Entrepreneurship & Small Business

Graphic Designer for Logo

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[OP]
Deal Addict
Jun 18, 2008
1500 posts
156 upvotes

Graphic Designer for Logo

Hey folks,

So I've been searching for a graphic designer to design a logo for a new company, and possibly some extra things like stationary and website.

I checked out a few freelance designers on Google with decent portfolio and the quote I'm getting is in the $700 range for the logo alone.

I've put up a Craigslist ad, and got lots of offer for logos in the $50-$150 range. Unfortunately most of the portfolios I have seen from these replies have been sufferable to mediocre at best. The offerings on Fiverr seem way way better than anything I'm getting from Craigslist on the lower price of the scale.

I'm not keen on crowdsourcing because I don't think anyone should ever work for free. But I do wish there was a happy medium where I could get a great creative logo for a reasonable price. My company offers media-related services, so image and branding is everything. I'm not looking to skimp on it, but at the same time can't blow all my budget on a single thing.

Can you anyone advise on which way to go or maybe recommend a great designer somewhere? Thanks!!
18 replies
Deal Expert
Oct 6, 2005
16852 posts
2547 upvotes
yourmemory wrote: Hey folks,

So I've been searching for a graphic designer to design a logo for a new company, and possibly some extra things like stationary and website.

I checked out a few freelance designers on Google with decent portfolio and the quote I'm getting is in the $700 range for the logo alone.

I've put up a Craigslist ad, and got lots of offer for logos in the $50-$150 range. Unfortunately most of the portfolios I have seen from these replies have been sufferable to mediocre at best. The offerings on Fiverr seem way way better than anything I'm getting from Craigslist on the lower price of the scale.
Anyone and everyone can call themselves a graphic designer these days. If you want credentials, look for someone who is a RGD ... look for a student member or a provisional member, should be cheaper than a full member.

Also, York/Sheridan has a great Graphics Design program - perhaps you can post on the job board there: http://design.yorku.ca/jobs/

Otherwise you take your chances with the kid off Craigslist.
Deal Addict
User avatar
Jan 9, 2002
2707 posts
667 upvotes
Burlington
I've had great success with elance. $50-100. You can see the portfolios of the bidders and choose the one/s you like.
Not your standard VoIP. Different and novel options & advice for my RFD friends.
Deal Addict
Mar 8, 2009
1420 posts
109 upvotes
I use 99 Designs all the time. Guarantee the award and you'll get some great designs.
[OP]
Deal Addict
Jun 18, 2008
1500 posts
156 upvotes
coolspot wrote: Anyone and everyone can call themselves a graphic designer these days. If you want credentials, look for someone who is a RGD ... look for a student member or a provisional member, should be cheaper than a full member.

Also, York/Sheridan has a great Graphics Design program - perhaps you can post on the job board there: http://design.yorku.ca/jobs/

Otherwise you take your chances with the kid off Craigslist.
Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely check out some design students from York/Sheridan.
Sr. Member
User avatar
Dec 25, 2010
767 posts
113 upvotes
Toronto
You can check out fiverr.com they have a lot of options available for only $5. I used it once and it was alright service depending on which vendor you pick. If you know how to use Illustrator yourself you just basically copy the final product and you can play around with it until it meets your desire logo.
[OP]
Deal Addict
Jun 18, 2008
1500 posts
156 upvotes
Thanks, I've been considering Fiverr. I see nothing wrong with outsourcing the work, as there are talented folks all over the world. Seems like people here have used Fiverr a lot...

Can anyone recommend a particular user? This guy from Indonesia seems to be the top rated: https://www.fiverr.com/ei8htz/design-2- ... 9205495180
[OP]
Deal Addict
Jun 18, 2008
1500 posts
156 upvotes
Still looking for a graphic designer for a logo. Any designers at RFD want to throw their hat in the ring? PM me.
Newbie
Jan 18, 2015
84 posts
31 upvotes
Toronto, ON
yourmemory wrote: Hey folks,

So I've been searching for a graphic designer to design a logo for a new company, and possibly some extra things like stationary and website.

I checked out a few freelance designers on Google with decent portfolio and the quote I'm getting is in the $700 range for the logo alone.

I've put up a Craigslist ad, and got lots of offer for logos in the $50-$150 range. Unfortunately most of the portfolios I have seen from these replies have been sufferable to mediocre at best. The offerings on Fiverr seem way way better than anything I'm getting from Craigslist on the lower price of the scale.

I'm not keen on crowdsourcing because I don't think anyone should ever work for free. But I do wish there was a happy medium where I could get a great creative logo for a reasonable price. My company offers media-related services, so image and branding is everything. I'm not looking to skimp on it, but at the same time can't blow all my budget on a single thing.

