Getting a logo made...

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Arks

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Anybody have any new comments on where to get a logo made, other than what's available at https://www.innspiring.com/node/6552 ?
I know Vistaprint says they'll design one for free, but I fear free is about what it would be worth.
 
There's a website in the UK called FiveSquids where people will do things for £5. There are some graphic designers who will design a logo for your business, so I thought I'd give it a go.
Had two options from someone and were currently talking about colours on design 2.
Will I use it or not.....undecided at the moment.
 
Arkansawyer said:
Anybody have any new comments on where to get a logo made, other than what's available at https://www.innspiring.com/node/6552 ?
I know Vistaprint says they'll design one for free, but I fear free is about what it would be worth.
Your logo is the last place to use an amateur or "free" offer. We googled the graphic artists in our area, and picked the one whose work we liked the best. They created about 4-6 for us to pick from. It was well worth the money and not as much as I thought it would be. Remember it will represent your company.
RIki
 
My husband did mine. I can shrink this for address labels or enlarge to be printed on the bib of an apron and it is still crisp in all sizes. He was in the printing industry in his "former life" and knows about sizing.
GillumLogo310dpi.jpg
 
My husband did mine. I can shrink this for address labels or enlarge to be printed on the bib of an apron and it is still crisp in all sizes. He was in the printing industry in his "former life" and knows about sizing.
GillumLogo310dpi.jpg
.
That's really good! My problem is that I don't have a wonderful old house which would look great like that. I have an old commercial building that I just don't think would be good to use (I'm not talking about the old hotel I use for my avitar on this website, but the other building I have, that used to be a grocery store).
So I'm looking for some of that artistic creativity that I lack but artists have, to create a script logo from the LG initials of guesthouse, or maybe take the only photo (below) of the old German who built my building and build a logo around a sketch of it. I like the idea some of the websites have where they have 5 different artists submit their ideas, so you get a broad spectrum of suggestions. I just wondered if anybody had used one and had a specific recommendation, or on the other hand, ones to steer clear of.
Lesmeister2.jpg

 
We hired on elance. I haven't put it on our website, but it's on all our documentation.
 
My husband did mine. I can shrink this for address labels or enlarge to be printed on the bib of an apron and it is still crisp in all sizes. He was in the printing industry in his "former life" and knows about sizing.
GillumLogo310dpi.jpg
.
That's really good! My problem is that I don't have a wonderful old house which would look great like that. I have an old commercial building that I just don't think would be good to use (I'm not talking about the old hotel I use for my avitar on this website, but the other building I have, that used to be a grocery store).
So I'm looking for some of that artistic creativity that I lack but artists have, to create a script logo from the LG initials of guesthouse, or maybe take the only photo (below) of the old German who built my building and build a logo around a sketch of it. I like the idea some of the websites have where they have 5 different artists submit their ideas, so you get a broad spectrum of suggestions. I just wondered if anybody had used one and had a specific recommendation, or on the other hand, ones to steer clear of.
Lesmeister2.jpg

.
I wouldn't use the photo for a logo. A logo should be simple not someone's face.
 
My husband did mine. I can shrink this for address labels or enlarge to be printed on the bib of an apron and it is still crisp in all sizes. He was in the printing industry in his "former life" and knows about sizing.
GillumLogo310dpi.jpg
.
That's really good! My problem is that I don't have a wonderful old house which would look great like that. I have an old commercial building that I just don't think would be good to use (I'm not talking about the old hotel I use for my avitar on this website, but the other building I have, that used to be a grocery store).
So I'm looking for some of that artistic creativity that I lack but artists have, to create a script logo from the LG initials of guesthouse, or maybe take the only photo (below) of the old German who built my building and build a logo around a sketch of it. I like the idea some of the websites have where they have 5 different artists submit their ideas, so you get a broad spectrum of suggestions. I just wondered if anybody had used one and had a specific recommendation, or on the other hand, ones to steer clear of.
Lesmeister2.jpg

.
I wouldn't use the photo for a logo. A logo should be simple not someone's face.
.
catlady said:
A logo should be simple not someone's face.
Tell that to KFC ;-)
Since his name is the name of the guesthouse, I was thinking maybe an artist could work his profile in to a logo or something. That's for the expert to decide. I was just wondering if anybody had such an artist/expert to recommend.
 
