Do you know how many logos you see every day? Now, think about how many you can actually remember. Those are the ones that matter because they tell a story and instantly connect you to a brand.
But to do all this, you need to hire a logo designer. That’s where things get tricky. There’s too much information about where to find them, how much to pay, and what to expect. We want to make this task easier for you; hence, we decided to compile some useful tips and insights.
This article will tell you everything you need to know before hiring a logo designer.
- Explore Different Platforms
- Compare Design Styles
- Set Clear Expectations
- Ask for a Portfolio & Testimonials
- Think Beyond the Logo
- Secure Your Legal Rights
Let’s explain these in more detail.
1. Explore Different Platforms
If you have already started doing your research, you’ll be familiar with most platforms for hiring designers. A popular option is freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr. These are great for people who are on a tight budget. The only downside is that you’ll have to invest time in browsing through portfolios and comparing prices to find the right fit.
Another great option, when the budget isn’t restrained, is hiring a branding agency. These companies can provide a full-scale branding experience, from a logo design to a complete brand identity and strategy.
Of course, a middle ground would be a subscription service like Digifloat. You can sign up for our unlimited graphic design services and get a logo design and other branding assets at a fixed cost.
Note: AI logo design websites are also quite popular nowadays. These are a good option for quick and inexpensive logos, especially for startups or personal projects. However, these tools use templates, and the design might lack originality and a unique personality.
2. Compare Design Styles
Once you have an idea of where you want to find a designer, the next step is to ensure their style matches your vision. Every designer has a unique approach – some specialize in sleek, modern logos, while others excel at bold, illustrative designs.
You can start by browsing websites like Dribbble, Pinterest, and 99designs to figure out what you want. Look for different logo styles, and make sure to save these as references for your designer.
Remember to keep these tips in mind while browsing:
- Get a good idea of what different types of logos are called to communicate better with designers.
- Look at competitors’ logos to see what works in your industry.
- Consider your brand’s personality so your logo reflects the right tone (fun, professional, luxury, etc.).
- DO NOT fall for trends, as these will eventually go out of style.
- Stick with classic design elements that ensure longevity and brand recognition.
- Think about versatility, so your logo looks great on different platforms and sizes.
3. Set Clear Expectations
As a design agency, we have created many logos for our clients. The biggest hurdle we’ve experienced is miscommunication about expectations. Our clients often have a vision in mind, but they struggle to convey it clearly, which leads to unnecessary revisions and delays.
To avoid such situations, here’s what we recommend you to clarify upfront:
- Scope of Work – Will the designer provide just a logo, or will they include variations and mockups?
- Timeline – What does a realistic timeline for drafts, revisions, and final delivery look like?
- Revisions – How many revisions are included in the price?
- File Formats – Which files (PNG, AI, EPS, SVG) will you receive?
- Ownership Rights – Who will have full ownership of the final logo?
4. Ask for a Portfolio & Testimonials
A designer’s portfolio is a great way to judge their skills. However, you don’t have to find an exact match for your vision. Instead, focus on diversity as a strong portfolio will showcase a range of styles, industries, and up-to-date design trends.
You should also look for their past client’s testimonials. These will give you insight into their quality of work and reliability. However, you need to look for these reviews on third-party websites like Trustpilot or GoogleMyBusiness, as they are unbiased and more credible.
5. Think Beyond the Logo
A great logo is just the beginning. Eventually, it needs to fit seamlessly into a larger brand identity. That’s why you need to think about everything before hiring a logo designer. Will your logo work across different platforms? Does it align with your overall brand strategy?
When you hire a professional designer, they’ll consider:
- How the logo adapts to different formats (web, print, social media, merchandise, etc.).
- Whether the logo follows the rules of your brand style guide to maintain consistency across all visuals.
- How it fits within a larger brand identity, including business cards, packaging, and marketing materials.
- The emotional impact and message it conveys to your target audience.
If your designer isn’t thinking beyond the logo, you might end up with something that looks great but doesn’t work in real-world applications.
6. Secure Your Legal Rights
The most important part of getting a logo is securing the legal rights. You should have full ownership rights outlined in a contract to avoid any future disputes with the designer.
For example, our terms of service clearly highlight that once the final designs are delivered, the rights are fully transferred to the client. However, some freelancers or agencies may retain partial rights or charge extra for full ownership. This problem can only be avoided by clarifying ownership terms upfront.
Summing Up: Hiring a Logo Designer
Hiring a logo designer is more than picking someone with good designs – it’s about making sure they align with your vision, budget, and long-term brand strategy. You need to start by exploring different platforms, comparing design styles, and setting clear expectations. But you also cannot underestimate the importance of checking portfolios, verifying testimonials, and ensuring the design fits seamlessly into your overall brand identity.
If you are tired of guesswork, just sign up for our unlimited graphic design services. We’ll handle everything from logo creation to complete branding assets – all at a fixed monthly cost. Plus, you’ll get unlimited revisions, constant updates, and complete ownership rights. There’s nothing to hold you back!
