1. What is the cost of logo design?
The most common and hardest question to give answer to. Logo design is an art and every artwork piece is unique. Logo design costs depend on number of factors, but I have a general cost range set. Most logos are in 550-850 USD cost range: with some exceptions to both ends.
Most important factors influencing cost are time frame, your requirements, your projected budget, exact wishes and needs. In case you require faster turnaround, some other identity items, such as stationery or anything else to add on, additional costs apply.
2. What does the cost include?
The cost includes my personal assurance you will be provided with only top quality, custom design with my signature on it and that final logo design result will stand well beyond its competition.
I personally will be designer engaged on your project and, unlike with many other big logo design companies, you will be in direct communication with me. There will be no third parties standing in our way.
3. What is your design process? Do I get unlimited number of revisions and concepts?
To summarize it, process is to learn more about your project, targeted audience, competitors, your likes and dislikes and brainstorm. Visualize your project and goals through (sometimes) dozens of sketches and ideas, pick one or two that work best and present them to you. Communicate with you, get valuable comments and feedback, apply them to design, finalize logo and deliver.
Nobody can really provide unlimited number of concepts or revisions. Word 'unlimited' implies one will work on your project forever, if you feel like it. That is a vicious practice and false marketing. Initially, I present one or two logo concepts, listen to your feedback, communicate with you and see how we can improve it. If, rarely, I miss the theme completely or through direct communication we get idea for a better, totally new concept new designs are made and shown to you. Everything has a limit, so does a number of concepts of revisions. If you want to see over a dozen of concepts or have hundreds of revisions, I would strongly suggest you to go to one of crowd sourcing sites. It is definitely a bad idea to do so, but if you feel like it, I can't stop you.
4. How long will it take to complete my project?
Creativity definitely works best when it's not under pressure. In most cases that would mean two weeks for concept visualization phase and another week or two to finalize it. So, generally a month should be enough from start to finish. Whole process may be quicker in some cases if required, but additional costs may apply.
5. Can you start right away?
Possibly. Depends on the current work load, status of the open projects and other factors. If you require to start immediately, sometimes it might be possible to delegate some of the open projects. However, that is subject to discussion and possibly a higher cost, since current client projects always have priority.
6. Other designer charges less than you. Can you offer a better deal?
Each designer is different. Some value their work one way, some the other. Neither designer can bring exactly the same results to you. If you're reading this, it is very possible you like my work and want me to work on your project. I consider logo design a serious business, not something that can be taken as off shelf solution that fits your size immediately. Generally I am not ready to bargain. If the other designer can match my style and quality with lower cost, good for you: my advice would be to proceed with him.
7. My budget is very low, can you work on my project?
Having worked with clients on all six continents, I got to know how unfair global economy is. One dollar is not equally worth in USA, France, Costa Rica, Nigeria, Nepal or Sierra Leone. Despite my love for logo design, I generally cannot take on low budget logo designs, regardless of how much sometimes I would love to. However, from time to time I provide my services pro bono. If your project is for a good cause, let me know, maybe I can do it for free. Or simply get in touch and we will see what our options are.
8. It couldn't take more than 10 minutes for you to design this: why should I pay full cost?
Absolutely: even such is rare, sometimes it takes less than an hour to create a perfect logo client falls in love with. Even it might have taken less than an hour to design it, it took years to learn, explore and fine tune my talents. Still, that is just a beginning: I am still learning. To paraphrase Picasso, every single design I do took my entire life to do it.
9. I am _________ [your profession here], would you consider exchanging services?
Sometimes I might do such deals with my friends or relatives. If you think you have something I need, let me know what you do. It would be the best for both of us if you paid for my services and if I needed something from you, you'd get that money back when I order your services. It's that easy.
10. [name] told me you designed his logo for much less than your regular costs are. Why can't I get such deal?
That might be a rumor, yet [name] might be right. I keep my rights to determine the final cost for every single project in my sole discretion. Not as often as I would like to, but I sometimes even do pro bono work for projects with a good cause.
11. I am holding a logo contest, please take your part in it!
If you are inviting me to one of crowd sourcing websites, please, let's stop wasting time. Would you hold a dentist contest to get your painful teeth problem fixed and let virtually anyone with some medical equipment tackle your teeth?
12. Your designs are great! Design me a logo and if I like it, I'll pay for it!
I can't see other reason you would ask me to design you a logo except you like my logo designs showcased in portfolio. If that is the case, order your logo, pay for it and get the best results for your needs. I don't work on speculative basis, nor I think anyone should.
