Red is a color that stands out—it's bold, it's bright and it carries with it an emotional punch that can elevate your brand's presence. In branding, red is often associated with passion, energy and action. It's a color that can capture attention and evoke strong emotions.
Whether you're learning how to start a business or revamping an existing brand, creating a red logo can make a significant impact. In this guide, you'll learn how to harness the power of red in your logo design. We'll walk you through why red might be the perfect color for your brand and how to design a logo that not only looks great but also embodies the strong essence of your business.
The significance of red in branding
In the realm of branding, red is a powerhouse. It's no coincidence that many successful businesses incorporate red into their logos. This color can convey a sense of urgency, stimulate appetite, or symbolize love and warmth—all depending on how it's used.
Why choose red for your logo out of all the logo colors available? Red is dynamic. It can represent strength, confidence and courage. It's also versatile, fitting as a type of logo for industries from entertainment to technology, and food to fashion. When you opt for a red logo brand, you're selecting to make a statement and create a brand identity. You're telling your customers that your brand or business is bold and ready to lead.
But red isn't just about being loud and noticeable—it's also about creating a connection. Red evokes feelings of excitement and passion, which can create a memorable experience for your customers. When they see your red business logo, they'll feel an immediate emotional response, which is a critical factor in building brand loyalty.
How to create a red logo
Designing a logo is a critical step in establishing your brand's identity. A red logo can be particularly impactful, but it requires careful thought and planning. Here's a structured approach to help you design a red logo that captures the essence of your brand.
01. Clearly define your brand
Knowing your brand and your audience are both important aspects of outlining our brand identity. Deciding whether to incorporate red into your logo design involves this awareness along with the logo psychology of the color red. Red is associated with passion, love, power and confidence. It also has some negative associations like anger, so using it in the right context is significant for logo design.
02. Pick the right red
Whether you try a bright, bold red that conveys energy and excitement, or a deeper, burgundy that evokes sophistication and elegance, finding the right hue is a nuanced process. Playing with saturation and brightness impacts the message of red. Think of specific reds you already link to brands like Coca-Cola or Heinz. In fact, Heinz created a label with the exact Pantone reference of tomato ketchup in order to fight ketchup fraud.
Finding the right logo color takes time, but is worth it for the overall outcome of your logo design.
03. Select complementary colors
Finding the right logo color combinations that work with red can take time to balance. This also includes your background. When considering the background for your red logo, think about how it will stand out. A red logo on a white background can pop and catch the eye, while placing it on a black background can give it a bold and sophisticated look. If you're using a shape like a red logo circle, ensure that the color and shape complement each other and convey the right message about your brand.
04. Try different typography
The font you choose speaks volumes about your brand's personality. Whether you opt for a modern sans-serif or a traditional serif font, ensure it aligns with the tone you want to set. Test out different spacing (also known as kerning) and alignment to change the messaging and layout.
Pro tip: For inspiration, check out our guide on best fonts for logos.
05. Integrate icons and symbols
You may also want to use red in a logo through icons or symbols. Try out different logo shapes in addition. For example, a gradient red circle compared to a bold, bright triangle convey different ideas. Layering or stacking can also work to fill out the logo design. Try not to overcrowd your design, however. When it comes to red logos, sometimes simplicity is best.
06. Design your red logo
Now it's time to bring your red logo design to life. Use a logo maker, especially if you're new to design or working with a limited budget and aren’t sure about the logo design cost.
Customize the design by incorporating elements that reflect your brand's values and mission.
07. Preview and refine your red logo
After customizing your design, preview it in different contexts to ensure it works well across various mediums. This might include business cards, websites or storefronts. Refinement is key, so don't hesitate to tweak elements until you're satisfied with the result.
Once you're happy with the design, download the logo files. Make sure you get high-resolution images suitable for both print and digital use. It's also wise to obtain vector files so that your logo can be scaled without losing quality for larger formats like billboards or signage.
Adding the finishing touches to your red logo
Once you have your red logo design in place, it's time to add those final touches that will set your brand apart and ensure your logo is ready for all types of use:
Vector format: Ensure your logo is available in vector format. This allows for infinite scaling without loss of quality, which is crucial for printing large banners or signage without any pixelation or distortion.
Transparency: Having a transparent version of your logo is essential. This allows for versatility in placement over various backgrounds, without a clashing color box around your logo.
Consistency across digital assets: Adapt your red logo to fit social media profiles, business cards, ads and of course, your website. Consistency across platforms is key to brand recognition. Don’t yet have a website to incorporate your red logo into? Check out our guide on how to make a website.
Famous examples of red logos
When it comes to iconic branding, several red logos immediately spring to mind. These brands have harnessed the power of red to create a visual identity that is instantly recognizable across the globe. As you think about your own red logo design, consider what these successful companies have in common: a clear message amplified by the color red.
Coca-Cola: Perhaps the most famous red logo of all, Coca-Cola's cursive white lettering on a red background is synonymous with the beverage industry. This logo proves that simplicity and color choice can create an enduring brand image.
Target: The Target bullseye logo is simple yet effective. The use of red not only aligns with the brand name but also creates a sense of excitement and draws consumers' attention.
Netflix: In the world of streaming, Netflix stands out with its bold red logo. The color choice here signifies entertainment, passion, and energy—perfect for a company that wants to keep viewers engaged and coming back for more.
Canon: The Canon logo's bright red color emphasizes precision and quality, two attributes essential in the photography and imaging industry.
Red logo examples
Check out these red logo examples, all created using the Wix Logo Maker. You can also explore these red logo ideas for more inspiration.
Richard Rangel Photography
Falcon Gamers
Ninja Attack
How to make a red logo FAQ
How do I choose the right shade of red for my logo?
Consider your brand's personality and the emotions you want to evoke. Different shades of red can convey different meanings—from bright and energetic to deep and passionate. Research color psychology and test various shades to see which resonates best with your brand.