How & Where To Get A Logo In 2023

how to get a logo featured image

Logo is usually the first thing your potential customers see and remember about your business. 

Your logo is a visual representation of your brand’s values, mission, and identity.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how and where to get a logo, including various approaches, from launching a logo contest to creating one yourself.

How To Get A Logo For Your Business: Overview

Here are the most reliable ways to get a logo for your business:

  • Launch a logo contest
  • Use AI logo generator
  • Hire a freelancer or agency
  • Design it yourself

Below you’ll find a summary table containing the most popular ways to get a logo in 2023.

Ways To Get A LogoPlatformsCost RangeCustomization Options
Logo Contest99designs, 48HoursLogo, DesignCrowd$100 – $1,500High
AI Logo GeneratorLooka, Placeit Logo Generator, Logo AI$20 – $100Limited
Freelancer or AgencyUpwork, agencies$500 – $2,000+High
Designing YourselfCanvaFreeHigh (if skilled)

Launching a Logo Contest

logo contest for getting a logo

One of the most popular and effective ways to get a logo is by launching a logo design contest on platforms offering this type of service. Luckily, there are a lot of them. Logo contest is a way to connect you with a community of talented designers who compete to create the perfect logo for your brand.

The platforms provided below are included in our list of logo contest sites. You may explore them and see which one is a fit for your next logo.

99designs

99designs is a leading platform that connects businesses with freelance designers. The platform has over 1.4 million registered graphic designers. I don’t know any other platform with more graphic designers at the moment, so I believe it’s one of the best places for a logo contest.

You’ll meet designers of all skill levels, so there are definitely going to be many options to choose from. 99designs allows you to choose from 4 different packages, so the more expensive package you are getting, the more designs and the more skilled graphic designers are going to work for your project.

To start a 99designs logo contest, you provide a brief describing your brand, style preferences, and any specific ideas you have in mind.

99designs brief example

After launching the contest, designers from around the world will start submitting their concepts based on your brief.

You can provide feedback and request revisions until you’re satisfied with the final design.

48HoursLogo

As the name suggests, 48HoursLogo offers a fast 48-hour turnaround time for logo design contests.

You set the prize amount, and designers compete to create your logo within a given period of time. 

This platform is ideal for those in need of a logo quickly and for a low price since this platform offers to launch a logo contest for as low as $129.

Logo PackagesPriceWhat you get
Budget$129~20 designs in 2 days
Standard$199~40 designs in 3 days
Premium$299~60 designs in up to 5 days

DesignCrowd

DesignCrowd is one more platform that allows you to launch a logo design contest.

You’ll receive multiple design options and can collaborate with designers to refine your chosen concept until it meets your expectations.

Launching a logo contest provides you with a wide range of creative options and allows you to choose the design that resonates most with your brand.

However, as well as using other design contest platforms, it’s essential that you provide clear guidelines and feedback to ensure the designers understand your vision.

Using AI Logo Generator

ai logo generator for getting a logo

Advancements in artificial intelligence have led to the rise of AI logo generators. While they may not offer the same level of customization as human designers, they can be a cost-effective and quick solution for basic logo needs. 

Here are some AI logo generators to consider.

Looka

Looka uses AI to generate logo designs based on your industry and style preferences. You can customize the generated logos and even purchase branding assets like business cards and social media graphics.

The process is simple:

  1. You input information about your project or business, such as title, preferred colors, and pick a few logo samples you like.
  2. The platform generates hundreds of logos for you, and you pick one of them.
  3. After you pick a design you like, you can start customizing it.
  4. When you are done with customizations, this is where you will be required to pay in order to download your brand new logo.

looka picking a logo

Although customization options are simple, Looka is great for small personal project logos. The price for a basic logo package starts from $20.

If you want to find out about my personal experience with this platform, read my Looka review here.

Placeit Logo Generator

Placeit offers a user-friendly logo maker tool that allows you to create logos quickly. It provides a wide range of templates and customization options.

The Placeit Logo Generator process is simple and is similar to getting a logo on Looka.

Below is a screenshot of the Placeit customization dashboard.

placeit logo customization

After you choose a template you can change almost all components, including fonts, colors, symbols, until you are satisfied with the final result.

Logo AI

Logo AI is an AI-powered logo generator that lets you generate logos by answering a few questions about your brand. It’s a straightforward and cost-effective solution for small businesses and startups.

The price starts at $29 for a Basic package. However, you will need to purchase the Pro package if you want to get a vector logo format for your design.

In general, an AI logo generator is a great choice if you are on a limited budget or looking for a quick and simple logo design. 

Keep in mind that with logo makers the level of uniqueness and customization may be limited compared to hiring a professional designer.

