When considering a brand, it is almost certain from the outset that one associates a logo with that brand. But what if you could take your logo a step further? Enter 3D animation. A well-designed 3D logo with animation creates a paradigm for the company by adding volume, variety, and originality.
However, thinking of a ‘killer’ design 3D animated logo is one of the greatest tasks. In this blog, we’ll break down how to brainstorm and execute the perfect 3D logo, cover the dos and don’ts, and guide you on best practices, whether you’re making it on your own or getting professionals to do it.
Why Choose 3D Animation for Your Logo?
Storytelling can be considered one of the most important elements in all profound designs. A 3D logo is not just about layering up and making it deep; we can also add more layers called the elements of narration.
Animation is an exciting and creative aspect that gives new life to a logo, revealing emotions, integrating stories, and enhancing audience interaction. Perceptions of a company also tend to change, and businesses gain positive attributes such as being up-to-date, unusual, and willing to experiment.
Moreover, if done appropriately, a 3D animated logo can reach your audience, especially on a digital platform with limited attention spans. Logo animation helps make your business stand out against the competition.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Killer 3D Animation Logo Ideas
Understand Your Brand
The first thing you need to do is know everything about the brand. What values do you hold? What feelings do you plan to bring to the people? Who forms your target group? Before jumping into the design and animation sketch, do a clear, detailed layout explaining why these issues are important.
For example, a tech product would expect a simple and sleek animation, while a child’s toy brand would expect something much more colorful and playful.
Sketch and Conceptualize
Whatever drafting tools you may use for creating 3D, the first phase should always require drafting some ideas. This can be done on paper or some other apps. You don’t even have to be a professional artist – just throw down rough ideas and picture how those concepts can be transformed into 3D objects.
You can try such approaches as abstract stipples, straight targeting, and neat logo designs, or just add some motion that adds to the structure of the logo you already have. Of course, the image must be consistent with the brand’s drawer arrangement.
Pick the Right Style
When switching from a 2D to a 3D approach, defining the brand’s style is important. Not every logo will look good or better in 3D, so what is the scale of realism required? Some brands create hyper-realistic 3D logos, while others prefer the more stylized/cartoony effect.
When it comes to 3D logo animation, try to keep it simple and minimalistic. Make it stand out, but only in a good and memorable way. This is also where you may hire 3D animation services because of the possibility of achieving better results if you lack the time and expertise.
Add Movement
Action is the quality that transforms your logo in 3D animation into something believable. But, it is not that simple because all action is not effective action. It’s very easy to go overboard and not animate enough so that the logo appears stagnant. The key is to create effective and fluid movements.
You may consider using subtle spins, bounces, or zoom effects to emphasize various features of your logo. For instance, if your logo has many components, such as text and symbols, animate each part in terms of importance so that its corresponding visual captures the viewer’s attention.
Test and Optimize
After you have animated your logo, it is also essential to do cross-platform testing. A logo that appears amazing on a website may not look the same on mobile applications or advertisements. Ensure the animation is captivating even after being resized or projected onto other screen sizes.
If you utilize the services of professional logo animation services, they will usually do this for you and in a very good manner. They will ensure that your logo is appropriate for all formats.
Dos & Don’ts of 3D Logo Animation
Although imagination is very important, there are a few general things that you should observe to ensure that your 3D animated logo gives the desired impression.
Do: Go for Simplification
Over-complication is one of the greatest dangers of 3D logo animation. Whenever needed, make your animation stylish, professional, and on-message. But one ultimate animation design principle that usually delivers is sophistication. If you have animating features on your logo, do not overdo them.
Don’t: Add Effects Too Much At Once
Adding excessive special effects, such as spins, glows, shadows, and so on, also has a negative effect. Though these can be attractive at first sight, the brand will suffer in the long run. In other words, the logo should be accompanied by non-disruptive animation rather than crowded by it.
Do: Keep Track of Your Branding
Your 3D animated logo should fit in with the rest of your brand. The same goes for the style of motion, etc. If the company has built a reputation as a more serious business, suddenly, the other way around will only raise high and confused eyebrows.
Don’t: Turn a Blind Eye to Evaluation
Before finalizing the logo, show the animation to a few people within the circle or focus groups. Some helpful criticism will help you polish the more appealing design.
Do: Collaborate with the Experts
Developing a 3D animated logo involves a lot of time, skill, and experience. This means that while you can find some tools that allow you a ‘do it yourself’ approach, they may curb your creativity.
Try to look for animated logo design services that can help you throughout the process by providing the necessary skills to develop a well-designed logo for your business.
Best Practices for 3D Animation Logos
Keep the Transitions Fluid
It is important to consider how the entire arrangement of the elements in the 3D animation logo creation works, not just the parts. In this regard, pay attention to the movements, which should not feel out of place. Jerky or awkward transitions can feel unprofessional and amateur.
Ensure Scalability
Logos should be designed to fit well in every size. Your 3D animation should be able to shrink without losing its impact or clarity. Use simple designs where appropriate, especially when presenting in different media.
Fit the Business Culture
Be sure to follow the parameters that relate to your industry. For instance, a law firm’s animated 3D logo might have smooth, slow motion and elegance, whereas a gaming company’s 3D animated logo will have fast and rapid movements.
The animation should capture the organization’s brand and the nature of the activity being encapsulated.
Final Words
Ideas are great, but lack of implementation is a common challenge among people and businesses. Not every business has the right skills or time to execute a well-done 3D logo animation.
That’s where outsourcing comes in handy. When you seek the help of a professional logo animation, you are assured that your logo will be designed in the right manner, with the right skill and precision.
Professional logo animators know the ins and outs of the design and can, therefore, assist in actualizing your idea with ease. Whether you need your logo transformed completely into animation or would like your simple logo animated, you should consider hiring professional services, as it helps your brand be competitive.
