How do you find a logo creator, or create one of your own?
I have been a freelancer, but just turned that into my own consulting business. I am building my website and brand, but I would like a logo. What is the best approach for someone with no artistic ability, but willing to do it on their own (if possible)? Or, where should I go if I need help? What are some affordable options?
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Jul 27, 2014
There are tons of places you can go to do designs and logos on your own. Before I tell you where, I want to pass on the advice someone once gave to me that molded my whole consulting business to what it is today:
"Just because you can, should you?"
The problem with all the "do it yourself" stuff is that it will actually cost you more in the long run. Not only will it cost you more time and frustration than you think, it takes time away from other activities that is your core business, which makes you money. Not to mention, when it comes to web design and graphic design, whatever you do will never look nearly as good as what it would have if a professional did it for you. (Yes a generalization, but a pretty solid one)
So, yes you can use Adobe Illustrator for you logo, there are plenty of tutorials on YouTube to help you get the basics down. Using Adobe Creative Cloud you can pay $30 for a month to use it until you have it built then cancel your subscription.
As far as where to go for help, "Here" would be the obvious answer. There is also LinkedIn, 99designs.com (also good if you want to pay someone).
I would check out a few of the featured members Promos to see if they have Logo designs available as well! Feel free to message me if you have any other questions!
Good luck with your new consulting business!
Jul 27, 2014
Hi Becky,
You can move with either one of these options:
1. Creating / Designing a logo oneself (or)
2. Opting for any professional designers (if you are willing to spend a few cents)
#1. If you've planned to take up designing the logo, you can first look for the other businesses in your similar niche for using any conservative / flashy images or so. Obviously, your logo should be able to exemplify the key function of your business.
Just watch out for colors and make it precise, and operative by focusing on your message. Heading off voguish looks will be better.
#2. Hiring a professional is another proficient option, in order that you can complete your work sooner with multiple logo options. However, there are several designers who can accomplish your requirements at affordable prices. You can look for any such experts and keep going with further website building task. For an instance, you can also check out Integrawebservices.com in designing your brand logo.
Jul 28, 2014
Hi Becky,
If you would like to try yourself, then I suggest either Logo Gardenhttp://www.logogarden.com/ or Graphic Springs http://www.graphicsprings.com/. You can get high res images for a nominal cost. If you would like a professional logo, please PM me. All the best
Jul 28, 2014
Well, Becky, you could hire me :-)
Or ask business owners whose logo / brand you like who they used, and reach out to those people.
A question for you... What's affordable? Your logo is a key element of your brand, which is critically important all across your online presence (and print, of course).
Not the best place to look for a bargain, yo.
Jul 28, 2014
There are websites like guru.com and odesk.com where you can seek out bids from potential designers. Much easier than going through the purchase and learning of software to design your own.
If you use those sites (or those similar), ask very specific questions, know exactly what you want, and make sure the provider offers you detailed information about what they will provide. You'll get some "junk" bids, but you'll also get some quality companies.
From my own experience (I sought someone to do my logo), I was extremely pleased with http://www.ucubestudio.com/ - They were exceptionally professional, affordable, and gave me exactly what I wanted.
Jul 28, 2014
Try http://logotournament.com/ Great site!
Simple model. You place an amount you want to "reward" for the best design and designers from all over the world start to produce cool logos to share with you.
Check it out. It is how I chose my logo!
All the best!
Jul 28, 2014
You should get help from a branding firm or graphic designer who has experience with logos and branding. These professionals have the insight to think of all the media of which you may use the logo and will guide you to make good choices so that you are not re-branding too soon down the road. Just as an example if you make a logo too busy it may not print well on a t-shirt. They will help you choose color palettes and create a mark that works for your brand. You may have to shop a few places to get the pricing you want but once you invest in a great mark it will be worth it.
Jul 28, 2014
Hi Becky- quick and easy solution for you.. if you have an ipad or iPhone..there are lots of free and inexpensive LOGO creator apps at the Apple App store...if you're Android, I'm sure Google Play has them as well...easy, easy, easy...hope this helps you..have a blessed day!
Jul 28, 2014
Greetings Becky, The answers provided are all extremely good.
I do professional designs and obviously would suggest to use a professional for your design. Their are a lot of experienced freelance designers, such as myself, that have decades of experience which would be able to get you a logo that suits your needs. I suggest researching some individuals instead of using a group scenario like a contest.
Ask for referrals from people or companies that have designs you like. They will lead you to the right person for the job. This will also give you a lead for further design needs such as mailings, flyers, business cards, and more.
I would like to say there is a science behind designing items. Colors, placements, curves or straight lines, these factors and more effect how someone will perceive your business and spark the need for them to do business with you.
In a nutshell, ask for referrals and use a professional.
Jul 28, 2014
You can have someone design you a logo on Elance.com. You can do it yourself if you have photoshop or inDesign ability, but people that do this for a living can do it faster and make it look much more professional.
You can also look at 99designs. There, people will bid on your project and you can select the one you like the most at the price that fits your budget. You just outline the perimeters and they fulfill it for free to try to get the job.
Jul 28, 2014
Hi Becky.
If you have design skills and are capable of developing one that is effective for your business then ignore the post below. If you simply need someone to create the artwork based on your vision, drop me a line and I'll see if I can help you out - http://osku.com. If you don't have logo design experience then read further.
