How Much Does It Cost to Design a Logo? The True Cost in 2024

The cost of logo design services can be anywhere from $20 to upwards of $2,500. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular logo design methods and where to find the right logo design service for you.

By: Melanie Clarke
May 5, 2024
8 minute reading
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Each logo is a unique signature for the company it represents and considerably impacts consumer behavior. Furthermore, according to consumer research, 75% of consumers recognize a company solely from its logo—and an effective logo can directly help you win new customers.

While there's no denying that every business needs a logo that is attractive and relatable to its target audiences, many small businesses have a strict limit on the amount they're prepared to spend on logo design.

Research has found that the majority (65%) of businesses would only pay up to $500 for a new logo, with just 15% willing to pay over $1,000 for their design.

How much will it cost to design a logo (and where to find help)?

If you’re wondering how much it costs to design a logo, the short answer is that it can be done for free on your own—or you can pay a few hundred dollars for a solo designer and upwards of $2,500 for a design agency. 

However, there are several avenues you can take to design a logo, each with its pros, cons, and price range, and the true cost of logo design depends heavily on the design path you choose to take. We've grouped the design paths into five categories to help you decide the best path for your business needs and budget: 

  • Do-it-Yourself: $0-$1,200

  • Ready-Made Templates: $12-$2,000

  • Online Logo Maker: $30-$360

  • Remote Freelance Designers: $20-$2,200

  • Design Agencies: $2,500+

Do-it-Yourself ($0-$1,200)

One way to gain a logo for your business is to design the logo yourself. If you start a small business and have a minimal branding budget, this can be the most cost-friendly alternative. However, without some graphic design knowledge and expertise, it'll be challenging to achieve a professional-looking logo. Choosing this route should also be weighed against the time commitment it entails. 

Let’s go over the different ways for creating a logo by yourself:

Sketching by hand: $0-$50

Sketching by hand is the most cost-effective method in the initial stages of logo design, requiring minimal investment beyond paper, pencils, and perhaps some higher-quality drawing tools. To achieve good results, use graph paper or dotted paper to help you visualize measurements, angles, and clean curves.

Cost:
  • Drawing a logo yourself is generally completely free or very low-cost, potentially requiring minimal investment of up to $50 for supplies, such as graph paper, pencils, and perhaps some higher-quality drawing tools.

Pros:
  • Hand-drawn logos are unique, so the possibilities that other logos look like yours is low.

  • Allow a cost-efficient way to explore different logo concepts before finalizing the design.

Cons:
  • If you aren't a designer or lack design knowledge, it may be challenging to create a visually appealing logo that effectively represents and promotes your brand.

  • Hand-drawn logos need to be digitized for general use. If you don't have the design skills to do this, you must hire help to do it for you, which can add to your expenses.

Online design tools: $10-$100

Another option for the DIY route is using an online graphic design tool like VistaCreate and Canva, which offer a wide variety of elements to help you create a professional-looking logo. Typically, these platforms let you download your finished design in a standard portable graphics format (PNG) without a background, so that you can use it on any surface or future design.  

Cost:
  • Free: Some online design tools offer free versions with basic functionality or limited trials.

  • Monthly/annual plans: Prices of plans that include more advanced features and customization options range from $10 a month to $100 per year, depending on the tool, the features, and the level of service required.

Pros:
  • These tools are generally easy to use, even if you have no design skills.

  • Templates are available to guide you if you don't know how to design from scratch.

  • You may be able to add the finished logo to a brand kit inside the platform.

Cons:
  • Although these tools are rather intuitive and simple to use, users lacking in design knowledge might find it challenging to create an effective and aesthetically pleasing logo.

  • While online tools offer various design elements, they may not provide the file formats, level of customization, and fine-tuning available in professional design software.

Professional design software: $0-$400

Professional design software is the best option for a logo design for business owners or marketing managers with a background in design. Design software such as Adobe illustrator and CorelDRAW, or open-source software like Inkscape and GIMP, offer robust tools for creating logos, providing users with the ability to craft highly customized and scalable vector graphics. 

