In this instructable, you will learn to make a cool logo for yourself like the pros in 5 minutes or less! The example I have provided is very basic, but you can get much cooler results if you get more involved. I am using Photoshop CS3, but I'm sure it will work with earlier versions or other programs. Let's get started!

Step 1: Step 1: Getting Started

OK, here we go. Start with a new blank document. I used 500x500, but you can use whatever works for you. This concept is very adaptable.

Step 2: Drawing the Basic Form

Now, get out your pen tool (shortcut "p"). Draw a line with it, then grab the point where your line ended and drag it a bit. If you still don't understand this, play around a bit with the pen tool and you'll get it. It's a valuable skill to have. The picture illustrates what I ended up with, a very basic pen shape. If you have not already, make sure the shape is filled with black, or the darkest that you are going to go with whatever color you are using.

Step 3: Layering Up the Logo

In this step, you'll start to see the logo itself take shape. What I like to do is go to the layer with the shape on it and select all (ctrl+a) and copy and paste (ctrl+c, ctrl+v) which should copy the shape to a new layer. Then transform that newly copied shape (ctrl+t) so that it is smaller than the original. A good tip for keeping the dimensions correct is to hold shift while you are transforming. Load the selection (select, load selection) and use the paint bucket tool to fill it with a slightly lighter color. It is important to load the selection instead of just filling it, as if you do not, then the shape will appear to have jagged edges.

Step 4: Time for a Progress Check!

At this point, you should have something like this.

Step 5: Adding More of the Same...

Just repeat step 3 now.

Step 6: And You Are Finished!

That wasn't so bad, was it? Here a couple examples of how it could turn out. On the black and white one, I just applied "Satin" under blending options. On the second one, I used the Sumi-E filter. Enjoy!