Suggestion for Logo Contests

[wordplay]

I wasn't sure where to best place this post - mods, please move if a there's better location.

IMHO, there is a far better advantage to those holding the logo contests than those participating in them. A good logo typically takes more than a little time to develop.

Therefore, I suggest that it become standard practice to offer a runner-up prize, if not a third as well, in every contest. That way the odds go a little bit more in the favor of the designers, increasing the possibility that they get some kind of compensation for their efforts.

Even a great logo may not win in these contests, because the subject matter is so subjective. So the "best man" may, at times, not win.

Perhaps many of the designers on this board have lots of time on their hands to spec logos for only the possibility of compensation. Maybe it's just for the fun or exposure. If that's the case, my suggestion means little to them. But some of us make a living at it... and would be more willing to participate if the odds were better.

Thoughts?

 

[FreakyDeakyD]

Good idea, but who will have the rights to use the 2nd or 3rd logo? If the winner get a $100, 2nd $50 en 3rd $25, does the TS get 3 logo's for $175 and does he have the rights to use all three of them freely?

I've been thinking about this 'problem' too, especially since a couple of contests contain quite a few really good designs. A lot of those design are reuseable and therefor resellable. The designer can put the logo in their portfolio, change the name to "mycompany" or whatever and offer it to be sold.

 

[Mark]

Why would a "winner" want to pay for more than he needs ? - I'm not sure I understand your suggestion - Who will pay for the 2nd and 3rd prizes ? If I were the contest winner , I definitely wouldn't want to pay for items I don't intend to use.

Any Designers who's entries don't win ATM - are surely kept in a portfolio for later use or ideas anyways I'd assume. After all - Unless they sell them or rights to them , They still own them.

 

[wordplay]

FreakyDeakyD: You asked "If the winner get a $100, 2nd $50 en 3rd $25, does the TS get 3 logo's for $175 and does he have the rights to use all three of them freely?"

I would say that if a logo designer agrees to accept the possibility of a second or third prize, he is giving up his rights to his logo. As far as the logos being misappropriated, they should always have a watermark on them to prevent this possibility.

Mark: You asked: "Why would a "winner" want to pay for more than he needs" ?

I assume by 'winner" you meant the person requesting the logo.

I agree - it is to the advantage of the logo requester to pay the minimum he can get away with. The point of my post was to suggest that the odds need to be improved a bit for those who are taking all the time/risk in designing the logos.

Again, if most designers on this board are fine with the way things are, so be it. I'm just putting this on the table for discussion in case others feel as I do.

 

[franchise]

I thought I would chime in...

The advantage to the purchaser/requestor of the logo to pay more (tiered award system) is to attract and receive more choices and talent. It is an advantage to pay for a depth of experience than only having a few people with limited experience. The only trouble is...I don't think you can guarantee a 2nd or 3rd winner only because you may have 4 or 5 submissions 3 of which are very amateurish at best.

Tough call...I think it boils down to the experience/youth of the artists. More than likely they do it for fun or to keep busy. A highly paid graphic artist wouldn't do the work unless it was for fun.

 

[wordplay]

franchise: I suppose there will be no shortage of those willing to gamble their time for the mere possibility of getting paid. I don't think it's a fair set-up, but maybe that's just me.

 

[franchise]

I would agree that it's not really fair if you participate and you expect to be selected and ultimately paid. Personally I wouldn't participate...one, I don't have the time. Two, my time is worth too much to spend it on a $50 or $100 maybe. I would only do it if I wanted to help someone out and didn't do it for cash.

Like I said earlier...it's an ok system if your doing for it fun and some experience.