Marketing 101: Logo Design
Your logo should stand out and represent your brand…
If you keep up with our blog, you’ve probably noticed I get inspiration from what goes on behind the scenes with my businesses. I was drawing a blank when it occurred to me to talk about logos because I am currently going through a logo redesign for 2 of my businesses, the academy being one of them. I got the two logos done at the same time, and have not had them as long as my salon logo. However, at this point, and the direction I would like for both of those businesses, they do not stand out enough, nor do they represent their brands.
You should invest in your logo like you do an education…
Now, I’m not saying to spend $20K or more for a logo (hayl nawl)! What I am saying is, a logo shouldn’t be $20. I do not care if your 5-year-old cousin drew it on a napkin, pay that baby for helping you create a million-dollar brand. When I decided to invest in the salon’s logos, I had followed Bexclusives for at least 2 years. Regardless of why I have two logos, either can be used for the salon, graphics, and words separately or together. It is clear, that hair is involved. Shout out to Bex for her professionalism, quick turnaround time, setting up expectations, and putting up with my initial “I don’t know what I want” *Kanye shrug* shenanigans!
Logos should be clear, with few colors, and no distractions…
I think you know what I mean when I say distractions. The kind that has 50-11 things going on - you’ve seen them, the cartoon kind. I’m not knocking the logos that resemble their owners, but did you really have to use the picture of you at your family cookout, throwing up the peace sign with your tongue out, and the ‘graphic designer’ puts shears in your hands along with a clipper cord around your waist with stars glowing behind your head? How does that really fit on a pen, notepad, or business card?
Starting out, there are a few ways you can get a logo and when you earn a decent income, invest in rebranding.
Use free to low-cost options such as Canva, Fiverr, or pay for a class like James Martin’s Logo Legends Course. I learned of James Martin through a virtual symposium and I paid $97 for the virtual replays. I liked his energy and subscribed to his site and BOOM a few months later, an email offering a discount on his course.
Follow people who have a real portfolio of work that demonstrates their range. Every graphic designer is different. I did not invest right away. I waited things out to see how they worked, subscribed, and followed them on every platform. It was a silent, one-sided virtual relationship, until I said, “Can I hire you?”
Design it yourself. You can always create the design and if you have some skills in Adobe Illustrator, you’ve saved yourself $20 or $2000.
Design it yourself and send it to a graphic designer. In some cases, they may create it for you at a cheaper cost, without having to go through all the bells and whistles with someone like myself, who had no idea at first, what I wanted.
Lastly, find a contest. I know it may sound crazy, but I’ve won a lot of things online via YouTube. I’ve won $250 and a $2000 website job for free (yes you read that correctly). As much as we are on social media, you’d be surprised how many people are hosting contests to give away services. Gravitate towards people you like and if it aligns with your business, take the chance to win!
In a later post, I will share with you how the redesign process went and go further into why I chose to redesign.