A friend of mine and I are going to be launching a startup soon (web application). We are looking for a good graphic designer to do the following:

Minimum:
Design and create a logo. Would like it to be vector based if possible (or at least a deviation of the main logo in vector form).

Would really like:
Someone who can help us create a brand. This would involve 1 or 2 banner ads, flyer(s), banner/button type logo's and whatever else you think would be cool. Experience in web design would be a big plus (gotta be good with css).

The catch: You would not be paid (initially). We are a startup, and only have 2 founders - we currently have no expendable income. We would work out a deal to pay you if/when we make some money. If you are good (and our site takes off) we will use you again for contract type work (or hire you full-time if we get lucky and blow up). At a minimum you can add something to your portfolio.

If interested, PM me with links to some of your work, and resume. I'll then get back to you with some more info about our site.

thanks,
Ryan

1/29/2008 6:06:45 PM

unfortunately, until you get funds, I dont think anyone worthwhile is going to bite on this. Sooo many designers get completely screwed on deals like this, it's a huge risk for virtually no reward.

Not to mention, what you are asking for would require an insane amount of time, and anyone who would consider this should be make an equal partner in the venture.

1/30/2008 12:05:33 AM

yea if you're looking for free labor, you probably dont need to be asking for a resume.

If you can scrape a few bucks together, check out this place. you can get a nice logo with revisions for $150

http://thelogocompany.net/


you may be able to get something cheaper at sitepointforums.com

1/30/2008 12:21:55 AM

What you are asking is kind of insulting. Would you attempt to find a "good" lawyer ask him to spend several weeks and do all your legal work for free and then tell him as a reward he can put this on his resume?

[Edited on January 30, 2008 at 8:14 AM. Reason : .]

1/30/2008 8:14:18 AM

I am curious now ... Are there any designers who currently do contract work on here?

If so, I would actually like to see some portfolios

1/30/2008 8:18:23 AM

^if you want some contract designer references, I can push you a few. Most graphic designers rely on contract work to supplement their day jobs.

[Edited on January 30, 2008 at 5:40 PM. Reason : .]

1/30/2008 5:39:34 PM

Graphic Design:
Serious Business.

1/30/2008 6:23:34 PM

^^^^^ agreed, I do not need a resume. Only reason I mention it is I'd prefer not get someone that is 12yrs old or something.

Noen - agreed as well. I have to admit if I was someone looking in on this I'd be skeptical as well. However, if I do not ask, there is no chance of getting anyone. I've been on TWW for a few years, and have always contributed in a positive manor, not much in scheme of things, but that and my word are all that I can offer to you.

I am really only looking for a logo design. If someone happens to be willing to help with marketing/branding, that would be awesome. If they are good at both, and our company does good, of course we would go with them first for future work.

I completely disagree that a logo design and even branding would deserve equal partnership in my venture. My partner and I have spent a lot of time to develop, not to mention think of the novel ideas that will actually make money.

mienutzich: lawyers require years of schooling, which requires $. Graphic artistry requires only imagination and knowlege of computers. $0 money in. I by no means am trying to insult anyone.

mellocj: Thanks for info, may go that route.

All: note this IS a startup. High risk (in this case in terms of your hours) high reward. my friend and I have put in lots of work for "free" with the hope that it will pay off. I just wanted to extend an invitation to a fellow TWW cuz I really do like this site and the people that post here.

Flame this post if you wish, but this is for real. There are people out there who create graphics without getting anything out of it other than to get their name out there (see the 100's of opensource projects like Amarok etc). I'm just extending the invitation. The site is done and ready to launch, we just want to make it look better and begin marketing.

1/30/2008 9:18:02 PM

^I'm not flaming you a bit, on this, just giving you a few words to the wise.

Designers in general (graphic designers especially) who are worth talking to do not do much if any pro-bono work. Open-Source projects are entirely different, because there is no profit potential. It's a classic business/marketing perspective to say "do this free, the exposure is worth it", but that just doesn't fly because most designers are overworked and underpaid as it is.

Quote :

"mienutzich: lawyers require years of schooling, which requires $. Graphic artistry requires only imagination and knowlege of computers. $0 money in. I by no means am trying to insult anyone."

This is COMPLETELY wrong. Almost any graphic designer you meet will have either a BA or MFA. And art school isn't cheap. It requires YEARS of learning, development and training in multiple areas. It also requires thousands of dollars in equipment and software to do professionally as a contractor. Highest entrance requirements for SAT/GPA at state? College of Design. Highest cumulative GPA for graduates at state? College of Design.

Quote :

"I completely disagree that a logo design and even branding would deserve equal partnership in my venture. My partner and I have spent a lot of time to develop, not to mention think of the novel ideas that will actually make money."

One might not deserve it for logo design, but a good designer, especially someone keen on UI/UX would be invaluable to you guys as you move forward. Design value is more than slapping a sticker on a box, especially for applications.

[Edited on January 30, 2008 at 9:35 PM. Reason : .]

1/30/2008 9:33:05 PM

Is this for http://pwebo.com ??

If so, then do this.

Find someone who would be willing to do the whole UI / Design thing for you, and give them 1/3 partnership in the LLC.

I really see that as the only option if you are actually wanting to be successful. It needs help. This is coming from someone who is not good at design, so I actually pay my designers now.

1/30/2008 9:42:49 PM

^^Not looking for a full out redesign of our page at the moment, plus I like keeping things simple.

Also not looking for someone who has already made a name for them selfs in the industry. I want someone who is still hungry. As you can tell I know nothing about graphic design or what it entails, if someone is in the situation that you describe is offended by my offer I apologize.

