Are you wondering how to transform your hand-drawn sketch into a digital logo, but feeling a bit lost? With so many options available for creating graphics on a computer, it’s understandable that many people still prefer to start their logo ideas by putting pen to paper. The ability to have complete control when creating a representation of their brand is highly valued. The only challenge then becomes turning that logo into a digital image that can be used online and for marketing purposes.

Thankfully, digitizing your hand-drawn logo is not an impossible task. While it does involve multiple steps, you don’t need any advanced computer skills to accomplish it. It’s simply a matter of having a guide to take you through the process. So, if you’re ready to embark on this journey, keep reading to learn how to turn your drawing into a logo.

Raster vs. Vector Images

The easiest way to turn a drawing into a digital image is by taking a picture of it, right? Well, not exactly. Digital pictures, known as raster images, are defined by pixels, with each pixel containing information about the overall picture. For complex images, raster images work well as they display intricate details at defined sizes. However, resizing raster images often results in a loss of clarity, making them unsuitable for enlarging small logos.

Enter vector images. Instead of relying on pixels, vector images are defined by paths that maintain their shapes regardless of size. This feature allows the same logo to be resized to suit various display needs, whether it’s for a business card, corporate banner, or website logo.

How to Digitize a Logo

So, how do you convert your hand-drawn logo into a vector image, considering that it’s still nothing more than a physical drawing?

Step One: Finalize Your Drawing

Before diving into the digitization process, ensure that your logo is as complete as possible. Pay attention to contrast so that your logo stands out from the rest of the page. This effort will make the conversion process much smoother. To achieve sharp edges, use thick black markers to fill in spaces and rely on rulers to maintain precision.

Step Two: Digitize Your Logo

The best way to transfer your logo from paper to screen is by using a scanner. Set the scanner to the highest resolution possible. Even if you think the resolution might be higher than necessary, it’s better to have the option to scale down. Starting with a low-resolution image restricts your flexibility. Aim for a resolution of 600 dots per inch (dpi).

If a scanner is not accessible, you can use a digital camera to capture the image. However, be cautious as factors like lighting and page creases can negatively impact the quality of your logo. Reserve this option as a last resort.

Step Three: Open Your Software

Now that you have a digital copy of your logo, it’s time to open it in your preferred editing software. While Photoshop is the most commonly used photo editor, there are plenty of free alternatives available. The process remains the same regardless of the program you choose.

Before moving forward with transforming your drawing into a vector image, make a few adjustments. Start by converting the image to black and white, then increase the contrast to make the logo stand out. Additionally, adjusting the brightness and exposure can enhance contrast further. Filling in any stray lines or darkening spaces can be achieved using the brush and eraser tools.

Step Four: Isolate Your Logo

Once you’re satisfied with your adjustments, it’s time to separate the logo from the background. The process for achieving this varies across different software.

In Photoshop, for example, you can use the paths option to trace your image. Each software has slight variations, so it’s worth spending some time experimenting with the various options to achieve your desired result. After tracing your paths, you’ll have the option to close off each selection with “Make Work Path.” From there, you can export the file into your preferred format.

If you’re using Adobe Illustrator, you can utilize the Image Trace command, which automatically detects and creates paths around your logo. Fine-tuning your conversion can be achieved by adjusting the settings.

Step Five: Export Your File

Now that you have your vector paths created, it’s time to export your logo into an easy-to-use image file. The beauty of vector images is that they can be scaled to any size without sacrificing clarity, making them practical for various branding needs. Open the file in your photo editor and export a version in the size you require. This file can then be used for social media logos, thumbnails, and other marketing purposes.

How to Turn a Drawing Into a Logo: Final Thoughts

Having the ability to turn your ideas into workable products is incredibly empowering. Learning how to turn your hand-drawn sketch into a logo opens up a world of opportunities. The same process can be applied to digitize any simple physical image.

If you’re in need of a logo for your business and don’t know where to start, reach out to us. Our team is here to help you create the branding your company deserves.