There's a website in the UK called FiveSquids where people will do things for £5. There are some graphic designers who will design a logo for your business, so I thought I'd give it a go.
Had two options from someone and were currently talking about colours on design 2.
Will I use it or not.....undecided at the moment..
plus for that kind of money you havn't lost anything really if you don't like it!
 
My husband did mine. I can shrink this for address labels or enlarge to be printed on the bib of an apron and it is still crisp in all sizes. He was in the printing industry in his "former life" and knows about sizing.
GillumLogo310dpi.jpg
.
That's really good! My problem is that I don't have a wonderful old house which would look great like that. I have an old commercial building that I just don't think would be good to use (I'm not talking about the old hotel I use for my avitar on this website, but the other building I have, that used to be a grocery store).
So I'm looking for some of that artistic creativity that I lack but artists have, to create a script logo from the LG initials of guesthouse, or maybe take the only photo (below) of the old German who built my building and build a logo around a sketch of it. I like the idea some of the websites have where they have 5 different artists submit their ideas, so you get a broad spectrum of suggestions. I just wondered if anybody had used one and had a specific recommendation, or on the other hand, ones to steer clear of.
Lesmeister2.jpg

.
I wouldn't use the photo for a logo. A logo should be simple not someone's face.
.
catlady said:
A logo should be simple not someone's face.
Tell that to KFC ;-)
Since his name is the name of the guesthouse, I was thinking maybe an artist could work his profile in to a logo or something. That's for the expert to decide. I was just wondering if anybody had such an artist/expert to recommend.
.
Well that may be the exception. They are internationally known brand. And he was the focus of their product. I doubt that anyone would care who built your place unless it was someone famous then maybe worth considering. Sorry.
embaressed_smile.gif

 
My husband did mine. I can shrink this for address labels or enlarge to be printed on the bib of an apron and it is still crisp in all sizes. He was in the printing industry in his "former life" and knows about sizing.
GillumLogo310dpi.jpg
.
That's really good! My problem is that I don't have a wonderful old house which would look great like that. I have an old commercial building that I just don't think would be good to use (I'm not talking about the old hotel I use for my avitar on this website, but the other building I have, that used to be a grocery store).
So I'm looking for some of that artistic creativity that I lack but artists have, to create a script logo from the LG initials of guesthouse, or maybe take the only photo (below) of the old German who built my building and build a logo around a sketch of it. I like the idea some of the websites have where they have 5 different artists submit their ideas, so you get a broad spectrum of suggestions. I just wondered if anybody had used one and had a specific recommendation, or on the other hand, ones to steer clear of.
Lesmeister2.jpg

.
I wouldn't use the photo for a logo. A logo should be simple not someone's face.
.
catlady said:
A logo should be simple not someone's face.
Tell that to KFC ;-)
Since his name is the name of the guesthouse, I was thinking maybe an artist could work his profile in to a logo or something. That's for the expert to decide. I was just wondering if anybody had such an artist/expert to recommend.
.
Arkansawyer said:
catlady said:
A logo should be simple not someone's face.
Tell that to KFC ;-)
Since his name is the name of the guesthouse, I was thinking maybe an artist could work his profile in to a logo or something. That's for the expert to decide. I was just wondering if anybody had such an artist/expert to recommend.
I would not want some old fellow's face as my logo..
 
We used an artist/graphics person to design our logo and web site, focusing on our unique seaside location and the simplicity of the area. She took part of a water color as a slice of color in the back of the name of our B+B. The logo is on all of our print and web materials and we love it. I believe she is still freelancing so if you want her e-mail let me know and I'll provide you with her website and e-mail.
 