^nope, that is 6yrs old. My first attempt at a robust webapp. Agreed design sucks. Was a prototype I pitched to McDonalds, and cuz i was doign it by myself I spent less time on design more on functionality. That is a app meant for internal corporate use, not for the masses.

1/30/2008 10:03:39 PM

cool ... just said 2008 at the bottom and was linked from your personal page as a current project, so I was like OK

1/30/2008 10:28:17 PM

^ yea php date(). yea my personal page is about that old too. I need to update that thing.

[Edited on January 30, 2008 at 10:41 PM. Reason : .]

1/30/2008 10:40:20 PM

Quote :

"This is COMPLETELY wrong. Almost any graphic designer you meet will have either a BA or MFA. And art school isn't cheap. It requires YEARS of learning, development and training in multiple areas. It also requires thousands of dollars in equipment and software to do professionally as a contractor. Highest entrance requirements for SAT/GPA at state? College of Design. Highest cumulative GPA for graduates at state? College of Design."

That sounds like some overblown "my major is better than yours" BS. I worked at a place doing mainly web development and they had three people doing the graphic design. One had a 2 year degree from an online university, the other was working on a 2 year degree at a community college, and the third was actually getting a 4 year degree, but in interior design. Dude wants someone to design a logo, not the Sydney Opera House.

Rynop, if you nose around enough and offer like 50-100 bucks you could probably get some decent kid to make you something really nice looking. If it was me, I'd go stick a flier up at Durham Tech.

1/31/2008 12:33:06 PM

Quote :

"Highest entrance requirements for SAT/GPA at state? College of Design. Highest cumulative GPA for graduates at state? College of Design"

I honestly don't believe this at face value until I see the numbers.

rynop: I might be able to help you out, depending on what it is that you want (a more detailed description that is)

1/31/2008 12:43:48 PM

DESIGN SCHOOL REPREZENTIN

1/31/2008 1:19:09 PM

Quote :

"DESIGN SCHOOL REPREZENTIN"

1/31/2008 1:39:10 PM

people who get most defensive about their majors at ncsu: design

1/31/2008 1:45:27 PM

^5 - thats kinda what im looking for. However i live in MN currently where there is no college(wish there was cuz i'd do exactly that). Someone who is good, and willing to put forth a little effort -really the only risk is time. I've put in quite a bit of time in hopes that this will take off, i know there are others out there willing to do the same. This isnt a one night stand sort of thing.

Been thinking about what Noen said a bit more, re: good artist would deserve a stake in the company. And I do agree with him - if the person is very good at what they do, and could say for example re-design our site to draw more people in and create a brand. look/feel/usability is at least 50% of the game IMO.

point to all this is, my hope is we will find someone who will prove to us that they are good (thru little tasks like logo, banner ads). We can then a) let them re-design and create brand (and give stake) b) we get funded and are able to hire him/her on for at the minimum, contract type work.

Fry: if you are interested in learning more pm me with some of your work and I'll give you more detail. I'd post it here but dont want this thread to get overtaken by people criticizing/critiquing.

1/31/2008 7:24:51 PM

Quote :

"That sounds like some overblown "my major is better than yours" BS. I worked at a place doing mainly web development and they had three people doing the graphic design. One had a 2 year degree from an online university, the other was working on a 2 year degree at a community college, and the third was actually getting a 4 year degree, but in interior design. Dude wants someone to design a logo, not the Sydney Opera House. "

No, its the same as the following comparison:

A graphic artist is to a programmer what a graphic/UI/UX designer is to a software engineer.

It just happens that most developers don't have any concept of the difference between someone who can make things look pretty, and someone who makes things look pretty for the right reasons.

The same way most artists and designers have no concept of the difference between writing code and software theory and architecture.

You need very little formal education to be able to create beautiful things. You still need a lot of experience, but not much education. You need a LOT of education to be able to make beautiful things in the right CONTEXT. That is, to create things that not only look good, but also communicate the right things, to the right people, at the right level.

If you look at the new breed of successful e-startups (youtube, facebook, google, et al), they place an extreme emphasis on integrated design and user experience. You won't get that from an artist and you also won't get that from an engineer. It takes the harmony of all three + good management.

[Edited on January 31, 2008 at 8:41 PM. Reason : .]

1/31/2008 8:38:24 PM

Quote :

"Highest entrance requirements for SAT/GPA at state? College of Design. Highest cumulative GPA for graduates at state? College of Design."

what are these numbers?

2/1/2008 12:44:55 AM

^while i don't know what the numbers are, when i got in the ratio was about 1:10 got in and it wasn't just my GPA/SAT but my portfolio, i had several friends that did not get in and who had good grades... and while my graduating GPA wasn't all that high (just above 3.0) i know i sure worked harder than anyone i knew in any other program, but this is all i can speak for is my personal experience.

^^amen

and to those who doubt Noen, he got his BS in CS before getting a masters in ID, this guys been on both sides of the coin folks, in THIS regard he knows what he's talking about and it's a very unique gift to have both logic and creativity

[Edited on February 1, 2008 at 1:08 AM. Reason : .]

2/1/2008 1:05:59 AM

i nearly switched to design about two years ago. still wonder if i should have every now and then. i do graphic and web work all the time for the fun of it, but want to do more professionally. my current job is a mix of both which is fortunate. i've just seen that argument about college vs. college a lot and it bugs me when i see it. that depends so heavily on different experiences especially among the majors that are traditionally more difficult/demanding.

rynop: i'll see what i have sitting around. if i don't think it'll be enough to interest ya i won't waste your time. i just asked for some details because i know my general limits, but i can't blame you for avoiding flames

[Edited on February 1, 2008 at 2:45 AM. Reason : ]

2/1/2008 2:43:02 AM