Finding a logo designer is tough enough. When you finally choose a designer, it seems as though the first logo they produce is nothing what you were looking for. You waste time and money on multiple iterations or multiple logos. Here’s a guide to get the ideal custom logo design you’re looking for on the first try.

1. Find Other Logos You Like

When giving your designer the details of the logo you want, provide them with a list of logos that you like from other companies or brands. If your business is very niche, it might be worth looking at your competitors’ logos for ideas. This could include local competitors, but also competitors within your region, state, or country.

With each logo in your list, also provide a summary of what you like about each logo. The logo alone may not give the designer a good idea of why you like it. Providing the summary will help your designer borrow aspects from each logo to create your own custom logo.

2. Color Scheme or Palette

If your company or brand already has a color palette, it’s best to provide that to your designer. They will be able to match the exact color specs from your brand’s style guide. Being as specific as possible is ideal, but if you don’t have specific color specs in mind, general color schemes will help. Perhaps a logo you found in the first section has the color scheme you are looking for.

Your designer may have a few color palettes that work well. There are also plenty of resources for choosing a great color palette. There are even some very nice color palette generators online that could be useful too.

3. Logo Type

There are 7 types of logos to consider. Find which best matches your desired custom logo design. If you can’t decide on a single one, try ranking them or eliminating some. An abstract logo design tends to give your designer the most flexibility and allows for more creativity followed by a close second with a pictorial design. If you want a logo with writing in it, your designer may or may not want to know the style font you want to use.

4. Provide a Sketch

If you are having a hard time communicating to your logo designer what you want your logo to look like, it may be beneficial to draw a sketch of the logo you want. This can be as simple as a hand-drawn sketch with a pencil or pen.

5. How Will Your Logo Be Used?

Is your logo going to be used on your website? Products? Merch? Business Cards? Letterhead?

Letting your designer know where you would like to display your logo will help them with the design. A logo specifically designed for printing on t-shirts can be different than one that will be printed on paper or on a website.

Conclusion

Going back and forth with your logo designer can be frustrating and time-consuming for both parties, not to mention expensive. Do your research and be prepared with as much as possible when you order your next logo.