Hiring a Freelancer or Agency

freelancer or agency for getting a logo

For businesses seeking a more personalized and tailored logo design, hiring a freelance designer or a design agency is an excellent option. 

I recommend this option if you already have a business and want to rebrand. Or if you have specific requirements and know exactly what you want your logo to look like.

Freelancers and agencies offer a wide range of expertise and can work closely with you to create a logo that aligns with your brand’s vision. 

Freelancer

Hiring a freelance designer can be a cost-effective option while still providing a high level of creativity and customization. You can find freelance designers on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or through personal referrals. 

If you are wondering where to find freelancers, check our ultimate list of freelance graphic design websites.

When hiring a freelancer, consider the following:

  • Portfolio: Review the designer’s portfolio to ensure their style aligns with your brand’s vision.
  • Budget: Discuss the project scope and budget upfront to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Communication: Effective communication is key to a successful collaboration, so choose a freelancer with good communication skills.

Design Agency

Design agencies will typically have an in-house team of designers, strategists, and project managers to ensure a seamless process.

The good thing about agencies: you will mostly be getting skilled people and a smooth workflow on your project.

The bad thing about agencies: high price.

The agency will most likely provide you with a customized logo that is going to reflect your brand’s unique identity and values. So it may be worth the investment if money isn’t an issue for you.

Designing Logo Yourself

designing a logo yourself

If you have design skills or are willing to learn, you can create your own logo using online design tools. The best thing about it is that you won’t have to pay for anything, except if you are using Canva Pro, Photoshop, or other paid tools. 

While this option requires time and creativity, it allows you to have complete control over the design process. 

Below are some tools and steps to consider.

Canva

Canva is a user-friendly graphic design tool that offers a wide range of templates, including logos. 

You can start with a custom size blank canvas or choose a template and customize it to your liking.

designing logo in canva

By combining a visual element, text, and adding color, you can easily create a simple logo in as quick as 10 minutes.

Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape & Other Tools

Other design tools, such as Adobe Illustrator, and Inkscape (free and open-source), offer more advanced features for logo creation. 

However, they may have a steeper learning curve. But in case you chose this option I assume you already have experience in creating designs, so that shouldn’t be a big problem for you.

If not, there are plenty of online video guides, blogs and other free content that you can learn basic graphic design skills from.

Before you embark on the journey of creating or obtaining a logo, it’s crucial to understand the main components that make up a logo. A well-designed logo incorporates these elements in a harmonious way to convey your brand’s identity effectively. Let’s dive into each of these components:

1. Text

Text, often referred to as typography or the logotype, is a fundamental component of many logos. It includes your brand’s name, tagline, or any text-based element. Typography plays a significant role in conveying your brand’s personality, whether it’s bold and modern or elegant and traditional.

When using text in your logo, here’s what’s to remember:

Legibility: Ensure that the text is easily readable, especially when scaled down or used in different contexts.

Kerning: Pay attention to the spacing between letters (kerning) to achieve a balanced and visually pleasing appearance.

Keep it short: A single word is always the best choice. Sometimes, it’s just a single letter that makes up the whole logo.

2. Font

Typography, or the choice of fonts, plays a crucial role in logo design. Fonts have their own personalities and can communicate specific brand attributes. 

For instance, a playful and rounded font may be suitable for a children’s brand, while a sleek and modern font can convey professionalism or minimalism.

3. Symbols & Visual Elements

The symbol or icon is the visual element of your logo that can be a standalone representation of your brand. Symbols can be abstract, literal, or a combination of both.

combinations that make up logos

Think of iconic logos like Apple’s apple or Nike’s swoosh. Symbols are powerful because they can convey a message or feeling instantly.

When incorporating a symbol:

Relevance: Ensure that the symbol relates to your brand’s products, services, or values. It should make sense in the context of your business.

Memorability: Aim for a symbol that is simple, distinct, and easy to remember. Some logos include elements that are simple lines, dots or other forms of shapes.

Versatility: Ensure that the symbol works well in various sizes and applications, from small icons to large banners.

4. Colors

Color is a critical aspect of logo design, as it has the power to evoke emotions and create brand recognition. Different colors can represent different qualities or feelings. For example, blue often symbolizes trust and professionalism, while red can signify passion or excitement.

most predominant colors in logos

When choosing colors for your logo:

Number of colors: Avoid using too many colors in your logo, as it can make the design busy and less memorable. The vast majority of logos contain 1 or 2 colors.

Test in Different Contexts: Ensure that the colors work well in both digital and print applications, and consider how they appear in grayscale or black and white.

5. Shape

On average, 1 out of 4 logos is square in shape.

