Brainstorming is a classic creative technique for generating new ideas. It's a great way to take an initial concept and turn it into a unique creative vision. You can use it to help dream up new styles, explore color combinations, or as a sketchbook for logo ideas.
Brainstorming is no longer confined to just sticky notes either. With online tools, your ideas can be communicated as notes, images, video, or even sound.
In this guide, you'll learn the modern approach to brainstorming using Milanote. Remember, the creative process is non-linear, so you may find yourself moving back and forth between the steps as you go.
What's the brand or company you're designing a logo for? Add a short note that describes the project so everyone can reference it as you're generating ideas. It might be a simple description of the brand, its values or personality. Add even more context by linking back to the Logo Brief you wrote at the start of your project
Create a new board for your brainstorming exercise.
Drag a board out from the toolbar. Give it a name, then double click to open it.
Add a note to describe the concept or brand.
Start typing then use the formatting tools in the left hand toolbar.
Next, invite others to brainstorm with you. If you're in a team, you might invite other designers or your client. Often, it's the mix of perspectives that leads to unique ideas. Brainstorming online means they can contribute from anywhere. It helps to send access to the board ahead of time so everyone can become familiar with it before you start.
Invite others to add their ideas.
Open the "Share" menu from the title bar of your board. Add email addresses of the people you'd like to collaborate with—they'll receive an invitation via email.
Now it's time to get creative. Start adding any ideas that relate to the brand. Think about how you'd like to use color, the shapes or symbols the could reflect the company, and the overall style you're trying to achieve.
Don't worry about evaluating your ideas yet, that will come later. Just add as many as you can. Setting a timer for 5 minutes is a great way to create a sense of urgency and prevent people from judging their thoughts.
Add a note for each idea.
Start typing then use the formatting tools in the left hand toolbar.
Don't allow killer phrases like “it’s too expensive, it’s too hard” to derail the brainstorm or judge ideas too quickly. As Alex Osborn said, “It is easier to tone down a wild idea than to think up a new one.”
Often the best way to communicate an idea clearly is with an image, especially if it's a mood or style you're trying to convey. Gather photos from your phone or find reference images online and add them to the mix. These images can be repurposed later when you're creating a moodboard.
Use the built-in image library.
Search over 3 million beautiful, free photos then drag images straight onto your board. Powered by Pexels.
Drag images from your computer onto the board.
Click the "Upload" button or just drag a file onto your board. You can add images, logos, documents, videos, audio and much more.
Designers often sketch 20+ possible ideas for the logo before picking a few directions. This is your opportunity to go wild. Explore different letterforms and symbols that could work. Is there a shape that communicates the product or service your client provides?
You don't have to be a world class illustrator to sketch ideas either, just focus on producing as many as you can—the polish will come later.
Use the Drawing feature in the left-hand toolbar
Now it's time to take off your creative hat and review the ideas through a critical lens. This is the perfect opportunity to ensure everything you've added ties back to your original Logo Brief.
Ask each person to choose their favorite ideas and explain why. Be prepared to share your thinking and welcome suggestions and improvements. Encourage constructive debate. If an idea isn't dramatically improving things, put it aside. You can always return to it later.
Start a comment thread.
Drag out a comment from the toolbar on the left and place it on your board. Other editors can reply to your comment.
Mention teammates to get their attention.
Type '@' in any text field to mention someone who has access to your board. They'll receive a notification and be able to respond to your comment.
Once you've selected the strongest ideas, it's time to sort them into groups and connect the dots. This allows you to uncover patterns or similarities in your thinking. Add a title that describes each group of ideas. When you've finished grouping, you're left with the key themes that will guide your project.
Drag content to create groups of similar ideas
Name it, then drag any relevant notes, images or boards into your column to stay organized.
Now that your brainstorming session is complete you have some exciting new directions to explore for your logo design. Remember, creativity and inspiration are constantly evolving. Come back and add to the brainstorm when inspiration strikes.
If you're just starting a new logo design project right now, use the free template below or read our full guide on How to plan a logo design project.
