It’s a sparkling day on the Maine coast but I’m hiding behind my computer for the next few hours. I’m not sure how it is for you, but in my world, I read and hear how I’m supposed to do whatever task is at hand, I try to do it the “right way” and sooner or later end up right back where I started.
Back in February I announced that we needed an updated logo and a new brochure for the campground. I struggled with the logo, bought several design books, scanned the internet for some really terrific ideas, drew a couple of drafts and then got bogged down with the details.
So I procrastinated for the next 3 weeks. With brochure requests coming in daily, I know I have to get my head out of the sand. We can’t print a new brochure without the new logo and soon I’ll run out of our dwindling stock.
In a burst of efficiency, I decided it was time to get some help. ALL of the business magazines I read warn entrepreneurs to avoid the trap of trying to do everything themselves. You know, pay an expert and get what you pay for. So I followed the advice and made an appointment with a small but very reputable design firm. We had a nice chat and when I left the designer told me to expect a job quote by Wednesday…it felt great…like an adult with a real business…I was going to be a client. To make a long story very short, I got the quote and I’m back to designing my own logo.
Who can afford $185 to have a “kick-off creative meeting”? That’s just the beginning…the proposed logo for my little campground was going to cost a grand total of $1602.50 plus expenses. I understand the importance of image and everything but come on! Are you really going to decide to stay at my campground because my logo is cool? If you have an opinion, either way, please write into the comment section so I can hear your thoughts…if I’m wrong, I’m willing to admit it and back track.
In the meantime, I’ve got my adobe books out, Dad and Steven have chosen their favorite of 4 layouts and I’m off to work. If I “paid” myself $10/hour, I figure I’ve got 160 hours to make the logo acceptable In my next post I’ll show you what I’ve developed….
Jack of all trades, master of none 😉