The shape of your logo can have a significant impact on how it is perceived. For example, round shapes can suggest unity and community, while sharp angles may convey strength or precision.

Consider the following when working with shapes:

Geometry: Explore different geometric shapes and their associations. Circles, squares, triangles, and curves can all convey different messages.

Negative Space: Experiment with negative space to create hidden meanings or additional visual elements within your logo.

Balance: Achieve visual balance in your logo by distributing elements evenly and harmoniously.

6. Slogan

While not all logos include a slogan or tagline, it can be a powerful addition when used effectively. A well-crafted slogan can clarify your brand’s mission or value proposition and reinforce your brand’s message.

When incorporating a slogan, pay attention to:

Clarity: Keep the slogan concise and clear. It should communicate a key aspect of your brand without being overly complex.

Relevance: Ensure that the slogan aligns with your brand’s identity and purpose.

Placement: Consider where the slogan fits within your logo design. It should enhance the overall composition rather than distract from it.

Tip: Don’t get too attached to your logo. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look ‘perfect’. As for the beginning, any type of logo is going to work. As your business grows, you can change your logo and rebrand anytime.

Creating a logo can be a creative but also exhausting process. Whether you’re designing it yourself or collaborating with a professional, here are some essential tips to keep in mind.

1. Understand Your Brand

Before you begin, have a deep understanding of your brand’s values, mission, and target audience. Your logo should align with your brand’s identity and the products or services you sell.

2. Keep It Simple 

Simplicity is key to a memorable logo. 

Avoid complex designs and stuffing too many elements. A simple logo is easier to recognize and versatile.

3. Be Unique

Strive for a logo that stands out from competitors. Avoid clichés and common design elements in your industry.

4. Consider Different Placements

Ensure your logo looks good in different sizes and on various backgrounds, including both digital and print formats. 

A good thing to do is test it in black and white to confirm its effectiveness.

7. Sketch Ideas

Start with rough sketches on paper to explore different concepts.

This helps you visualize ideas before moving to digital design. Besides, it’s going to be easier for your graphic designer if you provide them with a simple sketch of your idea.

8. Seek Feedback & Stay Open to Revisions

Don’t hesitate to gather feedback from peers, colleagues, or target audience members. External perspectives can provide valuable insights.

Be open to making revisions and adjustments to your logo based on feedback.

9. Avoid Trademarks

Before finalizing your logo, conduct a trademark search to ensure it doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks. Make sure your brand name is not already trademarked and do not use any copyrighted symbols or visual elements.

How Much Does A Logo Cost?

Before getting a logo, consider how much you are willing to pay for it. Here’s a breakdown of potential prices on how much a logo is going to cost you:

  • Logo Contests: $100 to $1,500 for multiple design concepts
  • AI Logo Generator: $20 to $100 for a basic AI-generated logo
  • Freelancer: $500 to $2,000 for a customized logo
  • Design Agency: $2,000+ and more for premium design services

Keep in mind that these are approximate ranges and can vary based on factors like complexity, your requirements, and graphic designer experience.

Which way of getting a logo is the easiest?

The easiest option depends on your needs. AI logo generators are quick and simple, while logo contests offer a variety of concepts. Hiring a freelancer gives you control, but it requires more effort. Personally, I would recommend launching a logo contest using one of the design contest platforms.

How much do I need to spend on a logo?

You should consider the size of your business or project when determining the cost of it. If you are just starting, you shouldn’t spend more than a couple hundred of dollars on a logo. 

Logo costs vary widely. AI generators start at $20, contests range from $100 to $1,500, while agencies can cost more than $2,000.

What are logo contests?

Logo contest is a way to quickly get many logo design options from different graphic designers.

All you have to do is register on a platform offering logo contest services, create a brief, receive logo submissions, give feedback, and select a winning design.

Final Words

Gee! That’s a lot of information. To sum up, here are a few key takeaways from this guide to getting a logo for your project or business:

  • Logo design contests are one of the best ways to get a logo without a big effort. 99designs is one of the most flexible platforms, providing you with a huge pool of graphic designers and a choice of different packages.
  • AI logo generators are one of the quickest and cheapest ways to get a logo. Keep in mind that they might lack customization options.
  • Hiring a freelancer or agency is an excellent option if money isn’t a concern for you and if you have a particular vision you want to realize.
  • If you have the willingness, time and skills, you can design a logo yourself using free or paid design tools.
  • Don’t feel like you’re designing a logo that is going to look the same forever. When your business grows, you will always have the option to rebrand and redesign your logo.

Getting a logo is easier than you may think and it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or only have a tiny budget. Have fun creating your logo!

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