The town I grew up in was, for the most part, a desert when it came to good design. Even though the town is situated at the cross roads of two interstates that run the length and height of the US and therefore see a lot of traffic, local businesses clearly did not see the value in having a properly designed logo. While there are plenty of online resources that claim to be able to provide a “professional” logo for cheap, let’s face it, 9 times out of 10, you are getting a generic mediocre product at best. A logo is not just a visual representation of your company; it’s a direct extension of your company and therefore your product. If a customer sees a generic, mediocre logo, chances are, they’re going to expect your product to be the same.
I understand that as a start-up business, there are many times that one has to pick and choose where to spend their limited budget and product must come first. Since most start ups most likely do not have the funds to have a professionally designed, award-winning logo, I would suggest utilizing local creative sources. Many colleges and even high schools are now offering graphic design programs or classes and in the very least, an art class. When I was in college, many of my class projects were for real world clients and it was a win/win situation. We, as students, were able to design for real world situations and were able to use these concepts to help build out our portfolio. The client not only received designers who were fresh thinkers, but also had about 15 artists fighting to present the best piece at a low or no cost.
So, if you’re working on a start up or feel like your logo, marketing, or advertising could use a redesign, find some local high schools or colleges with art and/or design classes and talk to the instructor. Explain what you are looking to do and see if the instructor could either use your company as a project or could suggest a student who is looking to build out their portfolio
