So, what do you think of the new logo / header graphic that my blog has been sporting for the last week? I had it done through a contest at 99Designs.
If you've never heard of 99Designs before, here's how it works.
- You want to have a header graphic, logo, or entire website design created so you write a design brief describing what you want.
- You decide how much you are willing to pay (award as a ‘prize').
- You post your contest for a fee of $39.00.
- Designers from all over the world submit their design concepts.
- You provide feedback to each designer, then pick a winner, and the designer is paid.
- Once you've paid, all rights to the winning design are transferred from the designer to you.
What I like best about this format is having so many design options from which to choose, as opposed to working with one designer who may not be able to translate your concept into a design that you really like.
Check out 99designs.com.
Ros,
I like the other logo better. I think you picture is more personal.
Eric
It’s a great design, but I miss your smiling face.
I’m all for always improving – but I miss the human-ness of seeing your bright, shining and happy face.
Sincerely,
Sarah
The new logo looks like it could be ‘great’ for a “guitar” site. In fact, I believe there is an American guitarist who has this with the “red, white and blue” insignia.
I, too, liked the ‘old’ one better.
BE BLESSED!!
Ros,
I like the new logo.
I have a question however re the logo design….this is all new to me but i do want to get started on your ideas – I bought your book! What would you recommend as a good ‘reward’ figure to quote to pay the winning logo designer? Do you need to pay the $39 each time?
Hi Helene,
Yes, each contest costs $39 plus the award you set. 99Designs recommends awarding somewhere between $150 and $1000 for a logo… and based on what I’ve seen, it pays to be at the lower end of the scale.
Hope that helps.
Cheers,
Ros
Ros,
I really liked the photo of you…but this logo seems to say more about the site. It’s professional looking, colorful and it says “profits…today!”, which is what we’re hoping for.
Great logo and great idea for getting a logo, which can be a pain.
All the best,
Lisa
No, no, no! The other one with your lovely face is far better!!!!!!
The new logo looks great! From start to finish, how long did the whole process/contest with 99designs.com take?
Hi Justin,
I added a few days to my contest when I wasn’t getting enough responses, so all in all it took just shy of 2 weeks… but you can set a contest to run much shorter than that.
Cheers,
Ros
Rosalind,
I’ve watched you make a few changes over the years and this is by far the best yet. It’s completely un-cluttered, where the message will show through and not the clutter.
Jim
Personally, I’d prefer to see Ros smiling on the header of her website 🙂
OK Archana,
By popular demand (including yours) … I’m back. 🙂
Cheers,
Ros
Hi Ros!
Thanks for all you do. Cool idea (about using 99Designs). Yet, I still like the old logo and top-of-page better. The new one feels more formal, clinical, which is not a bad thing…just different. The old logo had more ‘warmth’ to me — it felt more personal. Also, part of the new logo shape looks like a guitar pick — I didn’t quite get that and it’s connection to what you do.
Anyway, good luck with the new look, and with everything! You’re the best.
Maria (freelance designer)
I like your design!
A word of warning re 99Designs however. An associate of mine went there for a logo… selected one out of many… and then discovered that the design she selected had been a previous winner in a different contest. That designer put my associate at risk for a lawsuit. I’m not saying don’t use 99Designs, but I am saying Be Careful.
Hi Kathy,
Thanks very kindly for the warning.
I think it’s essential to always put the words ‘exclusive’ and ‘unique’ in the brief anytime you’re contracting out for design work or content creation.
It’s easy to check for uniqueness for content, but with a design it might be worth adding some legalese.
On average however, I think the majority of designers would know that to do something like that is to end their ability to earn money through 99Designs and probably therefore not worth the risk.
Cheers,
Ros
It looks like you paid $39 dollars for it.
Honestly, your site was already ‘branded’ with your old logo. Now when I come here, I don’t see Rosalind Carter … I see just another affiliate’s site.
Hi Janice,
I don’t see Rosalind Carter here either… I think she (Rosalynn) and Jimmy are off picking peanuts somewhere.
Sorry, I just had to do that.