13. What is your hourly rate?
I don't charge per hour, day or week. I charge per project, as it would be unfair towards my clients or even me to charge on a hourly basis. Some projects take few hours, some several weeks to get them done right. In case you are asking this out of interest for a long term cooperation of any kind, get in touch and we will discuss it further.
14. Can you make me a 'web 2.0' logo?
It's up to you to decide what 'web 2.0' is. If you ask me, that is just a hype and number of poor designs hidden behind some catchy, cool phrase and overuse of visual effects, such as reflections, extreme gloss, shine, etc. Stay away from it, your logo design should sustain years to come. It may be contemporary, but it must also be timeless, not part of some trend that will fade away as soon as this autumn's leaves.
15. Will you follow current trends to design my logo?
That is a bad practice. There are number of sites, professionals and others who claim to identify various logo trends each year. Logo, however, should not follow any trends, but serve its purpose the best way possible, with as little touch ups and make up required over its life course. If you recognize any of the 'trends' in my logo, that is pure coincidence.
16. Logo you have designed for me does not look exactly like some superb ones in your portfolio, why?
Every logo project is different. Depending on your project's name, specifications and requirements, it might be impossible to create something that will make jaws drop or turn heads. If project requires brown toilette brush, I don't feel that's the luckiest combination to create something extraordinary.
17. Should logo be obvious?
It depends on nature of the project, as well as other specific requirements. In most cases, logos should convey the message well. Yet they should provoke viewers to think about them, find the hidden message in it, think about it and, ultimatively, associate, remember and be able to identify it. The end result sometimes might be very obvious, sometimes it may not. It really isn't the most crucial factor in creating a logo.
18. Your ideas are good, but it is not like Google, Yahoo, eBay, Twitter. I want such brand!
You said you want brand. You want the experience behind those names, feelings these logos provoke with their users, emotional relations. That cannot be purchased, it must be built and logo is a great start. But, honestly, take a look at the logos mentioned above. If you did not know what these companies are about, would you say those logos are visually attractive? Be honest to yourself and you will get the right answer.
19. Did you personally create all these logos? I saw same one on [name] website!
Yes, I am proud to say I have designed hundreds of logos. Some of them are not even showcased in my portfolio, due to variety of reasons. If you saw same or very similar logo somewhere else, except when it's used by a client, it is very possible other company/website has stolen artwork to showcase it as their own or even use it as a logo. If you know anything about copyright and intellectual property ^, you know how bad that is. Please, report such case to me. Shame on [name]!
20. Are these real clients and companies?
Believe it or not, every logo showcased here was created for a real product, company or service. We live in dynamic times, some of these were established, but in the end, they disappeared from scene, some failed even before they were born, while some are still in development. Some are used locally in their respective country and not available on web. Despite their destiny, I am proud of every single logo I have designed and showcased.
21. Some of the logos you had in portfolio before are missing. Why?
As stated before, even though I showcase most of my designs, my portfolio does not include every single logo I have designed, for variety of reasons. My previous portfolio included some logos that I found inappropriate and had them removed. If you miss some logo that much, let me know and I will mail it to you.
22. Why should I trust your judgment?
There are two types of clients: those who know why they need a logo and those who don't. I have over 12 years of experience designing logos and have gained a valuable experience and expertise. You are not paying me to be illustrator of your ideas, but to invest my experience and expertise into your project in order to get the best results for your needs.
If you want me to design your logo, it is obvious you like what I have done for my previous clients. They trusted me, so I need you to trust me I will create you the best possible solution. In case you can't trust designer, you shouldn't work with him, as such projects are destined to fail.
23. Which tools do you use?
Contrary to popular belief, I am not working on Apple/MacOS platform, but use PC/Windows 7. My main software tool is Xara Xtreme Pro, a great, underestimated vector illustration application. My main hardware tool is mouse, not even a cordless one. It's a habit.
24. How is artwork delivered in the end?
Artwork is delivered in electronic form (downloadable or sent via email). Once delivered, I keep it backed up locally in case you might lose it or need it ever again. Logo is delivered in full color, gray scale and monochrome variation in several industry standard scalable vector formats, as well as in high resolution bitmaps as PNG format. In case any other format is needed, you should be able to create it from deliverables. I can assist you if required.
25. Will you provide me with source files/editable vectors?
Logo is delivered as vectors with texts converted to outlines, to preserve its design and form. Stationery designs are also delivered as texts converted to outlines. In case you still want me to deliver you editable files, additional fee may apply. You will need to purchase font licenses and own Adobe Illustrator (version CS2 or higher) or Xara Xtreme Pro (version 5 or higher). In such case, I am not to be held responsible for any troubles when using/printing or manipulating your designs in any way.
