I like that idea of going back to the inspiration around the logo. After much toiling and thought, I decided to stay with the logo I was contemplating and really love the intention behind it.

A wonderful surprise is that I am starting a new business and the other logo we were looking at is PERFECT for it! So, viola, problem solved and no more design phases needed. I am sure Karen of Redfyve is relieved!

I’d love to hear more comments on this topic as I think it’s very important. The conversation about logos is still open for discussion!

Karrie

I love this discussion on logo choices and identity. As an Aromatherapist I guide my clients towards tapping into their deepest desires and experiencing joy through manifesting those desires.

As you said well, choosing a logo, means identifying just a small part of you that you want to display to represent the services that you offer. Whatever you choose will appeal to some and not others. Whatever you end up with, keep in mind that the logo was created out of inspiration and think about that moment of inspiration every time you look at it!

Just like a haircut that is striking, one will get reactions to their logo. If we can always remember our source of inspiration when we think of our logo or see it, it serves a good purpose for us. Others’ opinions can be weighed in on the next time we redesign.

For now, love your new logo, trust your creative process and feel the intended inspiration every time you see it!

Carol

“Oh, (startled look) you got a new haircut/logo. (pause) Do you like it?”

or

“OOH, you got a new haircut/logo!”

And you are so right about this: “there are crappy companies with great logos and crappy logos with great companies.” The logo cannot make your product or service better! But it could take away from it if people cannot take you seriously or if they get the wrong message from it.

When I asked for opinions on my first round of logo concepts the answers left me more confused. Fifty opinions, all with good points, and nobody even liked the one that was my favorite. Ultimately I used those ideas for concept revisions and when the designer sent me the second round I had one I loved the most and picked it. Slept on it before committing to it but never asked another person for their thoughts. :) I do have three mini logos for different parts of my business but I know what you mean when you say it is so hard to show everything you do in one logo.

I think the thing is maybe a logo needs to sell you on a more basic level. Rather than trying to create a logo that sold me as fun, professional, edgy, untraditional, etc I went for something that I felt like sent out the message that this person is not old and stuffy and has her stuff together enough to have a modern logo. She must be fun/good at what she does.

You know how some businesses have logos that immediately say old/dated/homemade/etc? I didn’t want that. But I couldn’t have one logo that said sexy and childlike so it had to be a more basic concept that would fit my business as a whole. I guess really it came down to my gut saying “Oh I love that, it is exactly what I want” even when I was unable to articulate what I wanted.

I’m not sure I believe that a logo can really say some of the things people claim they do. Does a logo really scream edgy or creative or passionate or funny or reliable? I don’t think so. But I do think it helps establish you as someone to take seriously by giving a polished look to your image. (Yes, there are crappy companies with great logos and crappy logos with great companies…)

I don’t think the logo is the be all end all of marketing but I do think it is one more piece that can either add to or detract from your credibility/perceived value as a professional.

I say trust your gut and pick the one that resonates with you the most. Yes, it is good to resonate with your target market. The thing is if you don’t love it then it isn’t you. And if it isn’t you, what is the point?

~ Sacha

If all else fails in your process do this:
Pick straws. And when you pick the straw that is going to be your logo, you will know if you are disappointed. If you are, use the one that lost.