We hired on elance. I haven't put it on our website, but it's on all our documentation..
Our logo is based on one of the upper windows of the house. What I like about elance is that we gave them a few ideas and a framework and we went from there. We eliminated all the offers that were too high and those who's logos didn't appeal to us. We even invited a few based on their portfolio. And then we refined it until we were happy.
The first time I was looking for a logo we hired a man from Poland, his estetic was just what I needed for that project. The last time was someone else, I think this time it was India. I've hired from the US and Canada as well. It all depends on the project and estetic that you want.
 
Similar to a website that was posted in the thread you linked to, but http://logotournament.com/ is a good option. Put up a prize amount and many designers submit logos. You pick your favorite submission and that designer gets the prize money. I got at least a few really good options to pick from and am very happy with the logo I selected as the winner. It was not for a B&B or Inn, but regardless I will definitely be using logo tournament the next time I need a logo.
 
Given the fact that most of us work to integrate our businesses with our communities, the best thing you can do, Arkansawyer, is to find a local/regional graphic designer who will work with you to come up with something simple that will reproduce in a variety of mediums.
Note: don't expect this person to come up with an ad campaign for you. All you need is something that identifies you that will work in print/video/web/napkin.
Yes, I mean it. If you can't reproduce your logo on a napkin, then it's probably too complex. Call one of those wedding specialists and ask if you can get your logo imprinted on 2,000 cocktail napkins for their "special price." E-mail them a PDF. If they don't return your calls, your logo is too complex.
Make sure your potential graphic designer is savvy. Expect a portfolio that includes 4-color work, as well as simpler projects. Ask about web design. Expect references.
Barring a decent graphic designer, hook up with the graphic design program at a local community college. You can extract at boatload of work out of students for little or no money (maybe some pizza), and get stuff that is more creative than anything you'll pay a couple of grand for at an agency.
And, best outcome: it won't look like everything else that the big guys are designing for B&Bs all over the country.
Before I began cooking, ironing pillowcases, and cleaning toilets for a living, I was a graphic designer, an advertising copywriter, and a journalist. Trust me. Pick simple and identifiable. Pick different. Pick eccentric. Pick anything but the "eye candy" method that makes every B&B website look like every other B&B website the big guys design.
Tom
 
Given the fact that most of us work to integrate our businesses with our communities, the best thing you can do, Arkansawyer, is to find a local/regional graphic designer who will work with you to come up with something simple that will reproduce in a variety of mediums.
Note: don't expect this person to come up with an ad campaign for you. All you need is something that identifies you that will work in print/video/web/napkin.
Yes, I mean it. If you can't reproduce your logo on a napkin, then it's probably too complex. Call one of those wedding specialists and ask if you can get your logo imprinted on 2,000 cocktail napkins for their "special price." E-mail them a PDF. If they don't return your calls, your logo is too complex.
Make sure your potential graphic designer is savvy. Expect a portfolio that includes 4-color work, as well as simpler projects. Ask about web design. Expect references.
Barring a decent graphic designer, hook up with the graphic design program at a local community college. You can extract at boatload of work out of students for little or no money (maybe some pizza), and get stuff that is more creative than anything you'll pay a couple of grand for at an agency.
And, best outcome: it won't look like everything else that the big guys are designing for B&Bs all over the country.
Before I began cooking, ironing pillowcases, and cleaning toilets for a living, I was a graphic designer, an advertising copywriter, and a journalist. Trust me. Pick simple and identifiable. Pick different. Pick eccentric. Pick anything but the "eye candy" method that makes every B&B website look like every other B&B website the big guys design.
Tom.
Thanks, Tom. Well considered and excellent advice. Our local museum had a rather complex logo, and one that depended on color, and we found it just wouldn't work as a black and white logo on a coffee cup. Too complex and the colors were a problem when trying to convert to just BW.
So I already know the importance of keeping it simple while being something that will work anywhere from napkins and post it notes to website and signage of the inn itself.
Off now to buy a college kid with a pizza!
 
