Logos that Last

If there were a way to give "Logos That Last: How to Create Iconic Visual Branding" by Allan Peters more than five stars, I would do it in a heartbeat! This book is not just a guide; it's a journey through the art and science of logo creation, led by one of the most insightful minds in the industry. Allan Peters doesn't just teach; he inspires. He opens up about his own background, experiences, and creative process in a way that's both deeply personal and profoundly educational. It’s rare to find a book where the author is so generously transparent about their methods and philosophies. The content itself is nothing short of a goldmine. Whether you're a seasoned graphic designer or just starting out, you will find invaluable lessons on every page. Peters delves into the intricacies of visual branding with a clarity and depth that's rare to find. The principles outlined are timeless, yet they're presented with a contemporary understanding of today's design landscape. But what truly sets this book apart is the showcase of Peters' own work. It's one thing to talk theory, and quite another to demonstrate it through exceptional examples. These are logos that don't just catch your eye; they tell stories, evoke emotions, and create lasting impressions. Reading this book, I felt like I was being mentored by a master of the craft. It's a feeling that's hard to describe - a mixture of awe, enlightenment, and an invigorated passion for design. In conclusion, "Logos That Last" is more than just a five-star read; it's a vital addition to any designer's library and a source of endless inspiration. Thank you, Allan Peters, for this magical journey into the world of logo design. Your book isn't just educational; it's a masterpiece in itself.

This is one of those books that no matter what point of your career, this is a valuable book. Logos that Last: How to Create Iconic Visual Branding is one of those books for a beginning identity designer, that could replace a couple semesters of art school. You’ll get more practical application out of this book to help you understand the process and moving pieces of real world design. I wish I would’ve had a resource like this when I was beginning. For the self-taught, this book could save you multiple thousands in tuition right here. For the established designer, there’s still much to learn about how others approach design that can be applied to your own process as well as just approaching design challenges from a different perspective. This is like being able to draw experience from a star creative director within an agency. And for the seasoned veteran, it’s always refreshing and inspiring to see someone who has done things well, put together and show others what they’ve learned over the years and give back to the design community a beautiful showcase of how to get good design done. And the amazing thing is, he’s just getting started. For myself, I’ve come to really appreciate Allan’s creative process and how he’s able to work in such relevant conceptual ideas and simplify complex execution to not only its bare essence, but working aesthetic scale and weight and palette to where it all comes together as a true beautifully crafted whole. It is inspiring me to reach for more and realize that I’m not done yet. For all of these reasons, this is a must-have book for any designer’s library and the value it brings far outweighs the price tag. Get this book!

Great book for any freelancer inspiration on process and decision making. Great for modern logos that read well at various sizes

This is a fast read that cuts right to the chase. The logo creation process is laid out clearly and succinctly early on in the book, and there are many great examples throughout to illustrate the concepts. I followed the author's "recipe" for logo creation, and was able to create a new one for my new small business that is unique and visually satisfying. Whether it will stand the test of time remains to be seen, but I have confidence that it will. I drew inspiration from the author's wonderful work and interesting stories, and I'm grateful that he wrote this book to share his wisdom. Although irrelevant to this review, it was a nice surprise that the author happens to live in Eagan, Minnesota, where my sister was also living until last year.

As an illustrator, designer and educator, I have been following Allan's work on instagram for quite some time. His ability to communicate clear and powerful ideas with simple shapes is always inspiring. His color choices are bold and unique and his real world advice to artists has become invaluable. His passion for not only bringing new ideas to the world but esteeming those who have come before him with his "badge hunting" posts of vintage logos help to see behind the curtain. His new book "Logos That Last" does this and so much more. This is a physical reference to stop the endless scrolling and help motivate designers to get to work. His list of the 3 things you cannot control and the seven things you can translates not only to design but to all forms of art. I imagine this book will live close to my drawing table, It will get worn edges as it becomes a go-to reference in my process for years to come. Buy this book. Buy a second copy to give out to a friend. If you are a graphic design teacher, make this required reading for your students. It is clear and beyond helpful.