Can you anyone advise on which way to go or maybe recommend a great designer somewhere? Thanks!!
try elance.com
Jr. Member
Jan 21, 2011
126 posts
15 upvotes
Cambridge, ON
Logomyway.com

Great system. Give the designers a general idea of what you want and you will get a ton of designs. Rank the designs and the designers will fine tune anything you want. No need to go over the $200 mark.

If you want a simple logo then fiverr is a great option is money is a huge concern.
Deal Fanatic
User avatar
May 5, 2007
5793 posts
1652 upvotes
416
Looking for a new logo myself. Gonna check out the sites listed here. What can I lose for $5 lol? If not, I don't mind spending $200.
Deal Addict
User avatar
Mar 13, 2003
3271 posts
951 upvotes
Alberta
I used Fiverr for my logo.

My theory?

If you have a budget and want a great logo, get 30 logos designed on Fiverr for $150. A few of them will be excellent, narrow it down and most will tweak once or twice for free.

You'll have several outstanding options to pick from, a good situation to be in.

I would never pay hundreds for a single logo. While someone might have a great portfolio, they will make some turds. Just as importantly, they might just have a completely different vision and you can't find common ground. Then what? Money is gone.

The logo contest websites are the same concept.
Deal Fanatic
User avatar
May 5, 2007
5793 posts
1652 upvotes
416
scouzer wrote: I used Fiverr for my logo.

My theory?

If you have a budget and want a great logo, get 30 logos designed on Fiverr for $150. A few of them will be excellent, narrow it down and most will tweak once or twice for free.

You'll have several outstanding options to pick from, a good situation to be in.

I would never pay hundreds for a single logo. While someone might have a great portfolio, they will make some turds. Just as importantly, they might just have a completely different vision and you can't find common ground. Then what? Money is gone.

The logo contest websites are the same concept.
Good idea with fiverr. What about going with the new designers...think that's a waste of $5? It looks like a much faster turnaround time, eg, 1 day vs 10 days for the higher rated designers.
Deal Addict
User avatar
Mar 13, 2003
3271 posts
951 upvotes
Alberta
Aggy wrote: Good idea with fiverr. What about going with the new designers...think that's a waste of $5? It looks like a much faster turnaround time, eg, 1 day vs 10 days for the higher rated designers.
I would stick with a track record if I'm giving them money.

Let the new guys compete on the logo contest websites to build their portfolio.

I do really like Logomyway.com's system too though. They seem to get some really fantastic logos for $200.
Deal Addict
Oct 4, 2006
3375 posts
2411 upvotes
Toronto
With respect, if you truly care about image, you need to hire a design professional who has experience in branding. Just as there are lawyers who specialize, the same goes with designers.
The problem with many small businesses is that they treat branding and design as an afterthought hiring his neighbour's teenage son because he likes to draw.
They then wonder why their business image is seen as unprofessional.

Speak to someone who can walk you through their process. Someone who understands brand positioning, competitive audits etc. before ever getting something on paper/screen. They can provide advice by asking the right questions. Ideally meet in person, and build a relationship, set expectations and get a quote for deliverables. Don't treat this as a one off, but rather someone who can help you with your marketing in the future (since they'll know your business strategy)

Online places like 99Designs are fine if you just want to get a logo. But a logo does not make a brand.
You're just going to get some 'hot shot' designer who cares more about creating something for their portfolio instead of working towards your business goals.

Is this going to be cheap? Certainly it'll cost you more than you would going the crowd sourcing or online route. But most can work out a phased approach so you don't require to 'blow your budget'.

Let me know if you need more info.
Cheers.





yourmemory wrote:
I'm not keen on crowdsourcing because I don't think anyone should ever work for free. But I do wish there was a happy medium where I could get a great creative logo for a reasonable price. My company offers media-related services, so image and branding is everything. I'm not looking to skimp on it, but at the same time can't blow all my budget on a single thing.
Deal Fanatic
Nov 17, 2004
7275 posts
1622 upvotes
Toronto
When it comes to graphic design you do not always get what you pay for. I had several logos made, they all looked like absolute crap even though I paid good coin, then I found one guy in the phillipines that did amazing work for dirt cheap. That guy could easily demand a 6 figure salary for his work if he was in a first world country.
I workout to get big so I can pickup bricks and ****.
Jr. Member
Dec 8, 2014
157 posts
1 upvote
richmond hill, ON
Hi! I am looking for a logo designer for my new online business. I got the name and domain. I'm looking for Japanese theme. If there is any logo designer here, please pm me.

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