While it is possible to design your own logo, as with do-it-yourself dentistry, is it a good idea? It probably wouldn't end well. Unless you're a professional who understands how graphics communicate to your audience, you may want to get it done professionally. You only get one chance to make a first impression with customers, and if it's not the right one… well, you know the rest.
If you care about your business and image, avoid crowdsourcing sites like 99designs.com, logotournament.com and so on. While they create cheap eye-candy, there is no way to know how qualified the designers are – any novice can join these communities and offer design services. Professional designers with experience don't work for $5 per hour or risk working for nothing in contests. In addition, there is no way to establish how much they know about your market and if they are available for follow up work in the future. They may give you pretty drawings, but do they communicate the critical qualities of your business to your audience? You get what you pay for. I've written a blog about the damage crowdsourcing logo design does to both business and the design industry. http://oskucom.wordpress.com
So what's left? You should negotiate with a professional designer who has a portfolio you like and who is willing to take the time to learn about your business and your market. It's important that the image you end up with speaks to your buyers, communicates confidence and professionalism, that you can be trusted. You should be prepared to pay a reasonable amount for the services of a professional who understands your need and will work hard to design an image that appeals and communicates to your target market. You don't have to lose your shirt to get a good image done. There are designers who are willing to work with you for a reasonably affordable budget but you should shop around. I'm willing to discuss your needs if you wish, just send me a message and I can let you know what can be achieved. I have over 30 years of experience and have designed logos for startups and big corporations alike.
Whatever you decide, remember you're married to the image more or less for the life of the business. Changing logos midstream when you find out it's the wrong one is usually not good for business. So take your time and do your homework.
I wish you great success with your new business.
Jul 28, 2014
Keep in mind you get what you pay for...a cheap crowd sourced logo is most likely going to look like 100 other logos. Hire someone who will craft something that reflects your brand, not just something decorative you slap on a business card and website.
Jul 28, 2014
Hi Becky,
As far as I know, there is no such thing a "Logo Creator." Logos are designed by people, not apps. And if there was a creator, it wouldn't be wise to go that route for fear of a similar business having the same logo as you. So it sounds like you need to hire a Graphic Designer. The best way is to reach out to Designers through various sites, this site being one of them, and explain what you would want for a design, (ie: just type, or an icon with type). Also explain where this logo will be used, (ie: signage, letterhead, website…) and then he or she can work up a quote for you.
Jul 28, 2014
If you have no training or artistic ability you're like the person who doesn't ride horses trying to win a horse race -- it's not the best use of your time, and probably won't have a good result. Instead, hire someone.
If you just want something "pretty" (like your name written with a small graphic element in pretty colors) that you can put on your business cards and websites, then the under $250 logo designers and all the contest and group sourcing will do the trick. I personally dislike the contest/group style of design because I feel it pushes designers into plagiarism, so I suggest you try Elance.com or look on Etsy.com for a logo designer. For a huge number of small businesses those solutions are perfect, because there's no real need to spend more.
But if you're in a competitive industry, or in a visual industry, or in an industry where potential clients are looking for the personality of who they are hiring (such as in some areas of consulting, like business coaching) then you need to invest in a logo the same way you invest in your internet connection, your ongoing classes/education, your phone, and your presentation materials. In these cases the logo has to do more than just look pretty, it has to *communicate* important qualities about your business in visual shorthand.
If that's what you need, then you need a designer who will spend time researching your industry and competition, thinking deeply about symbolism, and studying YOU to make sure the symbols/colors/style used will work. Depending on the level of experience, the artistic style, and the amount of preliminary designs a logo project like this can run easily from $500 to several thousand for a small business logo.
That may seem like a big expense to someone just starting out, but there's a middle way you can go as well -- do a lower-priced "starter" logo via one of the under $250 sources and start putting money away each month for your "real" logo with plans to start that project one year from now. The lower priced option will get you through your initial marketing flurry while having a plan to change in a year will keep you from becoming emotionally attached to something that might not be working for you as your business grows and changes.
Jul 28, 2014
mycroburst.com it is a great way to outsource the design, and get multiple artist to send you designs in a contest like method
Jul 28, 2014
Becky,
All depends on your personal talents. There are lot's of free options as well as inexpensive options on the internet. I might suggest that you look at your target clientele. If they are professional and or of high net worth, then you may want to consider a professionally designed logo. I would look for a company that has designed logo's that relate to your business.
A professionally designed logo will capture the subtleties of your brand, mission statement and promise. For an example, please see our website and logo that was designed by Laughing Samurai, located in Orlando Fl.
Jul 28, 2014
ok so what exactly do you do, you say you have no artistic ability but you must have if you are a freelancer on a design forum ? ....... so why not think of it this way A: who are you ? B: what do you do? C: best atributes? D: combine those elements ....... ok you cant draw for toffee but hey you can draw a stick man that will be your starting point (key features would be a good point here (you know your face) ) then as you progress over a period of time update thats your brand and forget logo creators this is and has to be personalised you are selling yourself and what you do it has to reflect that get a sketching program or Illustrator sketch out on a piece of paper and then transfer to the software to refine ....that will be your starting point knock em dead girl and show us all what you did so we can help in some small way to progress you in your success
Jul 28, 2014
I can assist you to do the logo if you need. Or if you really want to do by yourself you better use Adobe Illustrator or Adobe photoshop. By the experience i suggere you to use Adobe illustrator.