10 Common Mistakes in Logo Design

[d2creative]

First, let me say that I still believe you should hire a graphic designer to design your logo just as you would expect someone to hire you to shoot their wedding rather than them using uncle bob and his fancy new dslr.

But if you must tackle it yourself, I thought this might help.
It's just the tip of the iceberg, but it's solid advice. Start here and you are well on your way.

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009...n-logo-design/

[Joe_Lorenzini]

Just following #5 would probably solve 90% of most biz card issues.

[carrbowl]

So how do you go about finding a graphic designer?? And how do you know when you are ready for one. Obviously there are different prices photographers should pay for a logo and frankly I don't have the money, it is something I don't have the money for, but I think I really need to have. So how do you go about figuring a budget for something for this?

[JohnT]

No. 5 is a common mistake in web design as well. I designed small-business web sites for several years, and I was always telling clients that we need to keep it simple, brief, and easy to navigate (forget that "mystery meat" navigation). If a site is cumbersome to use, the visitor will move on and you lose.

[HOUSCOUS]

Great pointers.

[J Eddington]

Originally Posted by carrbowl

So how do you go about finding a graphic designer?? And how do you know when you are ready for one. Obviously there are different prices photographers should pay for a logo and frankly I don't have the money, it is something I don't have the money for, but I think I really need to have. So how do you go about figuring a budget for something for this?

Renae,
Referrals from others or just hit the internet. Find someone who's work you like time and time again. Be open to ideas from them, but have ideas that you like. Show them examples of what you think works.
Maybe you should look at it differently, you can't afford do with out one.
Don't have the money, then make a marketing plan to pay for it.
Budget all depends on what you want, just a logo OR a whole marketing plan. From my experience figure logo $250-500 Full marketing plan the price is unlimited. Or maybe you go with just a logo and they use a template for now that ties your "package" together. You can change it later by letting it evolve. A logo that can be changed by color only is killer. You can do soooo much with it. Maybe one color for kids, one for weddings, etc. but you logo stays the same. It works.
I am really liking the work I am seeing from http://www.identitykitchen.com/ They are not cheap. But maybe someday.
Then you have the Bulk logo houses that you get 1-12 designs and they allow some editing of the design you choose. Cheaper but it is kinda like a uncle joe, you just never know what you are going to get.

[mmuhlenkamp]

I agree with Janice, you have to think of the logo as an investment. You aren't even limited to graphic designers in your area with the internet so handy. The prices she listed are spot on too, that's exactly the range I would charge, but it depends on the scope of the project.

Finding a graphic designer you like isn't that much different from finding a photographer. Look around, get referrals, look at portfolios, and find someone whose style works with your own.

Great link Dennis, all the things listed are very common issues with logos.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by carrbowl

So how do you go about finding a graphic designer?? And how do you know when you are ready for one. Obviously there are different prices photographers should pay for a logo and frankly I don't have the money, it is something I don't have the money for, but I think I really need to have. So how do you go about figuring a budget for something for this?

I had a logo designed several years ago for my web design business by LogoWorks, which was recommended by a couple of folks back then. They did a very nice job. The pricing was different at that time; I paid $250 and got both color and b/w versions for web use and print. This was the final version based on my specifications (colors, conservative, simple, etc.)

[Jusselin]

ive just started in graphic designs i do logos banners and shirts here are a few











Disciple Inc. added 3 Minutes and 27 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

few more

mostly for churches or youth groups...the shirt design i have sold to some major companies

[jgrindal]

I used to do graphic and web design and would get a decent number of gigs off guru.com. It's a good place to look for that kind of stuff.

[toverman]

I designed my own logo, which I guess means I violated No. 5!

[carrbowl]

Well I have been playing with my own, and trust me, it isn't pretty. I have had a couple sent to me and I am learning so much just about the process. I'm really overwhelmed and kind of at the point where I just want someone else to do it for me!!! I know I can't, but that is where I am!! I am taking the PPA small business seminar in August and am waiting until to do anything. But am trying to learn as much as I can until then. Here is something I was just playing with. I have already redone a bunch of photos on the website. Still have lots of work to do on the site though.

Good reason why people shouldn't design their own logo!!!! Luckily I am just playing and know I won't use it...so don't go barf in your bucket!!!! : )

[Jusselin]

carrbowl hey i sent you a pm sista... :) not sure if you got it or not

[Hikin' Mike]

Good pointers/link.

I gut lucky. I did design my own logo...but I have a good friend that IS a graphic designer help me a bit.

[Steelsun]

Also sites like logopond.com and logosauce.com are good places to commission logos. You set a price and various design pros & students compete with various ideas and samples, you pick the one you like, have it tweaked, and voila. $200-300 is pretty much the norm.
You'll see lots of Photog ones there already from all over the world.