Interview Josiah Jost : the master of logos
Josiah Jost is a 22 years-old Canadian artist currently living in Milk River, Alberta. He specializes in logo design and his work has been awarded many times! We had the opportunity to ask him some questions.
First of all, can you introduce yourself in a few words?
My name is Josiah Jost but my friends have called me Siah (sigh-ah) for as long as I can remember. I freelance under my company Siah Design and have a passion for branding and identity. I love people and enjoy working with clients all over the world. My faith in Jesus Christ is of utmost importance for me. My love for sports is balanced by a weakness for indulging in pastas and ice cream.
When did you start being interested in art and design?
Since I was very young, I’ve really enjoyed analyzing different fields and topics, whether it be businesses, people or culture. Looking back, my hypotheses of an analyzed subject was often incorrect, but I still learned a lot doing it. In my mid-teens, I started to realize how much I enjoyed analyzing design and branding. Since then, the love has continued to grow.
Why have you specialized yourself in logo design?
I would have to say I have a real love for conceptual thinking and having an idea and purpose behind all art. Logo design often requires this type of thinking and then outputting it in it’s most minimalistic form. Hence, one of the reasons I have a passion for logo design.
Do you think logo design is a full-fledged art?
Absolutely. One of my favourite definitions of art is, “the products of creativity”. Logo design definitely encompasses that definition.
What are the most important points to create a good logo?
It depends if the important points are verbs or adjectives. Important verbs for executing a good logo would be:
– Plan
– Research
– Mind Map
– Sketch
Important adjectives for a logo would be:
– Unique
– Memorable
– Recognizable
– Adaptable
Do you think it is possible to have a good corporate identity without having a good logo?
A logo is the face of a company, and if it says, amateur, messy or unprofessional or does not properly represent the company, it may take a while for the viewer to get over preconceived ideas about the company. So in that sense, the visual identity has a huge impact on the initial perspective of the brand. That being said, a brand is so much more than just a logo design and it is possible to have a successful, positive brand without a great logo. I think of the website Craigslist.com and how successful it’s been in branding pure and simple with no logo.
Is it always harder to work on a logo in which several words must appear? (compared to logo where only one word must appear)
It usually does take more thinking strategy to get the right composition and visual balance in the case of longer titles. What I find more challenging though is when the client has a parent company logo that they want presented along with the logo I’m designing. I usually feel as though it handcuffs my creativity somewhat.
When you create a logo, do you think about the way it can appear in motion in a website or in a video?
Yes, it’s really important to keep in mind the ways the logo will need to be adapted throughout the brand of the specific identity. If it’s for a film company we need to think about ways it could possibly animated or adapted to a dvd spine. If designing a logo for social site we need to think about ways to adapt it into a 16 by 16 pixel icon, etc.
Besides logos, what do you love to create?
One of my other passions is music. I play upright bass, electric bass, piano and enjoy messing around on the guitar. I currently play part time for our family band, The Josties (www.josties.com). I also enjoy spending time in the kitchen cooking every once and awhile.
A classic one: where does your inspiration come from?
I wish I could say I had a specific well of inspiration that I go to every time – but finding inspiration really doesn’t have an official solution. I do find, mind mapping and using a thesaurus can really help the thoughts stay on track and stimulate new ideas.
Do you have something to add?
Thanks for the interview!
Discover the portfolio of Josiah Jost and follow him on Twitter.
