"Why Does A Logo Cost So Much?"
Many come to me looking for logos because they love my work, yet many opt not to use my services because they don't understand what goes into the cost of a logo so they think my prices are too high. In reality, my logo prices are inexpensive compared to the average logo designers cost but most potential clients never bother to do research, or do but have great expectations of getting a great logo for $50 bucks. Pause. Designing a logo is an art but more importantly, it is a learned and studied skill to create an image that encompasses everything needed to be represented in the most simplistic way possible, while making it engaging and magnetic to those in need of the services provided by the client needing the logo. A great logo can be used for the duration of a businesses existence and will be the cornerstone of business marketing while becoming synonymous with that company. A quality logo is a one time cost. That's worth much more than the table scraps unknowlegeable clients expect to pay. A great designer can create a great logo relatively quick because that designer is very skilled, yet potential clients choose to overlook the value they're receiving and instead focus on how easily created they perceive the logo to be. Simplicity is not to be equated with easy or inexpensive. If the designer creates a logo that perfectly reflects a company's business and vision and the client is satisfied, the cost should be understandable and the client should be just as quick to pay. Years of study, having a degree in the field, actual skill set, resume, repeat clients, tools of the trade and creativity all warrant pricing. Expecting to pay a couple hundred or less for a logo to attract customers to your business with the expectation of making a fortune is not only unrealistic, it's not remotely reasonable. If it was that simple to do clients would design their own logos, and some do but you can always tell.
If you're investing in a business that investment should have numbers budgeted for marketing and a logo is the most important marketing a company can do. Attempting to get something for nothing in business is never a healthy approach.
Designers should also take it upon themselves to not allow themselves to be taken advantage of simply to secure a client. If your work is quality and your price is fair, potential clients should have no problem meeting your price point. Set the bar by charging what you feel you're worth and not what clients are prepared to pay. You can always negotiate or barter but don't take on clients just for the work. I've turned down more clients than I've taken. Integrity is priceless. So in a nutshell, "why does a logo cost so much?" Because it's worth so much more.