# Logo Generator Skill

## Dependencies
- **nano-banana-pro** skill — for AI image generation (Gemini 2.0 Flash)
- Requires `GEMINI_API_KEY` environment variable

## Purpose
Generate professional logo concepts based on brand strategy, current design trends, and logo design best practices. Produces multiple distinct visual directions for client selection and refinement.

## When to Use This Skill
- New product/brand needs logo identity
- Rebranding initiative
- Logo refresh or modernization
- Creating logo variations for different contexts
- Called by Branding Agent during brand creation

## Outputs

### Primary Deliverables
- **3-5 Logo Concepts** with distinct visual approaches
- **Concept Rationale** for each direction
- **Usage Examples** showing logo in context
- **File Formats**: SVG (vector), PNG (high-res), variations (color/mono/reversed)
- **Logo Specification Sheet**: sizes, spacing, color codes, usage rules

### File Structure
```
[product]/agency/artifacts/design/brand/
├── logo-concepts/
│   ├── concept-1-wordmark/
│   │   ├── logo.svg
│   │   ├── logo.png
│   │   ├── variations.png
│   │   └── rationale.md
│   ├── concept-2-icon-based/
│   ├── concept-3-combination/
│   ├── concept-4-geometric/
│   └── concept-5-illustrative/
└── selected/
    ├── final-logo.svg
    ├── final-logo.png
    ├── logo-guide.md
    └── usage-examples.png
```

## Workflow

### 1. BRAND QUESTIONNAIRE

**Gather Context**
```
Ask user:
1. Describe your brand in 3-5 adjectives (e.g., innovative, trustworthy, bold)
2. Who is your target audience?
3. What brands do you admire (in/out of industry)? Why?
4. What brands do you NOT want to be like? Why?
5. How should people FEEL about your brand?
6. Where will the logo appear? (digital, print, merch, signage)
7. Any existing brand elements to incorporate?
8. Any symbols, colors, or styles to avoid?
9. Must the logo include: [ ] Initials [ ] Full name [ ] Icon [ ] Tagline
```

**Document Responses**
- Save to `[product]/agency/artifacts/design/brand/questionnaire.md`
- Extract key insights for concept generation

---

### 2. RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

**A. Research Established & Rising Company Logos**
- Use web_search for "best [industry] company logos"
- Use web_search for "established brands with timeless logos"
- Use web_search for "rising companies [industry] branding"
- Use image_search to view actual logos of established players
- Use image_search to view logos of successful startups/rising companies
- Fetch 3-5 relevant articles with web_fetch

**Document Findings**
```markdown
## Established Brands (Timeless Examples)
- [Brand 1]: [What makes their logo work]
- [Brand 2]: [Key design principles observed]
- [Brand 3]: [Why it's stood the test of time]

## Rising Companies (Current Excellence)
- [Company 1]: [What's working well]
- [Company 2]: [Modern approach that's effective]
- [Company 3]: [How they stand out]

## Industry Standards ([Industry])
- [Observation 1]
- [Observation 2]

## Key Principles Observed
- Simplicity and clarity
- Scalability across all sizes
- Memorable and distinctive
- Balanced composition
- Timeless, not trendy
```

**B. Competitor Analysis**
- Research 3-5 competitors in same industry
- Analyze their logo approaches
- Identify gaps and opportunities
- Note what to avoid (looking derivative)

**C. Define Logo Strategy**
Based on questionnaire + research of established/rising brands, determine:
- **Primary approach**: Wordmark, Icon, Combination, Emblem, Abstract
- **Visual style**: Minimal, Geometric, Organic, Illustrative, Typographic
- **Mood**: Professional, Playful, Bold, Elegant, Technical, Friendly
- **Complexity level**: Keep it simple enough to scale from signage to 16px icon
- **Storytelling opportunity**: What business story can the mark tell?
- **Timeless qualities**: What makes this endure vs. date quickly?
- **Balance strategy**: How to distribute visual weight evenly?

