+ Worth

I recently responded to another blogger who is fronting a logo design contest for a buddy of his who has decided to start his own financial business, LedgerPaper.

I have issues with freelance designers who don't get paid market value or don't get paid at all. I currently have a full-time design job but I also freelance. I enjoy logo design even more. Though I do have lots of clients who seem to devalue my profession by paying us on their terms. Would an esteemed plumber leave a house without getting paid for his services? The lawn-mowing guy? Absolutely not! But designers seem to be devoid of needing to make a living like the clients who need the designs but can't pay right away "because they are a startup" but seem to have the startup funds for every other aspect of their new venture.

Without logos and advertising and marketing, the American Dream would be nothing but a bunch of business owners standing on sidewalks hawking their wares. I realize this is for fun, but after choosing a logo that will probably make LedgerPaper successful, he will continue to make money because of the logo rather than in spite of it. The logo brings him business, therefore an income.

Despite this rant, I have no problems with this contest. I may even submit because I enjoy designing logos, and hey, the winner receives, among other things, an iPod. I hear these iPod thingys are popular. So, good luck with the new venture! I don't have the cajones to go that route. But if I did, I'd appreciate the research and dedication and hard work that goes into a great logo design. And I'd feel obligated to set aside a part of my startup budget to get a great logo.