Branding, Logo and Icon creation is the culmination of many different skills. If you start with the Logo (and you should), communication with the client is the key to getting off on the right foot. Asking questions is a necessity to good logo design, and then understanding their market puts the puzzle pieces into place to begin the design. For Branding, you need to think holistically and make sure you’re engaged with every aspect of a business. Making branding too complicated can be a trap that is too easily fallen into. Fundamentals should drive the message. Icon Design is the part where you get to show minimalist design in it’s truest form. My work in this arena has covered the gamut from small things like mobile apps and products to large corporate branding campaigns. Each has their own challenges, but the fundamentals remain the same.