Ampersands are a gift to logo designers

Logo designer explores the ampersand in branding

Landscape maintenance design, Logo Version #1

Design a new logo for Baker & Son, a landscape maintenance company in New York, and the ever versatile ampersand will undoubtedly become a central element in the design process. Look at that ligature! It has everything that a graphic design aficionado “&” web designer could ever wish for. An ampersand that rocks! “X, Y, Z and per se and.” is its origin. It’s true. A slurred word, a missing vowel and the resulting slang created an inspiring ligature that will last forever.

“Classic Sensitive” Version #1 – Take the first design presented. The ampersand literally ties the father and son image with a vine interweaving through the letters. With the risk of seeming sappy and sentimental; “Logo designers, doesn’t this layout want you to phone dear old Dad?” My goal was to create a bright-colored and slightly feminine image that portrays perfectionist qualities.

“True Blue” Version #2 – More subdued and less colorful, this blue colored logo makes no attempt to flatter the viewer. Imagine this: the landscaper arrives in full blue attire [with logo emblazoned on his work cap] to his customer’s door and says, “We’re here to do your lawn… and we hope you like the new “True Blue” brand created by our logo designers“. Well maybe not. I agree, it’s less inspiring than the other ideas, though I thought I throw it out there for all to opine.

Lastly, the “Strong and Caring Type” Version #3 - Strong with a caring touch for your growing landscape. That’s the visual message this logo design is intended to impart. Clean, simple and easily recognizable are three characteristics of an effective brand. The decision for the colors was simple. “I want earth tones” were the last words I heard as I left the Main Street Bar “&” Grill on Main Street in Saugerties Village. “OK” I thought to myself as I hurriedly returned to my design cave.

Baker and Son design, Logo Version #2

Landscape Logo Version # 3

Whether you are one of the many logo designers online or just an interested reader of this article, please leave a comment below. Tell me what you think about these logo design ideas. Thanks.