Chelsea Brady

So you’ve taken the leap and started your very own small business, and now you’re left with the huge task of finding a designer to create an identity for your company.  Going into the branding process unprepared can result in frustration and expensive redesigns. Fear no more, I’ve come up with 5 important tips for you to think about as you’re dreaming of and commissioning your new logo.

1. Hire a professional designer with a strong portfolio.

We all know that money is tight, especially during the start-up period of a business, but remember that a logo is the face and identity of your company. Nothing will turn potential clients and customers away faster than an amateur looking logo. This doesn’t mean that you need to spend thousands of dollars creating your company’s identity. There are plenty of affordable options, including a simple text based logo.

2. Design your logo for multiple mediums.

A logo is the main component of a company’s identity and the basis for all design work that follows it. It’s extremely important that logos are created with versatility in mind. Your logo should be readable and attractive in both print and on the web. Logos need to work in color and in black and white, as well as on many backgrounds without losing impact.

3. Size Matters.

Logos need to look the same no matter how big they are. Your logo should be crisp and clear on everything from business cards and pens to event banners and company trucks.

Also, consider that your logo will not only be used in rectangular spaces but square spaces like web ads and social media icons and a good designer will create a logo that is adaptable to these spaces.

4. Consider your icon and tagline.

The best logos incorporate not only the name of your company but an icon and often a tagline as well. These three elements should work seamlessly together and apart. Ask your designer to consider these elements when creating your logo.

5. Make sure to get files from your designer.

Ask your designer for pertinent design files including, .ai, .eps, .jpg, .png. and .psd. depending on which software your logo was created in. Designers should also give you a list of all fonts and Pantone colors used. If you work with another designer in the future, they will need these items to do their job.

Remembering these 5 simple tips will not only help you avoid catastrophe and expensive redesigns, they will help you communicate with and hold your designer accountable during the branding process.