Does this bug you also???

[Coy]

Step up on the soap box**

OK so what is it with most companies wanting something that has been done a million times over with slight varations ect.

FOR EXAMPLE: Car/Automotive type company (well call Car Co.) So Car co. says I want something that represents us as a Car Co. we are different in this and that way bla bla bla.. and want something to reflect that. Have any ideas?
Well yes I do.
Show them something different. a couple auto related a couple just "iconic", add Car Co. in a couple different fonts they said they liked.
Just to hear yeah I like em but.... can you do something like a speed-o or car silouete outline.
Yes sir I can do that in my sleep, but thought you wanted something different? proceed to show them all the similar logos on the net.. and there are alot... yep that was my mistake..
Ooohh can you do something like that or that or that..
sure. (thinking to myself.. different? yeah right)

If I didn't need the extra money I'd tell them to find someone else. Still considering to drop them since I do have a steady income.

So does this bug anyone else? There are only sooooo many ways to do the same look. plus it gets close to copy right issues in my opinion.
I guess I can charge them double since I've allready spent some time giving them something "different", just to turn around and do one that takes 10 mins.

next one.. Step up on the soap box**

[resurepus]

yep, Coy, I understand perfectly what you are talking about!
detailed brief is often the answer. They ask there for something different? Well, if they change their mind and ask for something "standart" you can charge extra...

[jecrt]

I had a client I thought was going to be great - he was like, "just go crazy - give me some avant garde/sophisticated design - anything you want." He ended up art directing it into a wordmark.

I think that's the typical client. Unless you get a good client that is also an "outside the box" thinker (you can usually tell if they're open-minded by looking at their product/service) they'll always want to do what everyone else is doing because it's safe.

In my experience, there aren't a lot of open-minded insurance agents, attorneys, car sales people, doctors or non-marketing service providers. I generally give those types a solid, but safe design.

[rinaldidesigns]

yep, totally bugs me.........

[_Redrum]

It bugs me, but I get it. Try asking them (or yourself), what's behind their request? What do they see in that logo that they want for their company. Find that out, and suggest something that is unique, but accomplishes the same goal. If you can't find it, and you want to keep the client, then you can give in a little.

For example, if they're looking for a wheel "O", then perhaps they want something that is a bit unexpected and draws interest. Or, if they want a slanted wheel, then perhaps they are after something that inspires thoughts of speed. If they want a car silhouette, then maybe they want something sleek and simple (kind of like a good car ).

Just give it some thought and I'm sure you can figure something out.

[Coy]

It bugs me, but I get it. Try asking them (or yourself), what's behind their request? What do they see in that logo that they want for their company. Find that out, and suggest something that is unique, but accomplishes the same goal. If you can't find it, and you want to keep the client, then you can give in a little.

For example, if they're looking for a wheel "O", then perhaps they want something that is a bit unexpected and draws interest. Or, if they want a slanted wheel, then perhaps they are after something that inspires thoughts of speed. If they want a car silhouette, then maybe they want something sleek and simple (kind of like a good car ).

Just give it some thought and I'm sure you can figure something out.

Thanks, I've actually been doing this.
I've met with the client 3 more times and only showed him some sketches. The last time we had more time to site and work on the look. We spent an hour+ and about 5 pages of sketches to get the "basic" look that "fit" his wants. it was alot of back and forth, add this, then lets try this a whole other direction. But I started by telling him This is whats being done and this is where we can take it. You want to show that you do this, this and this well lets capture that with out the normal. And my selling point was that the sketches will only be half the price as something done on the computer, since I can sketch 20-30 "looks" in about the same time I can do a start to finish logo that would end up not being used. So now we are both happy.

But it still bugs me to go through that much just to get back to where I started from. But I think it's a good idea to really work with a client. and I've allready got another job lined up because of my "professionalisum" and "one on one" with client Car Co. lol word of mouth is great.

[designumber18]

Hey Coy... I have this problem sometimes as well. I do suggest to most of my clients that they look around the web (or to a lesser degree, magazines, newspapers, etc) to find examples of logos they like (or dislike), so I have a basic framework to start from. No point in showing a complex, ornate logo concept if what they really prefer is a simple wordmark.

Of course, many times clients don't know what they want (or don't want) until they see concepts... so there is a lot of back and forth at times. Not to mention that most clients have no design sense, so they don't know what's good design, what's trite and overused, and many times, don't even know what's good for them! They see a logo with a "swoosh" in it, and want a swoosh in theirs, even tho that was played out by 1996!! Haha. So it's up to us as the "experts" to help them along the way, and make them look good. Despite the client sometimes seemingly fighting us on it!

[ArtbyAudree]

Step up on the soap box**

OK so what is it with most companies wanting something that has been done a million times over with slight varations ect.



next one.. Step up on the soap box**

Coy,

I have an issue with the swishy people with their arms up in the air. They are everywhere. Yes... they look clean, simple, and corporate... but they are no longer original. I think in 10 years, they will look dated.

Thanks for the opportunity to vent.

Audree