Extreme Re-Branding Makeover Series Part 1: Logo Design

(the ‘before’ logo)

Hello Everyone!  Jen Moon here from Northernlight Filmworks.

This is the first of a 4 part series on Re-Branding.  Today’s topic is on Logo Design.

Late last fall, John and I decided that we needed a new look to our company.  We didn’t want to rush into anything, but we knew we needed an updated website and a much cooler blog.  We toyed with the idea of even changing our name, but whatever decisions we made, we knew we had to find a graphic designer who would do an outstanding job – this would not be something we would attempt ourselves.

Step 1 – Find a graphic designer

We were not exactly sure where to start, so we looked around at other websites and blogs for some inspiration. We could’ve outsourced the design work to an online bidding service like Logosauce, but we valued the hands-on connection and wanted to stay with a designer that would create the entire package (logo, website, blog) for and about our company.

One blog we loved was photographer (and friend) Jennifer Driscoll.  She put us in contact with designer Rhaya Shilts.

We set up a meeting with Rhaya and discussed what we had in mind.  We also looked at some other design companies (very important), but we just didn’t get the same feel we got with Rhaya, so we went with her.

She thought it would be best if we started fresh with a new logo to encompass the overall feel of our company.  One design element we wished to incorporate was the feel of our studio. Our studio is located in an old building, but has modern elements from a recent remodel.

This the shared conference room in the building our studio is located.

Step two: Picking out a logo.

After our meeting, Rhaya spent some time designing a new logo for us.  She sent us a 1st round of designs, we picked out one, then sent revisions (round 2 below) on that logo out to current and former clients and area vendors to get their opinions.

We felt like it was important to have others that know us and know the wedding industry to evaluate our choices.  Feedback – it can add value to your business – don’t be afraid to seek it!

After our local colleagues agreed on logo #3, we posted it on WedFact and received some great feedback regarding the font.  When we looked back at the logo, we knew we needed to change the font, but we wanted to stay with a similar style.  Rhaya sent us another round of revisions with fonts (round 3 below), but we weren’t really crazy about them, so we started looking ourselves.

Rounds 1, 2, and 3

We finally found the one we could both agree on.  It is called Sweetheart Script.  We sent it to Rhaya, and “ta da,” we had our new logo.

So, as you work on your logo, we recommend (1) finding a local designer that can meet with you and assess your branding, (2) find out if your designer’s fee includes multiple revisions, and (3) submit your logo to local vendors for feedback.

Make sure you stay tuned for our post next month: Extreme Re-Branding Makeover Series Part 2: Website.

John and Jennifer Moon