I have mostly talked on subjects and issues relating to UK logo designers. But today, I wish to explore the client side of the story as well. To hire a logo designer is an overwhelming task for any client especially if it’s your first time. When you don’t know what you expect from a logo designer, you are bound to get involved in a scuffle with them in the middle of the project.

Hence, it is advised that clients should work out their requirements and expectations that they anticipate from the client-designer relationship. In order to do that, there are certain queries and questions that generally arise in a client’s mind that must be answered. I would advise clients who need a logo design to answer the following questions before hiring a logo designer:

1. Why do you intend to get a Logo Design?

Many a times, clients hire a logo designer without attending to the main question…why do you need a logo design? Although, the sole purpose of getting a logo design is to build an identity for your business. You must also be clear as to how and where will you be employing your logo design. Make sure you recognize the mediums on which you will use your logo design, for instance, on website, banner, flyers etc.

2. How experienced is the Logo Designer?

Another thing that clients must ascertain is that the logo designer they hire is experienced in designing logos. You wouldn’t want to hire an amateur who can run Adobe Photoshop and make you a puny and meaningless design. Make sure to run a background check on the designer you are intending to hire beforehand. Check his logo design portfolio, and testimonials from previous clients. Another good way is to ask for references through which you can confirm the logo designer’s qualification and experience.

3. When Do You Want Your Logo Design?

I have experienced this problem with a few of my clients. These clients came up to me with no particular deadline in mind and used to end up in quarrel over the project cut-off date. This is why it is prudent for clients to resolve this query before approaching a logo designer. They must set a clear working schedule and deadline so that the designer can work accordingly.

4. Will You Get the Trademark Rights for the Logo?

Another big issue that occurs at the end of a logo design project is ownership over the copyrights. In legal terms, the patent rights of the logo design rest with the logo designer. This is especially in the case of hiring a freelance logo designer. Although, this is generally not the case with logo designers employed by an agency. Hence, the clients must explicate their terms and conditions regarding the usage and property rights of the logo design. Also, ensure that the fonts used by your hired designer are licensed by the owner.

5. What is Your Budget for Logo Design?

A logo design isn’t a tangible object that its price can be haggled over. Clients must understand that pricing matter must be settled before the logo design project starts. Prior to looking for a logo designer, ask yourself what your budget is for the logo design? Also, make sure to include any miscellaneous expenditure in your budget otherwise it may become an issue during the project.

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.

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.

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:

2. Copyright issue – Rules and regulations:

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

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.     ]]> http://www.logoguru.co.uk/blog/logo-designers-right-path/feed/ 0 http://www.logoguru.co.uk/blog/starting-logo-designer-career/ http://www.logoguru.co.uk/blog/starting-logo-designer-career/#comments Wed, 22 Sep 2010 10:01:09 +0000 Sam Anderson http://www.logoguru.co.uk/blog/?p=1346   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:

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




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




3. 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.




4. 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

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




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




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




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




5. 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.

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?

  ]]> http://www.logoguru.co.uk/blog/logo-design-industry-changes/feed/ 0