Well, if the picture above is any indication, this article is going to be all about bad logo designs. Ironically, this little number, created in Paint in about 72 seconds, is a far sight better than some of the logos people are actually paying money for. Why? It’s because they fall victim to some of the most common mistakes in logo design.
A logo is something that’s going to represent your brand indefinitely. It’s how customers remember and identify you. It has to be your proverbial best foot forward, or else there’s no reason to even create a logo. So before you get started on your business logo, let’s go over these common mistakes so that you can avoid making them!
5 Mistakes You Should Avoid Making with Your Company Logo
1. Those “Free” Logo Makers
There are quite a few things wrong with these “logo maker” software packages. First and foremost, it’s DIY work (more on that below) and most people simply don’t have the skills to create a winning design. Secondly, you’ll probably find just as many options in a program like Paint. The templates are so overused that originality is the last thing you’d find. And worst of all, even the ones labeled “free” aren’t always free. They’ll show you a logo and then try to reel you in for a payment. It’s just unprofessional and you should avoid them.
2. Sweet “Deals”
Checking with your favorite search engine for “logo designers,” you’re going to find a slew of great (read: paid) results. What do these have in common? They’re mostly semi-competent companies paying Google and Bing for high placement per keywords. The hundred-some-odd bucks you pay will result in a logo no better than one you could create yourself. It’s just a rip-off.
3. Logo Contests
Another popular move people make which turns out to be a mistake is to enter a logo-making contest. This is where you provide some details and would-be designers whip up a logo for you and present it to you. You then pick the winner, pay the winner, and, boom, you have your logo. This is not only one step up from the black market, but you’re very rarely going to find quality here.
4. DIY Design
Okay, knowing your way around Photoshop doesn’t make you a logo-making professional. Just because you can superimpose Bad Luck Brian’s face on Scumbag Steve’s for a hilarious meme doesn’t mean you can make a lasting, positive impression with a logo that will speak for your brand indefinitely. This is what professionals are for. If you’re not a roofer, stay on the ground.
5. Touched-Up Stock Photos
Searching stock image sites, you’ll find quite a few logo designs and pictures of logos in general. If you’re going to paste one of these into a blog post, that’s fine if it’s free to use. But in terms of actually using one of these for your company’s logo, that’s bad on multiple levels. Let the professionals handle your logo design issues.