Every DJ needs to establish their signature sound and musical style – when you’ve got that down and are playing gigs regularly, branding can be a great next step. Designing a logo is an important branding decision, as your DJ logo will appear on all of your fliers and promotional swag, so it’s worth investing time and real effort into this creative process. Today we’ve got some great tips on the creative process of DJ logo design – from pure inspiration, to finding a designer, to how to use your snazzy logo when it’s finished.
DJ LOGO DESIGN 101
Before we get started, let’s go over a few basic rules and principles of logo design. A DJ’s logo should be:
- Describable
- Memorable
- Effective with and without color
- Scalable
The first thing to think about is the essence of what your logo will visually represent; you and your sound. What do you want your logo to say about you, the music you play, and your style of DJ performance? Take a few minutes to figure this out by writing down the answers to the following questions.
1) What is my musical style?
2) What is my DJ personality and performance style?
3) What do I want to communicate to the world with my logo?
4) Are there any shapes, symbols, or colors that come to mind when I think about myself as a DJ?
Once you’ve decided what you’d like to convey, you’re well on your way to creating a great design.
LEARN FROM THE MASTERS
One of the best ways to find inspiration and discover what elements are important to you in a logo is to check out some of the designs of artists who have a strong visual identity. Let’s have a look at a few well-designed DJ logos:
TIESTO
Why it works well: Tiesto’s logo is symmetrical, makes good use of space, displays contrast (between the thickness of the bird and the thinness of the circle) and is a recognizable shape. I like the fact it incorporates a bird design; this may symbolize the positive energy in his music and the genre in general.
DJ QBERT
Why it works well: DJ QBert’s graffiti signature visually represents his fresh scratch style and b-boy status. The use of movement and effective use of negative space make this design particularly eye catching.
A-TRAK
Why it works well: DJ A-Trak’s logo is a good example of a modern, youthful design; you can certainly get a feel for his decade-transcending sound by the flashback style and shape of the letters. His logo demonstrates balance, repetition, and will easily translate into black and white. It’s a simple design that is easy to read.
This analysis of popular logos is one of the best practices that you can do while preparing to design your logo – so take some time and find logos that you think work well and break down what it is you like about them so that you can consider employing similar design strategies in your logo creation process.
CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF BRAINSTORMS
- Play one of your favorite tracks (or your own tracks), close your eyes, and visualize. Once you have an idea, sketch the images that come to mind. If you can’t draw well, be sure to write down descriptions as well!
- Think of your favorite symbol, or shape and use this as a starting point for a sketch.
- Draw a few shapes or rough ideas in Photoshop or on a tablet.
- Ask a friend, a fan, or a family member who is more visually inclined than you if they have a brilliant idea (they just might!).
Once you have established a basic concept, you’ll need to decide whether to create the logo on your own, or find a designer to work together with. If graphic design isn’t your forte, I highly recommend finding at least semi-professional designer. It’s an option that may cost more, but a great logo will benefit you for many years to come along your DJ career.
FINDING YOUR DESIGNER
It’s a jungle out there. Here are a few ideas on how you can easily find the right designer:
- Pros: You’ll get a ton of interest from designers who want to create your logo within a very short time.
- Cons: The selection process can be time consuming. You’ll have to sort through dozens of emails, and portfolios, both good and bad. Craigslist is often full of bots and mass-emailers who won’t even read the specifics of your post.
- Pros: The design contest often leads to a variety of options of quality designs – meaning you’ll have a lot to pick from! 99 Designs has a great track record with a large community of designers active on it.
- Cons: If you run a design contest, the minimum investment is $295. The $99 customization of a logo means simply tweaking a graphic, as opposed to having creating a design from scratch that is uniquely yours.
- Pros: You’ll be working with a trusted designer whose work you’ve seen and enjoyed. Depending on the context of the referral, you might be able to swing a discounted price.
- Cons: This option could also break your piggy bank, if the DJ who you found the designer through turns out to be a high-roller and paid a lot for their design.
In the end, you have to choose the option that best suits your purposes, and budget. Don’t forget to consider seeking out friends and colleagues who might have experience in graphic design, as often even if they’re not up to the challenge, they’ll have a great reference for you!
