Comments on: Trusting My Gut

By: Julian Seery Gude

Julian Seery Gude — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:36:22 +0000

Hi Lela,

I’ve found out about a new service that has a very unique approach to design (including logos). It’s called http://www.crowdspring.com/ – I’m planning on doing a mention of them in a vlog I’m working on for my site. It’s one of the better ideas I’ve seen come down the web 2.0 pike and addresses a lot of the guesswork we have when working with a single designer. Specifically you see the submitted designs before paying your money and you alone set the dollar amount you want to pay. – Julian

By: PS

PS — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:34:59 +0000

Its funny to me to hear people in one line of work speak so cluelessly about another.

What’s not funny, Lela, is that the blame lies on both parties in this ‘logo’ transaction.

The role of a good designer is to educate a client about what they are getting into. Not simply name a price, and be haggled with.

The role of a good client is to be proactively involved in the situation.

You think you just want a logo. A little colorful thingy next to your business name. You should be more interested in the value of your business offering, your position in the marketplace and how this colorful thingy will help any of that.

Then you can put some value on this logo of yours.

If you don’t at least do this you will find you are guaranteed to get what you pay for, but not what you had hoped for.

By: Arthus Erea

Arthus Erea — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 02:33:48 +0000

As I designer, I can tell you it really does vary that much in terms of time for projects. One of the most critical factors is how much you want changed/revised. Usually, we estimate for a couple of revisions–if you like the first copy, then the price will be much lower (5 hours), but if you and the designer just aren’t meshing, then the price can rise exponentially as you go through revision after revision.

Also, be sure that you get *vector* or editable work as the deliverable. This always frees you to have another designer make any adjustments down the line.

By: Lela

Lela — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 22:23:40 +0000

Thanks everyone! Who knew the topic of logos would spark such conversation. I’ll be sure and keep you posted on my progress. Wish me luck!

By: Aaron

Aaron — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:24:12 +0000

While logo design is incredibly important for any business, it’s also important to work within your budget. There are several great options available for small businesses that are looking for an updated, professional logo that communicates something about their business.

I think it’s really important to find someone who has a style you love, or is flexible enough to go back as many times as it takes to get it right. If they use a style guide and ask lots of questions to determine the look you’re after, then you’re headed in the right direction.

As for pricing, this can vary greatly. A lot of designers charge hourly, but just as many offer fixed rates for their work. I charge a flat rate of $1250 for an original logo design. I offer clients unlimited revisions based on an initial 6-10 concepts. We talk about the design styles they like and don’t like, and then 2-3 days later I provide several initial concepts for review. Then we talk some more about what’s been created, and we move forward from there. I have had clients fall in love with the first versions, and had some go back 8-10 times to get it just right.

It just a matter of what works best for the individual client. I’ve been able to do this by refining the process down to a point so that communicating ideas about style is much easier than before. It really just comes down to someone who can listen, and then take your ideas and create something that you love.

By: William Bingham

William Bingham — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:46:58 +0000

Cheaping out on your logo is a BAD idea. A logo is much like buying a house. You are going to live with it for a long time, it may even outlast your brand itself. Coca Cola did the right thing. The whole company was design based. Don’t trust it to a friend, don’t take the low ball. Get a REAL marketing firm who won’t give you a price for a piece, but wants your business for life, and has staff designers to do the grunt thumbnailing and research to determine how to present you best. It’s not trial and error. But it’s not a science either. Finding someone who knows how to create an element which says the right things and endears itself to a market, is not cheap or easy.

-B

By: Bradley Jensen

Bradley Jensen — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:14:38 +0000

Coming from another Graphic Designer they should be able to give you a more accurate estimate than that. I do logos for a flat fee. That doesn’t mean they are cheap b/c they are not…but I know about how long it takes me to put together a logo because I’ve been doing it long enough.
“Design Contests” are a joke!! They don’t care about your business, there is no personal touch, and you’re going to end up with some $25 piece that any 2nd year design student could put together. The same is true with any of these “online design teams” they’re not going to take the time to find out what you want and what is best for the market that you’re in. They’re going to say “Oh, you want a pink bunny next to a blue tree?” perfect here you go.
This is your logo! The heart and soul of your business! The first thing that anyone doing business with you is going to see. And it’s going to last for years. Don’t be cheap! Take pride in your business and have pride in the “Brand” that you’ve spent so much time and effort developing!

By: Drea

Drea — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:41:12 +0000

I had a nightmare experience with a web designer. She got all her money, but refused to do any revisions because she said I was marring her artistic integrity–even though it was MY site. I think clear expectations and reviewing every scenario in advance helps. Do we get to see your awesome logo once it’s done?

By: Curt

Curt — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:41:56 +0000

Here is a logo design service that I have had success with.
http://www.logodesignteam.com/

Also, I would try your friends again.

By: Greg Morse

Greg Morse — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:26:17 +0000

I’ve always wanted to try http://www.logoworks.com. I was very impressed by the business model and the services they offer. I haven’t personally tried them though.