Cost: 
  • Free: Open source tools are completely free

  • Monthly/annual plans: Subscription prices for professional-grade softwares range from $35 per month to $250-$400 a year.

Pros:
  • As long as you know how to use the software, designing a logo is straightforward.

  • Vector-based designs ensure logos can be resized and scaled for any use without losing clarity.

Cons:
  • Professional design software comes with a steep learning curve that may be daunting for beginners.

  • The initial investment in software can be significant, especially for premium programs like Adobe Illustrator.

Generative AI tools: $0-$1,200

Generative AI tools introduce an innovative approach to logo creation. These tools, such as DALL-E by OpenAI and Midjourney, push the boundaries of creative design by using advanced artificial intelligence to generate images and logos from textual descriptions. Users can input specific requirements or styles they envision, and the AI tool generates a variety of designs to choose from.

Cost:
  • Free: Free versions are available with basic functionality or limited trials.

  • Monthly/annual plans: Pricing of subscription plans that include more advanced features and higher-quality images range from $10 a month to $600-$1,200 a year, depending on the tool, the features, and the level of service required.

Pros:
  • AI tools can generate unique and creative logos that might not have been conceived by traditional methods.

  • These tools can produce logos quickly, making them ideal for tight deadlines or when needing multiple design options.

  • They allow a cost-efficient way to explore different logo concepts before finalizing the design.

Cons:
  • There's a risk that the logos produced may lack a truly personalized touch or might resemble others generated through the same platform.

  • Free versions have restrictions on image resolution or output quality and don’t produce vector files, which are crucial when scaling your logo.

  • Ensuring the uniqueness and ownership of a logo created by an AI tool can be more complicated than with traditional design processes.

Ready-made templates ($12-$2,000)

Using ready-made logo templates, instead of starting from scratch, is often easier because you choose a style to get a head start. You need less design knowledge than the DIY route, but there's still a learning curve if you don't know how to use design software.

You have two main choices for sourcing ready-made logo templates: design marketplaces and templates inside online design platforms. The cost varies, as you may need to get a subscription or pay to download individual files. 

Let's take a closer look at these options.

Ready-made logo marketplaces: $12-$2,000+

Design marketplaces like Creative Market, Envato Elements, Freepik, and Etsy offer pre-designed logos that can be purchased right away. Creative Market and Etsy work on a pay-per-download system, while Envato and Freepik have a subscription model.

Cost:

Prices of pre-designed logos for downloads and subscriptions vary, and you may also need to factor in the cost of commercial rights for the logo templates:

  • One-time purchase: Pay-per-download prices range from $12 to $1000.

  • Monthly/annual plans: Subscription prices range from $7 to $12 a month

  • Additional fee: For full commercial rights, you can expect to pay between $100 to $2,000.

Pros: 
  • The best part about using ready-made templates is that they save considerable sketching and ideation time, leading to a more expedient logo creation process.  

  • You can use some logo templates and edit them with online design platforms that are available on these marketplaces.

  • Some design marketplaces offer access to designers that offer personalized help for an additional fee. 

Cons: 
  • If you don't have access to design software or the skills to use it, you can experience a learning curve. 

  • You may need to pay for a full commercial license for the template, which can increase the cost.

Online design platforms with templates: $0-$400

Some online design platforms like Canva and Adobe offer premade logo templates, which you can customize however you like without the need for expensive software or specialized design skills. However, it's important to leverage the customization capabilities these platforms offer to ensure your logo stands out and truly represents your brand. 

Cost:
  • Free: Some platforms may offer free plans with limited templates and basic customization and functionality.

  • Monthly/annual plans: For more advanced features and premium templates, you'll need to pay a subscription fee ranging from $30 per month to $360 per year

Pros:
  • Design platforms are easy to use for those with little to no design experience. 

  • With a paid subscription, you have access to premium templates and extra design elements to customize your logo. 

Cons:
  • The same templates could be used by other businesses, potentially diluting your brand's distinctiveness. 

  • Despite the ease of use, there's still a learning curve involved in making the most out of the platforms’ advanced features.