WORKING WITH A DESIGNER
Once you find the designer you’d like to work with (or when you start a 99 Designs contest), send them your sketches, reference pictures and ideas for the logo design. It’s a good idea to include the description you wrote of your DJ sound, personality and the main idea that you want to communicate. You’ll also want to consider your main logo colors. The colors you use could help to build your DJ brand – are you drawn to certain colors, or does the music you play make you think of
When the designer sends you back a few prototype designs (or you see the results of the contest on 99 Designs), you’ll be able to choose your favorite and provide them with feedback. At this time, once you’ve refined and perfected the design with your designer, it’s time to put your amazing new logo to good use!
GETTING DOWN TO (LOGO) BUSINESS
Place your new logo on all of your social media; make sure to place it in a location where the viewers will notice it. You could create a banner header with your logo on it, and use this picture as your blog header, and as your Facebook Timeline picture. Another good idea is to have your designer create a pattern or tile design with your logo (or just do it yourself!) and use this as the background on one of your sites.
Twitter: You may want to make a special background that uses your logo, and use it as your Twitter background. Try using this .PSD file as a template – it helpfully shows what will be visible and what won’t. I like how Fatboy Slim uses his logo on only the left hand side of his Twitter page.
You’ll want to post up your logo on all of your online mix profiles, especially SoundCloud and Mixcloud. This version of your logo is usually a shape, with your logo in the centre. Check the mix sites for the exact dimensions and file requirements. (Usually a .jpg file is acceptable)
MAKE PLENTY OF OPTIONS
Create different colors and sizes of logos for promotional purposes – you’ll want to have:
- colored and black logos for white backgrounds.
- a light version for black backgrounds (eg. your logo in white, against a black or transparent background).
- a high-resolution version of your logo, (eg. A TIFF file).
- smaller jpg versions for online use.
It’s super-handy to have several versions of your logo in a .zip file (or bundle it into your electronic press kit), so they’re ready to send out to promoters every possible option they might want when you’re asked for them.
PERSONALIZE YOUR GEAR
Some DJs want to throw their name up on their gear, and have a custom laptop cover or skin (a skin is a large sticker) designed with their logo and DJ name on it. You can also customize your controller, mixer or hardware with your logo. If you use control records, consider having custom stickers designed for them. Use your one-of-a-kind-gear at gigs, in your photos and videos – and people will notice your unique kit.
12inchskinz and Styleflip are the two main companies who specialize in designing custom skins for DJ gear. Here’s a breakdown on the services they offer:
12 Inch Skinz specialize in skins for DJ and musical equipment for all the major brands. Their skins are easy to apply, and are made from a speciality vinyl engineered with a permanent pressure sensitive adhesive. They’ll also custom design a skin for you, their lead time for orders is 1-5 business days. 12inchskinz.com designed my laptop and mixer skin; I would recommend contacting this company for high quality skins. Their celebrity clients include: DJ Kentaro, Mixmaster Mike, Shortee, and Faust.
Styleflip creates skins for DJ gear and musical equipment (including headphones), phones, tablets and more. Their skins are made of automotive-grade 3M vinyl for simple application and residue-free removal. Their website has a fully functional flash player that allows you to design your own skin, and they offer custom designs. Orders are processed within 3-5 business days. Their celebrity clients include Dubfire, RJD2, Digweed, DJ Dan and Josh Wink.
YOUR NAME IN LIGHTS
If you have a VJ at your show, you can have them open and close your set by displaying your logo on screen. (Just remember to have them include other interesting content too, to broaden the appeal of the visuals.) You’ll want to contact your VJ before your gig, to verify the file format they require your logo to be in. Most VJ software programs are able to import many kinds of video formats, flash animation and image files, however, its always best to check this in advance. You’ll also want to run a test before your event to make sure that your logo images work properly.
CUSTOM USB KEYS
This requires a little more capital, but these can be an effective promotional tool – and will have you looking quite a bit slicker than the old school DJs still passing out mix CDs. Order custom USB keys with your logo, load them up with your music and mixes, and give them out to contacts you meet at networking events. (You can also sell these too if you decide to setup an online shop)
WORK IT
Print t-shirts, hats, and bags with your name and logo. Wear them, have your friends wear them, and have the event photographers at gigs you play snap shots of people wearing them. You may want to give away a couple at each show you play; the audience will love you and your loyal fans will help to spread the word about your awesome sets.
Have fun designing your new logo; it’s an activity that’s well worth the effort. Keep in mind that a great logo gives the world one more good reason to remember you and your music.
What logos have you seen recently that you’ve been really impressed by?
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Great article guys thank you! Once you have a logo created you may want to check out http://www.motionlogos.com – they will convert it to 3D and animate in 200 styles for your live performances – then you just pick your favorites in HD and download. Ridiculously easy to get headliner-looking animations fast 🙂 Cheers everyone!
