DIY Logos?

I alway use cooltext (.com) - it's free and you can create your logos in any size, color format, and a huge variety of font styles. I also like the fact the the default is to save you finished logo in a png file with transparent background, so you can "layer" it onto any background you wish.

Hi Melissa

I always think the most important thing is the brief, when I am in a hurry I actually use Fiverr. I typically send them a message first asking whether they are up for something a bit more creative than their usual gig and I offer a bonus of two gigs if I decide to use their design. I send the same message to at least 5 vendors.

For the spec I start with a search of Google images for some inspiration and collect some examples of things I like, colours, designs, animimations etc. Which I zip up and give to them.

I tell them what size, I want and that all text and different elements should be created on different layers in a PSD file.

Most of them offer two revisions so even if they come back with something basic you can get them to improve it.

If I get something quite good I will often go back and ask them to do a more professional version or different versions for print etc.

If it is a clients money I am spending then I might use 99 designs to crowd source the logo but again the spec is the most important component. Sometimes the Fiverr exercise is worth doing to establish what you don't like.