The project: Hire two teams to design two new logos for under $100. I’ll be blogging about it and showing you the results.
It’s Day 3 of The Logo Project and I’m ready to place my orders for my new logos. I’m ordering from the three top competitors!
And, already, I’m stuck at one of the first questions,
“Exact name you would like to be used in your logo: *” (the asterisk means it’s required).
This is from the logo nerds. I told you yesterday they asked good questions. You’d think this would be easy, wouldn’t you?
The thing is, I thought I was all prepared for the questionnaire. I was feeling like “bring it on, I’m ready!” Now I’m stumped at the third question!
Jeez. Do I put: “BigFishTopDogs.com”? or, “bigfishtopdogs.com”? Or am I branding myself – using my own name? Or should I do both? “Theresa Bradley-Banta’s BigFishTopdogs”?
So, I’ll just type in… hmmm…
OK, I’m going with bigfishtopdogs.com. I’m kinda just looking for a cool graphic anyway.
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Let me stop here and say this. I’ve been designing logos for over 20 years. I’ve pushed and prodded and pulled this information out of clients a gazillion times!
If you’re doing this project with me – and I hope you are – this stuff is important. You can’t just tell a graphic designer,
“Well… we’re a window washing company. You know. We wash windows”.
You’ve got to have an idea of who you are. Your personality. Your vision. Your competition. Your landscape and environment. Your flavor, your color… are you worldly and fun? Are you academic or jovial?
What makes you distinct? Separates you from the competition?
How do you talk? What words do you use?
Are you branding yourself? Or, are you branding a company name?
It isn’t easy, is it?
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I would highly recommend that you take an opportunity and complete the logo nerds questionnaire. Click this link.
Here’s a sample question from the questionnaire:
“What should come to your customers mind when they see your logo?”
My answer: A little edgy. A little humorous. A little… sangfroid with some insouciance and obstreperous(ness) thrown in. Daringly innovative. Yet friendly and approachable.
Let’s see what all 3 make of this. 
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Post update: I finished the logo nerds questionnaire. I was right about one thing; the other two were a breeze.
And, I’ve placed all three orders giving each design group just about the same information – hopefully this will level out the playing field for the competition.
Oh! And did I mention this? I want you to help me pick the winner!
I’ll be posting the designs as they come in and keeping you updated on the progress.
See who the competitors are by visiting Day 1 and Day 2 of The Logo Project.
Until then… how about you? Are you playing along with this project? Do you have any great ideas you want to share?
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Great content and timely. I am finalizing my domain name and will shortly be looking for a logo for my site. I like your approach and will follow your lead. Thanks for doing the leg work!
Thanks Janet!
This is turning out to be a lot of fun! The first logo has arrived so look for my next post. You can tell me what you think. And, I’m so glad you’re going to play. Oh! and I can’t wait to hear what your new domain name is
Theresa