---

### 3. CONCEPT GENERATION

**A. Identify Core Themes**

Before generating visual concepts, identify themes based on target market and product:
```
Target Market Analysis:
- Who are they? [Demographics, psychographics]
- What do they value? [Core values, beliefs]
- What are their interests? [Hobbies, passions, lifestyle]
- What are their preferences? [Aesthetic tastes, design styles]

Theme Extraction:
- What imagery resonates with this audience?
- What symbols/metaphors connect to their world?
- What visual language speaks to their values?
- What themes differentiate from competitors while attracting this market?

Example:
- Target: Remote tech teams, millennials/Gen-Z
- Values: Efficiency, flexibility, collaboration, innovation
- Interests: Digital tools, productivity, work-life balance
- Preferences: Clean, modern, friendly (not corporate)
- Themes: Flow, connection, simplicity, forward movement
- Imagery: Flowing lines, connected nodes, checkmarks, arrows, organic tech
```

**Use these themes to inform logo concepts.** Every visual decision should connect back to what will grab the target market's attention and resonate with their values.

---

**B. Generate 3-5 Distinct Logo Directions**

Each concept must have:
1. **Different visual approach**
2. **Unique style execution**
3. **Distinct personality**
4. **Connection to identified themes**

**Logo Type Variety**
Ensure concepts cover different types:
- **Wordmark/Logotype**: Typography-focused, stylized product name
- **Icon-based/Symbol**: Graphic mark that represents brand
- **Combination Mark**: Icon + wordmark together
- **Geometric/Abstract**: Modern, shape-based design
- **Illustrative/Organic**: Custom illustration or organic forms

**For Each Concept:**

1. **Generate Visual with AI Image Generation**
   
   Use the `nano-banana-pro` skill to generate each logo concept:
   
   ```bash
   uv run {nano-banana-pro-baseDir}/scripts/generate_image.py \
     --prompt "Professional logo design for '[Brand Name]', concept [N]: [Concept Type]. [Detailed description of the logo - style, colors, shapes, typography, mood]. Clean white background. Vector-style, scalable logo design. Premium SaaS aesthetic." \
     --filename "[brand]-concept-[n]-[type].png" \
     --resolution 1K
   ```
   
   **Prompt structure for best results:**
   - Start with "Professional logo design for '[Brand Name]'"
   - Specify the concept type (wordmark, icon, combination, etc.)
   - Describe visual elements: shapes, flow, connections
   - Specify colors from brand brief (avoid colors they want to avoid)
   - Include mood/aesthetic references (e.g., "similar to Figma branding")
   - Always end with "Clean white background. Vector-style, scalable logo design."
   
   **Generate all 5 concepts** before presenting so user can see them side-by-side.
   
   **File naming convention:**
   ```
   [brand-slug]-concept-1-wordmark.png
   [brand-slug]-concept-2-flow-symbol.png
   [brand-slug]-concept-3-portal.png
   [brand-slug]-concept-4-ribbon.png
   [brand-slug]-concept-5-human.png
   ```

2. **Write Rationale**
   ```markdown
   ## Concept [N]: [Name/Style]
   
   **Approach**: [Wordmark/Icon/Combination/etc.]
   **Style**: [Minimal/Geometric/Organic/etc.]
   **Mood**: [Professional/Playful/Bold/etc.]
   **Themes**: [Which identified themes this concept draws from]
   
   **Design Rationale**
   [Why this direction works for the brand]
   [How it addresses target audience values/interests]
   [Which themes and imagery resonate with their preferences]
   [Connection to trends/best practices]
   
   **Strengths**
   - [Advantage 1]
   - [Advantage 2]
   
   **Considerations**
   - [Potential limitation or context]
   ```

3. **Show Usage Examples**
   - Create mockups: business card, website header, app icon, merch
   - Demonstrate versatility across contexts