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Professional logo designer for DJs as well as companies. Several years of experience. Covering logo design, branding, business card design, flyers, and much much more.
Client satisfaction is guaranteed. Each and every project is hand drawn with full client interaction and prompt updates until the project is completed.
Full portfolio with all projects and all info: http://www.vsdstudio.com
Some of my work can be seen down below.
CONTACT/INQUIRIES: http://www.vsdstudio.com/#contactloc
[…] DJ Logo Design 101 – DJ TechTools – Before we get started, let’s go over a few basic rules and principles of logo design. A DJ’s logo should be: Describable; Memorable; Effective with and … […]
[…] DJ Logo Design 101 | DJ TechTools – Before we get started, let’s go over a few basic rules and principles of logo design. A DJ’s logo should be: Describable; Memorable; Effective with and … […]
Check out djpresskits.com. I hired them and they gave me a logo that was better than those dang cheap websites that no one cares for but comes in a horrible design that does not attract the crowd.
I specialize in DJ logo design
My full portfolio is at: http://www.vsdstudio.com/
You can contact me at vsddesign@hotmail.com or via http://vsdstudio.com/
I’ve posted here already but decided to update with my newer work.
[…] DJ Logo Design 101 | DJ TechTools – DJ TechTools The largest community for DJ and producer techniques, tutorials, and tips. Traktor secrets, controller reviews, a massive MIDI mapping library, and more…. […]
I’ve been doing branding and marketing for DJs for over 6 years. http://djpresskits.com
Professional Graphic Designer here. You can check my portfolio out at
http://www.vsdstudio.com
http://www.facebook.com/VSDDesignStudio
Contact:
vsddesign@hotmail.com
[Posting again (updated portfolio)]
his is mine
Aspirin pro
Am I the only one that, when first seeing the A-Trak logo, thought it was a 14 year old bedroom DJ that had made his own logo in Word with Word-Art?
Am I the only one that, when first seeing the A-Track logo, thought it was a 14 year old bedroom DJ that had made his own logo in Word with Word-Art?
I am DJing for 6 years. I never had a Logo. I think it’s really hard to find one. There are so many aspects which are so important for example color or form… but the most important thing is, that everybody remembers it, when they see it. So, my DJ Logo is as simple as it could be – but hopefully sombody remembers it one time.
I am DJing since 6 years. A few weeks ago I got my DJ Logo. Why? It’s a hard way to choose the right one. It’s very important to think about colors, form – and the most important thing – everybody needs to remember it in the first second they see it. In the end, my DJ Logo is as simple as it could be, but it has a good look to remember… It’s – really – nothing special, it’s simple and straight, like myself.
NOZEM Illustrator & Designers from Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Worked for Redbull amongst other Music Company’s go check our portfolio: http://www.nozem.eu
Soo need help lol Anybody?
Is it necessary to trademark your logo?
I like all of these logos. But I do think the best logos are the black-white types that can be vectored.
Im impressed with the disigns they a really awsome. esspacialy for a young Dj like me (15)
Hi everyone… I made this logo.. I learned the basics of Photoshop by watching YouTube videos..I would like to know what you guys think? Thanks for your support..
http://www.djchrisroxstar.com
This is an interesting post, I myself have a degree in Graphic Design and I would like to say a few things just from looking at it right away, the tiesto logo is simple, memorable, etc but to me its kind of boring and the circle around it to me looks like the bird is being targeted. The dj qbert logo, so many problems, right away I will say it does not work because it is not legible for someone who does not know this style and this breaks design rules of using something like this as a logo. The a-trak logo to me might work but it needs to be simplified, its important! Gradients are a big NO in a logo. Show these to any experienced Graphic Designer who actually went to school and they will tell you similar comments.
when designing your logo
1. make sure its vector
2. make sure its legible/still makes sense in color and black white
3. make sure its legible/still makes sense in all sizes down to a height of about 10mm (which is about the smallest it will be printed on anything)
Nice article. Here are logos I designed for varies artists.
http://www.jimmyhits.com/designs/logos/
I have been a DJ for over 3 years and really enjoy it as a hobby. You guys should check out our company. We design many concepts but we have highly experienced, passionate, and creative branding/logo developers. You can check out our portfolio at:
http://royalelement.com/?page_id=102 I hope you guys like our work! Thank you for reading this!
