if you’re starting a business and need to develop a logo, here’s a high-level overview of how I created Constant Mountain’s logo. Spoiler alert: PowerPoint was involved.
Step 1: Figure Out Your Goal
Before you design anything, think about what your logo needs to represent.
For Constant Mountain, the name itself came from the brand’s mission, so the logo had to reinforce that. I wanted a design with hidden meaning—something that made you stop and take a second look. Using the letters “C” and “M” as stylized elements was an easy choice, and incorporating an “M” that looked like a mountain range tied everything together.
The logo also had to work well in practical applications. As an apparel brand, it needed to look clean and sharp when embroidered or screen-printed. While Constant Mountain’s primary color is orange, the logo had to stand on its own in black and white to ensure versatility. My goal was to create something simple, distinctive, and instantly recognizable.
Step 2: Look for Inspiration
Oscar Wilde once said, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” and he wasn’t wrong. Human history is filled with influences—it’s nearly impossible to come up with something completely original. That’s why it’s essential to look for inspiration when designing a logo.
Here’s how to do it:
- Spend time studying logos—all the logos.
- Pick 10 to 20 that catch your eye, whether you love or hate them.
- Write down what works and what doesn’t.
This process gives you a clearer sense of direction for your own design. Inspiration isn’t about copying; it’s about understanding what resonates with you and your brand.
Step 3: Design – Iterate – Decide
This is where the magic (and the work) happens. For some, this step means hiring a professional designer. If you go this route, they’ll guide you through exercises to uncover your brand’s identity and translate it into a visual language.
For me, I started designing on my own… in PowerPoint. Yes, you read that right. PowerPoint.
I created an interim logo that worked but didn’t feel quite right. It was functional, but it didn’t make me love my brand more every time I saw it. That’s when I decided to work with a professional designer.
The final Constant Mountain logo you see today was created by Clementine Creative Agency, and I loved it immediately. Like it or not, as a founder, your brand is an extension of you. If you don’t love everything about it—starting with your name and logo—how can you expect anyone else to?
Create Something You Love
Your logo is more than just a symbol; it’s the face of your brand. Take the time to design something you truly love, whether you do it yourself or work with a pro. For anyone thinking about starting a business and tackling their first logo, I hope this helps. You’ve got this!
