1. Will my logo be made at a high resolution?

All graphics can be downsized. That its, if you make a logo that is print resolution (generally a large file), it can be downsized for screen resolution and web site use. The problem is when a logo is given to the client at web resolution (72 dpi) and the client wants to print business card, make a banner, or even just have the logo on the site in a larger size. Upsizing images leaves them looking pixelated and jaggy, where as downsizing keeps a graphic file crisp and clean.

The logo on the left was downsized from a larger file,
while the logo on the right was upsized from a smaller file.

Summary: Make sure your logo is designed at 300-600 dpi minimum — higher if you will be making signs or banners.

2. What file format will my logo be in?

If the logo designer gives you a file that is already compressed (for example, in JPG or GIF format), you will not be able to make modifications to the file, change colors, resize it, or remove the background. Where I see this problem the most is with clients who have a JPG logo on a white background and want to put the logo on a colored background — the background has to be removed by hand, bit by bit, which is time-consuming and expensive.

This is the result of changing the background color from white to black without the original source file.

Summary: Ask for your logo to be in EPS/vector format, AI (Adobe Illustrator) format, or PSD (Adobe Photoshop) format with all objects ungrouped or in their own layer.

3. Do I own the rights to the original files?

This is the most disheartening issue that I see crop up: Business owners who have a compressed/web version of their logo that are told they don’t own the rights to the original files when they go back to ask for a new version. You will always need several versions of your logo, so you will need the original files to make those versions down the road. For example, I have been working with the Rockstar Wedding Planer LIVE Grace & Luxury team to get their e-zine out to there subscribers, and as part of that I had to send them their logo in four different sizes, both on a white background and on a transparent background. Making clean, crisp versions of all those would have not been possible if the logo designer hadn’t provided the full Adobe Illustrator files.

If you want crisp logos in a variety of sizes, you'll need your original source files.

Summary: When you make a contract to hire someone for a logo, make sure they will be providing you with all the information and files at the end — including your logo in EPS/AI/PSD format, the fonts used for the logo, and the colors on the logo in both print (CMYK) and web (RGB).

• 37signals Rocks
  I’m a big fan of 37signals for the way they have fundamentally changed how web apps should be designed. Jason Fried seems like a nice guy every time I’ve talked with him as well.
• Anyone Who Can Draw Rocks
  The guy who made these drawings (Mike Rohde) did so on the fly, while he was watching the presentation!! I mean, man, my notes can look pretty unreadable if I’m trying to write fast enough. This guy condenses information in his head and draws it out on paper while he’s watching it all happen!
• Inspiration Rocks
  The information contained in them is quite inspirational. Some of it is a real kick in the pants—and everyone needs a kick in the pants from time to time.

Okay, yes, the sketchnotes are cool—but really, please do take the time to read and absorb the content that is on them. There’s some really great wisdom in there that I completely agree with, thanks to the Seed Conference.

Since then, Amazon has grown considerably and still remains my favorite shopping destination online. Why? Because they do something right. From their package tracking and speedy delivery, to their excellent customer service, they just "get it right". This is why I was so pleased to discover that Amazon has redone their site in order to help their users navigate more efficiently through the massive amount of products that Amazon now carries.

Now, most people would just look at the front page and think "oh", not realizing how it is different in many fundamental ways. To illustrate this, you can view today’s Amazon in one window, and compare it with 1998′s Amazon or early 2007′s Amazon in another window. To demonstrate what has been changed and why this is important, I give you this list:

• Graphical Header.
  From the top, you’ll notice that they condensed their header into something more visually pleasing using illustrations. This gives the site a feeling of warmth instead of the sterile feeling of the solid header they had before. More comfort equates to more trust and more buyers.
• The "ME ME ME" Factor.
  All of the Amazon personalization features are now located right at the top, which gives you one-click access to everything that makes this store your own. This gives shoppers the feeling that the store is personally catering to them, even though it is all automated programming. Additionally, having easy-access wishlists creates additional purchases by reminding customers of important dates and making purchasing for others fast and convenient. (No guessing what your best friend or Uncle Harry wants for their birthdays!)
• Condensed Department List.
  As I always say, if you give someone 100 choices, they will choose none. If you give them a few, they will pick one. By condensing the department listing menu, Amazon has reduced their previous clutter and made navigation less overwhelming for the users. The ability to browse is an important one: A searcher who is looking for something specific will usually only purchase that item. Someone browsing a store will be more likely to purchase more. It is the same principle that a brick and mortar store uses in creating end-cap displays and by placing candy and magazines by the register.

What do you think about the new design?