  • Users unfamiliar with design principles might not achieve the best customization results without investing time to learn.

  • You may have to subscribe to access custom elements or download your logo in the file format you need for your marketing.

Online Logo Makers ($30-$360)

The next tier in the logo design spectrum is using professional-grade online logo maker tools. These tools offer a user-friendly platform, in which users are simply prompted to provide their business name and industry, along with elements that describe its personality. Once provided, some of the most advanced logo maker tools, like Fiverr Logo Maker, use AI technology to instantly generate unique logo designs, custom-tailored automatically to fit users’ input, and effectively communicate the brand’s personality.    

Logo makers have different price ranges that vary widely depending on the platform and the features required, such as high-resolution downloads, customizations, and additional file formats.

Cost:
  • Free: Some logo maker tools, like Canva Logo Maker, offer a basic service for free, which include limited or generic templates, basic file format, and limited customization options.

  • One-time purchase: Logo package prices range from $20 to $100.  

  • Monthly/annual plans: Prices range from $12 per month to $130 per year.  

Pros:  
  • Logo maker tools allow for quick logo creation, making them ideal for those who need a logo in a hurry, without the back-and-forth communication with designers

  • A variety of custom logo design options are offered based on user preferences. This allows users to find inspiration or choose from dozens of options.

  • With most logo makers, you get full commercial rights to the logo.

  • Logo makers provide access to an easy-to-use online editor, allowing anyone with little to no design experience to edit the logo.

Cons: 
  • If the logo maker offers extra customization, asking the designer for more personalization, revisions, and variations can increase the cost of the logo design.

  • Some logo maker tools may suffer from a "cookie-cutter" effect, where many businesses end up with similar-looking logos due to the reuse of common design elements and templates.

A Logo design created by logo maker.

A Logo design created by logo maker.

Remote freelance designers ($20-$2,200)

Choosing a remote freelance designer is the best option for small business owners or startup founders that have a defined branding budget. There are plenty of freelance designer platforms that showcase the services, portfolios, and rates of logo designers in one place, allowing you to find the designer that is the right fit for your project.

The cost of a remote freelance designer will depend on several factors, including their experience and demand, as well as the complexity, urgency, and requirements of the logo design project.

Cost:

In the Fiverr Marketplace, for example, logo design costs have three tiers:

  • Beginner services -  Service rates range from $5 to $75

  • Mid-level services - Service rates range from $75 to $350

  • Pro level services-  Service range from $400 to $2,200.

Pros: 
  • The ability to tap into a global pool of talent, providing access to diverse styles, perspectives, and creative expertise that may not be available locally.

  • Remote freelancers often operate with lower overhead costs, allowing them to offer competitive pricing for logo design services compared to traditional design agencies.

  • Direct communication with the designer allows for more hands-on collaboration.

Cons: 
  • Communication challenges can arise due to differences in time zones or language barriers.

  • If you don't pay for detailed customization and commercial ownership of your logo, there may be other logos out there that look a lot like yours. 

Example of logos made by a human designer, Zoe, on Fiverr.

Example of logos made by a human designer, Zoe, on Fiverr.

Design agencies ($2,500+)

Design agencies are at the top of the list in ascending order of cost. Choosing to hire a design agency is your best option if you're a large company looking for a full-scale branding strategy that might grow into an all-encompassing design package in the future.  

Like freelance designers, agencies fall into three tiers: small, mid-level, and high end.

If you opt to work with a design studio, you should budget a minimum of $2,500 for your logo. Hiring a high-end design agency is going to carry a much higher price tag—likely between $50,000 to $100,000. 

Keep in mind, however, that a large-cost design doesn’t necessarily equate to a hugely successful logo. The London 2012 Olympics logo – dubbed one of the worst logos designed – cost £400,000 (approximately $625,000 USD). Google, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola, on the other hand, originally took the DIY route and designed their logos for no cost at all.

Cost:
  • Small design studio - $2,500 - $10,000

  • Mid-level design studio - $10,000 - $30,000

  • High-end design studio - $50,000 - $100,000

Pros:
  • You have a team of designers dedicated to creating a unique logo that accurately represents your brand.

