Logo Design By LogoGuru.co.uk » Crowdsourcing

David Cameron neglects UK designers for “StartUp Britian” – 5 Reasons!!

Sam Anderson — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:45:50 +0000

Last month, the Prime Minister of UK, David Cameron launched a website StartUp Britian. It is a website that aims to offer everything you need to know about starting up your own business venture. Although this is a great initiative to bring down the unemployment rate in UK, but the Prime Minister has certainly displeased the UK logo/web designers by recommending US based crowd-sourcing companies, like 99designs. However, after a strong reaction from UK designers, link of the US crowd sourcing company was taken down from the site.

StartUp Britain – An Opportunity for UK or US Designers??
Although I cannot ascertain as to what convinced Mr. Cameron to make such a move, but it literally kills the purpose of the site he initiated in the first place. The site aims to generate employment in the UK but in contrast promotes US-based logo design agencies over UK designers.

Here are some reasons which I think might have made Mr. Cameron suggest US designers to upcoming small business owners:

1. History of successful US logos:

Even though I disagree to this, but maybe the longstanding history of logo designs might have tempted Mr. Cameron into promoting the US based crowd-sourcing companies. Since a majority of successful logo designs like Nike, McDonalds and Coca-Cola have originated from the US market, this may have created a favorable perception in the mind of the Prime Minister of UK. He might have overlooked the winning logos from UK designers.

2. Vast US Market :

Without doubt, the logo design market in US is far large and vast in number than the UK. The number of logo design agencies and logo designers in US are incomparable to the UK. But of course, let us be realistic. Considering the size of US itself and the population, there is no match between the two markets. But this does not mean that UK designers are uncompetitive.

3. Less talented designers in UK:

Another reason that most of the UK logo designers on twitter have also voiced is that Mr. David Cameron has undermined the talent of UK designers. By promoting US based company for logo design, he has demoralized UK logo designers. This must be due to a perception that UK designers are less talented than their US counterparts. However, I beg to differ. One must not forget famous UK logo designers Miles Newlyn and Michael Peters who have created some memorable logo designs for corporate entities.

4. Online US market gets more exposure:

Another cause that might have lead Mr. Cameron into making such a move is the dominance of US logo design market on the online sphere. Since they get more exposure and prominence on the search engine, they are the first priority of any person who searches for logo design on the net. This may have been the reason behind overlooking UK logo designers.

5. US market is cheaper:

Although it may sound like a stretch, but there is a common perception that the US logo design market is relatively cheaper than its UK counterpart. Now be it due to the difference of exchange rates or some other reason, but a logo design should never be judged on price. If this is the reason that made Mr. Cameron to favor US designers, then I suggest he check the price of famous logos.

What is your verdict?

What do you think was the real reason behind Mr. David Cameron’s underestimation of UK logo designers? Do you think it was one of the above reasons, or something else?

The right path for the Logo Designers – New and different!!

Sam Anderson — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 13:03:54 +0000

In one of my earlier posts, I discussed the changing logo design industry and how crowd-sourcing is contributing to the logo design industry. You must be wondering, there are loads of crowd-sourcing sites on the web and all the contest sites are same. Please consider this as an analysis with other contest sites, trying to tell you how my site LogoGuru.co.uk is better for logo designers.

How are we different – The exclusive features?

Recall my previous post where I wrote about how to start a career as a logo designer. The reason that designers are still struggling on freelancer sites is the amount of competition and fewer chances of succeeding. Same is the case with big crowd-sourcing sites. The competition is so severe that you are likely to win a contest. This is where LogoGuru.co.uk holds decisive advantage. Here is how we differentiate ourselves by providing exclusive features that add more value for designers:

1. Less competition – More Chances of Winning:

The biggest complain that designers have regarding big crowd-sourcing sites is that there is so much competition that you never get a chance of winning at all. True! Consider this example…there are two races in progress. One has 20 participants while the other has only 2 participants. In which one will you have more chance of winning? Obviously everyone would go for the second one. Now since LogoGuru.co.uk is a fresh contest site, it has less competition that provides designers with more opportunities to win. Over at other crowd-sourcing sites gets hundreds of entries in a single project. But if you look at our projects, the winner is decided after 4-5 entries It means that you have more chance of winning here. Hence it is a big opportunity for designers to make earn.

2. Copyright issue – Rules and regulations:

Another important issue that designers have on big contest sites is logo plagiarism and copyright fraud. Their designs are copied, reproduced and replicated on the contest. Over at Logoguru.co.uk, our team makes sure that your copyrights are protected. We hold strict rules and guidelines for our contests and eliminate any entry found to be involved in violation of copyright. So you can freely come and submit your designs without worrying about copyright issues.

