How to design a logo?
"How much does a logo cost?" The answer varies based on what you need from that logo. Think of a logo as the face of your brand, but it is not branding. This post will focus on the logo design, which ideally would be driven by a branding platform.
So here are some basic guides to how much does a logo costs.
Graphic Designers can range from $35 to $110 an hour. So when you ask, how much is a graphic designer or logo designer, the level of the designer will drive their base hourly cost. Cost per hour really is hard to judge on the surface. The better the pro the faster, better designer, and brings a lot of knowledge to the table So you get what you pay for.
What should I expect for the money?
This is an example of what a logo for a small to medium business on a budget might cost and why.
$50 - $100 Logo: This is going to be a clip art solution, that any other company can grab and use. There is no time to do original work or multiple design ideas adn revisions.
$150 - $250 Logo: Type font – A basic icon or graphic using initials.
- .5 Hours - The Designer will want to discuss with the client their product of service and understand not only what you do but try to learn a little about the people involved and their culture so they will know if you are mom and pop, friendly, pro, corporate, etc. This way the logo reflects the company and its people. And is fitting the marketplace in which you complete. These insights will guide the style of the mark.
- 1 Hours - Design time where we would give a minimum of 3 completely different concepts with
- variations. More versions if we have things we like - sometimes that happens.
Give them to you to look at pick from and comment on.
.5 Hour- Revisions on a single option
.5 Hour - After Approval, we will execute the final version in a variety of forms for use in different environments. So you have all the assets you will need.
A Basic Logo - TOTAL: $200 - $250
Basic Font and a simple mark or symbol
.5 Hours - Discuss with the client their product of service and understand not only what you do but try to learn a little about the pope involved and their culture so I know if you are mom and pop, friendly, pro, corporate, etc. This way the logo reflects the company and its people.
From this, we are looking for insight that will guide the style of the mark and many add a suggestion for a tag or theme to the brand and how that works with the logo mark.
.5 Hour - Research the marketplace for competitive brands and banding positions so we do not infringe or mimic your service losing branding ability, or get into legal issues with competitors.
2-3 Hours - Design time where we would give a minimum of 3 completely different concepts with variations. More versions if we have things we like - sometimes that happens.
Give them to you to look at pick from and comment on.
1 Hour- Revisions on a single option
1 Hour - After Approval, we will execute the final version in a variety of forms for use in different environments. So you have all the assets you will need.
A Simple Custom Logo - TOTAL: $350 - $500
Logo Type (not just a stock font) and Mark or Symbol
.5 Hours - Discuss with the client their product of service and understand not only what you do but try to learn a little about the pope involved and their culture so I know if you are mom and pop, friendly, pro, corporate, etc. This way the logo reflects the company and its people.
From this, we are looking for insight that will guide the style of the mark and many add a suggestion for a tag or theme to the brand and how that works with the logo mark.
1 Hour - Research the marketplace for competitive brands and banding positions so we do not infringe or mimic your service losing branding ability, or get into legal issues with competitors.
4-6 Hours - Design time where we would give a minimum of 3 completely different concepts with variations. More versions if we have things we like - sometimes that happens.
Give them to you to look at pick from and comment on.
1-2 Hours for revisions if they are complex then return to you for approval on two options
1 Hour - After Approval, we will execute the final version in a variety of forms for use in different environments. So you have all the assets you will need.
Professional Logo - TOTAL: $1,500 - $2000
A completely custom unique logo that is researched and copyright safe for your category. Important when you are using the logo in mass media and paid media environments.
2 Hours - Discuss with the client their product of service and understand not only what you do but try to learn a little about the pope involved and their culture so I know if you are mom and pop, friendly, pro, corporate, etc. This way the logo reflects the company and its people.
Creative briefed and approved by the client
From this, we are looking for insight that will guide the style of the mark and many add a suggestion for a tag or theme to the brand and how that works with the logo mark.
6-8 Hours - Research the category and do a competitive review for visual and positioning in the marketplace.
16 Hours – Concepting based on positioning and competitive review. Minimum of 5 design concept directions and variations on each.
1 Hour – Design review for input and direction from the client.
6-8 Hours – revised on 2-3 options to a more complete finish
1 Hour – Design review for input and direction from the client to choose the final direction.
4 Hours – Finalize the logo design and versions for different media uses.
Final Logo approval.
2-3 Hours - After Approval, we will execute the final version in a variety of forms for use in different environments. So you have all the assets you will need.
Corporate Identity Style Guide - Total - $3000 - $4000
This is a guide that includes design and use guidelines for marketing uses of the logo. Often times include marketing guides for Adverting, Print, Digital, etc. Including visual samples of use and instructions. It gives fonts, colors and design grids to be used to create a consistent look and style for the brand.
This is used when the company desires to brand consistency and work being done by different sources. Guides non-design people to preserve the brand’s identity. How much does a logo cost is based on all the above.