r/logodesign • u/Remarkable_Sugar6948 • 1d ago

Beginner Logo creation

Looking for recommendations on creating a logo for my established, family-run business in Sault Ste. Marie. We've been operating since the early 1980s and are now looking to formalize our branding with a consistent logo for business cards, merchandise, and social media. While we have a visual on our physical location, we lack a unified logo for broader use.

I've already completed a thorough brand analysis, including our values, target audience, history, and desired aesthetic. My question for the community is regarding the practical steps of logo creation:

  • What are your experiences with online logo creation platforms? Any specific recommendations or warnings?

  • What are good resources for finding and vetting freelance graphic designers or agencies?

  • Do you have any general advice to streamline the logo design process for an existing business undergoing a branding refresh?

Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated.

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u/KingKopaTroopa 1d ago edited 1d ago

1/ No experience with inline platform personally. From what I’ve seen, it’s basically clip art or stock art which I would assume you can not be the sole proprietor of the design.. they may use the same elements in a completely different logo.

2/ good question, other than googling branding and SSM, or Branding freelancer Canada. If you have time and want to be frugal and take a chance with a more junior designer, though this will be harder in SSM… but I’d go to a college/university grad show. Talk your favourite students.

3/ Only advice is to rip off the band-aid fast if possible. Don’t slowly transition to a new brand. Try and time it so that when you launch everything is updated at once, the website, the building, uniforms… and then even more he stationary. It can be expensive to replace everything, but being in brand limbo can be confusing. 🫤

Also wow! 45+ years to formalize your logo!

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u/Remarkable_Sugar6948 1d ago

Thanks so much for the advice! You're right, there is a logo of sorts that's been floating around, but it's never been used consistently. Honestly, it feels like something someone just grabbed off clip art back in the day, and there wasn't much thought put into it. We're a small family business that's built a really good reputation in the community over the years, and I feel like it's time our visual identity caught up to that! I'm really hoping to upgrade from something that's just "okay" to a logo that truly reflects who we are.