by Steve
permalink · published: Jul 14, 2014 · updated: Aug 1, 2023
logo design programming graphics programming logotype logomark

A while back I needed a logo for a side project I was working on. I opened up Photoshop and fooled around for a couple of days and made a bunch of really lame looking logos. I got lazy and tried a few online logo generators. I didn't think any of them were that great and thought they produced generic, dated looking results.

I started a contest on 99 Designs. I paid $295 and got a pile of really crappy looking results that might as well have been clip art search results for the keywords I used in my design brief.

I'm always looking to build side projects that make a little money and I thought "wouldn't it be cool to write a program that could generate a logo capable of winning a logo contest?" Not only would I have bragging rights to some impressive code, I could make some cash at the same time. After looking at some of the surprisingly impressive winning entries, I'm not sure I can create a program that can create winning designs, but I know I can create a program that can create acceptable designs.

There appears to be a large market for cheap logo design. Do a web search for the terms "cheap logo design" and you'll find search result pages loaded with ads. A quick look in Google AdWords shows that the keywords "cheap logo design" command a CPC of more than $8 for first position placement.

My thoughts moved from creating a program to win design contests to creating a service that targets users of design contest services and let them make their own logos. Instead of targeting one contest at a time, I can cut out the middle man and offer a good, quick service to create a logo at a fraction of the price for anyone who is interested.

Future posts will chronicle my approaches for generating logos. I know there will be pitfalls along the way. I'm hoping readers of this blog will offer advice and feedback so I can create the best logo generator service possible.

Generating Logos Programmatically

I'm always looking to build side projects that make a little money and I thought "wouldn't it be cool to write a program that could generate a logo capable of winning a logo contest?"

Ready to make your own logo?