My experience with a graphic designer to create a logo for my brand was fun, inspiring and collaborative: the best case scenario. From my experience, here are some guidelines to make working with a graphic designer fulfilling and inspiring.
Know what you want the logo to ‘say’ about you
Go into the process knowing what you want the logo to say about you and your brand. When people see the logo, what do you want them to think?
Fun
Modern
Classic
Colorful
Joyful
Teacher
Creative
Approachable
Deep
Community
Expert
Marriage
Hope
Mom
Speaker
Carefree
When you know what you want the logo to say about you, the graphic designer can deliver a logo that speaks to who you are. This is accomplished through colors, fonts, and the overall design. Go ahead and look at fonts and let your designer know what you like and don’t like. Let them know colors that resonate with you and the feel you are going for. And then give them the freedom to create.
A graphic designer who can give you what you ask for, nothing more, nothing less
Each graphic designer is going to have different ways they work. One graphic designer I contacted spent a few weeks getting to know you and your brand and had an in-depth process to explore with you what you wanted. This was more than I needed, had the time for, and cost much more than I was looking to spend, but it was really the only thing she offered me. For some people a graphic designer who leads them through a process is what they need, for me, I was in a bit of a hurry and I just needed a logo. I found a graphic designer who was willing to go a la carte and allowed me to pick and choose what I wanted.
A graphic designer who works on your timeline
Our timeline was pretty flexible and fluid. She patiently explained graphic design lingo and I never felt rushed. If I had done better about getting information to her, I am sure the process would have been faster. However, the fluidity of our timeline made it possible for me to take the time I needed. Know what you want and need for a timeline and be sure to have a conversation with your designer about when you need your project delivered. The important thing is to be on the same page.
A graphic designer who fits your budget and who shares the love
I had done some research and was beginning to think that a funky, creative logo was out of the realm of possibility considering my small budget. However, I found a designer that was very reasonable and very talented. It is possible to find someone who is both! You might have to get creative – maybe a graphic design student interested in getting some experience. In my case, I found a mom of two girls who does design work as it comes to her. When I initially emailed her, she said, “I know what it’s like to start from scratch and we working mamas need to support each other!” She got me. She appreciated where I was coming from and was excited to help me get to the next step and I was thrilled to give her work.
Don’t think too hard
I am indecisive when it comes to … well, just about anything really. What to wear, what to order to eat, what to do with the kids on a week filled with rain. But surprisingly, (and thankfully) the logo design process was not filled with indecision for me. The reason is two-fold, I worked with a designer I trusted and my brain didn’t get overly involved in the process. This was a decision made with more heart than intellect. When you see your logo, you will know it. I didn’t debate a lot with myself (sweet relief), I did ask people close to me for their opinions, but then I made the decision on my own and I came to the decision quickly.
Hiring a graphic designer can be overwhelming. You may not feel like you even need a logo at this point and time in your ministry. I can say that I felt both of those things — overwhelmed and that perhaps I was stepping out too far ahead of myself. And then, I found a talented designer willing to work with me. And then, I saw my logo and I said to myself, “It’s time to write.”
You can read more from Bethany Howard at bethanyhoward.com. She writes about finding fuel for joy and growth in the details of the daily. Her greatest leadership exercise has been her roles as wife and mom to three. She is a graduate of Leverage: The Speaker Conference.
