Successfully Working With Clients on a Logo Design Project from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Logo design and freelancing
How to work with a client and produce predictable results
How to mange your project

How i charge $1500 for a logo
How to trade services vs. billing for projects

Logo design and freelancing
How to work with a client and produce predictable results
How to mange your project
How i charge $1500 for a logo
How to trade services vs. billing for projects

Syllabus

Course Introduction

Download course assets here: https://www.derrickmitchell.com/files/

Working with a Client

In this real case study, I'll be working with Dr. Greg Mongeon to create a new logo for his company.

This is one of the first phases of any project; Discovery. That's where we dive in and try to "discover" as much about the client and the project as possible so that we can set ourselves up for success and be able to create exactly what the client needs.

Here's a link to where I will often send my clients to get inspiration for what kind of logo they like. I ask them to copy the link or save the images of the logos they like, and to think about why they chose the logos that inspire them. Was it the color? The fonts? The icon? The style?

I send them to logopond.com, and specifically, to the gallery with the featured filter turned on by sending them this link below:

https://logopond.com/gallery/list/?gallery=featured&filter=

Once our meeting is over, I will send them a follow-up email to make sure we are both on the same page and clearly communicating with each other. Below is the exact email text I sent to Dr. Greg after our call. This is the first followup email, and it's really important. Watch the lesson to see why.

------------ Email sent after our call ------------

Hi Dr. Greg!

I'm pumped to start working on your logo and I really enjoyed our call. Here is a link to the logo questionnaire that I promised to send.

https://www.derrickmitchell.com/logo-brief/

Feel free to be as detailed or as brief as you want, and try to have it back to me before our call on Friday so I have time to review it to make the most of our next meeting.

I have us down for Friday at 9am MST (10am your time). Let me know if that still works for you or if we need to reschedule.

Here's a quick recap of our conversation and some action items before our next call.

We talked about a possible pivot in your business name, and you were going to talk with your wife and the PLF group about what direction you want to take things to make it more memorable and easier for clients to find you.
I'll be looking for your submission of the logo questionnaire before our meeting.
We didn't talk about this in our call, but once we get things going I'll set you up with a Basecamp account. Basecamp is our project management tool and it will help us keep this project organized and moving forward. I'll send those details in another email.
Here's that link I mentioned for some more logo design inspiration while you fill out the questionnaire: https://logopond.com/gallery/list/?gallery=featured&filter=
- When I'm researching logos, I like to right click and save the images that inspire me to a folder to reference later. You'll also be able to upload any inspiration you find to Basecamp and/or with the file upload that's part of the logo questionnaire if you want.

I think that's everything for now. Let me know if I'm forgetting anything, and I'm excited to work on this project with you. Have an awesome day!

-Derrick

Second FaceTime Call: Reviewing the Logo Questionnaire

Third FaceTime Call and Project Kickoff

The Logo Design Process

Organizing the Files

Creating the Project File

Warming Up

Adobe Fonts

First Round of Logo Design: From blank canvas to first round of comps

Recap of the Logos I Designed Before I Send Them To The Client

Project Management

Exporting the Logo Comps

Round 1 Logo Review with the Client

Project Management- How to Send the Files and Communicate with Your Client

In this lesson, I walk through my thought process behind how I package and deliver my logos. Because the logo for Dr. Greg ended up being very basic, I've included some addition logos I've created in the past as a case study for you to review and get additional ideas from. Don't forget, you can download these editable files by visiting this link: https://www.derrickmitchell.com/files

Exporting the Final Logos for Dr. Greg

Next Steps

It's time to take action! I challenge you to find a client or a friend who needs a simple logo or a small design project created.

Start small and get your practice in... that's how you grow and get better!

I know many of you have a lot of questions when it comes to how to actually charge for your work and find real clients. I'm working on adding more resources to help you with that, and if you haven't already, be sure to join our Facebook group and share your work. It's also a great place to ask questions when you get stuck or need help and feedback on your work.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/CompleteGraphicDesign

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides access to editable project files, which allows learners to deconstruct professional work and understand the nuances of client-ready deliverables

Demonstrates how to manage client relationships, which is a core skill for freelancers and those working in client-facing roles

Shares email templates for client communication, which can save time and ensure consistent, professional interactions throughout a project

Includes a case study with a real client, which offers practical insights into the entire logo design process from start to finish

Requires learners to find a client or friend who needs a logo, which may be a barrier for some learners without existing networks

Uses logopond.com for inspiration, which may not reflect current design trends and could limit exposure to more contemporary styles

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Successfully Working With Clients on a Logo Design Project with these activities:

Brush Up on Adobe Illustrator Basics

Show steps

Reviewing fundamental Illustrator skills ensures you can efficiently execute logo designs as demonstrated in the course.

