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6 Reasons why a logo should cost more than your lunch!
~ EU Freelance Designer

I recently came across this article on the worth and value of good solid logo design. I think there is often a misconception about the work and effort that it takes to create an excellent, well researched and timeless logo. Yes, there are designers and online sites that put logo design up “for sale”, but I don’t believe that a logo should ever be “for sale.” Its not a seasonal item that will start to fade in a few months and no longer be in style. A good logo should be able to stand the test of time.

According to this online blog article there are 6 reasons why logo design should cost more than your lunch, and I happen to agree!

1. A logo is the very first impression people get of your company –
This is precisely accurate. If you have no previous knowledge or exposure of a company your acquaintance with their logo will be your first read on the “feel” of the organization. If the logo is outdated, pixelated, thrown together or just boring, this impression will translate to the product or company. It is essential to make the best first impression.

2. A logo needs longevity
Like any fashion or product based industry there will always be trends that come and go. I believe that it is important to be aware of those trends and perhaps even align your design within these unwritten rules. However your design needs to withstand the temporary phase that each trend brings.

3. A logo needs to be original
If everyone is sporting the same look how do you distinguish yourself? If your logo is generic then your company becomes generic. Proper research and brainstorming are critical in this step of the process. The mark should not be selected because it looks cool, there should be meaning behind its appearance.

4. A logo should look professional
If you want to come across as an amateur than by all means, your logo is the best place to start. For most, this is not the desired impression. Professionalism is the goal, this needs to be obtained through your logo.

5. A logo should reflect the time and thought gone in to designing it
This is one of the biggest reasons why a good logo should cost more than your lunch. Artists and designers do not simply “whip” out beautiful, well thought out logos. There is a design process, and necessary steps to take to achieve longevity, professionalism, and unique design.

6. A logo is the starting point of your whole corporate image
Your company logo should pave the way for the rest of your company image. This is the starting point, let everything stem from your logo and brand.

When to use a consultant:

The best time to consider a consultant is when your task at hand requires experience outside your realm of expertise. With the right consultant your company gains the highest level of experience and professionalism at an affordable price without having to hire a full time position.

Alternatively, if you are considering hiring a completely new role, a consultant can allow you to test the waters and see if you have the workload for a full time person.

How to choose a consultant:
In my opinion, a connection should happen at your first meeting. You should genuinely like to work with and speak to your consultant. If you get a bad feeling right off the bat— then move on. If not, do your homework and look at their website, their previous work, and ask for a couple of references. A strong consultant should be an excellent listener, if you find yourself being hit with a generic sales pitch, this may not be the best fit.

How to get started with a consultant:
A good place to start is to work with your consultant to clearly define the scope of work, your goals, and your expectations in writing. This step will help you and the consultant to prevent any miscommunications. Also, ask your consultant how they prefer to work… some bill hourly and some will do an estimate or a ‘not to exceed amount’.  A good consultant will outline their process and clearly indicate timeline and costs.

How to judge if it is worth it:
A consultant’s information is only worth what you make of it.

Since 1963 Graphic Design USA has been the news magazine for graphic designers and other creative professionals. Enjoy some of the web design from this years gallery:

Champlin Architecture
http://www.thinkchamplin.com/

This web site is very clean and the viewer gets a strong sense of balance and symmetry which completely represents the essence of the firm. I really enjoy the picture navigation at the bottom of this page, it demonstrates their vast array of work as well as showcase their impressive design.

Aesthetic Answers
http://aesthetic-answers.com/

This web site has a strong visual layout that does not need very much to say that the design company is professional, elegant and talented. I love the color palette and the organic flow that the company logo has.

Agency Creative
http://agencycreative.com/index.php

Agency Creative may have more flare and design elements then I normally like, but this site really works. The colors are bright yet the design is not cluttered or confusing. The “See our work” section not only shows you some of their past work but you get to see a step by step process of how they transformed a company through branding.

FONTS.

