March 29, 2024
Have you ever wondered how a simple logo can encapsulate the essence of an entire brand? That’s the magic of logo design. It’s a blend of art, science, and a dash of intuition. Learning how to create a logo for your freelance business is a good idea if you are a freelancer. It can also help you get more client work if you create logos for brands as part of your freelance business.
You could also take your freelance client’s direction and use a service like a 99designs logo contest or Design Hill to source a freelance logo from graphic designers.
Before we start creating a logo for freelance business owners, let’s get the basics down. A good logo isn’t just a pretty picture or interesting illustration. It’s a powerful communication tool. (BTW, why freelance for a living?)
It needs to be simple yet memorable, versatile yet relevant. Think of Apple’s iconic logo. It’s a simple apple with a bite taken out of it, right? But it’s so memorable that it’s recognized worldwide. That’s the power of simplicity.
There are different types of logos. The possibilities are endless, from wordmarks like Google’s logo to abstract logo marks like Nike’s swoosh. There are also combination marks, emblems, and mascots.
Each type has its own charm and use. Choose the freelance logo that best tells your client’s brand story. For instance, if your client’s brand has a strong personality and character, a personality-driven mascot— think Mr. Clean—would be a fit.
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating a logo for your freelance business or learn how to create a logo for a client.
First things first, get to know your client. This is more than just a casual conversation. It’s about understanding their business name, industry, competition, and target audience.
What are their values? What’s their mission? What’s their unique selling proposition? The more you know, the better your design services will be.
Think of it as detective work, but more fun!
For example, when designing the logo for Starbucks, the designers needed to understand that Starbucks wanted to represent a seafaring tradition of early coffee traders. They dug deep into the company’s roots and values, leading them to the siren figure we now associate with the global coffee giant.
Next, let your creative juices flow. This is where you give shape to your client’s brand story. Start with brainstorming sessions. Write down all the words and ideas that come to mind when you think about the brand. Don’t censor yourself—let your ideas flow freely. Apply the same tactics you use when you come up with freelance article ideas.
Then, start doodling and sketching. Try different shapes, lines, and forms, colors, patterns, images, icons, inspirations, and more. This is the part where you get wild in your attempts: experimental and nothing should be holding you back.
The goal is to drop it on paper. It doesn’t have to make sense yet. And it doesn’t have to answer vital questions pertaining to the brand’s goals or the industry’s standards.
Remember Twitter’s bird logo? It started as a simple doodle! (We aren’t quite sure of who designed “X” now.) Don’t hold back. This is your playground. Experiment, explore, and enjoy the process as you learn how to create a log.
Once you’ve got a design you’re happy with, it’s time to go digital. Use your favorite design software to bring your sketch to life. Adobe Illustrator, Figma, BrandCrowd Logo Maker, and so on. This is where your actual design that will be seen in print and online really starts to take shape.
In this stage, the playing doesn’t stop. So continue playing around with colors, fonts, and shapes. Try different combinations and see what works best. But remember, keep it simple. As Paul Rand, one of the greatest graphic designers, said, “Design is so simple, that’s why it’s so complicated.” So, don’t overcomplicate things as you work on creating a logo for a freelance client. Keep your design clean, clear, and focused.
If you’re working with a freelance graphic designer on 99designs logo creation platforms, make sure you share as much detail as possible and any visuals to help the freelance designer deliver a great logo that doesn’t require many revisions.
The design marketplace can be a saturated one so find ways to make yourself stand out as a freelance designer.
Now, present a few design concepts to your client. Three to four concepts are good. This way, they can choose which works and move forward with revisions instead of having to revise just one concept.
This is a crucial step in the freelance logo design process. Be open to feedback, and don’t be disheartened if revisions are needed. It’s all part of the process of working on a freelance logo design for clients. Remember, your goal is to create a logo that the client loves and that effectively represents their brand. (Then you can add it to your freelance portfolio!)
Take the feedback, make the necessary revisions, and present the revised design to the client. Once your client is happy, finalize the design and deliver the files in various formats.
Here are a few tips to help you on your logo design journey as you think about “how can I create my own logo design?” and ensure you’re a freelance logo designer high-paying clients want to hire.
Design trends change faster than you can say ‘what’s next.’ Staying updated is crucial. But how do you keep up with the ever-changing world of design? Here are a few strategies:
Communication is key to running a successful freelance business. It’s not just about conveying your ideas, but also about understanding your client’s needs, setting clear expectations, and managing feedback. Here are a few tips for communicating effectively with clients:
Remember, a happy client is a repeat client or a freelance anchor client. And in this digital age, word of mouth travels fast. Make every client interaction count. That’s what the best designers at 99Designs do and you can, too.
Wondering “how do I create a freelance logo?” Apply the learnings above to create a logo freelance style for your freelance writing business. Why?
It can help with your freelance personal brand and help clients recognize you and your work when they see your logo. Having a logo as a freelancer makes you look super polished and professional, too!
Here’s an example of Diana Kelly Levey’s logo for her business DKL Content Services Inc.
It shows a lightbulb so you know this freelance writer has ideas and simple initials. Diana hired a freelance designer when she wanted to create a freelance logo and that’s something you could explore, too.
If you’re looking for work creating freelance logos for clients, build up some samples on a platform like fiverr, upwork, Design Hill, Polite worldwide, or 99Designs logo to name a few.
Remember, every logo you create is a story you tell. So, tell it well.
Guest post Courtesy of Cheenee Jean Ronquillo from DesignCrowd.
Tags: design, freelance clients, freelance writing, freelance writing tips, freelancer, guest post
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