Cost guide
How much does logo design cost?
Last reviewed , published by Gjethe
The short answer
Logo design cost depends on the research and strategy involved, how many original concepts you see, whether the type is custom-drawn, revision rounds, the versions and files delivered, and whether brand guidelines are included. Pricing is based on your project and agreed in your quote.
Logos are sold at wildly different prices, from contest sites and templates to agency brand projects. The difference lies in what you actually receive: original thinking or a reused template, files that work everywhere or a single PNG, rights you own or unclear licences. This guide explains what's behind the price and what to insist on whatever you spend.
Ways to get a logo
| Option | What you get | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Logo generator or template | Quick, generic mark | Not unique; hard to trademark; limited files |
| Design contest | Many quick submissions | Little research; originality not guaranteed |
| Freelance designer | Original work from one person | Quality varies; check portfolio and process |
| Studio or agency | Research, concepts, refinement, full files | Higher cost; check what's included |
Which factors change the price most?
Research
Understanding your audience and competitors before sketching.
Concepts
More genuinely different directions take more design time.
Custom lettering
Drawing custom type costs more than adapting a typeface.
Revisions
The number of refinement rounds included.
Versions and files
Horizontal, stacked, icon, mono versions in every format.
Guidelines
Rules for using the logo, colours and typography.
What you should always receive
Whatever the budget, insist on vector files (SVG, PDF or EPS) that scale without losing quality, PNG files with transparent backgrounds, colour and single-colour versions, and the colour codes for screen and print. Without vectors, you'll struggle with signage, print and future design work.
You should also own the logo outright once paid. Check that the designer hasn't used licensed stock icons or fonts that restrict use, and that the agreement transfers rights to you.
Logo or brand identity?
A logo is one piece. A brand identity adds colour palettes, typography, imagery style and templates that make every touchpoint consistent. Many businesses find that a logo alone isn't enough once they start designing a website, social posts and print materials.
If budget is limited, start with a logo and a one-page usage guide, then expand into a fuller identity as needs grow.
Costs that may come later
| Cost | Notes |
|---|---|
| Trademark registration | Legal search and filing fees, handled by a lawyer or agent |
| Font licences | If your logo or brand uses commercial typefaces |
| Applications | Business cards, signage, packaging and templates |
| Animated logo | Motion version for video and digital use |
Questions to ask a designer
- How many original concepts will I see?
- How many revision rounds are included?
- Which files and versions will I receive?
- Do I own the full rights?
- Are any fonts or elements licensed?
- Is a usage guide included?
Example: what a logo project includes
A typical logo project starts with a questionnaire about your business, audience and preferences, followed by research into competitors. The designer then sketches and develops several directions, presents them in realistic contexts, and refines the chosen one through revision rounds.
The final delivery includes horizontal, stacked and icon versions, colour and single-colour variants, and files for print and screen. Each step takes time, which is why a well-researched logo costs more than a template, and why it lasts longer.
Logo-only vs brand identity
| Deliverable | Logo project | Brand identity |
|---|---|---|
| Logo versions and files | Included | Included |
| Usage guide | Short | Detailed guidelines |
| Colour palette | Logo colours | Full palette with accessible pairings |
| Typography | Logo type only | Full type system |
| Templates | Not usually | Stationery, social and documents |
Planning for the future
Think about where your logo will appear in the next few years: an app icon, signage, packaging, merchandise, video. A designer who knows this can design a mark that works in all of them from the start.
Changing a logo later is possible but costly once it's printed on signs, vehicles and products.
How to give useful feedback
Feedback is most useful when it relates to goals rather than personal taste: does the logo feel right for your audience, is it distinctive among competitors, does it work small? Specific comments (the letter spacing feels tight, the icon is too detailed at small sizes) help the designer refine quickly.
Agree in advance who makes the final decision, to avoid conflicting feedback from too many people.
Avoiding legal problems
A logo that resembles an existing trademark can lead to disputes. Designers should avoid copying, and you should consider a professional trademark search before investing heavily in a new logo.
Also check that any fonts used in the logo are licensed for commercial and logo use.
Timing your logo with other projects
If you're also planning a website, packaging or signage, finishing the logo and basic brand first avoids redesigning those items later.
Designers and developers can then work from final files instead of placeholders.
Frequently asked questions
Why are some logos so cheap?
They're often templates or quick variations with little research, limited files and unclear originality. That can be fine for a test project but risky for a brand you'll build on.
How many revisions are normal?
Gjethe includes two rounds of revisions on the chosen concept. Clear feedback makes each round count.
Do I own my logo?
You should. With Gjethe, you own the logo and files once paid.
Should I trademark my logo?
If you're building a long-term brand, it's worth discussing with a trademark professional, who can search for conflicts first.
Can AI design my logo?
AI tools can generate ideas, but originality and rights can be unclear, and results often need professional refinement. We design logos by hand.
Is a redesign cheaper than a new logo?
A light refresh can be, if the existing logo has strong elements worth keeping.
What file formats do I need?
SVG, PDF or EPS vectors for print and scaling, PNG for everyday use, in colour and single-colour versions.
Do I need brand guidelines?
Even a one-page guide helps others use your logo correctly. Larger teams benefit from full guidelines.
Can I use my logo on merchandise and signage?
Yes, as long as you receive vector files. Printers and sign makers will ask for them.
Can you redesign a logo while keeping recognition?
Yes. A refresh can modernise shapes, type and colours while keeping the elements customers recognise.
How many people should approve a logo?
As few as possible. One or two decision-makers give clearer feedback and faster results.
Can I get an animated version of my logo?
Yes, as a separate motion graphics deliverable for video and digital use.
Do you design favicons and app icons?
Yes. Small-size versions for favicons, social profiles and app icons are part of a complete logo file set.
Related services
Logo Design
Distinctive logos with every file you need.
Brand Identity Design
Logo, colour, type and guidelines as one system.
Graphic Design
Marketing material, print and everyday graphics.
Motion Graphics
Animated titles, logos, lower thirds and UI motion.
Packaging Design
Boxes, labels and print-ready dielines.
Talk it through with us.
Tell us what you need. You get an honest assessment, a clear plan and a written quote. The first consultation is always free.
- What happens next
- 1You tell us what you need
- 2We aim to reply within 24 hours with questions
- 3You get a written quote for your project