EQUESTRIAN LOGO DESIGN
An Overview of Cost and What’s Involved
IS IT REALLY WORTH IT?
How much is a logo design worth? How much should you expect to pay for professional equestrian design services? Is it really true that you get what you pay for? We answer these questions on this page so you have a better understanding of the process you will be engaged with and why we charge what we do. Ultimately, when we ask these questions we also like to ask, “Are you worth it”? The answer is yes. Extracting what’s on the inside and building it into a design that shows on the outside is what professional design services are all about.
THE CLASSIC CONVERSATION BETWEEN FRIENDS
“I was quoted almost $1,000 for a custom horse logo. Is this a fair price? The cost seems high."
“That's way too much! You can go online and find someone to do it for $50 or get a friend to help out. It's not that hard."
"A LOGO DESIGN COMPANY CAN ONLY CALL THEMSELVES PROFESSIONAL IF THEY HAVE AT LEAST 300 DESIGNS IN THEIR PORTFOLIO. THAT IS 300 HAPPY CUSTOMERS WITH 300 EXAMPLES OF UNIQUE DESIGNS"
THERE IS NO HIDING. ALWAYS ASK TO SEE A PORTFOLIO OF WORK. A REPUTABLE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE ONE IMMEDIATELY WITHOUT ANY EXCUSES. THE DESIGNS CONTAINED IN THAT PORTFOLIO SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY IDENTIFIABLE AS UNIQUE AND IMPRESSIVE.
CONVERSATIONS
Conversations around custom equestrian logo design can be difficult because if a customer is already thinking cost is excessive, our job becomes to convince them otherwise. That takes time and demands resources that take away from our existing customers. The thing is, part of what we love to do is share our knowledge. Part of our job is to explain and educate about equestrian creative services. We love to talk about it so we take the time. It is ok if someone doesn’t have the budget to invest in a professional design but it is still worthwhile to outline why professional equestrian logo design costs what it does.
There are ranges of cost when it comes to equestrian logo design. There is a price point for everyone; however, you get what you pay for and very often, consumers aren’t entirely sure exactly what that is.
Most equestrians outside of the design industry may not have a full understanding of how nuanced the the equestrian logo design process is. Horse logos are especially challenging because we aren’t only dealing with creating something from nothing based on the words and thoughts you provide. we are also confined by design limitations relating to type, discipline, equipment, breed and then the even further nuances associated with personal preferences. A sun is a sun, a sky is a sky but an Arabian is not an Andalusian and a typey Hunter is most certainly not an unconventional Jumper. All of this paired with knowing confirmation makes for a spectacular bran mash of ideas that isn’t always easy to mix. It may taste great in the end but getting there can be messy.
Consumers are rightfully confused by the costs of equestrian logo design and since prices vary so much, it is increasingly difficult to pin where you want to be on the spectrum of services offered. “Do I really need a logo for $1,000, it’s just a logo; what difference will it really make?”.
IT MAKES A VERY BIG DIFFERENCE.
Quality equestrian logos are eye-catching and unique
WHAT IS A REAL EQUESTRIAN LOGO?
If a logo design fails to meet any of the below criteria, it is not done to professional standards. It therefore cannot be considered a real logo
IT IS SCALABLE
You should be able to increase your new logo to as large as you need without deteriorating the quality of the image. Thin lines, poor choice of color and incorrect final files will have you running in circles trying to find and use a design that doesn't check all the boxes.
IT IS ORIGINAL
Your logo design should not be similar to anything you have seen. There are severe consequences to stealing the work of others and you can't start an honest business based on dishonest representation. This usually happens without a customer knowing. They use a less costly service and then are contacted by the rightful owner of the design.
IT IS PURPOSE-BUILT
Equestrian logos have a very specific need for utility. You are going to use your new logo for embroidery, signage and even on your transportation. Your design needs to be versatile and look beautiful in all applications noted above. The realization that your logo isn't going to work often happens once you have parted ways with your designer and you are trying to actually use it.
CLEAR MESSAGE
Your logo is a way you can set your business apart from competitors, attract more clients, establish familiarity and communicate who you are as an equestrian.
$50 “EQUESTRIAN LOGOS” ARE NOT LOGOS
Online logo generators, contracting someone who you can’t reach by phone or purchasing pre-made designs is not going to get you a real logo. Low cost means low quality and you are putting yourself at risk by potentially using a logo that is already in circulation. By that, we mean you can’t guarantee the logo you get back is not someone else’s. Online generators do not take into account your specific criteria and do not have the resources to create horse logos that adequately represent breed, discipline or style.
A legitimate business pays taxes, professional fees for accountants, employs a talented team that is paid fairly and does their due diligence (including legal consult around logo projects when there are design elements that may be in question due to copyright). There are also high-costs associated with professional software, state-of-the-art computers and creating an environment where designers can be comfortable and feel creative. A garage with cubicles is not going to be an inspiring place to work. A quiet, LED lit office with private spaces, a place to think and individually designed workspaces is a necessary investment to retain and motivate talent.
Online logo generators, contracting someone who you can’t reach by phone or purchasing pre-made designs is not going to get you a real logo. Low cost means low quality and you are putting yourself at risk by potentially using a logo that is already in circulation. By that, we mean you can’t guarantee the logo you get back is not someone else’s. Online generators do not take into account your specific criteria and do not have the resources to create horse logos that adequately represent breed, discipline or style.
So let’s move on to actual logos. What’s the difference between low, mid and high end logo design services?
