Why Hire a Graphic Designer?

Deciding whether to hire a graphic designer or save money by making a logo yourself is tough. On the one hand, a trained professional will design the branding identity you need for your company. But do you need to spend the money on this service?

Graphic designers are trained to take the stress and dangers out of making a logo branding identity for your business or hobby. You might not consider the risks of creating your logo. However, they are there.

First, what is a logo? A logo is the branding that communicates who you are and what you do. Just like an individual has a personality and values, a logo and branding will set an image of either excellence or failure.

Let’s look at one of the top coffee companies in the world, Starbucks.

Below is the evolution of Starbuck’s logos:

Much thought went into each Starbucks logo throughout the years. However, the first logo designed in 1971 was controversial because it showed the mermaid’s torso uncovered. In 1987, the new designers covered the mermaid’s chest, and the style changed to today's beloved and minimalistic logo. For the most part, when we see the logo on billboards, marketing materials, and coffee cups, we know what to expect. Their logo branding has built a reputation and communicates who they are and what they do. Below are some of their beliefs and values:

  1. Starbucks tables are round to fit more people and make them feel less lonely.

  2. Starbucks coffee masters have black aprons, indicating their expertise, unlike employees who wear green aprons.

  3. Starbucks features customizable drinks and secret menus. It can make 87,000 drink combinations, which is quite extensive.

  4. Starbucks donates 100% of its leftovers to unprivileged and hungry people

  5. Starbucks gift cards are ubiquitous gifts for people during holidays. Most cards come with a minimum value of $5, which makes it easy for everyone to buy for their loved ones.

Starbucks communicates and continually seeks feedback from its clients, then hires graphic designers to update its logo every few decades. However, the designer does not stray from the major idea of the branding: the mermaid.

Your Logo

We have seen what happens when a logo works. Starbucks came up with an idea and hired designers to create a branding for the company that has lasted 53 years. I’m not here to tell you that you can’t succeed by designing your own logo because I’ve seen other business owners create beautiful images. However, I have seen mistakes made. I want to warn you about what can go wrong:

  • Copyright infringements

  • Taglines too long

  • Busy logo design

  • Clashing colors

  • Improper domain name research

  • Outdated website

As a graphic and web designer, I will manage the creation of your logo from start to finish by offering the following:

  1. Design five or more logos to give you options.

  2. Make the necessary revisions to provide you with the logo you need.

  3. Work with you on your ideas for the logo and branding.

  4. Supply a vector image and the files needed for printing, social media, and apparel.

  5. Manage the research required to protect your business from legal expenses.

  6. Provide professional work and feedback.

  7. Excellent customer service.

  8. Design a flexible, attractive, and meaningful website with your ideas in mind.

Please get in touch with me at hldesignandweb@gmail.com with any questions, and feel free to visit the Services page to see what we offer. I look forward to helping you with your next project!

References

Dodhia, Z. (2021, November 17). What To Expect When You Hire A Professional Logo Designer. Forbes. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/11/17/what-to-expect-when-you-hire-a-professional-logo-designer/?sh=73b691c431e2

STARBUCKS LOGO. (2023, December 20). 1000Logos. Retrieved February 12, 2024, from https://1000logos.net/starbucks-logo/