Summary:
Creating a high quality logo design for a potential client involves research and customer service. This articles helps teach you how to create and sell a logo design, step-by-step from initial contact to signing the contract, as well as build a good working relationship with your client.

Details or Sample:
Logo Design 101 and the Basics of Good Client Relations
[exerpt]

You have just been approached by a potential client. They are interested in a logo for their business or for a product they sell. You want the job but there is only one problem, you have no idea where to begin. Solution, do your homework.

First things first, though.

Establishing the Client Relationship

If you have the client there in front of you and you both have time, ask questions. Get a business card, brochure, anything they can give you that will help you get to know their business better. Are they looking for just the logo or a business identity package as well? Do they have a website? Tell them you would like to do a little research to get a better feel for the company and their needs. If the company is local schedule a tour.

Find out if the company has a logo already or if they need one from scratch. If the logo is for a product, ask them if there is an existing product line that the logo would need to be worked into or if the logo is for the whole product line. If they are unsure what a business identity package is you may be talking to the wrong person and you will need to find out if they are the person overseeing the project or who you should contact. Most likely they just don"t know the terminology but don"t assume.

Ask them what their deadline for the project is. If it is less than two weeks, decline. Two weeks is the minimum amount of time it would take to schedule meetings, do preliminaries and do a decent job. They may pay for a rush job but it affects your reputation if the quality is bad and it doesn"t serve the client well in the long run. Remember, you may be able to do it in less than a week but you have to rely on other people"s schedules. Go for two weeks.

If you have the client in front of you and you don"t have the time to talk, still get their card, contact information, website and anything else they can give you. Find out when the most convenient time is that you can call them the next day. Make SURE if you tell them you are going to call that you call on time. Always, if at all possible, follow up within 24 hours or less. If you can, do some research before you contact them. The more educated you can be the better.

Whenever you talk to them, whether it is your initial contact or over the phone the next day, set up an appointment within one week if possible. Ideally, give yourself a day to do some research, take notes, make some sketches of your ideas and prep for the meeting then jump right in while the opportunity is there.

Doing Your Homework

The more you know about your prospective client, the better. Go online and research their company site if they have one. Read their mission statement. Study their products and services so you can get a better feel for the company. Take notes, make sketches. Let your client know that they are important to you and that you care enough about the job to want to do it right. Show them that you have their best interest at heart and that you aren"t just in it for the money. You will earn more respect and more referrals that way.

If you don"t agree with what the company represents, if it goes against your beliefs, respectfully decline. There is always another artist willing to do the work. Never sell your soul for a client opportunity.

Making the Appointment

You have made the initial client contact and set an appointment. Now what?

The appointment you set is your foot in the door, where you will make or break the deal, where your "potential client" becomes your Client.

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Written by: C.T.Blackstone
Available File Types:Text
Words: 2364