Well.... Logos

[jdrautoworks]

Well since there is all of this discussion on logs I thought I would fire one off. I am currently in the process of getting my business in order (awaiting my LLC approval/papers). I have my business name and a very good idea of what I want my logo to be. I am starting off with very little money and am looking into doing my own logo for the time being. What program that is easy to use would the crowd recommend for a good start? I have tried a Google SketchUp and PrintShop but the effect I am trying to get just isn't happening.

Thanks,
Jerry

[SteveC]

The cost of a good graphics program will be more than the cost of hiring a professional to design your Log / Logo... my advice is this with something as important as this, get it done correctly to start with...

If you want something for free search through the website design area of this forum... I seem to remember someone offering to design one for free, just to gain some experience.

Failing that... look at some of the other designers on this forum... some of them do amazing work.

[JWDesignCenter]

if you're going to do it yourself, make sure it's done using a vectored program. It will give you clean crisp lines and scaleability.

[leatherneck]

I had my logo designed by a member of this forum and i would recomend his work plus his work ethic too anyone! He worked with me throughout the design phase and showed me so many sample drawings and they all looked so profesionally done that i had a hard time choosing? he helped me through that process before rushing on too the next which was choosing colors to add too the design? There again he gave me several looks for me too choose from and with his help we came up with my logo which i have had alot of compliments on! I'm sure there are other profesional graphic designers also that are members of this community!

Mak.

[scpromos]

Corel Draw is a good option. I haven't used it before, but I hear it's fairly easy to learn and pretty powerful. The only problem is it runs about $400. That's about what it would cost you to have the logo professionally designed. No headaches... no wasted time... nice logo that represents your company well.
More than likely you'll be using your logo in your marketing materials. If you have your logo designed professionally, they'll give you several versions of your logo so that your printer, PROMOTIONAL PRODUCT people, etc. have the artwork in the format they require. The money you spend on the design of your logo amortized over the life of your business is minimal.

If you're still interested in designing your own logo, take a look at Inkscape and GIMP. Both are free design programs. Inkscape allows you to draw in vector, which is what I would recommend and GIMP is for editing raster images such as photos. For a little bit more than free you can also get Xara for about $79. I have used Xara and it's fairly easy to learn.

[cbscreative]

Jerry, aside from the good points that have already been made (Jen's comment about vector means DO NOT use a program like Photoshop), I would add that as a startup, you probably need more than just a logo. I'm sure you can get a "package price" and have all your most important materials all produced at once. It may be tempting to do this yourself to save a buck, but the results of having an experienced professional will help you a lot.

Let me add one more thing. There are a lot of choices for talented designers. I suggest someone who knows marketing. You will pay more, but if the designer needs to resort to being the cheapest to create your materials, they will be of very limited help in the success of your business.

[jdrautoworks]

Thanks for all of your help.... I think I will hold off until my biz us up and bringing in some cash. My good friend who is helping with my site has offered to do it for a trip to the local bar. I cannot take him up on his offer because he has already gone way to far out of his way so far and I don't want to be a leach (I know what his kind of skill is worth). I planned on having him do one for me as soon as the biz had some extra cash. But for now I think I will stick simple lettering we have now until I can have him do it for me.

Funny thing is he said the exact same things as posted and to just let him do it.

Thanks again for the help,
Jerry