Logo/graphics help

[Tom]

I am looking for a simple design to use on my new website, letterhead, watermarks and what not.

I searched the forum, but didn't really find anything that I needed - mainly critiques of new logos.

Any help?

[gtakacs]

Let us see your design then we'll critique it.

You can get a dime a dozen one over here (and a ton of other places like it): http://www.logoyes.com/

Or you can get a completely free one or ideas to make your own over here: http://www.logoinstant.com/

Or if you really want to go all out pay a graphics designer some real money to get a good one.

[sporkthedork]

I guess I should wait for you to post the logos, but what are you designing them with? Adobe Illustrator has always been what I have used, but I have seen nice designs come from free programs such as Inkscape.

[Tom]

Let us see your design then we'll critique it.

Umm, I am not a designer. I need a designer. I don't have the time to spend, which is why I am going to pay someone. I have no logo (or website) to critique.

[Gateruner]

Hey Thomas, you can look for something like these people. hxxp://99designs.com/ or hxxp://www.elogocontest.com/
You tell them what you want and then a bunch of designers submit design ideas. You pick one you like and then you pay that designer. Might be an option for you.

[texkam]

I'm a graphic designer and this kind of struck a nerve. If someone was looking for a photographer to shoot a wedding, head shots, a product shoot, etc and asked several photographers to shoot the job with the intent of just paying for the one he liked best, how well would that sit with the photographic community? Photographers are professionals, they invest their time and expertise to make a living. They must invest in equipment. They establish a business relationship with their clients in order to give them the very best product that is tailored specifically to their needs. A graphic designer is no different. Shouldn't their profession be given the same amount of respect? A good designer is the same as a good photographer and should be treated the same. I really appreciate what a good photographer is worth. Many people don't realize all that is involved in photography, but the same can also be said about graphic design.

[csa]

I'm not even a graphic designer, but I completely agree.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by texkam

I'm a graphic designer and this kind of struck a nerve. If someone was looking for a photographer to shoot a wedding, head shots, a product shoot, etc and asked several photographers to shoot the job with the intent of just paying for the one he liked best, how well would that sit with the photographic community? Photographers are professionals, they invest their time and expertise to make a living. They must invest in equipment. They establish a business relationship with their clients in order to give them the very best product that is tailored specifically to their needs. A graphic designer is no different. Shouldn't their profession be given the same amount of respect? A good designer is the same as a good photographer and should be treated the same. I really appreciate what a good photographer is worth. Many people don't realize all that is involved in photography, but the same can also be said about graphic design.

No one is forcing you to enter a contest.

If you wanted me to shoot a wedding on the chance you would like my stuff, you would have to really be offering me a lot, and I would have to really know what type of stuff you wanted.

However, there wouldn't be great unrest in the photographic community if you tried something like this. Those that wanted to do it would do it, and those that didn't wouldn't.

Everyone that shoots for US Presswire shoots entirely on spec.

Lots of photographers will do something close to their heart on spec and then try to sell the story.

This is no different. I have no problem shooting on spec, if it is something I really want to do.

This is no different. If someone really wants to do that, they can. If they don't, then move on and maybe they will find something that peaks their creative juices.

I go shoot stuff all the time that I will never sell just to do it. Just to try something new. Just to enjoy it. Maybe a designer is doing the same thing, but they have the added bonus of possibly getting a few hundred bucks out of it too.

[paul48503]

I am a graphic designer. Need more info to help. It would helpful to know what your company name is called and what colors you would like for your logo. Also what your budget is on the design creation? Just a start...

[texkam]

Thomas,
I certainly defend your right to handle this any way you want. It's just my opinion that you may not get the best possible product. If you're OK with that, no problem. There is a reason Walmart shoots portraits for a dime a dozen. There is a reason brother-in-laws shoot portraits with their point and shoot Kodaks. Please permit me to politely respond to your points.

“If you wanted me to shoot a wedding on the chance you would like my stuff, you would have to really be offering me a lot, and I would have to really know what type of stuff you wanted.”

Yes I agree, because you are dealing with chance. “Offering you a lot” certainly makes you more willing to roll the dice and take that chance and really knowing what type of stuff I want definitely increases the chances of success. Of course, working with an experienced professional, be it a wedding photographer or a graphic designer eliminates this chance.

“Everyone that shoots for US Presswire shoots entirely on spec.”

And that's fine. No one is forcing them either, but there's a chance that US Presswire won't get want they want. My dad was a staff photographer with the Louisville Courier Journal. By having him and his colleagues on staff they increased their chances of getting what they want.

“Lots of photographers will do something close to their heart on spec and then try to sell the story.”

That's fine, but this is about doing something specifically for you. For your needs. The color blue may be close to my heart, but it's not about something that I really want to do. It's about giving you what's best for you. If you're going to pay for something as important as a logo do you want it to be from someone who was “trying something new”?

