Did you know that Squarespace has a logo generator that offers free logos to anyone with a site? ($10 for none SQSP users). This and other cheap logo alternatives, like fiverr or logo contests like this one, has outraged lots of people in the design world.
We think it's great!
For the right people, this is an awesome tool and we think you should share it around. Better to use the SQSP generator (and copy their business card mock ups) than make it yourself. The built-in constraints will make it cleaner than what a non-designer would make on their own.
Doesn't this undercut the value of Worstofall Design's work?
Of course not! Here are 4 reasons why this platform is not only awesome, but should be saluted by everyone in the small business, design and branding world.
Cause we're in Brooklyn, so we're probably all perfecting our mustaches
1. IT WILL INSPIRE MORE BADASS DESIGN WORK, IN GENERAL
Photoshop has made some things very simple for those who know how to use it. This means the design world has a low barrier to entry since anyone with Adobe Creative Suite can open up shop and call themselves a design, or even a branding, company.
This logo generator makes clean design even more accessible to people who don't even know photoshop.
But these tools ultimately weed out the designers who don't necessarily have value to add. It means that designers need to up their game to compete, and that should inspire higher and higher quality work. These programs push creatives to be creative again, and it's being fought because true creativity requires thought, and it's hard. Designers: don't fight it, embrace it like any real creative would and make something new.
2. IT WILL MAKE BADASS DESIGN WORK STAND OUT THAT MUCH MORE
If you go on SQSP and pick a font and logo for your company, you will quickly see why those decisions require expert eyes. Once you see how difficult it is to make something new, it will make you appreciate the value and price tag for hiring professionals. Similarly, if one goes through that exercise and doesn't end up seeing that value, but rather thinks 'why would I pay thousands of dollars for a logo when I got this one for free?!' then this service if perfect for you.
Cause we're dreamy?
3. TIME IS MONEY AND THIS MAKES THE SYSTEM MORE EFFICIENT
Since everyone starting a business needs a logo, but many don't have a budget for it, there is much time wasted with designers and start-up owners trying to agree on terms. In the end, nobody wins, time is wasted, and it's terribly inefficient.
Better that those without a budget don't bother those trying to make a living, so that time spent applying, and negotiating terms for, a design project are closer to making a deal from the beginning. This will actually increase the value of design by better matching supply with demand and freeing up both parties with more time creating and less time being mis-matched.
4. IT'S CAPITALISM WORKING FOR THE LITTLE PEOPLE
Why shouldn't people with no money be able to start a business? Take that starter logo and do your worst with it (and you know we mean that in the best possible way) work your tail off, sell and save, and when you're ready to take that company to higher places and have the budget to do it then you can invest. It's nearly impossible to open a business with a badass, differentiated brand unless you have big money to invest, so this makes it easier. All hail capitalism!
Worstofall <3's Bacon
In short, this is a great tool to promote starting businesses, and only helps to promote the value of expert design & branding. Squarespace does it again!