Browse courses on Adobe Illustrator

Show steps

Review the interface and basic tools.
Practice creating simple shapes and paths.
Experiment with color palettes and gradients.

Skim 'Designing Brand Identity'

Show steps

Skimming this book will provide a broader understanding of how logo design fits into the larger context of brand identity.

View Designing Brand Identity: A Comprehensive Guide... on Amazon

Show steps

Skim the table of contents and chapter headings.
Read the introduction and conclusion.
Focus on chapters related to logo design and visual identity.

Read 'Logo Design Love'

Show steps

Reading this book will provide a broader understanding of logo design principles and industry best practices.

View Logo Design Love: A Guide to Creating Iconic... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book cover to cover.
Take notes on key concepts and examples.
Reflect on how the book's advice applies to the course content.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Critique Each Other's Logo Designs

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Participating in peer critiques provides valuable feedback and helps you see your work from different perspectives.

Show steps

Find a group of fellow designers.
Share your logo designs with the group.
Provide constructive criticism on each other's work.
Discuss design principles and best practices.

Design Logos for Fictional Clients

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Working on fictional client projects allows you to apply the course's techniques in a risk-free environment and build your portfolio.

Show steps

Create a brief for each fictional client.
Develop multiple logo concepts for each client.
Refine your designs based on feedback.
Present your final logos in a professional manner.

Document Your Logo Design Process

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Creating a blog post or video about your logo design process reinforces your understanding and helps you articulate your skills.

Show steps

Choose a logo design project to document.
Take screenshots or record videos of each step.
Write a clear and concise explanation of your process.
Share your content online.

Redesign an Existing Logo

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Redesigning an existing logo challenges you to improve upon existing designs and consider different design approaches.

Show steps

Choose an existing logo to redesign.
Research the company and its target audience.
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the existing logo.
Develop multiple redesign concepts.
Refine your designs based on feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Successfully Working With Clients on a Logo Design Project will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Brand Identity Designer

A brand identity designer crafts the visual elements of a brand, including logos, color palettes, and typography. This course, which teaches how to navigate real-world logo design projects from the initial client meeting to final file delivery, is directly relevant to this role. The repeatable step-by-step process for logo design, as taught in the course, will benefit a brand identity designer who needs to deliver a consistent experience for their clients. The course's focus on client management and communication is also important for a brand identity designer looking to effectively collaborate with clients to ensure their vision is realized.

See salaries and explore the career path for Brand Identity Designer

Freelance Graphic Designer

A freelance graphic designer works independently, often taking on a variety of projects, including logo design. This course helps a freelance graphic designer by providing a clear framework for managing logo design projects, from the initial client meeting to final delivery, which helps the designer provide a consistent service. The course offers insights into project management, client communication, and repeatable processes. This is essential for a freelance designer who needs to manage their own workflow and client relationships, and also how to charge for their services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Graphic Designer

Visual Designer

A visual designer focuses on creating visually appealing designs for a variety of media, and this often includes logo design. This course, which walks through the complete logo design process, may be valuable for visual designers who want to improve their ability to deliver a professional experience to clients. The course's lessons on project management, effective client communication, and a repeatable design process will help the visual designer deliver consistent results. The course shows how client feedback can refine and improve an initial logo design, and a visual designer can leverage this.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Designer

Entrepreneur

An entrepreneur might launch a new company or product which needs branding, and they may have to work with a freelance logo designer or design the logo themselves. This course may be valuable to an entrepreneur by providing insight into the process of logo design. By understanding how to manage a project, communicate with a client, and follow a repeatable process, the entrepreneur is empowered to design a logo that fits the needs of their business. The course can give an entrepreneur an appreciation for the design process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Small Business Owner

A small business owner might need to create a logo for their own company or understand the process of working with a designer. Because this course covers the entire logo design process, from the initial client meeting to final file delivery, a small business owner can gain insight into what to expect when hiring a designer or they can create a logo on their own. The course especially highlights how to manage a project, communicate with a client, and follow a repeatable process, all of which will be valuable to a small business owner looking to manage their brand effectively. The course helps a small business owner understand how to assess a design project, and what a reasonable budget may be.

