A while back, I worked with a client on a rebranding and website redesign project. This was for a leather goods company selling premium bags based in NorCal. During our brand discovery, the client revealed that she didn’t want to change her logo. She only wants to make a minor adjustment to the font used in her logo.
A few weeks into the project, I asked her for the logo files that I needed for the packaging design. To my surprise, she sent me a .jpeg file of her logo on a white background. So, I had to ask if she had a vector file of her logo. I discovered that the previous designer hadn’t provided the necessary files.
There are no vector files, no logo guidelines, and nothing but that .jpeg file of the logo.
This oversight forced me to recreate the logo from scratch. The client couldn’t provide a high-resolution or vector file. Now imagine this, the logo was a detailed illustration of a moth (Yes, you read it right). It was a stressful experience that could have been avoided with proper deliverables.
This is a reality with several of my clients, and it’s a common issue not just with start-ups.
Don’t Turn Excitement Into Frustration
Not receiving the right files and guidelines after a logo design project can be a major setback.
Picture this: Your product is finally at the last stage of production and is ready for rollout. But you find yourself missing crucial elements of your logo package. What will happen is, you either delay your product release or hire a designer and pay extra for the rush fee.
This unexpected snag can lead to extra costs, delays, and a lot of frustration.
How To Dodge These Problems
To avoid these issues, you need to know what deliverables to expect from your logo designer. This will help ensure you receive everything you need. A complete logo package provides everything needed for a professional brand launch. It ensures you’re fully prepared.
Take note, that not all logo designers have the same deliverables.
But, here’s what you should expect:
Standard Deliverables
Logo Files:
Vector Files: AI, EPS, or PDF formats are crucial as they can be scaled to any size without losing quality.
High-resolution raster files, like JPG, PNG, and WebP are crucial for web and digital platforms. These formats ensure your visuals displays clearly online.
Favicon/Icon Files: Smaller versions of your logo for browser tabs and app icons.
Logo Variations:
Logo versions and orientations: Horizontal, vertical, rounded, wordmark and symbol/icon.
Full-Color Version: The main logo in its full-color glory.
Black and White Version: For situations where color printing isn’t possible.
Reversed Version: A logo version for use on dark backgrounds.
Usage Guidelines:
Brand Guidelines Document: It outlines proper logo usage, such as clear space, minimum sizes, and color guidelines.
Typography and Color Palette: Details on the fonts and colors used in your logo for brand consistency.
Additional Assets: May vary from designers
Social Media Kits: Profile and cover images for platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Business Card Templates: Quick start templates for your business cards.
Logo Animations: Optional, depending on the designer. These can add a dynamic touch to your brand, and I offer them as part of my standard deliverables to give your logo extra impact.
Here’s Your To Do
Here’s how you can ensure you get everything you need from your logo designer:
Discuss deliverables upfront. Clearly outline the files and assets you’ll receive before the project starts.
Ask for a detailed list in your contract. Ensure it includes all deliverables like file types, sizes, and any extra assets.
Verify that you receive a comprehensive brand guidelines document. This ensures consistency across your brand.
Do This Also
Before hiring a designer for your logo, preparation is key. This will help ensure the process goes smoothly. Take some time to think about your brand’s identity—what message do you want your logo to convey?
Consider your target audience, your industry, and the overall look and feel you’re aiming for.
Have a clear vision and reference designs to help your designer create something that fits your brand. This makes the design more tailored to your needs. It also saves time and avoids unnecessary revisions.
Final Thoughts
Receiving all necessary files and guidelines from your logo designer is vital. It helps maintain brand consistency and avoids unnecessary stress. A comprehensive logo package provides the assets needed for various applications. It also allows you to use your logo effectively across different platforms.
Having everything in place helps you present your brand with confidence and coherence.
Remember, clear communication with your designer about deliverables prevents misunderstandings. It also ensures a smooth process. With the right tools and guidelines, you can focus on what matters most…
That is building and growing your brand.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to support you every step of the way! If you want to learn about my logo design process you can read about it here.
That’s a wrap!
Thanks for reading!
Until next time, keep your branding sharp and clear.
PS: If you found this article helpful, please share it with others who might benefit from it! Your support helps me reach more people and provide valuable insights.
Hi there! As a brand developer, I specialize in helping early-stage startups create impactful and memorable brands. With a focus on simplifying the branding process, I bring creativity and strategy to every project. Learn more about how I can help with your branding needs. Let’s Talk.
