Red Flags

Have you seen the following ads on social media from large-scale design businesses (we won't name names, but those who use cheap labor or contests)?

I will design logo for you in 1 hour.

I will make for you 2 Logos for $5 in 8 hours.

(Note, the poor English is not a mistake on my part.)

While this might sounds like a heck of a deal for you, there are some big red flags and serious implications of paying for this kind of a design.

1. Quick designs mean duplications, which means copyright infringement.

It's physically impossible to do the proper research, sketching, and final tweaks needed to create a logo in such a short amount of time. At first glance, these designers' portfolios may seem impressive, but a quick Google search can show many of the designs are close duplicates of copyrighted logos that already exist. To make quick deadlines, these artists will often steal logos or even reuse logos they've already sold with minor adjustments. You won't be receiving something original and one-of-a-kind.

2. Cheap designs means the bottom of the barrel.

If you see a deal like this, chances are that the logos being offered to you have been previously turned down by other companies. You will literally be choosing from others' rejects.

3. Working overnight (and poor English) is a sign that the work is done overseas.

While it's not necessarily bad to buy work from overseas, you should proceed with caution as there may be possible language barriers, time zone conflicts, and even a difference of understanding of your business or goals.

4. The artists are often uneducated and unexperienced.

I can't tell you how many clients I have had who needed corrections to the files they received from companies like these, because they were unable to be used by printers and signage companies. The clients end up paying more than they would have if they started their design with me, as starting a file correctly is easier than fixing a bad file.

5. Prices like these devalue the designer community.

Think of the amount of training, school, degrees, and experience professional designers have. Then, think of them trying to compete in a field with sites offering deals like these. Most couldn't survive off of the prices being offered here and offer genuinely good logo designs. These are the puppy mills of the design world and only perpetuate problems of copyright infringement and often poor logo design.

You might be tempted by such a seemingly great deal, but remember that your company identity is something that should be taken seriously. You should invest in it like it's the face of your business and its future. And you don't need the headache and expense of dealing with a lawsuit down the road with a logo you paid $5 for...

Radiant Resolution offers affordable logo design and our designs are guarenteed 100% original for each client. Get a free estimate today!