TLDR: Use AI to get clean logo options quickly by writing a simple brief, giving short prompts, testing small sizes, keeping vector files, and iterating until you find the best options.
You want options quickly. You want them to look good. AI can help you get the best of both worlds.
Big teams are already finding this time savings with generative tools. IBM's two-week creative process took just 2 days in the first explorations of AI design systems. This is the clear time savings you're looking for.
This guide provides a step-by-step process from writing a brief to giving prompts, sorting options, testing small sizes, saving, and compiling all with minimal confusion.
What should you have before using AI for logo creation?
The clearer you are, the better the results. Gather the following beforehand.
- Brand name + tagline. Exactly as you'd like them.
- 3-5 style words. For example: friendly, modern, clean, bold, playful.
- 2-3 color ideas. One main color; one accent.
- Logo type. Wordmark, lettermark, symbol + text (pick one).
- Where it will live. Website header, app icon, social avatar, print sticker.
- Do-not list. For example: no shadows, no thin lines, no small details.
Why this helps: Clear inputs help with clear prompts which lead to cleaner drafts which save you time.
What 10 steps should you follow in a simple workflow?
Work in order. Keep it concise.
- Set one goal (1 sentence).
"I need a clean, friendly wordmark for a kids' bookstore." - Choose an initial type.
Wordmark, lettermark, symbol + text (pick one and stick with it for this round). - Create a draft prompt.
Keep it under 4 sentences that includes the style words, colors, and clearer do's and don’ts. - Generate.
6-12 options with variety (spacing/weights/layout). - Sort quickly.
Keep your top three and archive the rest. - Refine those winners.
Request small variations tighter spacing, heavier weight, new accent color. - Run small-size tests.
32x32 and 16x16 pixels. If lines disappear, ask for thicker strokes. - Check monochrome + dark-mode checks.
Black on white; white on black; main color on dark. - Ask for two variations for each winner.
Keep them small so the family still seems related.
10. Export and name the files.
Why does contrast and legibility matter?
People need to read your logo everywhere and good contrast helps all readers. WCAG guidance recommends a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (for color pair selection). This is what you can rely on when choosing your wordmark/tagline colors.
What are some checks you can do on your own?
- View your wordmark on white/light gray/black
- Test at 32x32/16x16 pixels (favicon)
- Check mono-color options (can you still read it?)
- Print at two inches wide (do edges still exist?)
What are fixes that work?
Increase stroke width; tighten or loosen letter spacing; use a higher contrast color combination; remove tiny details from your icons.
How can you choose colors without getting stuck?
Color is often a sticking point keep things easy.
- Pick one main color + one accent.
For example: navy + teal. - Add neutral options white + black and gray between them.
- Check for contrast early using the 4:1 rule for normal text (check your tagline too!).
- Avoid gradients (they blur at small sizes) and opt for flat for icons and favicons.
- Name your files correctly as well: brand_wordmark_navy_v3.svg; brand_wordmark_white_dark_v3.png.
Which file formats should you export?
You want a vector master file because it will be sharp at any size and SVG is a great choice for web and hand-off purposes and PNG for small previews/icons/emails/etc for people needing them in a pinch. If a printer asks for EPS or PDF (or other), you can always export once from the original vector master you've saved when it's applicable to common/logo best practices across digital branding/how-to guides.
Simple saves to keep:
- SVG (master, editable)
- PNGs 32 px; 64 px; 128 px; 256 px; 512 px
- White on black PNG for dark backgrounds
- Black on white PNG for light backgrounds
Where will your logo live/how do you test?
It'll live in various places so it's best to test them in real time.
- Website header — put it on a real header that's simple enough; test padding,
- App icon — make it square and fit it; test sizes of 64 px; 128 px.
- Social avatar — fit the symbol/tight wordmark into a circle.
- Print sticker — make a two inch sticker to check edges
- Favicon — prepare for 16/32/48/64 px or other sizes if publishing to various platforms get help from a how-to guide if you could be publishing across many platforms.
Tip: If the icon looks busy, simplify it. If the wordmark looks thin, increase thickness.
What are common mistakes to watch out for?
Most are obvious:
- Excessive effects (glows/shadows).
- Hairline strokes that disappear below certain sizes.
- Busy icons with too many details.
- Too many color choices.
- Not performing a small size check before getting this far!
Quick fix: Ask your AI resource to generate “no shadows” “simple shapes” “thicker lines” then check again!
How do you review with teams or clients?
When you're seeking notes, keep them low-maintenance and clear!
- Review only 3–5 options at a time too many create slow-downs in decision-making.
- Add one sentence per option clarifying the differences (“this is the friendly wordmark with rounded letters”).
- Ask focused questions: “Which style best fits our audience?” “Which color works best here?”
- Log what you're going to change next and when even if it's just minor things!
And this way they don't waste time sharing things that don't matter instead of assessing what they want!
How do you package/hand-off files?
Keep everything clean; keep it easy without any fluff:
- Logo Set:
- SVG master (color)
- PNG black-on-white (512 px)
- PNG white-on-black (512 px)
- Favicons (16 px; 32 px; 48 px)
- Color sheet:
- Main hex colors,
- Accent hex colors,
- Neutrals black/white/gray
- Usage note (one page):
- Minimum size
- Clear space around the logo
- Do-not list (do NOT stretch/squash/add shadows)
- Archive structure:
Drafts, Selected, Final folders;
Text file with best prompt;
What if things go awry?
Things can go wrong easily! Use this troubleshooting guide:
- Drafts look busy—request “no shadows”; “simple shapes”; “thicker lines”;
- Small sizes fail—request “increase stroke width by _____” or “please remove details smaller than ____”;
- Colors feel dull—try more contrast between extremes/check using the 4:5 rule;
- Wordmark feels awkward—ask AI to adjust spacing/switch case;
- Icon does not match the text—give new ideas that match up with your brand in 2–3 new icon suggestions!
Try fixing one thing at a time then reassessing before moving forward!
Conclusion
You can go from blank page to strong options in one focused sitting when you first generate your brief narrowed steps! which allows you to write small prompts and create 6–12 drafts quickly; sort fast; refine winners; test small sizes; check good contrast; save clean vector files; match all final tasks together nicely!
This way you'll have a logo that reads well everywhere, scales well everywhere and looks how it needs to look in all applicable spaces!
Now it's time to try! Open up your AI tool, set your goal simply and run one clear prompt! Sort refine and test and if you want expert support or quick feedback, visit penji.co take your next step today!
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