See salaries and explore the career path for Small Business Owner

Creative Director

A creative director is responsible for the overall creative vision and direction of projects, which can often include branding and logo design. This course, by showing a step-by-step process for managing logo design, from initial meetings to delivery of final files, can be highly beneficial. The course, which shares best practices for client communication and project management, will further help a creative director who needs to manage a team of designers and ensure that client needs are met. Creative directors have to have experience in managing projects, and this course helps build expertise and proficiency in this area.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director

Marketing Specialist

A marketing specialist helps create and implement marketing strategies for products, services, or brands, which can often include creating or managing visual assets such as logos. This course may be useful because it offers a behind-the-scenes look at the logo design process, from the initial client meeting to file delivery. The focus on client communication and project management in the course will be beneficial for a marketing specialist who needs to work efficiently with designers to ensure that marketing assets meet the desired goals and client requirements. The course provides a better understanding of the logo design process, which will lead to better communication with designers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Specialist

Art Director

An art director oversees the visual style and images for various projects, and the creation of logos may be part of this. This course may help the art director because it provides an in-depth look into the logo design process. The art director can use the strategies and approach in the course, from initial meetings to final delivery, to ensure they are managing logo projects effectively. The course provides insights into how to manage projects and communicate with clients, and this is helpful for art directors who need to coordinate with designers and stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Web Designer

A web designer creates the visual and interactive elements of websites, and logos are an important part of web design. This course, which illustrates the logo design process, may be useful to a web designer because it highlights the importance of communicating with clients. The lessons on project management ensure a web designer can efficiently integrate logo design into larger web projects. Web designers can understand how their clients chose their logo, and this will help them create a better experience on their site.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Digital Marketing Specialist

A digital marketing specialist executes marketing campaigns across digital channels, and a company's logo is a central piece of these campaigns. This course may be useful to a digital marketing specialist because it can help them understand the logo design process. The course focuses on client communication and project management strategies, and this can help digital marketing specialists better collaborate with designers and ensure that branding is aligned with their campaigns. A digital marketing specialist can use the course to manage branding projects more efficiently.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Marketing Specialist

User Interface Designer

A user interface designer focuses on the look and feel of digital products, and understanding the logo design process can improve their ability to design cohesive brands. While this course primarily focuses on logo design, its emphasis on client communication and project workflows can be helpful for a user interface designer. This is because the course demonstrates the importance of clear communication and organized project management when designing for clients. They can use this to improve their own design processes. The course gives a user interface designer insights into the importance of a brand identity.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Interface Designer

Marketing Consultant

A marketing consultant advises businesses on how to improve their marketing strategies. This course may be useful because it shows the process of logo design, which is an important branding tool to a company. Understanding client management and project tracking, as taught in this course, may help a marketing consultant who needs to coordinate with designers on behalf of their clients. The course may help a consultant better evaluate a client's brand assets and deliver better advice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Consultant

Project Manager

A project manager is responsible for organizing and coordinating projects, and a logo design project may be one of their responsibilities. This course, which details the entire logo design process, may provide value to project managers. The course's lessons on client communication, file organization, and repeatable processes will help the project manager effectively manage a logo project. Project managers can see how the elements of a design project come together and apply these lessons to their other projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Brand Manager

A brand manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a company's brand identity, and this includes how the logo is used. This course may be useful as it provides detailed insight into the logo design process, from client meetings to the delivery of the final files. The course highlights client communication and project management, which will help a brand manager better understand how their brand's visual assets are created. They can apply the communication strategies to their own role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Brand Manager

Communications Manager

A communications manager oversees the creation and delivery of a company's communications, which includes the visual branding. While this course focuses on the nuts and bolts of logo design, the communication and project management strategies that are taught may be beneficial to a communications manager. They can use this process to better coordinate with designers and ensure brand consistency. The course may help a communications manager better communicate about design needs when working with external vendors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Manager

Successfully Working With Clients on a Logo Design Project

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