Hello everyone and thank you very much for joining me on this very controversial subject. This article was intended for freelancers and startups, companies and everything in between.
You know, one of the reasons why a subject like this is controversial is because there are a lot of opinions and experiences that vary. I just wanted to share my thoughts and opinions about this, since I am a freelance graphic designer, and I do have experiences.
When it comes to pricing, I feel like there's a deep misunderstanding as to what is actually being purchased.
There are actually 2 key elements that I'd like to define here.
### Services and Logo Design
When it comes to hiring a graphics designer to come up with a logo or monogram, or branding solution, most people forget that they are infact paying a graphics designer to work for them. Or, paying for someone's services.
The other element is the actual product. You see, when a company typically hires a designer to design a logo or anything that they need. They are also paying for the product, the image, that will be typically viewed by an audience.
You see, a logo design or brand identity is very much an investment. That design is going to be viewed by potential clients and customers and it's going to be the very first thing that they see. Of course, maybe you're not a company, maybe you're trying to promote something. The idea is that this image that you need, is going to allow your project to proceed, or create an identity or promote something.
**Let's put this in perspective a bit.**
>Let's say that you hire a graphics designer to design you a Logo for just 50 SBD. The logo is for a new startup project involving steem cats. Let's speed up the clock. Your website / company is doing well, really well! And you're still using that logo that you bought from that designer for 50.00. That designer lost out big time, because at the time, the logo was only worth 50.00 to him. However, you used it as part of your tools to help promote your project and used it to rack in business.
This is an example of why designs cost higher than what people think they do. Typical designs from design firms can be priced between 1k-25k for startups.
**Additionally, let's look at what actually is going on when you hire a designer.**
>>You sit down with a designer, the designer starts a brief with you.
You go back and forth on what can work and what won't work, until finally the designer has a brief
Contract is then drafted
Designer reviews the design brief and begins to do research into what your product service or company is about
Designer finishes up the researching phase and moves onto the sketching phase
Designer presents sketching and communicates with you on what you like
Brainstorming new ideas from said conversation
Back to sketching
Sketching completed and another round of presentations are presented
If you're not satisfied with results > Commence another round of sketching but let's assume that you like one of the sketches
Designer now goes onto initial drafting, basically perfecting the detailing of the sketch to digitalize it
Designer vectorizes it and works out imperfections
Designer then presents it > Let's assume there are no revisions required if revisions required, repeat last step
Designer finalizes and applies logo treatments
Designer presents again > Continue if everything is perfect, if not Repeat last step, or if you have a change of heart, jump back to the step of researching and brainstorming
Everything is perfect with the design, Send it over designer!
Designer compiles all agreed upon images, repeat all steps if you need a logo variation, if not continue
Designer reviews with you all the files and assuming contract is met and payment is finalized, the designer sends over the work
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This should be true for any graphical kind of service. And this is also based on the best case scenario.
Now think of all the hours that designer is spending for YOUR project, some of these projects can take up to 900 hours, no exaggeration. A typical project would take 72 man hours.
Think about the other things that's going on in this process, the pricing of the electricity, the internet services, supplies, subscriptions to photo editing and image software. Suddenly, it's not so much of an image as it is of actually hiring someone to work for you. And that isn't always cheap.
It is these very elements and situations and scenarios that make graphic design services almost impossible to define a 1 off price. Every project is different. Every client is different. Some things will take longer than others, or there may be additional images that need to be created.
#### Let's take a look at some pricings of some of the best known logo designs out there. :D
### Pepsi 2008
Pricing: 1,000,000
### Australia and New Zealand Banking
Pricing: $15,000,000
### Accenture
Pricing: $100,000,000
### BBC
Pricing: $1,800,000
### BP
Pricing: $211,000,000
Now there are some exceptions to this, such as the nike logo, which only cost 35.00
The designer was Carolyn Davidson and the logo was created back in 1971 when Carolyn was still a graphics design student at portland state university. But Nike later gave her 500 shares of the company resulting in over 600,000.00 in worth.
[Image Sources](https://stocklogos.com/topic/famous-logo-designs-and-how-much-did-they-cost)
So what can you expect to pay for design services?
That's totally up to what you need, the designer and how much work is expected.
Let's say if you're a startup and you need a logo and an alternate logo to supplement it. You should expect to be paying anywhere between 800-5000, depending on if you go to a design agency or a freelancer.
If you're a company looking for a branding solution, expect to pay 5,000 - 20,000
This is dependent if you actually want a solid bases for your logo or branding projects.
### Here are some tips for you startups and project managers out there:
- If you're trying to save money on and cut costs on design services, look for freelancers as they will always be cheaper compared to design firms
- If you are looking for a freelance designer, always always look for Leaders, this is a tell tale sign that you're dealing with an experienced individual and not an amateur (Although you may want to hire an amateur, that's totally up to you) Designers who have original content, and share their views via blogs and videos are good signs of this.
- Never use contests or no-spec briefs. I know the temptation is there but it really does have a negative achieved effect to your projects. I've never taken a company or project seriously if they've done no-spec practices to procure imaging. In fact, I rather give out a logo design for free then actually participate in a contest, True story.
- Avoid too good to be true deals, designs for 5 bucks. Nothing good can come out from that and actually contributes to devaluating the graphics design market.
- Be willing to haggle with a perspective designer. You'd be surprised how many projects that I can value at 1,000 and higher. Be willing to talk budgets if you're not comfortable with a price, It's a free market!
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Alright guys, well that's it for this post. It's been a while since I've made a post like this where I'm explaining something or walking through a tutorial, but this was one a long time coming. And I feel like this hasn't been talked about since the design services on steemit is relatively new.
Of course, the Design services market is a free market. I encourage everyone to speak to everyone for quotes. See who offers what and for what price range.
### TLDR: Graphics design is not cheap. Read above to find out why
I wish you godspeed on all of your future projects guys, and hope everyone can find what they need for a price that is reasonable for them. This is just a collection of my experiences and insight.
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Really Like what I do?
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