Off-topic, I’m subscribed to this post, but am not receiving new comment updates. Perhaps others are experiencing the same?

http://www.blog.designnerd.net/nerdiest-of-the-net-march-09

I think you hit the nail on the head about being comfortable with self/style and being honest about your own limitations.

I think honesty definitely helps to nail down your own brand and your business.

Cheers!

Anyway, good post. Interesting thoughts. I was recently struggling with a round logo and in the end took the text right out of it and took the focus off the round.

“…logos that have to be in banners or round badges” As a designer I do not design for myself. I design what’s best for the client/project. As a designer it’s not about me. When you limit yourself to the style or personal likes/dislikes you limit opportunities. I’ll turn down projects left and right over money. If a client demands a banner or round badge (as example) and still wants to pay my rate. then YES I will work on it. I will do my best to talk them out of it and show them something better. The bottom line is (with me) 1. to get paid. 2. have a good looking logo that WORKS best for the client/project. 3. to get more business.

You will always have clients that are difficult to work with. It’s all how you handle them.

Good post Gram.

–Tom

And misery in a job usually means you can’t put your heart into it. And if you are getting paid to do a good job, then there are possible moral professional implications there.

So just be aware really.

Im very much a open person when it comes to feelings and what’s on my mind, and don’t much care if I make a fool of myself. :)

So posts like this are refreshing for me because it allows me to say what’s on my mind, and sometimes things that you may not hear elsewhere.

:)

I was forced to use clip-art almost evert day whilst working at various commercial printers due to time and budget limitations. And any logo that requires a form of cliche illustration always reminds me of clip art. Just a throwback from years gone.

I feel that many logos are tainted by icons marks that ‘could’ be clip art. Even if they are not, thats my memory of them. So where ever possible, my logos are type driven with minimal ‘embellishments’ where possible. Prefer to create a logomark from letters than a graphic. Find that much more satisfying. ;0

I already have had 20+ years of taking orders from sales reps and clients who insist they know what is best. when you work for a companies like I have, then your ‘voice’ is not heard.

Now, being a freelancer, I can set my own rules and do what I feel is right for me and my client. However, if there is a conflict of interests, in that the client, from the outset is setting the rules, then I have been known to ‘walk away’. Politely suggesting they find someone else who is happy to do as ordered, rather than being open to some sturdy advice.

But also David, I am not a fan of circular emblem 50 year anniversary logos. I find them uninspiring for the most part and have always struggled to design anything I am happy with. SO now I just dont take on any work that has set styles enforced by the client which I don’t feel comfortable doing.

There are many styles of ‘container’ type logos that I do love doing, its just the specific anniversary style. If that makes sense.

I’ll stick to the styles I love doing and feel I’m good at. Hat’s off to those that are truly adaptable and are happy designing any style, Im just not one of those people.

So yeah, your last para, is spot on. They don’t really need a logo designer, they need someone who is good with illustrator to just create what is in the clients mind. LIke I said, I have had over 20+ doing what other people have told me to design, now Im free of those shackles…

Yay.

(which I think is what you also feel).

Time for a break. ;)