You may have heard about the car analogy when it comes to logo prices. Car prices depend on the specification, accessories, how often you would like to use it and how long you would like the car to last. You may find it difficult to assess and judge these criteria when it comes to design, especially if you are unfamiliar with the things that you need to specify in a design project. So I would like to give you an insight into some of the factors that determine logo prices in the UK.
Research
Research is key when designing a new logo. It is important that your logo conveys the right messages about your company. You may not be aware of how your company is positioned in your audiences’ mind. Positioning refers to how your audience compares you to your competitors. Do you deliver bespoke or mass-produced products? Do you solve a problem for a niche or general audience? Do you meet and get to know each customer or not?
The logo design process usually includes research into your competitors, the visuals that surround your target audience, finding or developing typefaces and colour schemes to communicate your brand. The more in-depth the research, the higher the price of the logo. Research is an investment in your company because it makes sure that you communicate the right messages and attract the right audience. From this research, your designer can develop brand guidelines that set specific rules to the visuals and copy used by your company. This can save you a lot of time and money in the future because it minimises the risk that your web designer or marketing manager misunderstands the visual styling of your company.
Logo files
Low priced logo designs are often only supplied as JPG and PNGs. These files are suitable for web and most print work providing that they are a high enough resolution. Issues start to occur when you are commissioning a banner or signage. This is when the designer or printer will request a vector version of your logo. A vector can be in the form of an EPS, AI or PDF file and means that the image can be scaled to any size without losing its resolution. My perspective is that you pay for the logo to be created and so you should be able to have full control over how it can be used.
Concepts and amendments
Design concepts refer to the ideas behind the logo design. Having a logo designed for you is a personal experience because you start to give your brand visual identity. It is useful to see a number of design concepts, which include logo designs, ideas and research behind the designs. It is important to see different options because you will understand why certain designs to do not fit your company and this will give you more confidence to represent your brand in the future. Similarly, it is important that enough time is available for amendments, as this ensures that you are completely happy with the final outcome. Of course, the more concepts and amendments the more expensive your logo will be.
Type of design company
The price of your logo also depends on the type of design company that you are looking to work with. Typically, there are three different design company types: agency, freelance and independent business owner. An agency consists of more than one person and work can be delivered by an in-house or freelance designer. A freelancer is a designer that works on projects that are outsourced to them by an agency. An independent business owner, like myself, works on the logo design themselves. Due to the differences in company structure and engagement with the client, the logo prices will vary.
I hope that these factors have given you an insight into why logo prices vary in the UK. To give you an insight into JND’s positioning on logo design, prices start at £400 with different payment plans available.