Is BrandCrowd Your Golden Ticket to Logo Nirvana? Or Just Another Crow in the Logo Coop? Let’s Find Out.
Need a logo? You’ve come to the right place. A logo is your brand’s handshake. It sends a visual message. If you’re looking for budget options, BrandCrowd may appear on your radar. But is it worth it? Is it just another tool among many? Let’s dive in and explore.
BrandCrowd: The Good, The Decent, and The “Could Be Better”
BrandCrowd claims to blend AI with a vast library of logo designs. Interesting, right? They offer logo designs and tools for customization. For those on a budget, they present themselves as a “pretty good option.” Note that it’s not “the best option.” This wording suggests something important.
Being “pretty good” doesn’t mean top-tier, right? BrandCrowd does provide decent customization and a low-cost approach. However, in the world of logo makers, it’s not exactly the heavyweight champion. Think of it as a solid contender. Good for a decent match but maybe not your first choice.
BrandCrowd vs. The Logo-Making Wild West: Are There Better Gunslingers in Town?
Alert: there are better options. While comparing logo platforms, some standout alternatives arise. They might offer more value and better experiences. BrandCrowd’s competitors could provide smoother customization. You may find options that won’t leave you frustrated.
Logo Ownership: Whose Logo Is It Anyway? (Spoiler: It’s Complicated)
Let’s discuss rights! When you acquire a logo from BrandCrowd with the standard license, you don’t get full exclusivity. It’s more like casual dating. You enjoy “non-exclusive rights.” You can use the logo for various purposes, but others can too. Awkward, isn’t it?
If you want exclusive rights, prepare to pay more. For an additional “higher fee,” you can assert ownership. You can also fully buy it out. This gives you complete control over the design. Just know that exclusivity comes at a premium. Logo commitment isn’t cheap.
BrandCrowd Pricing: From “Free” to “Fancy,” But What’s the Real Deal?
Let’s talk pricing. Not everyone has money to burn while starting a business. BrandCrowd understands that reality well. They offer “various pricing options.” Sounds generous, right?
They even promote “Try BrandCrowd for Free!” who doesn’t like free offers? But beware. Free options often come with limitations. We’ll explore what that means soon, but rest assured BrandCrowd tries to accommodate diverse budgets.
Canceling Your BrandCrowd Subscription: Logo “Til Death Do Us Part”?
You subscribed to BrandCrowd and designed a logo. Now you want to cancel. Will your logo disappear? No need to worry. BrandCrowd allows you to keep using your logo even after cancellation. It’s a win for users in the harsh world of subscriptions!
BrandCrowd’s Website Builder: Logo and a Website? Talk About a Two-for-One Special!
Wait, there’s more! BrandCrowd isn’t just about logos; they aim to provide a full branding solution. After creating your logo, they entice you with a website builder. Customize a website that matches your logo? Easy and convenient for building brands.
Logo Design Costs: Decoding the Dollar Signs – From Pocket Change to Arm and a Leg
So, how much should a logo cost? Logo pricing varies widely. For midrange designs, expect costs between $300 and $2,500. Most small businesses spend around $500 to $5,000 on a logo. Suddenly, free logo makers sound much more appealing.
Where does BrandCrowd fit? They likely lean towards budget-friendly options. If you’re willing to use their AI tools and templates, costs go down. Still, remember, quality often matches price. Free logos might lack professionalism compared to high-end designs.
Selling Logos on BrandCrowd: For Designers with Designs to Sell
Attention logo designers! BrandCrowd serves buyers and sellers too. If your portfolio is full of designs waiting for buyers, apply to their seller platform. Think of it as an Etsy for logos.
The application seems straightforward: showcase your logos, connect your portfolio, and set your price. BrandCrowd reviews submissions and contacts you if approved. If you succeed, start selling designs and earn money.
BrandCrowd’s “Free” Logos: Free as in “Puppies” or Free as in “Free Trial”?
“Making a FREE logo is easy with BrandCrowd!” they say. Sounds enticing! Free logos attract interest like free pizza. They let you search FREE logos while claiming they are “100% customizable.” Change colors, fonts, and add taglines easily.
