Creating a logo.

Any advice on "free Logo design" sites? Which aren't really free anyway! I've chosen a logo and am up to the payment page. $40. What's stopping me just copying the design and using it? Or if I make a minor adjustment to it. How far do I have to go before it's not their property?
Any advice?

 

$40 seems very reasonable - I’d just pay it

 

or pay a bit more - $99 i think on 99designs (USD). They will give you many to choose from.

What stops you using without paying is contract and copyright law.

 

A logo is such an important part of a business and I think it's worth investing in something that reflects the image you want to portray. $40 sounds like an absolute bargain if the logo is good.

99Designs and Design Crowd are good alternatives as well to get plenty of options to choose from.

 

Thanks guys. I'll just buy it.

 

When I started my business I did a free logo. It was fine. Later on when things were more professional I paid a marketing agency to clean it up.

I think $40 is pretty good. You will waste more than that in time getting it cheaper.

 

If you're seeing it on the screen rather than buying it, chances are you'll have a very inflexible format. When you buy it you should receive it in a couple of different formats which allow you to use it in different ways :- eg transparent, different colours for different options, resize for different applications etc.

 

Cost of the logo is minimal, it'll cost when it comes to re-branding.

Also need to get it in .eps format for printing/signage etc.

I know of several who've used airtasker for a cracking logo.

 

Yes - identify the brand identity was a long process. And the logo was a small part of the process but a large element of the visual representation.

Looking back now the first logo (the free one) was disgusting. But as a 25 year old with no experience I thought it was the bees knees.

 

If you know what you want and reasonably handy with design skills: Free Logo Maker - Create your own logo in minutes!

But yeah $40 is nothing if it meets your needs.

 

I've used The Logo Company the last couple of times and they've come up with brilliant logos.

A little more expensive but they contract the idea out, you receive 6 or so completely different versions back - if you don't like the first batch they send, they contract for another 6 - if you need to make tweaks or changes then it's not extra charge - and they send you every version possible of the finished product.

I've also had to go back and re-asked for the versions to be sent when I've had a computer crash - and nothing was a problem.

And yes, the branding is your image, make sure it says what you need it to say in a clear, concise and professional manner for years (and growth) to come