AI Generated Logos- if you are on Twitter you will see people posting various AI Generated Logos.

While many of my colleagues ecstatically point out that AI can generate logos not many of them;

• analyse the output

• acknowledge the copyright issues

• recognise many of the output styles look the same 

• point out that depending on the AI model used the community can use and modify any logo that has been created it’s users.

1. AI logo generators can produce generic and unoriginal designs that may not capture the unique essence of your brand.
2. AI algorithms may not fully grasp the nuances of brand identity and the emotional connection that a logo aims to establish.
3. AI logo generators may struggle to incorporate feedback and refine designs based on your specific requests.
4. AI logo generators can be a quick and easy way to get a logo, they may not be the best option for small businesses that want a logo that is truly unique and memorable.

As we pointed out in this post on AI Logos and copyright.

The output of anything from an AI model relies solely on the inputs that it is given. Most small business owners come to us for logos and branding precisely because they do not know much about design and marketing principles. Similarly while some of our clients have tried out AI overall they are not AI prompt engineers, so their output would not be as professional, and they don’t get the results they want. Users of AI Logo generators might not be able to recognise the flaws or limitations of the AI generated output. Some prioritise getting a logo quickly without considering implications or long term limitations of its use.

Limitations.

While AI-generated logos can be a quick and cost-effective solution for businesses, there are some limitations to consider. First, AI logos lack the human touch and creativity that a professional designer can bring. They may lack the ability to capture the unique essence and personality of a brand. Additionally, AI logos are often created using pre-existing templates, which can result in similarities with other logos. This lack of originality can make it challenging for a brand to stand out and differentiate itself. Furthermore, AI logos may not always meet the specific design requirements or convey the intended message of a brand. They may not be able to effectively communicate complex concepts or evoke the desired emotions. Lastly, AI logos may not have the same level of quality and refinement as those created experienced designers. Overall, while AI-generated logos can be a convenient option, it’s important to weigh their limitations and copyright issues against the potential benefits for your specific branding needs.

Vector Files.

When using an AI Generator, it is essential to ensure that it provides the capability to produce the generated logo as a vector file which we have written about previously here. This feature holds immense significance as it significantly expands the potential applications and versatility of the logo. By having the output as a vector file, numerous advantages arise.  Firstly, vector files are resolution-independent, meaning they can be scaled up or down without any loss of quality. This is particularly crucial for logos as they often need to be displayed across various mediums and sizes, such as on websites, business cards, billboards, or even merchandise. Having a vector file ensures that the logo remains crisp and sharp, regardless of its size.  Secondly, vector files allow for easy editing and customisation.

Designers may need to make slight modifications to the logo in the future, such as changing colours, resizing elements, or adjusting typography. With a vector file, these alterations can be effortlessly made, preserving the integrity and consistency of the logo’s design.  Vector files are compatible with a wide range of design software, making it convenient for designers to incorporate the logo into various projects seamlessly. Whether it is for print or digital media, having a vector file ensures compatibility and ease of integration.  The availability of a vector file output from an AI Generator expands the potential applications and adaptability of the generated logo. It allows for scalability, easy customisation, and compatibility with different design software, making it an essential feature to consider when using such tools. Paid AI Logo generators typically do offer vector file downloads.

The experiment.

Christie (not her real name) is starting a personal training business and both her and rawmarrow used an AI generator (independently of each other). For the purposes of being fair we both used ONLY the free versions of AI Logo Generators. It should be said that in general (but not always) the paid versions have models that yield better results. When we have time to evaluate different generators we will do a separate blog post on that.

As she doesn’t have a name for her business yet, we decided to both use the name BodyBliss PT for this exercise.

Types of AI Logo Generators.

AI logo generators are a diverse set of tools that offer a range of options for creating unique and professional logos. These generators are designed to cater to different user needs, providing varying levels of customization and control. At the most basic level, users can simply enter their business name, slogan, and industry type, and the generator will present them with a selection of logo options to choose from.

Example of a simple logo generator 

Other makers sometimes have a feeling/style/vibe prompt such as this

However, more advanced AI logo generators allow users to prompt the system with specific design preferences, such as preferred colours, fonts, and symbols. This gives users greater control and ensures that the generated logos align with their brand identity. The AI technology behind these generators analyzes the input data and uses machine learning algorithms to generate logos that match the provided criteria. These logo generators utilise vast databases of design elements, fonts, and color schemes to create visually appealing and professional-looking logos. Through AI-powered algorithms, they can generate an extensive range of logo variations, providing users with a wide selection of options to choose from. AI logo generators are particularly beneficial for small businesses and startups that may not have the resources to hire professional designers.