3. GUARANTEE of prize money – No shams and scams:

Do you know why some designers label big contest sites as “spec-work”? It is because they do not guarantee you prize money. Many projects offered by giant crowd-sourcing websites are blind (based entirely on speculation). The trouble there is that clients may steal your design ideas and abscond without paying you. This is where we differ. We make completely sure that your prize money is guaranteed and secure. All our projects are marked “guaranteed” so you can rest assure that you will be earning your days worth.

4. Improving your designing skills – Through newsletters:

Earning profits is every company’s objective…BIG DEAL! To Inculcate and impart knowledge is the core objective of our existence. Since it is a platform created BY designers FOR designers, logoguru.co.uk not only focuses on holding design contests. We go as far as helping the designers improve and harness their logo design skills through regular newsletters and articles. This is one thing that makes us stand apart from the rest of the crowd-sourcing sites.

5. Real-time support – FOR REAL:

Okay so all the giant crowd-sourcing websites do provide technical support. But do they provide it on time? Not really! The trouble with big contest sites is that your query is answered in days, sometimes weeks. Logoguru.co.uk has devised a technique that enables it to provide REAL TIME support to our clients and designers. A special team is dedicated for answering all your queries instantly via instant chat.

Time to Experience THE DIFFERENCE!

Let me remind you that too many designers registering on big contest sites are making the struggle tough for you all. That is why many beginners and border line professional designers avoid participating in any contest but now they have a progressive platform HERE on LOGOGURU.CO.UK
Therefore, now no need to struggle anymore! We provide you with the right opening to come and reap the fruits of your hard work. Logoguru.co.uk serves as an easy platform for all young and emerging designers to launch their career.

Below is a 3 in 1 way process for novice logo designers
1. Earn MORE without giving away your great designs for free.
2. Without added effort, a strong portfolio will be created for future prospects and career.
3. You will earn all the due credit and right exposure like an established designer.

Starting a career as a logo designer – Which way to go??

Sam Anderson — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 10:01:09 +0000

The most crucial phase of becoming a successful logo designer is to find the perfect platform to start your career. Countless logo designers want to step in the logo design world but remember that the first wrong step might be your last. Hence it is very important for newbie logo designers to know where to start from?

What comes first in a logo designer’s mind?

Generally, freelance is what comes to mind of upcoming logo designers. Here is how a freelance website can spell damage for a logo designer:

A graphic designer has to do of efforts and waste scores of his valuable time trying to find clients on a freelance website.

There is no guarantee of your work being stolen from a freelance website, clients may steal your ideas and abscond with your logo design.

The headache of countless conversations with a client on a freelance website is unbearable for an aspiring logo designer. It wastes his time and capacity.

The chances of logo plagiarism are manifold on freelance websites.

Since they are unaware of the advantages and disadvantages of freelance websites, they decide to start their careers there. Being unaware of the changing logo design industry they fall prey to freelancing websites.

What are the changing logo design trends?

You must be confused if freelance websites are unreliable to start a logo design career….then where to go?
Big companies and professional designers are following new trends among which “Logo design contests” being the best option. The question is why they prefer this new trend…let me explain

It provides a platform where you don’t have to search for clients. Simply sign up and select the client from a huge list.

When you participate in a project, designs from other designers are displayed well. This gives you more innovative ideas and inspiration.

Logo design contest serves as a learning environment for aspiring designers through observing diverse projects whether you participate or not.

Contests rules make sure that your ideas and designs do not get stolen through protective measures.

It lets you sell your logos in the market through “Pre-made logo designs” section. This means that you simply concentrate on design without worrying about searching for clients.

Time to Decide – Which is more beneficial?

After reading about the changing trends of logo design industry, it is now up to you…do you want to follow the new trends or remain stuck in the old concepts?

Changing Logo Design Industry – Increase demand for Quick Logos!

Sam Anderson — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:08:59 +0000

Every industry changes with the passage of time and logo design is no exception to this phenomenon. After all…change is the only constant in this world. Each industry has to cope with the challenges of changing environment and dynamic consumer preferences. Those who do not accept or implement the change in their business, lag behind. That is the rule of thumb, follow it and you will progress.

The logo design field has witnessed several transformations over the past decade or so. The most visible of the changes are the many logo design trends evolving out of the industry. Apart from that, the logo designers and clients alike have accommodated for the mounting demand for quick and high-quality logo designs.

How has the Logo Design Industry Evolved?

1) Demand for quick logo design solutions:

Initially when the logo design industry was in its adolescent stage, it used to take weeks, sometimes even months to get a logo design made. But with the increasing spawn of businesses and entities, the need for quick logo design solutions has become a prime requirement. Nowadays, logo designers and clients alike prefer to keep the logo design process as short as possible so that quick and quality logos are produced.