These were designed by my friend Jimmy Hits for me. I really like them a lot and I love how I have my actual symbol built into the word so I can remove it, put that alone on a sticker, put it on a laptop, put it on the back or front of a t-shirt, hat, anything.
The fact I can break it up makes it extra versatile for me.
You forgot an option. STEAL! Midi Fighter = Street Fighter. DJ Krisp = Krispy Kreme.
there’s a giant difference between stealing and paying homage. Don’t be a jerk
I couldn’t be happier with my Macbook from StyleFlip. I tried to keep my design simple and straight to the point. Soundwaves have always been a favorite of mine. Love the article. I believe that we should all be memorable. Too many DJ’s out there creating these wacky aliases and names.
I got my skin and I love it. It is like a mini billboard to promote yourself. Styleflip.com helps you Customize & Protect your gear.
Thanks for the shout out!
Like us on FaceBook at
facebook.com/styleflips
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/552779_3756621592255_331834488_n.jpg
I made my logo. And I’m happy with it?
Reminds me of some autobot ^^
NICE! love the Gundam theme.
Awesome! Gundam Go!
Love it! ^_^
What program did you use to make your logo ! ? It looks super cool
Provided logos for just about every EDM dj in San Diego, California – http://facebook.com/dodesignsd
We are looking for designers to work with! We checked out your Facebook page and are interested in talking with you.
StyleFlip
That’s my logo. I Designed it for my own with average photoshop-knowledge!
How do you find it?
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/306639_377373808963438_198196890214465_1192323_1690698074_n.jpg
Love that logo. Straight to the point.
Here’s an updated list of work I have done.
http://www.facebook.com/VSDDesignStudio
Contact:
VSDDesign@hotmail.com
We want to collaborate with designers at StyleFlip.com. You should contact me about this!
I’m an affordable professional designer. I worked for many DJTT DJs and nobody was left unsatisfied.
Check my portfolio at
http://www.facebook.com/VSDDesignStudio
http://www.facebook.com/VSDDesignStudio
Contact:
VSDDesign@hotmail.com
Sorry about bad quality upload (the forum comments engine is bad at processing PNG formats)
[updated]
wow man these are powerful, especially the rethink one. I love your work
I had my Logo/background done by VSD and the result was incredible!! I now have a personal branding design that I can put anywhere!
Awesome work! I love the Evo one, it’s epic. I’ll need a logo soon, and I’ll be sure to give you a shot
I’m a professional designer, I designed many logos for DJ all around DJTT and USA. You can check out my work at http://www.facebook.com/VSDDesignStudio
And I’m affordable.
VSDDesign@hotmail.com
I found a really cool way to hand out mix ‘CDs’.
I just put a link to a folder on dropbox, then I put that into a QR code which I printed onto a shirt at redbubble.com.
Anyone who wants to listen to anything I’ve done can just go there and download from that, it’s like a CD except it’s on the internet 😀
You should throw that QR code on your gear too. We can always print one for you at StyleFlip!
There are a few problems with this though… many people don’t know what to do with a QR code and people who scan it successfully with their phone will have the mp3 on their phone but if it’s an iPhone for example, it won’t automatically go into their Music.
I’m a DJ and a graphic designer, and I can tell you first hand, be sure to get a vector logo, and be sure your logo looks goon in plain old black and white. It’s good have a strong one color logo. Another tip would be to stay away from icons, use your DJ name and make sure it’s legible, the idea is for people to know your name. Also if you can get a screen made up of your logo and your hands on some plastisol, you can pretty much put it on anything, see attached… I’m be happy to contribute to the DDTT community, I am a graphic designer, AMA…
Photo…
Got mine done by a member on the DJTT forums. Nice guy and fun to work with.
Thanks man
http://www.facebook.com/VSDDesignStudio
VSDDesign@hotmail.com
I did my own logo, which it helps that in a former part of my career i was a web and print designer. The biggest rule of thumb, K.I.S.S.
http://pariscreative.com/images/blue-P-60×60.png
And Micha looks like that is a kick ass press kit! 🙂
Thank you very much! It was hard at first to design something so close to me, as we tend to be veeeeerry pick about things like that, but it really helped me sit down and decide who I was as a DJ and what I wanted to represent.
Do you have your gear personalized with this?
I designed my DJ branding campaign, including a press kit, Demo CD and custom headphones, and would definitely be wiling to do anybody else’s. http://www.skycastlestudios.net
Nice work man, that stuff looks fantastic 🙂
Thanks a lot! I need to start working on some 3D renderings or motion graphics, or find somebody talented!