  • Design agencies have access to extensive design libraries, industry-standard software, and specialized tools, allowing them to accommodate projects of varying scales and complexities.

Cons:
  • For many small to medium businesses, the biggest downside to using a design agency to create a logo is the high cost

  • Design agencies work on multiple projects at the same time, potentially resulting in longer turnaround times for clients.

  • Some businesses may feel that the larger agency environment leads to a lack of personalized attention and a less intimate understanding of their brand.

Logo design pricing factors

Your logo will appear in several different places—business cards, professional website, and social media profiles. So invest time and effort to avoid rebranding in the future.

Logo design cost depends on several factors:

1. Designer's experience

Designers with extensive experience and a proven track record of creating high-quality logos typically charge higher fees.

This is because they have more:

  • Expertise

  • Skillsets

  • Knowledge

  • Experience

This enables them to deliver exceptional designs that effectively communicate a brand's identity and resonate with the target audience.

2. Complexity of the logo design

Simple logos with basic shapes and limited colors are less expensive than intricate and detailed designs that require extensive conceptualization and artistic skills.

The following factors influence the complexity—and therefore the cost—of your design:

  • Level of detail

  • Number of elements

  • Scalability

3. Number of revisions and concepts

The more concepts the designer creates for you, the higher the cost of a logo design project. Each new logo concept requires time and effort to develop and present effectively. Similarly, revisions can impact the price, depending on how many rounds of edits there are.

Choose a logo package that has an upfront price point. Brands that want unique designs may opt for a logo design process with numerous unique logos and design options.

“You’ll probably go through more rounds of feedback than you think you will. Logos are an emotional decision, and final edits (e.g. smoothing corners, selecting that perfect shade) typically add a few more turns,” says Michelle Wiles, founder of Hail Hairware. “Often, when you start to execute (e.g. add the logo to your website or ads) you realize you need different shapes and/or formats. Save budget for that—it's impossible to foresee everything.”

4. File formats and deliverables

Designers typically provide logos in standard file formats, such as JPG, PNG, and vector formats like EPS or SVG. However, if you want additional file formats or specific deliverables—such as marketing materials or social media graphics—it may cost more.

How do I hire a logo designer?

Finding and hiring a logo designer on Fiverr is easy—the first thing you need to do is join Fiverr and create an account. After that, follow these simple steps:

  1. Navigate to the “Graphics and Design” category. In the drop-down of this menu, the first option is “Logo Design.”

  2. Filter your search. Fiverr allows you to find the best match for you by filtering for seller details, budget, service options, and delivery time.

  3. Browse logo designers. Take a look at the recommended sellers and analyze their reviews, portfolio, and payment packages.

  4. Reach out to the logo designer. Once you think you’ve found the best match, you can hire them immediately or contact them to confirm any details about the scope of your project.

Bottom Line

If you already have the required design expertise and resources, then designing your own logo could cost you as little as $0–without factoring in the cost of your time. 

For those with little design knowledge and a small budget, using ready-made logo templates, an online logo maker, or hiring a remote freelance designer can prove effective, starting at as little as $12. Large companies looking for a full-scale branding strategy, on the other hand, should consider the services of a design agency–with costs starting at $2,500 for a small-tier studio to $100,000+ for a high-end design agency.

With so many options to design the perfect logo for your business, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news is that there are affordable ways to create a logo that is professional, unique, and reflects what you do without breaking the bank. 

The Fiverr Marketplace allows you to connect directly with logo design professionals who can create a new logo based on your specifications. The AI-powered Fiverr Logo Maker is also an easy-to-use, hands-on tool that lets you start designing your logo with a few clicks. Simply input a few key details about your business to view a selection of custom logo options. You can then download your new logo or contact a designer for additional customizations.

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About the author

Melanie Clarke

Melanie Clarke is a freelance writer based in Sydney, Australia. She has obtained university degrees in both creative arts and journalism and possesses over a decade of experience in creating educational online content. She is particularly passionate about helping small business owners learn about the intricacies of graphic design and branding.