Given the fact that most of us work to integrate our businesses with our communities, the best thing you can do, Arkansawyer, is to find a local/regional graphic designer who will work with you to come up with something simple that will reproduce in a variety of mediums.
Note: don't expect this person to come up with an ad campaign for you. All you need is something that identifies you that will work in print/video/web/napkin.
Yes, I mean it. If you can't reproduce your logo on a napkin, then it's probably too complex. Call one of those wedding specialists and ask if you can get your logo imprinted on 2,000 cocktail napkins for their "special price." E-mail them a PDF. If they don't return your calls, your logo is too complex.
Make sure your potential graphic designer is savvy. Expect a portfolio that includes 4-color work, as well as simpler projects. Ask about web design. Expect references.
Barring a decent graphic designer, hook up with the graphic design program at a local community college. You can extract at boatload of work out of students for little or no money (maybe some pizza), and get stuff that is more creative than anything you'll pay a couple of grand for at an agency.
And, best outcome: it won't look like everything else that the big guys are designing for B&Bs all over the country.
Before I began cooking, ironing pillowcases, and cleaning toilets for a living, I was a graphic designer, an advertising copywriter, and a journalist. Trust me. Pick simple and identifiable. Pick different. Pick eccentric. Pick anything but the "eye candy" method that makes every B&B website look like every other B&B website the big guys design.
Tom.
Thanks, Tom. Well considered and excellent advice. Our local museum had a rather complex logo, and one that depended on color, and we found it just wouldn't work as a black and white logo on a coffee cup. Too complex and the colors were a problem when trying to convert to just BW.
So I already know the importance of keeping it simple while being something that will work anywhere from napkins and post it notes to website and signage of the inn itself.
Off now to buy a college kid with a pizza!
.
LOL. Yeah. You really can get a lot of work out of these types of design programs; only beware: they can't spell, so if you get 'em to design a brochure for you, proof it over and over again before you send anything to press.
Years ago, we were interviewing graphic designers for our company, and this one kid was showing us a very impressive portfolio. Four-color work that was ad agency-quality. After he showed us his work, I asked him about one piece, "And how many of these brochures did you print?"
"The press run was 5,000."
"I imagine it was sort of awkward when they discovered that you'd misspelled the name of the company?"
He replied, "Yeah, there were some folks who were really upset--but it was still an awesome design!"
 
Given the fact that most of us work to integrate our businesses with our communities, the best thing you can do, Arkansawyer, is to find a local/regional graphic designer who will work with you to come up with something simple that will reproduce in a variety of mediums.
Note: don't expect this person to come up with an ad campaign for you. All you need is something that identifies you that will work in print/video/web/napkin.
Yes, I mean it. If you can't reproduce your logo on a napkin, then it's probably too complex. Call one of those wedding specialists and ask if you can get your logo imprinted on 2,000 cocktail napkins for their "special price." E-mail them a PDF. If they don't return your calls, your logo is too complex.
Make sure your potential graphic designer is savvy. Expect a portfolio that includes 4-color work, as well as simpler projects. Ask about web design. Expect references.
Barring a decent graphic designer, hook up with the graphic design program at a local community college. You can extract at boatload of work out of students for little or no money (maybe some pizza), and get stuff that is more creative than anything you'll pay a couple of grand for at an agency.
And, best outcome: it won't look like everything else that the big guys are designing for B&Bs all over the country.
Before I began cooking, ironing pillowcases, and cleaning toilets for a living, I was a graphic designer, an advertising copywriter, and a journalist. Trust me. Pick simple and identifiable. Pick different. Pick eccentric. Pick anything but the "eye candy" method that makes every B&B website look like every other B&B website the big guys design.
Tom.
Thanks, Tom. Well considered and excellent advice. Our local museum had a rather complex logo, and one that depended on color, and we found it just wouldn't work as a black and white logo on a coffee cup. Too complex and the colors were a problem when trying to convert to just BW.
So I already know the importance of keeping it simple while being something that will work anywhere from napkins and post it notes to website and signage of the inn itself.
Off now to buy a college kid with a pizza!
.
duplicate post
 
My family has been in the newspaper and job printing business since 1885 so I've had a lifetime of using scratch pads made from job printing runs with typos in them!
 
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