Choosing a logo design company: Big or Small?

Choosing a logo design company is not a decision to be taken lightly. A logo should embody everything the company stands for, its ideals, its history, its product, and its quality. Therefore it is paramount that those responsible for achieving this objective are of sound reputation. Is good reputation always synonymous with size? Or can a small design company offer everything a large one can? In reality, there are pros and cons with both ends of the size scale.

A large company with a solid reputation is more likely to offer peace of mind that they are up to the task. After all, in order to become a large company in the first place, they must have been doing something right. A large company is also easier to research. A large design company will of course have a large customer base, so acquiring all important feedback about their work shouldn’t prove difficult. From an economic perspective, a large company may also offer a more competitive rate than a smaller company due to the greater volume of work they receive. However, in some cases the converse may be true, for a large company with well regarded reputation may charge more due to greater demand.

Another benefit of choosing a larger company is that they will have more designers. More designers equal more ideas. It is standard within the industry to have two designers working on a project, but if you have the funds, three or four may be an option. This will give you a greater number of designs to choose from. More creative minds enhance the probability of an innovative and striking logo design. Another bonus that may be associated with this is fast turn around time. Initial concepts should be ready within one week and revisions should only take about 2 to 3 days to complete and get back to you.

A small logo design company may not have the resources that larger ones do, but this does not necessarily mean turn around times are slower. With a smaller work load, this factor may be negated all together. Turn around times of one week for initial concepts and 2 to 3 days for re-drafts are pretty standard throughout the industry, regardless of size.
A smaller logo design company may offer a more personal touch to their work. A smaller company with a more limited client base is more likely to gain personal insights into their customers, and this may translate into a more fitting and unique design. Concepts are less likely to be influenced by previous designs and as a consequence there is less recycling of ideas and imagery.

Overall the main issues to consider when choosing a logo design company are cost and quality. These key factors are not necessarily exclusive to either large or small companies. Small companies may take more effort to research, but there are many around offering quality of work indistinguishable from their larger competitors, and often at a lower cost. A large, established company is more like to provide security due to reputation. Most importantly, you must feel comfortable that the design company understands your business and what you wish to express. This is achieved only through good communication and creativity, perhaps the most important ingredients for a logo design company, whether large or small.