Logo redesign and talking sense into non-designers

[ezekielrage_99]

The company I am working for is going through a little restructure and rebranding, which is a good thing the current logos are good but they look a little dated, plus they don't replicate well on anything but the web.

I've created a few logo samples for the company (I'm the graphics guy), it's not that the company isn't happy with my ideas and designs however someone has the "brainwave" to get a cheap logo on Sitepoint ($350 to be precise, I can think of much better things to spend the money on).

I hate spec work I believe that it is unethical and devalues the design industry as whole.

So before I get people posting NO-SPEC! links how do I talk some sense into the company out if this decision and cancel the competition because I do believe it's a very bad idea (we are getting lost of hate mail quoting NO-SPEC! at the moment).

 

[frozentoast]

First I believe your company needs educating on the importance of a logo. Once they are aware of the significance, I'm sure they will be the ones telling you that they don't want a 'cheap logo' representing their business.

They should also know that people participating in such 'contests' are not professionals and submitted designs will be poorly researched, generic and sometimes even rip-offs.

Just like Apple products, you get what you pay for.

 

[ezekielrage_99]

Thanks for the great post, I totally agree you get what you pay for in design and the logo needs to represent the values and product lines of the company (which none of the logos in the competition are articulating very well).

Yeah we are getting a fair bit of hate mail from people when the company has started the competition and as also stated most of the "designs" are poor reproductions of istockphoto and template monster designs.

I'm trying to educate them but it's like talking to a housebrick......

 

[frozentoast]

I totally empathise with you. Once they grasp the philosophical aspect you will be golden. Giving real world examples such as when you meet someone for the first time an impression is made instantaneously based upon how they look/act and what they are wearing. The same applies to the icon/logotype that will be representing the entire company - it speaks on their behalf; what it says is down to them.