by David Howlett of Manifest Creative
It Must Be An Ego Thang
I believe that I am already one of the top logo designers and graphic artists in Montana. That might be hard to swallow for some people, but I think when you are a graphic designer you have to have a bit of an ego… you have to believe that your designs are the best. With that in mind, I honestly believe that when it comes to designing a logo, I’m one of the best identity and brand designers in Montana.
As I see it, having the desire to be the top graphic designer ultimately makes you strive that much harder to be the best graphic artist you can possibly be. That being said, I want to be the best logo designer in all of Montana. No wait… actually now that I think about it, I want to someday become one of the most iconic logo designers in the whole world. Yeah… now that’s more like it!
I know… I know… pretty lofty goals right? You’re probably left thinking, “Wow… this guy sure has a big head… what an egotistical maniac!” I can assure you that that is not the case, and for example as I write this I am experiencing one of the lowest financial points of my entire working life. In fact, it is that very hardship that is putting things in a new perspective for me. My new logic is something like this… I am a highly talented logo designer, and I should be doing a whole lot more of what I’m good at.
A Life-Long Love Affair with Logos
OK it’s true, I have a deep and meaningful love affair with logos… I can’t help it! I enjoy looking at them, researching them, writing about them, voting and commenting on them, but most of all I love the challenge of designing them. After all, logos are what made me want to get in the graphic design business to begin with, and that is a desire that began taking shape many years ago.
Although I have been drawing and sketching as long as I can remember, looking back, I think I produced what could actually be construed as my first logo way back in seventh grade. I’ve come a long way since then, and throughout my professional life as a graphic design artist I have created hundreds of various logos designs. A great many of those logos were simply playing around though, and I’m also counting designs that were not chosen or were never even shown to my clients. If I had to guess at the number of logos that are actually in use by various entities and companies, I’d have to put the total somewhere between twenty and thirty so far.
If you would like a deeper look into my history in graphic design please stay tuned and check out my next post, it will give you a fairly good overview.
The Truth Sometimes Hurts
I think being a great designer is being able to admit that I’m not always going to be the right fit as a designer for some businesses, sometimes that is just how this business goes. This has been the case several times over the course of my career, and although I hate to admit failure, it simply is part of the job every now and then. Through it all though, I always have maintained a respect for my customers, and I will always stand by my work.
The Challenge… Hire Me
I’ve already established that I think I’m one of the best logo designers in Montana. If you don’t believe me, than I advise you to take my challenge. If you need a logo designed or know of anyone that does, contact me to schedule a FREE consultation to assess your needs, and together we’ll get the process going right away.
How it Works
During your FREE initial consultation we will figure out what you would like your new logo to convey, I will provide you with a very competitive estimate for the design time involved in the process. I think you will find my rates and terms very comfortable. If you find the details of the estimate acceptable, you pay half of the project up front, and then I get right to work on your new identity.
Based on the time frame in the estimate, I will provide you with no less than the required amount of design comps that we agree on. Along with those comps, I will give you you the reasoning and strategy behind each one to help you make your choice. If you are not completely satisfied with the results at any time, my designs will go back to the studio with me and I’ll refund your deposit… you pay nothing.
Only Two Questions Remain:
Pick up the phone… dial 406-585-9406 and ask for Dave. What have you got to lose?
I’m one of the best logo designers in Montana, so why not hire me now while I’m still affordable?
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2 comments to “The best logo designer in Montana? You decide!”
George Peebody May 4, 2009
Lofty claims David. I would take a look at even your local competition, of just Bozeman proper, and you will see many good identity designers, many of whom I would claim are better than yourself. Most the time work speaks for itself. But whatever you have to tell yourself to get out of bed in the morning.
manifestdave May 4, 2009
You know George you're right, these are lofty claims… and you are also correct that Montana (especially Bozeman) is full of many good (if not great) designers… many of whom I know on a personal basis. Believe me, as an avid fan of logos and identity, I make it a point to not just simply look at my local competition… but to study it.
You are certainly entitled to your opinion Mr. Peebody. I think interpretation is a beautiful thing… and I actually value and appreciate it. That being said, my challenge still stands. I'd be happy for the opportunity to throw my skills into the mashing pot with any of the identity designers you have failed to mention above. I am every bit as confident in my abilities now, as I was at the time these claims were posted.
As far as this post is concerned, I actually wrote it as an experiment, and with only one comment in four months it did not have nearly the effect I was hoping for. After having the opportunity to re-read it, along with some prompting from my business partner Phil, I'm thinking it needs some revising, a re-write, or perhaps I will take it down all together. Like you said… the work should speak for itself.
As far as work speaking for itself, my work speaks loud and clear… and not just on a local level either. I have several logos that get positive feedback from some of the best designers from across the world. I have even provided a few links for you to see for yourself:
http://logooftheday.com/2009-02-06-esperanza-ce...
http://www.logogala.com/gallery/details/esperan...
http://logopond.com/members/profile/showcase/18675
Also here is a direct quote from Justin Hartman of Tight Line Adventures, on the logo I recently designed for him… I think it speaks volumes:
“The logo looks really great, and everyone I show it to just raves about it. I love it and after looking at tons of other fishing logos… this one kicks the crap out of all of them. You did an excellent job and I'm very excited to market my business with this logo!”
Since you mentioned it, comments like the one above are more than enough to get me out of bed in the morning… the exquisite beauty of Montana also helps a bit. Oh… and by the way, I don't drink coffee either… I have long said that a cup of joe is for weak mortals!
Sincerely,
David Howlett