However, many business owners may not possess strong prompt writing skills, leading to a decline in the quality of their output. Consequently, when considering the time aspect, opting for AI logo generators instead of hiring a professional designer may not be cost-effective.

I tried one free AI Generator  which allowed for prompt (stockimg.ai). This was my prompt.

“Create a grayscale logo for BodyBliss PT, a personal training business with a focus on inclusivity and nurturing. The logo should reflect a modern and clear design, avoiding “cute” or sappy elements. Use an easy-to-read font that’s both modern and approachable.

Please refrain from including cliched iconography like barbells or weights. Instead, focus on a graphic form that symbolises the nurturing and inclusive aspects of the business. The grayscale design should be versatile for colour options in the future.”

This was the result.

Strange and the bottom two are clearly not in grayscale! I specifically told it not to use barbell iconography. 

There are also template logo generators that have been around for a while.

Editable.

Most of the AI logo generators have basic editing features geared toward non designers so you are able in most cases to edit the output, although with some AI Generators payment may be required.

Basic AI Generators.

It is also crucial to note that small business owners often lean towards using AI logo generators that offer basic features. Unfortunately, these basic generators typically yield mediocre results with similar looking logos being outputted for businesses in the same industry type.

Christies Output Examples.

This was the worst of Christie’s outputs she thinks these are from Wix Logo maker. First you can’t see the feather icon (and not sure why it’s there), the colours are dreadful! Get in the bin!!!

Another that should also get in the bin. Note the bad placement of the text of the business name within the graphic element. Also WHY???!

Rawmarrow outputs.

Strange iconography used (wheel chair, strange form)…..not really impressed.

Is it bliss though? What is it exactly? Edited to say I finally see a body on a ball lol.

There were a heap of others but none impressive to even use as a starting point for a logo. 

Does Rawmarrow use AI in logo creation?

No! 

We currently do not use AI to create logos. Not that we are against AI, but we see AI as a tool and at the moment we believe if you understand marketing and graphic design principles and your clients business it is quicker to just start designing it yourself, and comes with no copyright issues. We have our design processes locked in and they have proven to be very effective.

Here are our reasons why Rawmarrow currently does not use AI to create logos:

1. Limited creative control

AI logo generators typically offer a limited range of design options and may not be able to fully capture the unique essence of a brand. While they can provide a starting point, they often require significant human intervention to refine and personalize the design.

2. Inability to understand brand identity

AI algorithms are trained on vast datasets of images and text, but they may not fully grasp the nuances of brand identity and the emotional connection that a logo aims to establish. Human designers, with their understanding of psychology and marketing principles, can better translate brand values and messaging into a visually compelling logo.

3. Potential for generic and unoriginal designs

AI logo generators may sometimes produce generic or unoriginal designs that fail to stand out from the crowd. Human designers, with their creativity and expertise, can craft logos that are distinctive, memorable, and aligned with the brand’s overall identity.

4. Limited ability to adapt to feedback

AI logo generators may struggle to incorporate feedback and refine designs based on specific client requests. Human designers can work closely with clients to understand their needs and make adjustments to the logo until it perfectly aligns with their vision.

5. Lack of understanding of industry trends

AI algorithms may not always be up-to-date with the latest design trends and industry standards. Human designers stay informed about current trends and can incorporate them into their work to create logos that are both timeless and relevant.

6. Inability to capture brand storytelling

A logo is more than just a visual symbol; it often represents a brand’s story, values, and aspirations. AI logo generators may not be able to capture these intangible elements effectively. Human designers, with their storytelling skills, can infuse a logo with meaning and depth.

7. Potential for technical limitations

AI logo generators may have technical limitations that restrict the complexity and detail of the designs they can produce. Human designers, with their knowledge of design software and techniques, can create logos with intricate details and high-quality rendering.

8. Difficulty in ensuring logo consistency

AI logo generators may produce inconsistent results, making it challenging to maintain brand consistency across different platforms and applications. Human designers can ensure that the logo is applied consistently across all touchpoints, maintaining a cohesive brand image.

9. Limited ability to address specific design challenges

AI logo generators may struggle to address specific design challenges, such as creating logos for niche industries or brands with complex messaging. Human designers can apply their expertise and creative problem-solving skills to overcome these challenges.