But beware! Free offers often come with strings attached. Expect fewer options and potentially lower-quality designs than paid versions. Also, some branding might remain from BrandCrowd itself. Yet for startups or side projects, a free logo might be worthwhile.
Royalty-Free License: A Quick Detour into Legalese Land
You might see “royalty-free license” when discussing stock assets, including logos. It means you pay once for rights and can use it repeatedly without paying ongoing fees. It resembles buying a song on iTunes versus paying per play at a jukebox.
This type of license often applies to BrandCrowd’s standard offerings. It’s cost-effective yet remember—non-exclusive means others might use similar designs too.
Making Your Logo Legit: From “Using It” to “Trademarking It”
You now have a logo! How do you make it officially yours? BrandCrowd suggests steps to “make your logo legit.” The most straightforward way? Start using the logo actively!
Put your logo out there. It starts your claim. Think of it as claiming your spot in branding’s Wild West.
You can protect it by registering for a state trademark. This gives legal rights in your state. For complete security, register a federal trademark. You get nationwide protection and legal backing against logo theft. Trademarking isn’t required, but it is wise if your logo is vital.
BrandCrowd’s HQ: Down Under, Mate!
Here’s a fun fact: BrandCrowd is based in Sydney, Australia. If you face logo issues at 3 AM, remember, it’s tea time for the team down under. It may explain any delays in customer service. Just a quirky geographical fact.
Logo Creation Alternatives: Beyond the BrandCrowd Horizon
BrandCrowd is not the only option for logos. Other platforms seek your logo-design money. Canva is known as a “powerful tool for non-designers.” It is easy to use and versatile. Canva is popular in DIY design. FreeLogoDesign is another trusted brand. Some sites even connect you with real designers eager to hear your requests.
Don’t keep all your logo hopes in one BrandCrowd basket. Check the alternatives. Based on your budget and needs, another platform might suit you better.
Trademarking Deep Dive: When Should You Lock Down Your Logo Legally?
Now, let’s discuss trademarks. When should you trademark your logo? If it’s essential to your brand, then trademarking is advisable. Think of logos like Apple’s apple or Nike’s swoosh. These logos are well-known and trademarked.
Consider trademarking if you fear competitors may copy your logo. No one wants to be confused with knock-offs, right? Trademarking helps protect your identity. Secure a trademark before using it in business. It’s always better to be proactive and protect yourself.
If your logo has complex visuals, like unique symbols or fonts, register it as a special mark. This protects the distinctive elements of your logo, not just its name. A logo trademark focuses on unique visuals and design elements. It’s all about those graphic elements!
Copyright vs. Trademark: Logo Protection Double Whammy?
Now let’s add copyright. “It’s crucial to copyright and trademark a logo.” Copyright protects the artwork. Trademark, on the other hand, safeguards its use as a brand identifier. Both are essential for comprehensive logo protection.
For copyright in the US, you must register with the Copyright Office. You need to trademark separately for brand protection. They provide different layers of legal protection for your visual asset.
LLC and Trademarking: Do You Need to Be a Big Business to Protect Your Logo?
Time for a quick myth-bust. “You don’t need an LLC to file a trademark.” You can trademark as a sole proprietor or part of a partnership. Trademark protection safeguards your brand, not just the business structure. Don’t let the absence of an LLC stop you from trademarking your logo.
BrandCrowd Licensing: Revisiting the Rights Rundown
About BrandCrowd licensing. “With their standard license, you get non-exclusive rights.” This covers both commercial and non-commercial uses. It’s their basic offer. Good for general use, but not exclusive. Others may have similar logos. If you want exclusivity, look for an exclusive license.
BrandCrowd Affiliate Program: Spread the Logo Love and Get Paid?
If you want to make extra money, consider BrandCrowd’s affiliate program. The process is simple: “sign up,” “promote BrandCrowd,” and “get paid” when someone launches a project using your link.
Affiliate marketing can earn you money if you have an audience interested in logo creation. It’s worth considering if you like BrandCrowd and want to share it while earning a commission.
So, is BrandCrowd the best choice for your logo? It’s a viable option for budget-conscious customers seeking quick logos. However, it has limitations. It’s not the only player in logo design. Explore all options, weigh benefits and drawbacks, and choose what suits your brand and budget best. Happy branding!
