So recently, PWGD had a contract for a new logo. The client had a basic understanding of what they wanted and it was my job to flesh out the concept and make it reality.
Now, to be honest, few business owners know exactly what they want. That is perfectly fine, because it’s my aim to guide them and my duty as a designer to help, but also do the final work justice. Because in the end, the logo art represents not only the client, but myself as well.
After the initial set of art “proofs”, things were moving forward and “as a team,” were were narrowing things down to a customized, professionally branded logo. Then, a suggestion was made to my client that they should base their design using “clip-art.”
As a professional graphic designer with 14+ years, and as someone who really cares about their work and their clients, I’ll be honest, it gave me pause. But I entertained the idea on behalf of my client and created an idea based on the sample clip-art provided to me.
Unfortunately, the other person’s suggestion to my client was more of a direct copy of the clip-art logo, with few moderations and “bam” we’re done.
Here’s where the moral of the story comes in. Anyone can buy a clip-art logo or something similar, slap their name on it and call it a day. Or even worse, use A.I. completely and make a logo as is.
The nature and purpose of a professional graphic designer or marketer is not simply to charge you a lot for basic work. We are trained to make highly customized and detailed work, with a target audience in mind. From the color palate, to the shapes, images, and font. It’s a science in itself. Hence the value of the work and the artist.
So, my advice to all entrepreneurs, who are launching start ups or even businesses that are looking to evolve their branding…Understand that if you hire a true professional in the design field, you will be listened to about the ideas you want in your logo. But, also listen to the professional who knows the right way to go and understand that “quick fixes” are never good for the long run of your business.