When designing a new piece or beginning the early stages of rebranding a company, selecting an appropriate font can be a difficult task. I have found that searching and trying free fonts has been an excellent avenue to utilize.

1. Smashing Magazine delivers useful and innovative information to Web designers and developers. I recently stumbled upon a section dedicated to font selection and inspiration—take a look and download any that you like!

25 free font downloads from Smashing Magazine

2. Fonts.com provides its customers with access to the most recently released fonts, font packages and other font services. I have found quite a few free fonts from this site to incorporate into my design.

http://www.fonts.com/FindFonts/freefonts.htm?gclid=CO7iwcGOyKECFQtKgwodF1cv_A

3. 1001freefonts offers a unique blend of artistic interpretation and stream line fonts to choose from.  Here is an example from their collection:

http://www.1001freefonts.com/

4. Simplythebestfonts offers a wide array of free fonts to choose from. I have visited this site when looking for a famous font that i can pull inspiration from.

http://simplythebest.net/fonts/famous_fonts.html

Browsing around the web today and found some fun and brilliant advertising! What is your favorite?

Immix Design has explored the world of icons and discovered that it is critical to develop icons that work as individual marks and also work harmoniously as a series. It is very important to know your audience, but keep the image simple and to the point.

The Vancouver 2010 Olympics is still fresh in most peoples minds and some may even recall the individual icons used for each event. For every Olympics, different designers attempt to provide new imagery that is relevant to the location and year of the sporting event. According to designer Steven Heller from the New York Times there have been very few successful Olympic pictograms.

Take a closer look at some of the past icons used in Olympic history as well as Steven’s critique through a short digital video clip.

Olympic Pictograms Throughout The Ages

Michelle  | Graphic Designer

After a few month hiatus, Memorable Images has grabbed hold of the reigns and is ready to continue on with their web site. The framework for the site has now been put in place and the beautiful imagery is almost available for all to marvel at. Memorable Images captures the light and architecture in lighthouses around the globe as well as breathtaking moments caught in nature. The goal for the site is to establish a place for viewers to explore the work of Memorable Images and have the opportunity to purchase prints and postcards.

Take a closer look at one of Memorable Images photographs taken in Florida.

There are a lot of different designers and branding developers that have specific methods and means of creating the perfect logo. Here at Immix Design we choose to stick to the following 5 guidelines when developing and creating logos.

1. Distinction.
Does the logo stand out? That does not necessarily mean it needs to be trendy, but it does need to be unique. Longevity is the goal.

2. Black and White.
Does the logo stand out in black and white or does it need color to survive? We believe that a great logo should be able to stand strong without relying on color or gradient.

3. Simplicity.
Some of the most effective logos are quite simple. It is not always detail or realism that produces the best logo, but the execution of a purposeful mark.

4. One Message.
The logo should present a clear message to its viewer. Incorporating multiple ideas can be confusing and distracting, the logo should be recognizable right away.

5. Appropriate.
Above all the logo should make sense. If the logo is for an audience of children it should not feel corporate and professional, it should be fun and playful.

Take a look at some of these excellent logo examples and resources!

Logo Design Love: http://www.logodesignlove.com/15-wonderfully-simple-logo-designs

Identityworks: http://www.identityworks.com/reviews/2009/index.htm

David Airey: http://www.davidairey.com/portfolio/

Vandelay Design: http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/design/10-examples-of-simple-effective-logos/

My good friend (and former colleague) Becca has some exciting news! “Quilt Sandwich” has been featured on the TrueUp blog!

As you will read in the blog, Quilt Sandwich (don’t you just love the name?) is almost 1 year old! It was started by Becca and her sister Kris. Quilt Sandwich features many great fabric designs that I absolutely love… infact, I don’t even quilt and I want to buy some!

I am so excited for this dynamic duo—what a great way to bond with your sibling and create a business that you can both be passionate about! And other great news, Becca just got a job at a fabric design company… hopefully we will see her design talents out on fabric in the future!

If you are a quilter… please visit the Quilt Sandwich Etsy store!