A while ago, I was approached by an acquaintance to create a logo for her blog shop — she asked how much it would cost, and I quoted my usual rate for jobs like these. Her reaction when I replied with the quote was that she could get a blogger via Nuffnang with wide market coverage (i.e. a lot of hits) to write an article for less.
If you feel the same way she does, that’s great–more power to you. But taking out an advertisement and designing a logo are two completely different things, and people need to understand that design is more than making something look nice. If you just want something that looks nice, go ahead. Taking out that advertisement provides you with a one-time brand exposure; if you choose not to capitalise on said exposure with a brand that will keep people coming back then you’re wasting your time. Every blog shop out there has “the finest, painstakingly sourced, hand-picked clothes”. Everyone sells the same things. What makes yours different?
This is where considered design comes in — what is your objective? What are the current issues at hand? What is your business model about and what makes you different from everyone else? If you aren’t asked these questions or if your designer doesn’t want to figure your company out, then you have a problem. Think ahead and understand what you’re paying for.
Sigh..what were you expecting? It’s always that way..everyone wants cheap, fast, and good design…but no one’s willing to pay for it. AND, to make it worse, everyone also seems to think it’s good to undercut everyone else..so now it’s hit rock bottom. So what does her logo look like now then? :P
No idea what it looks like… didn’t take the job and didn’t follow up