If I'm a client hiring a photographer to capture the right mood that represents who I am, then I prefer to hire someone I can trust to pull this off. I want to establish a relationship so this professional has a good understanding of my wants and needs. A good photographer in this case doesn't do what they want, but what they feel is right for their client. This is especially important if I don't have expertise in this area. This is the reason people value a good lawyer, mechanic etc. If the professional says “hey, I really think this is the way you need to go” I should probably trust their judgment.

At the end of the day, It's about eliminating chance.
Cheers and good luck!

[alamoshutterbug]

Originally Posted by texkam

If you're going to pay for something as important as a logo do you want it to be from someone who was “trying something new”?

As opposed to doing the same old thing that he/ she has sold to everyone else?

[Tom]

Originally Posted by texkam

Thomas,
I certainly defend your right to handle this any way you want. It's just my opinion that you may not get the best possible product. If you're OK with that, no problem. There is a reason Walmart shoots portraits for a dime a dozen. There is a reason brother-in-laws shoot portraits with their point and shoot Kodaks. Please permit me to politely respond to your points.

That is much different than running a contest for a set amount to see who can make a design that suits me the best. I may not find a single one I like. I may find a dozen I love.

Yes I agree, because you are dealing with chance. “Offering you a lot” certainly makes you more willing to roll the dice and take that chance and really knowing what type of stuff I want definitely increases the chances of success. Of course, working with an experienced professional, be it a wedding photographer or a graphic designer eliminates this chance.

I don't think working with an experienced graphics designer eliminates that chance at all. It probably lessens that chance, but doesn't eliminate the chance that I won't like the work.

And that's fine. No one is forcing them either, but there's a chance that US Presswire won't get want they want. My dad was a staff photographer with the Louisville Courier Journal. By having him and his colleagues on staff they increased their chances of getting what they want.

I don't think so. They increase their chances of knowing what they get.

That's fine, but this is about doing something specifically for you. For your needs.

Nope. Lots of photographers have done stories on spec to sell later. It is not an uncommon thing.

If you're going to pay for something as important as a logo do you want it to be from someone who was “trying something new”?

Absolutely. I want something creative, innovative and fresh. I don't want my name with a swoosh under it. (BTW: Nike paid $15 for the swoosh.) I don't want what everyone else has. I want them to try something new and original.

If I'm a client hiring a photographer to capture the right mood that represents who I am, then I prefer to hire someone I can trust to pull this off. I want to establish a relationship so this professional has a good understanding of my wants and needs.

And offering the design up to multiple designers to give a shot at it with the same instructions is a great way to see which designer really understood me and to establish a relationship with that designer for more work in the future.

This is especially important if I don't have expertise in this area. This is the reason people value a good lawyer, mechanic etc. If the professional says “hey, I really think this is the way you need to go” I should probably trust their judgment.

I am a creative person and would understand what I am looking for. No matter how I find a logo, ultimately, I decide what to proceed with. It isn't like I don't have a clue on how I want to market myself, unlike your example where I wouldn't know the law or the car. Completely different things entirely. Like comparing apples and tires.

[d2creative]

I agree with texkam.
The hypocrisy on this site is THICK!
I've had this conversation before and now I just roll my eyes at these threads because obviously it doesn't do any good to argue.

Some here do know the benefit of actually hiring a GOOD graphic designer and I applaud you.

[Tom]

The hypocrisy on this site is THICK!

Hypocrisy? Really? You are a fool to call someone that and not look in the mirror.

Call someone a hypocrite for just arguing the point, yet you use non-navigatable simpleviewer for your own website. You are the hypocrite. I guess you didn't see the need to find a web developer that could really understand you, develop concepts for your vision and build a relationship with them.

Get off your high horse.

[d2creative]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

Hypocrisy? Really? You are a fool to call someone that and not look in the mirror.

Call someone a hypocrite for just arguing the point, yet you use non-navigatable simpleviewer for your own website. You are the hypocrite. I guess you didn't see the need to find a web developer that could really understand you, develop concepts for your vision and build a relationship with them.

Get off your high horse.

Actually, my current site is a temp site so I at least have SOMETHING to show potential clients while my real site is currently being developed by www.culturepilot.com. My day job is branding. But i loath designing websites so I'm leaving that up to someone who excels at it, working with them closely.

I'm just pointing out that one of TPF's biggest mantras is pricing your work high enough, not working for free or cheap, not bringing the industry down with shoddy work and insane pricing, etc, etc, etc.... WHICH I FULLY AGREE WITH... yet many turn around and look to support the same type of people in the graphic design world. Like graphic design is not worth as much as photography. Talk about your high horse. Pointing out the hypocrisy is harsh, but it's there. And apparently there isn't much I can do to change it. Sorry.

You shouldn't assume and call the people who are trying to help you fools.