[hobolooter]

I am starting up a company soon that will be providing small businesses with web solutions. I need a company logo/brand identity, however, I'm not exactly sure of what to ask for from a designer or what to expect.

I would like a logo that is high resolution enough for my website, stationary, business cards, etc. So should I be asking for PSD, TIFF, or what format?

Also what price range should I be looking for? I mean obviously different designers charge different amounts, but I don't know anything about logo design (admittedly) and I don't want to get screwed over.

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Any tips on how to talk to a designer would be helpful too!

[Snowshiro]

In it's loosest sense, the only thing you should need to provide to your designer is a general outline of your company and what it does (or in your case, will do). They should be able to ask you any questions they need and guide you through the creative process. The one thing you absolutely should do, is ask to see your designers portfolio or work samples before you enter into any agreements, and be sure that you are happy with what you see.

I would suggest asking for more than just a logo. At least have your designer create your stationary and business cards as well. Ideally your designer should be involved in the website, but that might be outside your budget for now. Just buying a logo and then using it to make your own business cards will devalue the investment you made in a professionally designed identity.

Some people suggest providing a range of existing company logos that you already like, but honestly, I think this isn't actually that helpful. I would keep an open mind and let the designer come up with something original.

As for advice for talking to a designer, I would suggest that if your designer talks to you in a language you don't understand, or expects you to be able to talk in depth about detailed design issues, you should find another guy. He's there to provide a service to you, the client, and should be able to explain his design decisions in a language that you are comfortable with. On the flip-side, it's also a good idea not to be too dictatorial about how things should be. You hired a professional designer for a reason, so let them get on with it. If they recommend something (for example, these two colors you wanted just won't work well together) don't try to tell them how to do their job, and listen to what they tell you.

I don't want to give you a price, because I don't want to fix a figure in your mind and prejudice another designer's ability to quote what they think is a reasonable rate. However, if you're really worried about it, getting a range of quotes will allow you to pick something you think is reasonable and affordable. The chances are, you're not going to need to hire David Carson for this one.

[hobolooter]

Fantastic thanks for the advice. Luckily I know a few designers on campus that might be able to churn something out that isn't half bad. I'll try and get some made and then post them here for evaluation.

Would spending only $100-$200 be a bad investment?

[Snowshiro]

It's impossible to say. Phil Knight paid a graphic design student called Carolyn Davidson $35 for the iconic Nike Swoosh. You might find a guy on campus that can do it that cheaply, and produce some beautiful work. Then again, you might not. Without knowing who they are, no one can say.

Professional designers / design companies exist to minimize that risk, although as with any industry there are always bad apples. You'll pay more, but you have a right to expect a higher level of quality.

If you really only want to pay $100-$200, I would go to logosauce.com. Then at least you'll get a range of options.

[pgo]

I bet Carolyn Davidson is kicking herself now. Assuming he didn't cut her in on the action.

[Snowshiro]

To be fair to Knight, he actually did. He invited her back a few years later and gave her a diamond ring with the logo on it, and a load of Nike stock. It's never been disclosed how much he gave her, but it's believed it was enough to make her financially secure for the rest of her life.

[Neil@WebExpress]

Originally Posted by Snowshiro

On the flip-side, it's also a good idea not to be too dictatorial about how things should be. You hired a professional designer for a reason, so let them get on with it. If they recommend something (for example, these two colors you wanted just won't work well together) don't try to tell them how to do their job, and listen to what they tell you.

Very good tip.. quite often the client wants something that just won't look right. Take the designers comments on board, they are the designer for a good reason.

[sub]

Try running a contest on Logosauce.
People are falling over themselves on there for $100 logo competitions.
Irish Dung did just that and got himself a good logo for $35!

[hobolooter]

Originally Posted by sub

Try running a contest on Logosauce.
People are falling over themselves on there for $100 logo competitions.
Irish Dung did just that and got himself a good logo for $35!

I checked out the site, Logosauce looks pretty awesome, however it seems that in order to run a contest it's $100 or higher. Some logos I saw designed are sweet. My price range was set just so that I can ensure a good logo. I don't want to be stuck with something that I don't even like.

On an unrelated note:
The current business name I've been running with is WebEstablish Technologies, but I'm starting to think it's too long. Maybe WebEstablish alone?

[sub]

You can't guarantee a good logo on your budget. You should also consider the rest of your company branding - this isn't just the logo.

Look for someone who can offer the full package. Even if you can't afford a full brand identity at the moment a good brand developer should be able to produce something with the rest of the brand concept in mind.

[Snowshiro]

You can't guarantee a good logo on any budget (look at the London Olympics) but $100-$200 makes it less likely. I'd say if you threw $200 at logosauce, you'd get a lot of responses and probably one or two decent efforts.

[hobolooter]

Turns out a guy I've known for a while on campus does logo design. He seemed confident that he could help me out, so I'm going to have him create a few prototypes to showcase.

Hopefully I can get some opinions once he's done.

[MCD]

London Olympic logos...i seriously thought someone was taking the piss.

*shivers*

[cowandmonkey]

I would say thats cheap for a logo - need to double what your spending i think