26. Can you also provide visual identity guidelines with the logo?
Yes, I can provide visual identity guidelines covering only the basic details and uses or extending it to full brand identity guide. It depends on your requirements and is available at additional cost.
27. Can you design stationery, website or full brand identity?
Of course, I can offer you more than logo design. In case you need any other brand design item designed, let me know. In case I do not provide such service, I have a network of professionals I work with and will provide you only with best quality service for whichever need you might have.
28. Do you design anything else?
Along with logos and brand identity designs, I enjoy doing icons and pictograms, those are my passion. I am also very good at illustration. I only don't do photo/bitmap manipulation, I am addicted to scalable vector designs.
29. You are in a different country from me. Will that affect our cooperation?
As you have probably noticed, I have worked with clients all around the world, from Australia to North America, covering all six continents and having clients in more than 35 countries. There is no need for local presence, as all communication can be quickly and efficiently handled online. The only issue, which is not crucial, is I am in Europe, so we might have up to 12 hours offset in timezone (my timezone is Central European Time, GMT+1). However, from my experience, that has never caused any problem.
30. Can I talk with you on the phone?
Generally, I do not prefer phone conversations. Reason for that is simply because in written communication, regardless of how 'slow' it is (compared to voice), everything remains in written form, leaving its trail. In phone conversation crucial details might get lost or be forgotten. In case you do require phone conversation, it can be scheduled regardless of your time zone.
31. Can you offer me help with stationery printing?
Yes, I can give you advice where to get your items printed, based on your needs and budget, provide you pre-press services, prepare ready to print artwork for your stationery needs or even communicate with print company for you. All that is subject to further discussion and additional costs may apply.
32. What are payment methods and terms?
Payment terms are 50% production deposit at start of the project and 50% at delivery of final artwork. In case project is larger and has milestones, payments are divided into logical milestones. I accept payments with credit cards, PayPal or bank transfer. Other methods might be available at request.
33. What if I don't like any concept you come up with and wish to terminate/cancel the project?
If for any reason you wish to terminate the project, you just need to let me know. In such case you will be refunded 25% of production deposit in case we did not progress beyond initial concepts phase. In case revisions have been done according to your input, refund can not take place. Production deposit goes towards covering my expenses and work invested in your project.
In case you cancel project at any time, you are not deemed to be owner or allowed to use any artwork or idea presented to you in any other way.
34. I changed my mind about project, why are there additional costs?
If you requested a drum and after a while you came with idea you need a violin, obviously, it is not my fault. I have probably done some part of work with 'drum theme' and even though violin is music instrument, too, it is a lot different than drum. So, additional costs will apply, depending on the scope of changes you want to introduce to open project.
35. Why don't you do spec work?
I believe everyone deserves to be paid for what he does, accordingly. Spec(ulative) work is a bad habit and is ruining creativity. Some people consider designers should do spec work, simply because 'it costs them nothing'. If you feel that way too, put yourself in my shoes: would you do what you do in life for free? Being honest, it 'costs you anything', whether you're constructor, plumber, dentist, lawyer or statesman. Fair?
36. Do I own a logo you design? What about other concepts?
Once final payment has been done and artwork files have been delivered, you are given signed logo release. You will have all copyrights on approved and paid final concept. I keep creative rights to showcase work done for your project in my portfolio or any other promotional material. Concepts that have been presented to you, but were not chosen remain under my copyright.
You can request me not to include your project in my portfolio or any other showcase. In that case additional 50% fee is applicable. That never includes waiving my creative rights or transfering them to you: I never say I did something I didn't, so I don't think anyone else should be able or allowed to say he did something he didn't. It's just not good practice.
37. Will you feature my logo in your portfolio?
Most probably I will, as I enjoy showcasing my new designs. But, at my sole discretion, I might choose not to include some of the projects I have done or even to include slightly different version than final one is. That happens if I believe showcased one is more creative or even better, but due to your specific needs or requirements has been altered in a way to be more usable with everyday nature of your project.
38. Several logos in portfolio are marked as 'unused'. What does that mean?
Several logos with 'unused' tag in upper left corner were abandoned by their clients before project completion. Only few of them have been put in my portfolio as I could not resist their looks, despite being abandoned. If you wish to adopt one of these, let me know.
39. temporary question: why are some logos blurry and presented in different style than ones at top of portfolio?
You noticed it right. I have changed the style logos are presented and I have to manually adjust every single logo I had showcased in my older portfolio. It might take several weeks to get that done well. Thank you for understanding.
40. OK, I want to proceed. What should I do next?
It's simple, get in touch with me giving me a brief information on what you need done, by using any of the listed contact options below: just scroll down a bit.
last update: 10 June 2010