Why a logo is important for a freelance writer
Logos are a visual calling card
Don’t have a logo? You should. Yes, even if you are a humble freelance writer working out of your modest home office. A logo is a visual link between you and your potential clients. While a person can look at a painting and automatically associate it with its creator, writers aren’t quite so lucky. Sure, you can see words, but you don’t really glance at a page and know who wrote it, do you?
Logos increase your credibility and visibility with prospective and existing clients. Logos also let people know the business or person behind them is a professional, investing money in their brand.
How can I make a logo?
The good news is, logos don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. If you have graphic design skills, even minor ones (like me!), you can make your own logo. If you have a friend who’s a graphic designer, you may be able to sweet-talk your way into a lovely logo (The amount of sweet-talk depends on the rate your friend will give you, of course. Don’t rip anyone off!). Of course, you could always approach a traditional graphic designer that isn’t a friend. Depending on the designer, prices range from very reasonable to fairly pricey. If you like a designer’s style and how well they understand you and your business, it’s worth it to spend money on a good logo. It’s an investment in something that will often be the very first representation of you as a freelancer.
What should my logo look like?
Your logo should represent the tone of your business and your own personality. For my own logo, I wanted to stay away from traditional “writing business visuals” like pens or typewriters, but still include something to indicate my business relates to words. I chose the ampersand, my favourite typographical mark (yes, it’s nerdy to have a favourite typographical mark. Good thing I’m a writer, huh?) and used a more abstract representation of it. It’s still recognizable, but not
overpowering. I wanted the eye to go straight to my initials, which I presented in an almost monogram style, referencing the monogram’s use in the Middle Ages to signify a craftsperson’s work (okay, so I’m a history nerd too). I chose the font because it’s solid but still has interesting, almost playful details.
Because it’s meant to be a visual link, your logo doesn’t necessarily have to have your name or business name on it. In my case, I don’t have a proper business name and felt my full name was too long for a logo – another reason behind my choice of using my initials.
The next steps
Of course, once you have your logo, you can then expand into stationery materials. Your own letterhead, envelopes, business cards, etc. Think about how lovely and cohesive everything will look. Logos are the gateway to unstoppable business professionalism!
Category: Freelance Writing