You have put everything you’ve got into building a new business, and your ‘baby’ is ready to leap joyously into the world – but first you need a logo.
Branding, and within that discipline, logo design, is a critical part to any business. If you’re business is in its infancy or just getting off the ground, then the temptation is there to ‘do-it-yourself’ to save money. But does this save you money? Why should you hire a professional Graphic Designer to create your logo?
Logo and Brand – what’s the difference?
Quite simply the logo is a visual part of your brand, and the brand is an intangible asset – it’s how others perceive your business or product based on many things (company values, tone of voice, customer service experiences, aesthetics and more). Your logo provides the main, instant visual identity for your business, and given that it will be the first touch point for many customers, it really is critical to get this right.
What makes a good logo design?
A good logo creates a strong, unique identity suited to your business, allows people to quickly identify your brand, provides consistency across communication channels, and is fit for purpose in formats to suit a range of uses. Not to mention a well-designed logo presents a professional image, with greater longevity of life than a poorly designed element.
What to watch out for when commissioning logo design
If you’re being offered a ‘cheap’ design, ask yourself why that may be? Will the logo be unique and created for you, or will it have elements lifted from stock, or even worse bought ‘off the shelf’ for anyone to use? Has your industry be thoroughly researched before designing concepts or will they simply pick a ‘pretty picture and nice colour’ with no thought as to where and when the logo will be used or the brand you wish to build? Will they take on board your expertise and offer the best suggestions as to how to utilise this, or simply ignore your thoughts? Will the final logo be supplied in a variety of formats for use across all mediums, or will this be charged extra further down the line? Hidden costs can mount up so be aware of what you will need from the outset.
How much does logo design cost?
Do you get what you pay for?
If someone offered you a car for £50, would you expect a brand-new BMW? I’ve had clients come to me after a logo they had ‘designed’ elsewhere appeared on a competitors branding, and another after they were quoted more money to redraw a logo that was not fit for purpose in the first instance. Sadly, as in life, you often get what you pay for. And if you aren’t entirely sure about what you need as you’ve never undertaken a project like this before, then these decisions could unfortunately come back to haunt you down the line.
Discuss your requirements and budget with a designer as soon as possible. Good designers will advise if it’s realistic to create what you want, within your budget. They can offer advice on the best way forward for you and your brand, spark ideas for creating memorable branding and often provide assets which will save you time and money long after the logo design project is complete.
People deal with people, so please don’t be afraid to call and chat through what you need. I am happy to offer advice for free (I love my job!) and if I can’t help with your project, I may be able to offer alternative solutions to suit your budget and timeframe. Win-Win!
Be cautious when offered a ‘cheap’ logo design
If you’re being offered a logo design for under £200 though, please think twice. A vast amount of work (and experience) goes in to creating a unique, well-designed logo. Will that price include everything you’ll need both now and further down the line? Will it be produced by a professional designer who is on hand and readily available to talk thorough the project as and when needed? Commission an experienced professional graphic designer and make your life easier. You’ve got enough on your hands with a new business.
Get the perfect logo and a future partner to help your business
Any professional designer relies on their clients, they want to produce the best for them, and have exceptionally happy customers! Once your logo design is complete, and of course you’re thrilled with the results, then there’s a base for a lifelong working relationship, allowing you to call on a professional designer as and when they’re needed. A real asset to any sized business.
In Summary…
Having a logo designed by a well-meaning friend or ‘aspiring designer’ can cost you more in the long run. This can be in terms of time taken to oversee the project, potential wasted effort and ultimately money spent. Hire a professional graphic designer and get the right outcome for the right price with no hidden costs, first time.
If you are interested in hiring a freelance graphic designer for logo design and brand identity then get in touch. Email hello@cazdaviesdesign.co.uk and start the conversation.