Holding a design contest to get your new logo created can be very different than using a conventional design firm. Some of the one on one interaction of working with an individual designer is sometimes sacrificed for the variety you receive with a design contest.

George Ryan, Founder of eLogoContest, is our featured guest in this Episode of The Small Business Trends Radio. George outlines the differences between the two and explains how to run a successful design contest.

Here’s a sampling from the show:

• A logo contest — has many benefits but the biggest is options. When using a design firm, you are usually limited to one or two designers providing several submissions to review. Running a logo contest yields results from over 600 worldwide designers offering a slew of different submissions. It’s much nicer to receive 50 submissions vs. the handful that a design firm would submit. Affordability is another benefit. A successful contest can be run for as little as $100.

• For small businesses — it’s important to respond to every entry submitted to your contest. Encouragement for the designer’s creativity and your involvement in your own contest is important to see.

• Benefits for the designers — include the experience gained, valuable feedback and additions to their portfolio. They also have the ability to earn income without first having a large portfolio or years of experience. When chosen, the designer is then placed in direct contact with the client to offer a broader range of services to them.

• The length of time it takes — to run a logo contest vs. a design firm depends on the client. Most are run for 10 days, however, many clients find a logo they love within the first two days, others are a bit choosier.

Before starting your contest, put time into what your expectations are. What are the “must haves” within the logo design? What is the overall theme or message you’re attempting to convey? Designers are not psychic - the more information you provide upfront for them - the happier you will be with their submitted designs.

Ready for your new logo design? Learn how by listening to George’s full interview by clicking the red and yellow player below.

Brought to you by our sponsor:

Infusionsoft.com

Listen Now:

 How To Revolutionize Your Logo Design [28:32m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Posted by Staci Wood | | Permalink

1. This is a great service, to have access to 600 designers and their ideas is amazing. It opens up the possibilty of lots of variety and choices. I really like that you can set your own price too. I’m really excited to check out the site and try their services soon.

   Comment by Paula — 8/15/2008 @ 11:50 am

2. Interesting idea. We came up with our logotype with our own ideas and then asking an expert on design and graphical profiles.

   Comment by Martin Lindeskog — 8/16/2008 @ 6:43 am

3. Hi,

   This is really a good idea. Not to mention, it is both beneficial.

   For business owners: you’ll get a wide variety of designs to choose from and also, you can set a cheaper price than hiring a dedicated designer to do it.

   For designers: you provided them with an avenue to showcase their skills and their portfolio being exposed to the world wide web.

   Comment by Mary Grace Ignacio — 8/18/2008 @ 3:13 am

4. This article is great. I was just thinking to hire a designer to provide me with variety of logo designs but now I think I have to change my mind.

   Comment by Arthur Bland — 8/18/2008 @ 11:09 pm

5. I agree with you and getting logo in this way is beneficial for newcomers in this line like me.

   Comment by BPFS — 8/20/2008 @ 12:38 am

6. Having all of those different choices would be very nice when it comes time to create your logo. And I imagine it’s nice for the designers as well when they are chosen. It would provide a real sense of accomplishment to stand out like that amongst your peers and to get your name and your work out there. It’s an interesting concept and it seems like it’s a win-win situation for all parties involved.

   Comment by Chris — 8/21/2008 @ 9:29 am

7. Being a designer on the site, i can say that it has not only made me a better artist, but helped me build my portfolio as well as give me insight of the career i want to have.

   This website is extremely beneficial for both parties, and i urge everyone to give it a try.

   elogocontest.com is one of the best website’s ive ever had the pleasure of stumbling upon, and i hope it gets the recognition it deserves from both parties.

   Comment by Phraktol Designs — 8/23/2008 @ 12:45 am

8. I stumble on elogo by coincidence. I was typing up contests in google’s search engine, and found what I was looking for. Something I can do to make extra money and do what I like to do most, design.

   The site is great and I am glad to be apart of it. It really pick my mind to come up with great design concept(s). I fine myself more busy than ever before, not because there’s money involve which is the best part, but the involvement of different designers.

   Prize money big or small, its all beneficially fun, for both. And I agree with Phraktol Designs.

   Comment by chhangraphicz — 9/25/2008 @ 10:01 pm