---

### 4. PRESENT CONCEPTS

**Presentation Format**

**For Discord/chat surfaces**, use the `message` tool to send each concept with its image attached:

```javascript
// Send each concept as a separate message with image attachment
message.send({
  action: "send",
  channel: "discord",
  target: "<channel_id>",
  message: "**Concept 1: [Name]**\n[Brief description]",
  filePath: "/path/to/concept-1.png"
})
```

**Presentation flow:**
1. Send overview message explaining you've created 5 concepts
2. Send each concept individually with image attached
3. Send closing message asking for feedback

**Example presentation:**
```
Message 1: "🎨 Here are 5 logo concepts for [Brand]. Each takes a different approach..."

Message 2: "**Concept 1: Flowing Wordmark**" + [image attachment]

Message 3: "**Concept 2: Abstract Flow Symbol**" + [image attachment]

...etc for all 5...

Message 7: "Which resonate with you? Pick 1-2 and I can refine!"
```

**Important:** Don't use `MEDIA:` tags for Discord — those are server paths users can't access. Always use the `message` tool with `filePath` to properly attach images.

**For product artifacts**, save images to the product folder:
```
[product]/agency/artifacts/design/brand/logo-concepts/
├── concept-1-wordmark.png
├── concept-2-flow-symbol.png
├── concept-3-portal.png
├── concept-4-ribbon.png
├── concept-5-human.png
└── presentation.md
```

**Self-Critique Before Presenting**
- [ ] Each concept is visually distinct
- [ ] Covers variety of logo types (wordmark, icon, combo, etc.)
- [ ] Aligns with questionnaire responses
- [ ] Incorporates current trends appropriately
- [ ] Avoids identified pitfalls and clichés
- [ ] Works in black & white
- [ ] Scalable (readable at small sizes)
- [ ] No unintentional meanings or hidden shapes
- [ ] Professional execution quality
- [ ] Rationales are clear and strategic

---

### 5. GATHER FEEDBACK

**Ask User**
```
Which concept(s) resonate most with you?
1. [Select favorite concept number]
2. What do you like about it?
3. What would you want to adjust?
4. Any elements from other concepts to incorporate?
5. Ready to refine, or want to explore another direction?
```

**Document Feedback**
- Save to `[product]/agency/artifacts/design/brand/feedback.md`
- Note preferences, concerns, requested changes

---

### 6. REFINEMENT

**Based on Selected Concept**

1. **Iterate on Design**
   - Make requested adjustments
   - Refine typography, spacing, proportions
   - Test in various contexts
   - Create variations (horizontal, stacked, icon-only)

2. **Color Exploration**
   - Primary color version
   - Alternative color options
   - Monochrome (black/white/grey)
   - Reversed (on dark backgrounds)

3. **Create Final Assets**
   - High-res PNG (transparent background)
   - SVG vector file
   - Variations for different use cases
   - Color specifications (hex, RGB, CMYK)

4. **Usage Guidelines**
   ```markdown
   # Logo Usage Guidelines
   
   ## Primary Logo
   [Image of main logo]
   
   ## Variations
   - Horizontal version
   - Stacked version
   - Icon only
   - Monochrome
   - Reversed
   
   ## Color Specifications
   - Primary: [Hex code]
   - Secondary: [Hex code]
   - Black: #000000
   - White: #FFFFFF
   
   ## Clear Space
   [Minimum spacing around logo]
   
   ## Minimum Size
   - Digital: [X]px minimum
   - Print: [X]mm minimum
   
   ## Do's
   ✓ [Correct usage example]
   
   ## Don'ts
   ✗ [Incorrect usage example]
   ```

---

### 7. FINALIZE & DELIVER

**Final Deliverables**
```
[product]/agency/artifacts/design/brand/
├── logo.svg           (vector)
├── logo.png           (high-res)
├── logo-horizontal.svg
├── logo-stacked.svg
├── logo-icon.svg
├── logo-monochrome.svg
├── logo-reversed.svg
└── logo-guide.md
```