You serious? This was unexpected. Very profesional and stylish, great job!
Really smart doing the work out mix card. Put a tinyurl on that, leave it at a local gym and you’d be shocked how many people are downloading your mix and pay attention to you from them on.
I am a designer. If you are paying for a logo, you would want a vector .eps or .ai file. This way you can use the logo for anything you want. If you were to get a psd or tiff file and tried to enlarge it, you will lose image quality and the larger you go, the worse the image looks. You should ALWAYS try to get a vector logo.
I designed my own logo. Nothing fancy but that’s the way I like it.
I recently tattood mine on my forearm.
<— that's my DJ logo, representing a HDD but giving that "turntable" feel. Scales, color-independent, simple to re-create and witty.
It also just looks like a normal turntable…
Love this article – loads of great ideas! But the easiest way has to be a designer and any DJ who isnt friends with some designers probably needs to get out more. I have always had help off friends, students and fans when building logos etc, but then again… I dont have a very consistant design scheme and I cant DJ!
here is my logo as it sits on my facebook banner.
I would avoid going with 99 Designs. The results are almost universally mediocre. I would suggest finding a good local designer who’s prior work you like, and just hiring them. You’ll get fewer options, but the work will be of a much higher quality. I’d rather have three options from an experienced pro, than 99 options from kids in design school who will never actually have a career. Talented designers (rightfully) tend to see themselves as above participating in 99 designs, so the talent pool is really lacking.
Nice article, only a small point of critique, the Twitter template.
With the old twitter it was great, unfortunately nowadays it has a new layout, so you’d probably want a new one. 🙂
Check out the logos I made for my controllerism / turntablism group / twitter! Pretty simple just cut pictures, and inverted some colors to give me some unique artwork! Check out my page if your into DJing / controllerism / turntablism / whatever!
http://www.facebook.com/getinkontrol and http://www.twitter.com/get_in_kontrol
We have a lot of Kontrol gear at StyleFlip. You should get those for real.
As a DJ and a professional designer I would advise to stay away from contest sites. You can find a professional designer for about the same amount of money (or less).
When choosing a designer watch out for the guys using bootleg version of Photoshop. A professional designer will be using a vector based design program like Adobe Illustrator instead.Having your logo designed in vectors also prevents you from paying a promo/print company putting a vectorizing charge on you when you try to get your image on promo items.
Great tips otherwise.
Good tips on vector design vs. Photoshop newbies.
The only reason why I like the idea of contest sites is that they create a wide range of options for the contest holder – but I can see how a professional designer might really dislike that model.
Let the records show that bootlegged photoshop works just as well as regular photoshop. Very true on the vector side, though.
Yes but if your designer is caught using the bootleg photo shop and is busted for it, their credibility goes downhill. This is something I’ve seen before. It also shows that as a designer they’re clearly not invested in what they’re doing.
You can’t rely on them to back up the files.
Very true on the vector side? You guys realize you can design using vectors in photoshop right? I can design vector in photoshop or illustrator and have the same end result.
replied to the wrong person…
You might have the same result using both programs but it would take twice as long in Photoshop than Illustrator. (or longer)
You can use a screw driver to hammer a nail. It’s not designed for that though.
Well stated.
Check in with who you are working with! Study up.
Here’s Mine!
(Did it myself, Illustrator is far easier than Live XD)
your DJ looks off center and it looks like a drink label.
It’s centered as in “align center ” in illustrator; and as it is inspired by a drink of the same name, I say is a plus!
I’m sure it is centered, but it’s not balanced. IT’s a visual trick. The grid doesn’t help either. The fact that the D is larger than the J, crosses the 50% line…
I’m not trying to talk down about it, or bully or anything.. I just think that it’s really busy and could be far cleaner and more professional with a little work.
Thanks!
i really dig the logo´s a friend made for me
tee hee it looks like DP.
We can help you design your gear with your sick logos. You should let me know if you’re interested!
I’want this name font ???
Would you happen to know how I may contact this friend of yours?
Great Article!!! I designed and created my own but def some good pointers in there!
Facebook.com/officialhackysac
AC BANANAS is a guy who makes incredibly awesome logos, he’s made them for Udachi, Craze, and Klever, the Udachi one in particular is pretty amazing
http://www.acbananas.com/illustration/udachi/
http://www.acbananas.com/illustration/craze-logo/
http://www.acbananas.com/illustration/klever-logo/
Nice, these are really cool, especially that Udachi design! Thanks for sharing.