Reasons You Should NOT DIY Your Logo
When it comes to my clients who are seeking a logo design, they tend to fall under one of two categories: people who are starting a new business, and people who are looking to rebrand. Most business owners who are looking to rebrand already understand the importance of hiring a professional designer, and the downfalls of DIY marketing. However, new business owners are often reluctant to invest in their logo design, and often try to do it all themselves. This can lead to stress, frustration, burning out, and sub-par results.
A logo needs to accomplish three things. It informs people of the name of your business, creates a visual representation for your company that people can recognize, and it sets the tone for the rest of your brand. Creating your own logo may save you money short term, but it can have a negative impact on your business, causing you to lose even more money in the long run. Below is a full list as to why creating your own logo is a BAD idea:
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A logo, being one of the first things your client sees, is one of the most important parts of your brand. When your logo is properly formatted and well designed, your brand will reflect a sense of professionalism that an amateur logo just can't beat. DIY logos or those made by an online generator, can often be spotted from a mile away. Without a good bit of artistic or design experience, it will be hard to come up with a logo that not only captures your brand, but your values and mission without overwhelming or underwhelming your aesthetic.
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Let's face it, there is some fierce competition out there these days. And in a world where we can research anything online, you need to be relevant and enticing. Us humans are visual creatures, that's why social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are so popular. Having a logo that not only lets people know who you are, but also what you do and what makes you different becomes more and more important everyday to stay prominent. Logos that compliment your branding are vital, so make sure it's done right!
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Without a background in graphic design, you might not realize all the pieces that actually go into a logo. A professionally made logo will often utilize typography, color theory, and carefully designed graphic elements to create a unique logo. Just having a cute icon with some text will come off as unprofessional and amateur. A professional logo will also be designed to be used on multiple platforms including websites, packaging, signage, and even social media.
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You may have a very clear image in your head of what you want, but does that idea translate clearly to your clients? Will it create a dynamic branding campaign? Will it work across multiple platforms? Sometimes what you THINK is a good idea, it may not be what's in the best interest of your business. A professional graphic designer and/or brand creator will not only be able to tell you what will work for your market, they may even be able to work WITH your concept, creating a professional logo from your idea.
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Point blank? You aren't getting paid to create your own logo. Your time as a business owner is so much more valuable than you think. If you are spending hours trying to come up with a logo, website, and brand- that valuable time is stealing away from your business. Hiring a graphic designer to take care of your brand is just like hiring a CPA to do your taxes. You don't have to time, energy, or expertise- so you hire someone who does. You wouldn't want an amateur to do your taxes, so don't trust an amateur with your brand.