Why you’re better off staying local

I had a man contact me directly via social media recently about simply updating his business card. Being a graphic designer and designing countless cards throughout my career, this presented as a simple brief. But this “simple” update turned into hours of back and forth emailing. In fact, it would have been quicker if we’d just created a whole new logo and business card design from scratch.

I learned that this man had his logo created via fiverr (an online marketplace for freelance services). If you’re not familiar with this business, you’ve probably heard of something similar as there are a few businesses like this around. I can absolutely see the appeal as a potential buyer, “fast, cheap & easy”, right?! And sure, it might feel like that at first, but how much will it really cost you in the long run? Did you know that poorly designed logos and marketing material will have a negative impact on customers perception of your business or brand?

As a professional Australian based graphic designer, online freelance marketplaces have a huge impact on a service like mine, and I know I’m not the only business affected. Don’t get me wrong, this service can be a really great solution for some smaller businesses or one-off jobs. But if you’re looking for an on-going design for your business, you’re better off staying local. What you’re really investing in is a relationship with your designer and someone that will help you build your brand.

Of course, it’s unrealistic to expect that we compete with $10 logo pricing, I mean, let’s be real, I was earning more than this as a 15-year-old and that was over 20 years ago. It’s a little insulting sometimes to hear what people expect to pay for a logo design, in my experience most people don’t want to pay more than $50, yet the average price for a logo design in Australia ranges between $300-$1300?

After finally locating the original file I needed to help update this business card, it turns out the brief was actually a logo update and redesigned business card. What fascinates me about this brief is that it actually cost my client more this way than just coming to me directly. Not only did he need to chase up files from the other side of the world, he wasn’t fully happy with the design outcome in the first place. The saying “you get what you pay for” couldn’t be truer in this situation.

So, my advice, if you’re looking for graphic design services, I say “keep the business local”. Not only are you supporting local Aussie talent, but you’re more likely to get a better outcome. You’ll also have the option to call &/or meet your designer and build an honest working relationship. Most designers will have access to industry suppliers which will not only help you with sourcing products but again, keeps business within the community.

Angela Grabski, CEO, BlackRhino Creative