**Update Brand Context**
- Add logo to `brand.md`
- Reference in `brain.md`
- Note completion in `_today.md`

---

## Logo Design Principles

### Core Guidelines

**1. Less is More - Make it Simple**
- Simplicity doesn't mean boring - it means clarity
- It doesn't have to be *super* simple, but avoid unnecessary complexity
- **Critical test**: It must translate from large-format signage to a tiny digital icon
- If it loses clarity when small, it's too complex
- Every element should serve a purpose

**2. Tell the Business Story**
- If you can manage to tell a business's story in a mark, that's powerful
- Look for visual metaphors that connect to what the company does
- The best logos communicate at a glance
- Storytelling can be subtle - doesn't need to be literal

**3. Timeless, Not Trendy**
- Avoid anything that's super trendy
- Design for longevity - logos should last 10-20+ years
- Skip effects that date quickly (current gradient styles, specific geometric patterns)
- Classic doesn't mean old-fashioned - aim for enduring relevance
- Ask: "Will this look dated in 5 years?"

**4. Balance is Essential**
- Visual weight should be evenly distributed
- Elements should feel harmonious, not fighting for attention
- Test at different sizes - balance should hold
- Negative space is as important as positive space
- Optical balance matters more than mathematical centering

### Timeless Best Practices
1. **Versatility**: Works across all contexts and sizes
2. **Memorable**: Distinctive enough to recall
3. **Appropriate**: Fits industry and audience expectations
4. **Monochrome-friendly**: Works in single color (the black & white test)
5. **Scalable**: Test from 16px icon to billboard size

### The Scalability Test
Test every concept at multiple sizes:
- **Billboard scale**: Does it work huge? (visual impact)
- **Business card**: Does it work at 1-2 inches? (detail visibility)
- **App icon**: Does it work at 64px? (recognition)
- **Favicon**: Does it work at 16px? (the critical test)

If it fails at 16px, simplify.

### Common Pitfalls to Avoid

**Overly Trendy Elements**
- Current gradient fads (will date quickly)
- Specific geometric patterns popular this year
- Effects that scream "2020s design"
- Copying current startup aesthetic without reason

**Complexity Issues**
- Too many elements (fails scalability test)
- Intricate details that disappear when small
- Multiple colors that muddy at small sizes
- Thin lines that vanish at icon size

**Generic/Derivative**
- Stock symbols (lightbulbs, globes, arrows)
- Copying competitor styles too closely
- Overused fonts without customization
- Cliché metaphors for your industry

**Composition Problems**
- Unbalanced visual weight
- Elements competing instead of working together
- Ignoring negative space
- Poor spacing/proportion

---

## Self-Critique Checklist

Before presenting concepts:

**Design Quality**
- [ ] Simple and clear - passes the "less is more" test
- [ ] **Scalability**: Passes 16px favicon test - recognizable at tiny sizes
- [ ] **Scalability**: Works at billboard scale - impactful when huge
- [ ] **Balance**: Visually balanced composition, harmonious elements
- [ ] Works in black & white (monochrome test)
- [ ] No unintended shapes or meanings
- [ ] Professional execution quality

**Storytelling & Strategy**
- [ ] **Story**: Tells the business story (if possible) - visual metaphor works
- [ ] Reflects brand personality from questionnaire
- [ ] Differentiates from competitors
- [ ] Appropriate for industry and target audience
- [ ] Avoids client-specified pitfalls

**Timelessness**
- [ ] **Not trendy**: Avoids super-trendy elements that will date quickly
- [ ] Classic/enduring appeal - could last 10-20+ years
- [ ] No effects that scream current year
- [ ] Would work in any decade with minor adjustments

**Concept Variety**
- [ ] Each concept is truly distinct
- [ ] Different logo types represented (wordmark, icon, combo)
- [ ] Different visual styles (minimal, geometric, illustrative)
- [ ] Covers range of moods while staying appropriate
- [ ] Each connects to identified themes

