn, will help your company gain loyal customers.

Camera Shutter Logo

3D Studio Logo

Red Sphere Logo

Rabbit Studio Logo

Skyrise Building Logo

Teardrop Studios Logo

Real Estate Building Logo

Letter B Logo

Colorful Abstract Logo

Website Media Logo

3D Cube Logo

Elements of a 3D Logo Design

• Shapes. When creating a flat logo, we often choose a single shape to pair with a few other. But when it comes to designing a 3D logo, overlapping these shapes with one another is necessary to create an illusion of a three-dimensional image. However, this effect often comes to view only when you start adding colors to the design.
• Shadows. Adding shadows to your design will make it seem like your logo is floating or popping out of the screen. But this can be quite tricky, so you must consider the principles of light and shadow in design to garner effective results.
• Gradient effect. Similar to the concept of shadowing, adding a gradient effect to your logo will contribute to the three-dimensional illusion. This can be done by blending one color with another, often involving a lighter color and its counterpart. Luckily, most vector graphic software such as Adobe Illustrator possess this feature, making it easier for you to adjust and incorporate in your logo design.

Whether you’re a start-up company or have been in the market for quite a while, your company logo may potentially make or break your business.

If you decide on taking the risk with a 3D logo design, make sure your logo can even withstand the changing times. Create an experience for your audience but making your logo simple yet relatable. Despite the cons of a 3D logo, as long as it bears a timeless feel along with the other elements of a good logo design, then you have nothing to worry about.