I'm savvy with graphics but not enough so that I would offer any graphic design or logo creation on an professional level for clients.

So, I have to ask myself, am I comfortable creating my own logo or should I invest in a professional graphics artist to do it for me?

I'm toying with some of the great logo creating software that I've found links for on here and I have to say, I'm leaning more towards going it myself - however, I really want a professional image.

How many of you have created your own? Would you suggest creating my own or is it just wise to invest in something professionally done?

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Jonna
JP Virtual Solutions

Hi Jonna,
I think it's great that you are learning so much in creating and designing logos - and the time you have spent thinking about it and gathering ideas is really good for you. This also shows you know what your logo should communicate to your customers and clients.

In my opinion though, since logos are very vital symbols of your own brand, it would be wise to invest in getting it professionally done. Though we are creative ourselves and know a lot about logo-making, excellent Identity and Graphic designers are trained well and have an experienced eye to ensure you will have a brand that communicates your values, your mission and your vision as a business in second or at one glance.

This is just a suggestion, if you feel otherwise do go ahead and good luck - let us know how you go!

Best Regards,
Carlana

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Carlana Charles - Ciboney Virtual Solutions
Web: http://ciboneyvirtual.com Blog:http://ciboneyvirtual.com/blog

Carlana,
That is my one big hang up about creating my own logo, it's the first thing people see and I want it to leave a positive lasting impression - because I myself have a tendency to judge a business... by it's logo!

I may toy around with a few, and post them for critique (no worries, I have thick skin I can take it!) - and then decide if I should leave it to the pro's.

Either way, I'll be sure to post my logo regardless if it's DIY or not.

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Jonna
JP Virtual Solutions

I think it's a matter of preference and, of course, money but I definitely say give it a try if you have the no how (if nothing else, you can use it as practice for if you ever want to offer that service). However, I have read that one reason for having a logo (and even a website) done by a professional is because it keeps the emotions out of it. From what I've read, a lot of designers will pay someone else to design their logo and/or website for this very reason. They won't tend to get as emotionally attached as you might so may be able to portray what you're after but with a more objective eye.

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Stephanie
New VA in the research phase :daisy:

I created my own Goddess logo and had several 'disinterested' people critique it. It really helps if you know what you are trying to say with your logo. Just having some idea of what you want gets you ahead of the game if you opt to go with a professional logo creator.



I have also helped several other people to take their 'vision' of their logo into reality.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

Some very interesting feedback given here - I myself was toying with the idea of doing my own logo but I do think that as the logo is the first thing clients will see it is important to portray professionalism and since I am hopeless at anything to do with graphics, I shall have to seek professional help. Plus as Stephanie has suggested it is important to keep our emotions out of the whole process.

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Cassandra S Ward
An aspiring Virtual Assistant

I created my own logo. But now I am looking to change it. I want something different.

If you are good at creating logos and you know what you want go for it. If you feel that you can provide the professional image that you are looking for then that's great.

When you are ready to share let us know.

Good luck!!

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Michelle Colvin
www.MLCBusinessSolutions.com

I created my own logo using 'my logo maker'. The program has templates and I found one I liked. Of course my logo and my website are totally different... which is probably wrong as far as branding goes. I like them both so Im keeping them both..

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www.sageva.com
Shelley Halpain,

I have been thinking about using a photo for my logo, something that would represent a meaningful image to me. That way I don't have to pay a designer or try to figure out how to design it myself. I'm combing through istock photos. They have a ton of images.

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Lindsay
www.writingthatsizzles.net

Originally Posted by virtualcreative

I have been thinking about using a photo for my logo, something that would represent a meaningful image to me. That way I don't have to pay a designer or try to figure out how to design it myself. I'm combing through istock photos. They have a ton of images.

Goddess started out as a photo - I converted it to a pen drawing (using paint.net) and then made a few cosmetic changes (like taking away her gazing ball and adding a laptop computer to her hand).

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"