Great article written by Blake McCreary. Original source found here.

Starting out as a freelancer can be quite challenging when trying to create client relationships. Almost all of my work comes from referrals. If you treat a client right then they will return the favor. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to go into the meeting with a plan.  The way you approach a project determines how the client is going to value your expertise. If you go into a project without any direction you will probably end up wasting time during the development process.  There is nothing worse than revising your designs more times than necessary. It’s best to know what your client is thinking before you start. It’s your job to gather your clients thoughts and goals then translate them into a design solution.

“If you do not know what the problem is then you cannot provide a solution.”

These 18 questions to ask a client before design a logo will help you provide an accurate quote to your client. Things such as deadlines, usage, etc. you should take into account pricing.

Company Details and Competition

1- What is your company product or service?

2- What is the mission of your company?

3- What is your target market and ideal customer?

4- Who are your competitors and how do you differ?

Ask them to provide links to competitor websites if possible.

5- What are your thoughts on your competitors logos?

This is where you figure out whether the client would like to go a different direction than the pack. Many clients like to try a design solution that is already proven. I’m a fan of trying to break away, but if you dont have the green light for this then you might be prolonging the project.

The Clients Logo Details

6- What logo designs appeal to you and why?

Question 6 and 7 are essentially a break down of  number 5. I find it important to make sure you know where the client stands.

7- What logos do not appeal to you and why?

8- What is the exact name you want to appear in your logo?

You could elaborate on exclusion of uppercase letters, italics, etc. Especially, if you are giving the client’s company brand a makeover .

9- Do you have any specific imagery in mind for your logo?

10- What is your tagline and would you like it incorporated into the logo?

11- What do you want the logo to say about your company?

Here is a good way to make this answer short and sweet. “Say it in three words.”

12- Do you have any color preferences, or existing brand colors?

13- Where will you be using the logo?

Find out where the logo will be predominately displayed.
Ex. Website, print, merchandise, vehicle wraps

15- What is the most important application of your logo?

16- What’s your preferred deadline, time frame or exact date of completion?

17- Would you like any addition design services to be packaged with your new logo?

Example: business cards, envelops, letterheads, etc.

18- What is your budget?

This is where I provide various pricing and concept numbers. Decide how much your time is going to cost and how much of it they will need when contracting.

These questions can often be used in diagnosing another type of project so feel free to use them broadly. Always remember that you are a problem solver.

BellaVita Design was created in 2005  by Melissa Puleo Adams (then Melissa Puleo) with the intention of being a full service graphic design company. In 2006 she realized her longtime friend Nicholas Samuel Adams was actually the love of her life and they also shared a passion for entrepreneurship as well as a talent for creativity and design. Melissa and Nick are now partners in the business venture and have branched out into a new company called Media Forest8. This company is centered around web design and development.

This blog will be written from Melissa’s (that’s me!) point of view, focusing on the print world. A little old fashioned in this day and age of the internet but I think everyone will admit its still nice to get a handwritten letter, or invitation in the mail. I’ll admit – I use the internet for everything – my banking, business, communication, even shopping – but I have always had a love for print design. Keeping a balance is all a part of the beautiful life   As I develop BellaVita Design as a print design company – focusing more on invitations ( wedding, birthdays, you name it) and everyday stationery, I will look to my friends for help and feedback.

Follow my progress as I develop this great, fun venture and as I share some of my favorite websites, tips and tricks.

Making life beautiful, one piece of paper at a time.

live. inspire. create.