Web Design Forums

FrancescoSforza · 20-06-2005, 11:36

Hi,

I was wondering, how do you guys deal with crappy logos that your client provides you for a webdesign. I don't mean the image quality but the logo itself - shity colors, crap concept, clipartish and so on.
Do you make a website your way or try to "adjust" to the logo?

oli · 20-06-2005, 11:40

Quote:

The site is an extension of the brand. Bad brand = bad website. There is really no way around this. Now, this is not to say that a website for a poor brand will necessarily look bad or be a waste of time. But in the context of the competitive market where good brands exist, such a website can be likened to a tiara on a mule. A great website starts with a great brand. Period.

In all seriousness, a company with a poorly conceived brand or poorly designed logo should enlist the services of a talented design agency to remedy the situation. Or perhaps perish in the marketplace.

Tell them they could 'perish'
Offer a re-brand etc.

pgo · 20-06-2005, 11:54

Like oli said, I'd offer to charge extra for a re-brand (and explain why), but if they refuse, then go ahead and use it. Not every website you make is going to be a work of art (few are...if any...). Afterall, your clients happiness is ultimately more important than your own.

FrancescoSforza · 20-06-2005, 12:07

I happen to do designs mainly for small businesses. And many of these lads have no clue what branding is. They simply say they love their current logo and that it's already established (which is IMO probably the only argument that makes sense) so changing it is a 'no-no'.
I usually end up using it, but always feel bad about it (at least for some time).

oli · 20-06-2005, 12:09

Ask them if theyre open to subtle changes to the logo - you can usually make most logos look a bit better in some way. ie. Removing the bevel and dropshadows

pgo · 20-06-2005, 12:10

I don't think you should feel bad, you're in a service industry more than anything - you're hired to provide a service to a client. If they want whirling .gifs of American flags, I might try my best to dissuade them, but if they won't be persuaded, I'll comply.

I'd rather have money than pride.

king chimp · 20-06-2005, 16:09

Sometimes you can give a crappy logo less attention by changing a multi colored logo into a one colored logo (for example white or back) or make it as small as possible and try to convince the client that modisty is a good quality.

If the job pays alright and I still got enough freedom to do my thing, then I just try to make the best of it.

If the job pays bad and/or I don't have enough freedom to do it my way, then i usually tell them friendly that the job doesn't suit me.

20-06-2005, 11:36	#1 (permalink)
FrancescoSforza Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Cracow - Poland Posts: 22	Crappy logos - how to deal with them Hi, I was wondering, how do you guys deal with crappy logos that your client provides you for a webdesign. I don't mean the image quality but the logo itself - shity colors, crap concept, clipartish and so on. Do you make a website your way or try to "adjust" to the logo?

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20-06-2005, 11:54	#3 (permalink)
pgo Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 12,340	Like oli said, I'd offer to charge extra for a re-brand (and explain why), but if they refuse, then go ahead and use it. Not every website you make is going to be a work of art (few are...if any...). Afterall, your clients happiness is ultimately more important than your own.

20-06-2005, 12:07	#4 (permalink)
FrancescoSforza Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Cracow - Poland Posts: 22	I happen to do designs mainly for small businesses. And many of these lads have no clue what branding is. They simply say they love their current logo and that it's already established (which is IMO probably the only argument that makes sense) so changing it is a 'no-no'. I usually end up using it, but always feel bad about it (at least for some time).

20-06-2005, 12:09	#5 (permalink)
oli I Call Shenanigans™ Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Manchester, England. Posts: 9,749	Ask them if theyre open to subtle changes to the logo - you can usually make most logos look a bit better in some way. ie. Removing the bevel and dropshadows

20-06-2005, 12:10	#6 (permalink)
pgo Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 12,340	I don't think you should feel bad, you're in a service industry more than anything - you're hired to provide a service to a client. If they want whirling .gifs of American flags, I might try my best to dissuade them, but if they won't be persuaded, I'll comply. I'd rather have money than pride.

20-06-2005, 16:09	#7 (permalink)
king chimp big chimpin Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 5	Sometimes you can give a crappy logo less attention by changing a multi colored logo into a one colored logo (for example white or back) or make it as small as possible and try to convince the client that modisty is a good quality. If the job pays alright and I still got enough freedom to do my thing, then I just try to make the best of it. If the job pays bad and/or I don't have enough freedom to do it my way, then i usually tell them friendly that the job doesn't suit me.

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