Logo Help

Hi.

i'm not sure if i should be here or not as i'm not a graphic designer.

I'm really struggling to find a reputable graphic designer that doesn't charge loads and loads. I
am a fitness instructor. I specialise in alternative forms of fitness But teach traditional methods to. I'm about to expand and open astudio and will also be offering aerial circus arts classes namely trapeze,
silks and aerial hoop. There are images on my facebook group 'freestyle fitness' (the profile pic on the group page is of a lady in a wedding dress on a pole) and some on my website Home which give ideas of the kinds of classes I run. I'm looking to have a logo designed first. And then maybe
complete rebranding. The business is generally targeting teens and also men and women aged under 35 so the logo needs to be very fashionable and modern But not intimidating to people outside these groups I will also need copies of the logo in black and white as well as colour.

i would really like to get the idea of 'alternative' dance and fitness across in the logo but all i've got from desginers so far is joggers and hand weights above, below or at the side of my business name. i kinda want more but don't know where to go.

i do understand you get what you pay for but i'm a little bit worried about paying out a fortune and not being satisfied with the final design.

my partner keeps telling me to do it myself but i have no idea where to start and really want something professional looking as i'm putting my all into the new studio and want the branding a logo to represent my business properly can someone point me in the right direction of where to go to find someone to work with please?

Thank you.
 
You're in exactly the right place - I have a suspicion that you'll receive some helpful responses.

The forum is not just for graphic designers - it's for everyone with an academic or professional interest.

Best wishes and enjoy.

Peter
 
There are websites like 99designs where you post a request for a logo and you can get alot of designers creating a logo for you with your exact requirements. The amount you pay depends on you but the more you pay the more designs you will get, the process takes about a week but you can look at initial designs and pick out bits you like and then send them away to be re-done. At the end of the process if you don't like any logos you get your money back.
 
There are websites like 99designs where you post a request for a logo and you can get alot of designers creating a logo for you with your exact requirements. The amount you pay depends on you but the more you pay the more designs you will get, the process takes about a week but you can look at initial designs and pick out bits you like and then send them away to be re-done. At the end of the process if you don't like any logos you get your money back.

NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!
 
These competition sites do not encourage a healthy attitude towards the quality and value of good design.
They give the client the impression that 'design' is quick, cheap (or free) and that they can get what they want with little fiscal input.

In layman's terms, it's like to going into a supermarket and sampling every bottle of beer and saying that you'll only pay for the one you like the taste of. Ultimately, you're getting free drinks, with the expectation of being able to continually taste more and possibly better tasting drinks without having to pay any more for the priviledge.

Apply this to your own company/service/product and why these competitions aren't healthy for designers soon becomes very apparent.
 
These competition sites do not encourage a healthy attitude towards the quality and value of good design.
They give the client the impression that 'design' is quick, cheap (or free) and that they can get what they want with little fiscal input.

In layman's terms, it's like to going into a supermarket and sampling every bottle of beer and saying that you'll only pay for the one you like the taste of. Ultimately, you're getting free drinks, with the expectation of being able to continually taste more and possibly better tasting drinks without having to pay any more for the priviledge.

Apply this to your own company/service/product and why these competitions aren't healthy for designers soon becomes very apparent.

So why do designers create logos etc when there is only a slim chance off getting paid for it?
 
A fair question :)
Some designers do it to add to their folio, some do it for the money (some is better than nothing), some do it for exposure.
 
I suppose if it is quick and easy then the exposure can be really good especially with the amount of people that request the designs.
 
A lot of people that go in for those competitions aren't professional designers. Ultimitely the client doesn't get a solid, well-thought out design, especially not for the price they ask. A professional will not just create a logo, but will have understanding of the client needs and will tailor the design and their approach based on that, which is something that only comes from experience.

If you want a unique, professional design, it's best to seek out a professional designer and pay professional rates. In the end, like almost everything in life, you get what you pay for.
 
If you want a unique, professional design, it's best to seek out a professional designer and pay professional rates. In the end, like almost everything in life, you get what you pay for.

Ill agree to that one sorry if I annoyed anyone, learning curve for me there cheers Paul!!
 
It's not your fault, it's the sites that run those sorts of competitions that make them out to be a great thing for all. People who aren't exposed to the industry don't realise the negative impact they have on designers and also the clients :)
 
Hope this helps

Some things to think about when choosing a designer:

- Do you like their portfolio of works?

- Make sure you can see more of their portfolio if you feel you need to to assess their general skillset and style (every designer has a leaning towards a certain style - make sure it fits what you are looking for). Most designers don't put their entire portfolio online, so don't be afraid to ask to see more.

- How experienced do they seem? Do they provide advice and education as they talk to you about your needs? If you don't feel you are learning anything useful in terms of branding and using branding to develop your business as you talk to them, it may be a sign that they aren't much more experienced than you are.

- How professional are they? Answer your emails swiftly? Return your calls? Answer your questions politely yet friendly? Do things on time? Have customer testimonials? Have proper/professional terms and conditions and proper quotes when you ask for them?


If you cover all of the above, chances of you being unhappy with the end result is very slim. Chances of you being unhappy with the end result by using a 'competition' website? - Very likely.


Amanda
 
I don't get why designers would use their time designing logos for a competition site when there's no guarantee of winning and getting paid for it (well maybe for portfolio purposes when starting out). Isn't it better to spend that time attracting new projects from potential clients? - just a thought.

A good logo design should be worth it's cost as it's like an investment - something that can go on everything from stationery to signage to a website which will be seen by a wider audience.

There are good designers out there who charge a responsible price but be sure to check out their experience and their portfolio. If you are worried that you may not like their initial suggestions, check if or what they charge for alterations. I tend to include a couple of revisions before additional charges are added. I also ask clients to give as much as much info as possible about the business and any requirements to consider in the design.
 
I have been a professional designer since 1977 and only ever remember 1 dissatisfied client and I knew that he and I just weren't going to get on from the word go. I called it quits from the first unsuccesful presentation and din't even bother to put in a rejection fee and put it down to experience,
 
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