2) Shift from niche pricing to flexible pricing:

The logo design field used to be a highly niche field free of cut-throat competition and struggles. The prices were dictated by only a few who had the first-mover advantage. Logo design prices for both large and small businesses used to be homogenous, without the need for catering segments separately. Now with the rapid growth in the small and medium size businesses, the demand is shifted from niche pricing to flexible pricing.

3) Inclination for Free Logo Making:

Previously there was no such concept on online logo design. But as the industry progressed, new and unique services have started to surface. One of the prime concepts that are increasingly gaining popularity is the free logo making tools available online. Free logo maker aids small businesses in creating customized identities for them in the quickest possible time. The popularity of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) is not something originating in the logo design field. Various trades now cater DIY tools to facilitate clients with a better experience.

4) Rapid move from custom-made logos to crowdsourcing:

One of the most rapid shifts that we see in the logo design industry is the move from custom-made logos to crowdsourcing and logo design contests. This is not a new or unraveling concept. It has been there in the general trade for quite some time under the name of “outsourcing”. Crowdsoucing is just a modified version of outsourcing. The advantages of crowdsourcing as an alternative of custom-made logos are reduced costs, increased efficiency and wide variety of designs to choose from. It even supports aspiring graphic designers who need a platform to boost their careers.

What do you think about the changing trends in logo design industry, specifically the increasing number of crowd sourcing sites? How do you think it will evolve further?

Crowdsourcing: Driving the future of Logo Design in UK

Sam Anderson — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:33:39 +0000

Since its inception, crowdsourcing has purportedly been a controversial subject in logo design. The term “crowdsourcing” was coined by Jeff Howe, which is also referred as spec-work and online contests by the jargons. It is still debated whether crowdsourcing is useful or detrimental for the logo design industry.


Crowdsourcing is voluntary, not obligatory

Some people allege that crowdsourcing is “evil” and logo design contest are “bad”, but simply making proclamations against a concept means drawing a bleak picture of the subject. Before opposing any contest, let alone logo design contest, one should realize that contests are not obligatory or binding on the participants. On the contrary, they are voluntary and solely on the willingness of the contestants. Designers who wish to show their mettle and earn a quick buck enter into logo design contests on their own free will. Before coming to any conclusions, let us analyze the crowdsourcing issue in a balanced way. Let us look at both the benefits and drawbacks of crowdsourcing.

Benefits of Crowdsourcing

• Crowdsourcing provides a platform for logo designers to demonstrate their talent

• It gives an equal opportunity for designers from all parts of the world to compete

• It brings the emerging and promising logo designers into the limelight

• It creates an environment of competition, which in turn yields higher quality of logo designs

• Crowdsourcing is a prompt and convenient way of carrying out logo design transactions

• It provides a chance for designers in the third world countries with insignificant portfolio to earn a living

• Serves as a social hub for designers to get acquainted with their counterparts and learn

• It benefits designers in the long-run, with possibility of further projects once their design is selected.

• A practical and feasible option for companies with budget constraints

Drawbacks of Crowdsourcing:

• Crowdsourcing usually yields only one winner and the rest of the designer feel neglected

• Although it is a low-cost solution for companies, it may compromise on quality of logo design due to time constraints.

• Preferences of the winning design are made solely on the basis of client’s decision.

• It is believed that crowdsourcing devaluates the prices of logo designs.

• Crowdsourcing may involve legal concerns as there is a possibility that the logo design violates copyright and trademark issues.

• Since logo design contests are time-bound, they may produce low quality of logo designs in haste.

How is crowdsourcing serving logo design in UK?

There are numerous examples to suffice that crowdsourcing is playing a vital role in the field of logo design in UK. The latest case in point is the logo design contest initiated by Greenpeace UK to redesign the BP logo. Designers of all ages and experiences are thrilled to join this contest, even though it does not entail any prize money.

Another case in point is the recent EU organic logo redesign obtained through an online contest. The contest adjudicated the best three logo designs, each with respective prize money. The winner received €6,000, while the runners-up collected €3,500 and €2,500 respectively.

Initiating the rising trend:

One of the major reasons for criticism and reprisal against logo design contest and other crowdsourcing sites is that it undermines the well-established logo designers and their potential work. Frankly speaking, being intimidated by competition is not a satisfactory rationale for opposing new trends. Irrespective of what crowdsourcing antagonist feel, it is a proven fact that logo design contests are a rising trend and a useful and bright prospect for emerging logo designers.

Keeping in view the emerging trends, we here at logoguru.co.uk, have initiated our very own logo design contest site where designers are invited to participate and earn.

What are your thoughts on crowdsourcing? Do you agree that online logo design contest is a useful and healthy concept for emerging logo designers who cannot make the limelight?