I ask this question because I hear that there are specific files types I should request so that I (or anyone else) can make changes in the future. For example, PSD files. Is there anything else I should request if I plan to use the logo for shirts and other merchandise in the future. Lastly, is there anything I should request from the Freelancer that will ensure that I have exclusive rights for use of the created logo? Any and all feedback will be greatly appreciated!
Hello, My suggestion is that you request a combination of File-Types, because your designer can do this within a matter of seconds. Required: JPEG = Universal File Type Required: PSD = Photoshop File My suggestion is to request both the PSD and the JPEG file-types, because the PSD will enable you to edit the image file in the future (critical), and the JPEG is most likely required by the website or printing agency that will turn your design into a physical product. Technically, you could also request any number of other file types, but these two would likely be the most essential. Best, Erik
Very insightful! Thank you very much for the advice. And what about obtaining rights to the work? Is it a legitimate area of concern in the freelance industry or just unnecessary worry on my part?
For logo you should ask EPS, Ai or CDR format because logo have to be fully in vector format and scaleable without loss of quality.
Ask him an AI file as well a PSD. Remember to ask him to provide you with a good structure of the layers off these files. You can really do all the things you may imagine for future with both files. With these files in your hand, you can even print a 100 square miles logo if you want it ;-) Not kidding. Regards,
Hi, First of all you should ask him about some things his/her portfolio to see if his/her deisgns match your needs, ask him about logo revisions if it's limited or unlimited and the prices range. Ask him to send you PSD (photoshop), EPS (Illustrator), JPG and PNG. Thanks
Someone else also mentioned the need for an AI file. This is something I will definitely be asking for. Thanks!
Don't forget to ask for any fonts they used in the logo. Without these at a later date when you wish to edit the logo, you might end up with missing fonts. If you don't have photoshop yourself, then ask for different file types like jpg, png, etc.
PSD? For a logo? Why. Just why. I understand that people living outside the bubble of graphic designers need raster graphics (.jpg, .gif, .png, etc.) [--we call them "normal people" lol!] but if it's a proper logo, the designer should be using Illustrator (.eps and/or .ai) to make said logo, expect nothing less. Unless, of course, they've imported it into Photoshop to make the .psd file...but then again, why do that unless it's being 'spiced-up'? Either .eps or .ai file will suffice as they're both essentially the same. But anywho: it depends on the application of the logo as well. If all they give you is a 100 pixel x 100 pixel image, that's not going to do you any good at all outside of an avatar for just a handful of websites. Make sure to specify that they give you multiple high-resolution files for both web and print. *Note: Designers should provide fonts typefaces used too--but also how to properly apply them according to your branding. That's something that should** have been agreed upon before making your logo; usually designers will ask if they can display it in their portfolio (free advertising for you). If you requested the work, you should** not need to worry about using your own logo; they provide you the service and the "product" is a specific idea/thought/identity (the logo). Only the designer and the client should** be able to use it. **I'm saying "should" because of the ultra-rare cases where designers are paid per usage of a logo design. If making shirts and other merch: every single company that has ever made merchandise for my clients have the ability for .psd/.eps/.ai, so no problems there. That said...if they don't know what to do with these files, run in the opposite direction and get better merch providers.
I would recommend crowd designing instead of Freelancer as that ensures that you only pay for the design you really like. That gives you rights for use too when you purchased the design. Try googling crowd logo design.
WOW! Great response, this is very very helpful. I will follow your advice, word for word. Thank you so much!
Crowd designing, in a way, cheapens what you get though [and the graphic design world, for that matter]. Talking one-on-one with a designer that you know you like will yield better results. Indeed, one designer will not necessarily have the same ideas as the next, though crowd-sourcing will get amateurs as few professionals will bite at the bait. It's a shotgun vs. sharpshooter argument: a lot of random ideas or a narrowed-down good idea. Personally I don't buy into crowd-sourcing because I'm putting work into something that I'm more than likely not getting paid for...and the judgement of what's good or not is left up to a client that may or may not know what fits best for their company/organization. Glad to help!