Why You Shouldn’t Use a Pre-Made Logo for Your Business

Starting a business is an exciting and overwhelming process!

 

You are full of amazing ideas and focused on lots of tasks necessary to launch. The last thing on your mind is probably your logo. 

 

Many people use pre-made logos for their business because they don’t have the time or money to create a unique logo. You may be tempted to use a pre-made logo for your business, too. Trust us, it’s not worth it.

 

Are you confused about pre-made logos? We’ve got you. Keep reading to learn more about pre-made logos, why you shouldn’t use one, and what to do instead!

What is a Pre-made Logo?

A pre-made logo is created without taking a specific company or brand into consideration. It is usually designed with specific graphics and fonts, and the only elements that can be changed are the brand name and title. 

 

Pre-made logos are available for purchase on platforms like Etsy, Canva, Shutterstock, or other design marketplaces. Because they are widely available and designed without a company in mind, they’re usually generic and don’t reflect any specific brand values. 

 

 So why do people use pre-made logos if they’re super generic? Pre-made logos are usually more convenient and cost-effective than hiring someone to design a logo for you. But they can open you up to legal troubles and may end up costing you more down the road.

 

 

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use a Pre-made Logo

Pre-made logos are enticing for small businesses that are getting started, and in some cases, they might be a good fit. However, they can create major issues for your branding and marketing later.

 

Here are three reasons why you shouldn’t use a pre-made logo for your business:

 

You can run into legal issues.

 

One of the biggest problems when it comes to pre-made logos is that you don’t own the logo. Therefore, you may run into copyright issues with artists and other brands. 

 

When you buy a pre-made logo template from a design marketplace, you aren’t purchasing ownership over the logo. Instead, you are simply paying for the right to utilize this graphic as your logo. 

 

In some cases, online merchants may steal existing work from artists and sell it to unwitting customers. This means that you could find yourself in legal trouble if the artist finds out that you’re using their work. 

 

Even if you are using a pre-made logo from a legitimate seller, you will never be able to trademark or copyright your logo. Without a trademark, anyone will be able to create a similar business with your name and logo. This undercuts all the work that you’ve put into setting up your business in the first place. 

 

Your branding and logo will never fully match.

 

You may think that a logo is as simple as a graphic, but it’s much more than that. 

 

Your logo is the cornerstone of your brand. It is meant to convey an immediate impression of your values and brand personality. Using a pre-made logo means that your logo and the rest of your branding will never be fully aligned. This is because the logo isn’t responsive.

 

What do we mean when we say a responsive logo? Responsive logos are logos that appear in multiple, similar formats and can be used across a variety of mediums. Essentially, they are different versions of the same logo that a business can use depending on where a customer encounters their brand.

 

For example, Nike has mastered the art of responsive logos. Their logo can be recognized anywhere in the world, whether it’s the full logo with the brand name or simply the signature swoosh. Either way, customers can recognize the logo because Nike has created multiple variants so that it works in any design.

 

Still curious about what makes a logo responsive? Here are some common features of responsive logos:

 

  • Scalable to desktop or mobile formats.

  • Include or omit complex design elements

  • Include or omit your business name.

  • Appear in color or black-and-white.

  • Appear in standard and flat variants.

  • Adaptable to print and digital designs.

 

When you work with a creative studio to design your logo, they will work with you to create a logo that is responsive and meets all your needs. Buying a pre-made logo means that you’re getting a logo that may or may not include all the above requirements. In fact, you might just get a pretty graphic, not a real logo.

 

Your logo will lack personalization.

 

Your logo is the first thing that people notice when they encounter your business. It should be a direct reflection of everything your business stands for. 

 

When you buy a pre-made graphic, you are purchasing a stock template that can used for many types of businesses across multiple industries. This means that it is generic and likely forgettable. That’s not the impression you want your unique business to give!

 

The best way to ensure that your logo is personalized is to work with a creative studio that specializes in branding. When you work with a creative studio, they will dive into your mission, your unique proposition, your values, and more. They will make sure that all of this and more is reflected in your logo and branding. If it’s important to you, it’s important to them.

 

On the other hand, a designer who sells pre-made logos has never met you. They just created a template that they believe will appeal to lots of business owners. If it does, then it means that there are a bunch of other businesses out there using the same logo as you. Odds are their branding (and business) are completely different from yours.

 

Branding is Very Important in the World of Graphic Design and Business.

 

In a crowded marketplace, your logo is the first thing that people notice about your business. It will indicate your enthusiasm and dedication that you have for your products. It’s important to make it count!

 

Although it may be tempting to purchase a pre-made logo template, creating a unique logo that represents your business is vital. A good logo will serve as a centerpiece for your brand, so it’s important to invest in it.

 

The number one way to make sure that you’re putting your best foot forward when it comes to your brand is to work with a creative studio. They will put in the time and creative energy required to deliver a logo that is memorable, versatile, responsive, timeless, and uniquely you.

 

What are your thoughts on pre-made logos? Let us know in the comments or on our Instagram, @ouuilove.