Everyone wants to save money. You are probably thinking you could design a suitable logo yourself, afterall, it's your company. Maybe you know someone who is into art, or should have an employee competition. True, these alternatives may save you a few hundred dollars now, but how much are you damaging your company's potential for success in the long run?
A professionally designed logo is a one time expense that will reep benefits for the life of your business. Think of the money you will spend promoting your company. If your logo does not truly represent your company, you are spending money to project the wrong image, and you know image is important. That's why you are already spending a significant amount of money each month on office space, receptionists, advertising, business attire, presentations, lunches, etc. - all to make sure you project the right image. Designing your logo is no place to drop the ball.
Not only does your logo provide the first impression of your company and a recognizable look to ads and products, your logo will be advertising for your company all the time. Everyplace it exists, people will see it--from signage to the bank teller who handles a company check. Your logo and identity are always working for you, make sure they are saying the right thing.
Surveys have shown that corporate image materials such as letterhead, envelopes, and business cards are more important to conveying a company's prestige than how long your company has been in business, the location of your headquarters, charitable activities, or the number of employees. Only a company's annual report conveys more prestige.
So now that you realize how important a professional logo is, how do you find the right professional for the job? Here are a few things to look for:
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Find someone who is easy to communicate with. Designing a good logo will require some quality input from you. Afterall it's your company. Your designer will need to hear from you the goals of the logo in order to communicate them effectively. Find someone who listens well and also has intelligent feedback adn ideas.
Look for a consistent yet diverse portfolio. A logo design portfolio should be consistent in quality of design. You may not like every logo you see, but the majority of the work should be appealing to you. If you like the work they have done for other clients chances are you will be more satisfied with the design the do for you. The logos in the portfolio should also show a variety of styles. Every company is differnt. A successful logo for a bridal boutique should have a very different look to it than a logo for a bank or a sports team.
Find a company with satisfied, successful clients. Customer referals should be available upon request or part of the logo design company's promotional material. Weather you are a currently successful business or a new start up it is always best to work with established companies who have a good track record.