I’ve been a professional graphic designer since 2015. 6 out of those 8 years I have been following Allan Peters on instagram. Even though I’ve seen a large portion of these works over the years, I haven’t been able to put this book down. Logos That Last is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends artistry and strategy, providing a captivating exploration of enduring brand identities. Peters navigates the intricate world of logo design with unparalleled expertise, offering invaluable insights that resonate with both seasoned designers and those new to the field (I can authentically say that as a university professor) . The book is a visual feast, showcasing iconic logos that stand the test of time, accompanied by Peters' thoughtful commentary that elevates the reader's understanding of each design.Logos That Last is a must-read for anyone passionate about the art and impact of creating timeless brand symbols.

Hands down one of the best books on logo design out there. There's tons of books showing good logo design but very few break down the process of how to arrive at those solutions AND present them to clients in a way that is effective and helps to sell the best work. Allan goes into detail about how he creates his iconic marks and gives very useful tips and tricks on how to show the work to clients in a methodical way in order to achieve the goal of them choosing the best work. He shares a bit of his personal life, how he sources/finds inspiration and turns it into something new. Some logo designers put out a book and you can tell they only design logos because the book is full of dense blocks of text, typos and is just not very well designed. This is not one of those books. This book is equally informative as it is beautiful to look at/hold in your hands. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to be a logo designer or polish their craft/presentation process.

Great advice. Makes you think more purposely on that next logo design. Thank you.

Entre este libro y el de Chris Do, por fin puedo completar los libros que hacía tiempo quería tener por fin! :D

I recently read Logos That Last: How to Create Iconic Visual Branding, and it’s a fantastic book for anyone interested in logo design and visual branding. The book is very educational and inspiring, especially for designers who want to understand how iconic logos are created. It explains the thinking behind icon design, brand symbols, and the creative process, which makes it very valuable for both beginners and experienced designers. What I liked most is how the book breaks down real design ideas and practical approaches rather than just theory. It gives you a better understanding of how to build logos that are simple, memorable, and timeless. Overall, it’s a very inspiring read and a great resource for designers, brand strategists, and creative professionals who want to improve their logo design skills. Highly recommended if you’re passionate about branding and iconic logo creation.

This is a very well written book with fantastic examples of case studies and the process to design a brand identity. Well done Allan, a job well done. Highly recommend for designers of all levels.

Not really a "How to", more of a career retrospective.

As a designer with nearly a decade of experience crafting visual content for social media platforms, I approached Logo That Lasts by Allan Peters with a hint of skepticism—after all, I knew logos and their quirks. What I discovered instead was a book that not only deepened my understanding but also changed my approach to brand identity in ways I hadn’t anticipated. First Impressions Right off the bat, Peters challenges the fleeting nature of design trends. He emphasizes how a durable logo must not only communicate effectively but also adapt gracefully across time and context. This conceptual shift from “social media snapshots” to “timeless presence” resonated deeply. Within the first few chapters, I realized this wasn’t a design manual—it was a design philosophy. Key Takeaways That Felt Entirely New Adaptive Flexibility: While I’ve routinely adjusted graphic assets for mobile screens, Peters’ framework for designing logos that can flex—shrink, simplify, deconstruct—without losing identity was eye-opening. Narrative Depth: Rather than relying on bold visuals alone, the book teaches how to embed a story or message into a logo’s DNA—something that enhances recall and creates emotional resonance long after first glance. Framework for Evolution: Peters lays out a strategy for logo evolution—how a brand mark can gracefully transform over years without losing recognition, avoiding the awkwardness of complete redesigns. Why It Resonated for a Social Media Designer Like Me In social media, we live in the moment—vibrant, fleeting, dynamic. But Peters reminded me that behind every post and every campaign is a visual identity that should anchor all communication. Now I approach each project with a dual mindset: creating for "now,” but with one eye on what that identity becomes five or ten years from now. Final Verdict If your experience is rooted in digital campaigns, UI, or social media, but you’re keen to elevate your design ethos beyond current trends—to build identities with depth, flexibility, and longevity—this book is a rare gem. Logo That Lasts isn’t just about good design; it’s about meaningful design that endures.