**Research & Execution**
- [ ] Researched established brands with timeless logos
- [ ] Studied rising companies in the industry
- [ ] Clear rationale for each concept (strategic, not just descriptive)
- [ ] Usage examples demonstrate versatility
- [ ] Files properly organized and named

**Presentation**
- [ ] Concepts ordered logically
- [ ] Rationales connect to target market values/interests
- [ ] Feedback questions are specific and actionable
- [ ] Next steps are clear

---

## Authority & Approval

**Auto-Execute (T1-T2)**
- Research trends and competitors
- Generate initial concepts
- Create mockups and variations
- Organize files

**Requires Approval (T3)**
- Present concepts to user
- Gather feedback and direction

**User Decides**
- Select concept(s) to refine
- Request adjustments
- Approve final logo

---

## Integration with Branding Agent

**When Called by Branding Agent**
1. Branding Agent provides product context
2. Logo Generator runs questionnaire (or uses pre-collected info)
3. Logo Generator delivers final logo + guide
4. Branding Agent integrates into master `brand.md`

**Output for Branding Agent**
```markdown
## Logo

**Primary Logo**
![Logo](artifacts/design/brand/logo.png)

**Variations Available**
- Horizontal, Stacked, Icon-only
- Monochrome, Reversed
- See full guide: [logo-guide.md](artifacts/design/brand/logo-guide.md)

**Color Specifications**
- Primary: #[HEX]
- Monochrome: #000000, #FFFFFF
```

---

## Example Execution

**Input**
- Product: "TaskFlow" (project management app)
- Audience: Remote teams, tech startups
- Personality: Efficient, modern, collaborative, trustworthy

**Research Findings**
- **Established brands**: Studied Asana (clear, friendly), Basecamp (simple, timeless), Trello (playful but professional)
- **Rising companies**: Linear (minimal, fast-feeling), Height (clean, modern without being trendy)
- **Competitor analysis**: Most use abstract shapes, cool colors, geometric patterns
- **Opportunity**: More human/organic approach, warmer feel, tells a "flow" story
- **Timeless qualities**: Simple shapes, balanced composition, no trendy gradients

**Theme Identification**
- Target values: Efficiency, collaboration, clarity
- Themes: Flow, connection, forward movement, ease
- Imagery: Flowing water, connected pathways, smooth curves, checkmarks

**Generated Concepts**
1. **Wordmark**: Modern sans-serif with flowing connection between "T" and "F" (tells flow story)
2. **Icon-based**: Abstract flowing ribbon forming circular path (infinite flow metaphor)
3. **Combination**: Checkmark integrated into "T" letterform + full name (achievement + flow)
4. **Geometric**: Minimalist forward arrow + "TF" monogram (progress, simple, balanced)
5. **Illustrative**: Stylized stream/pathway with subtle grid pattern (organization meets flow)

**Scalability Test**
- All concepts tested at 16px - concepts 3 and 4 remained clearest
- Concept 1 lost connection detail at small size, simplified for final version
- Concept 2 needed thicker ribbon to maintain visibility

**User Selected**: Concept 3 (Combination mark)

**Refinement**:
- Adjusted checkmark angle for better balance
- Refined typography for improved scalability
- Tested timelessness by imagining it in 10 years - removed subtle gradient
- Created color and mono versions
- Ensured it works from 16px to billboard

**Final Deliverable**: Complete logo system with 6 variations and usage guide, passes all scalability tests, tells the "task completion + flow" story simply

---

## Notes
- Research established brands and rising companies, not fleeting trends
- Prioritize strategic thinking over aesthetic preferences
- Balance timeless principles with modern execution
- **The 16px test is non-negotiable** - if it fails, simplify
- **The balance test matters** - visual weight should feel harmonious
- **The story test is valuable** - can the mark communicate the business?
- **The timeless test is critical** - will this work in 10-20 years?
- When in doubt, simpler is better
- Consider animation/motion potential for digital-first brands, but ensure static version is strong