Cheers
Ros
***
Rosalind Gardner
I like it – looks like a plectrum – do you play guitar?
Brian
Hi Brian,
No, I don’t play guitar. It wasn’t until folks here starting mentioning that it looked like a guitar pick that I saw the similarity. Until then, I just thought it looked like a Vic’s cough drop. 🙂
Cheers,
Ros
The new logo rocks. It’s an example of a larger design concept that I’m drawn to: “professional, and simple”.
And these days, graphics kinda/sorta gotta have some element of color gradation, shadowing, or light reflection to be modern enough not to send graphic-sensitive visitors running the other way. This logo makes the cut in that respect.
Ah yes, 99designs.com. I haven’t forgotten, Ros. 😉 This post is a gentle reminder for me.
Another thing that’s cool about the contest/award model is that a little healthy competition can bring out some fantastic handiwork, whatever the venue. Generally speaking, it should be good business practice to offer a generous prize for something like a new logo, site design concept, or other branding item.
Ok, 2+ years later, time to get started with 99 Designs. …I came here looking for a 99 Designs affiliate link to click on (Ros: you once recommended them to me), and the link up top is one of the few non-affiliate links on your site!
I’m not moving too fast on this project, so I’ll check back later, in case you happen to get around to upgrading that link…
Jake,
OMG… I didn’t even know that they had an affiliate program now. Thanks for the update, I’ve just applied. 🙂
Cheers,
Ros
Hey Ros,
Looks cool…but i think I agree with Lowell….the other one was more personable.
Change is always interesting! Probably leave it there for a few days and we will all get used to it!
M
Sorry, I prefer the old logo. The new one looks too much like a guitar pick.
Ros, It would have been great to see all of the designs and let your audience vote. Don’t suppose you could do that though.
Cheers
Dan
Hi Ros,
I must agree with Lowell. Your old logo made your site/blog more personal. This one is kind of “cold” and “distant” – if you know what I mean.
Regards,
Lois
Hi Ros,
I like it, its modern sleek and very clean….
Regards
Sam
Hi Ros
Have to concur with the above. I prefer the ‘old’ logo – wasn’t it a photo of you? I think that was a nice touch; warm, trusting and welcoming.
The ‘new’ logo just doesn’t have any personality – its… unremarkable and kind of clinical. Your logo should communicate your brand – what is that for you and does the ‘new’ logo communicate it? If it doesn’t don’t be afraid to start again.
Sorry, just my subjective view. I love the new theme though and the site is just fab.
Have a great day
N
Looks Refreshing and Cool!
Hi Emil,
Thanks, I’m glad to hear that you like it.
Cheers,
Ros
Looks like a guitar pick that Eddie VH would use.
Funny… I thought it looked like a Vic’s cough drop but everyone here seems to agree with your take.
Cheers,
Ros
Ros,
Nice concept but I like the old one better, way better.
Cheers (or not lol,)
Lowell
Ahh…….crap…..you’re gonna be offended……I should just keep quiet.
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Nope, Just can’t do it! Not in my nature!
Soooo…..here goes….ahem….I too liked the old one better. Seriously Ros, this one is actually harsh to look at….too black and dark blue and red and white….the color contrast wide and sudden……very unfriendly….almost brutal in fact….there are no transition colors. Makes me want to look away from the logo immediately….don’t really see or pay attention to the rest of the menu items because of this.
Sorry…but you did ask, so this wasn’t unsolicited negativity! (LOL!)
Michael Rytter
Michael,
Oh dear, I guess you’ll have to make sure you look to the right when you visit NPT for the next little while.
But you’ll get used to it, I promise. LOL
Cheers,
Ros
Not to be indelicate, but how much did that new logo set you back, beyond the filing fee for the contest? (I agree with Lowell – the old one ‘worked’ better for me.)
Hi MK,
99Designs recommends that logos be awarded anywhere between 105 and 1000 each.
I paid a few hundred, hoping to get LOTS of designers submitting, but I won’t be making that mistake again. I actually received less entries than some contest that were at the 105 mark.
Cheers,
Ros