While many of us writers like to hide behind the words, a major point of our success (or failure) lies in how we market ourselves. Creating consistent branding is one part of that equation. From your book covers to your author logo, you goal should be to create a consistent look that is easily recognizable. This makes it easier for your readers to recognize your work in the wild while also helping to give new potential readers a hint at what they can expect from your work.
In this comprehensive guide to designing an author logo, you’ll learn:
- Should you create an author logo?
- Types of author logos
- Key elements of an author logo
- Where to use your author logo
- Author logo examples
- Where to design an author logo
- How to DIY an author logo
Should You Create an Author Logo?
Now the question remains: should you create an author logo? The short answer is yes, 100%. An author logo makes you recognizable and solidifies your brand. While it isn’t of the utmost importance if you are just beginning your journey, it is a key component of author marketing that you should address at some point in the early stages of your career.
Author logos are important for:
- Presenting a professional look
- Being easily memorable to readers
- Establishing name recognition
Type of Author Logos
There are many types of logos and each has its pros and cons. We’ll get into each below but, for the sake of simplicity and for those who simply don’t care that much about the nuisances of logotypes, we can simplify it to two major differences. Shapes and symbols or name logos (also a combo of the two). In many cases, the elements of a logo may be used separately (just the script or just the symbol).
We’ll get into the thick of it below. But what I want you to most take away from this is that you want to impart the vibe of your author career into the logo, no matter the type you choose to create.
For example, if you’re a reverse harem shifter romance author then you might be best suited to have the shapes within your logo be wolves. On the other hand, if you’re a non-fiction travel writer you might choose to include a skyline or mountain range element. Possibly even a globe. At the end of the day, you’re trying to use a symbol to represent the product you’re trying to sell. But that’s if you decide to include a symbol within your logo at all. A script
Where to Use Your Author Logo
Since you’re sinking time into researching, designing, and potentially paying for an author logo, you want to get some use out of it. Thankfully, there are tons of places you can incorporate your author logo for a more professional overall look.
While some areas will benefit from having your author headshot (like your back cover or author bio page), there are plenty of uses for author logos.
Incorporate your author logo into the following locations:
- Favicon on your author site
- Website (Footer and header most commonly)
- Business cards
- T-shirts and marketing materials
- Email newsletter headers
- Email signature
- Social media
- Book trailer
Where to Design an Author Logo
If you want to have your author logo professionally made then you’re in luck. There are a number of sources you can turn to have a custom professional author logo created. You should start with these options:
- Etsy
- 99designs
- Upwork
- Designcrowd
- Crowdspring
- Fiverr
How to DIY Your Author Logo
At the end of the day, it may be easier to leave designing a logo to the professionals but it isn’t always an option budget-wise. If you are short on cash but want to solidify your branding early on, you’re in luck. There are a number of resources available that allow authors to DIY their author logos using free software. Additionally, there are a few “somewhat” DIY options that are affordable. Let’s get into it!
- Canva
- Designhill
- Looka
- Tailor Brands
- Adobe Express’s Free Online Logo Creator
