Logo Help

[georgerogers]

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?

[pcbranding]

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.

[georgerogers]

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.

[Paul Murray]

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.

[georgerogers]

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!!

[Paul Murray]

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 :)

[VLAHAKISA]

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

[rach27]

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.

[YellowPeril]

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,