Issues trying to fix a company logo (created by another designer)

Gromit801 · 02-08-2013, 07:19 PM

So the previous idiot created a file using CMYK AND Spot colors? And then probably used spot colors that don't quite translate to CMYK. Sure there's no RGB elements in there too? I wouldn't be surprised.

Have you converted the whole piece to CMYK?

Aude · 02-08-2013, 07:27 PM

They didn't use both spot and process for color. But I don't know if they first created the logo using spot colors and then simply converted to process, or the reverse. Regardless, they don't match.

**Buda** · 02-08-2013, 07:42 PM

First I would get the client to double check that they haven't mistakenly mistook a low res proof for the final product. It's common for clients to do this as they can't tell the difference between a final logo and a proof logo.

Then, if you need to recreate this for logo use, make sure you quote the client for your time. Get this quote approved before fixing it. If a client has already paid for a logo design, they may not enjoy paying a second time.

Those colours swatches don't look right, but who knows how the designer got those.

Cosmo · 02-08-2013, 08:03 PM

Originally posted by Buda View Post

First I would get the client to double check that they haven't mistakenly mistook a low res proof for the final product. It's common for clients to do this as they can't tell the difference between a final logo and a proof logo.

Then, if you need to recreate this for logo use, make sure you quote the client for your time. Get this quote approved before fixing it. If a client has already paid for a logo design, they may not enjoy paying a second time.

Those colours swatches don't look right, but who knows how the designer got those.

I agree. In fact, just today I got a call from a client who was mad that the logo I sent her wasn't high enough resolution for her business cards to be printed. She said the printer wanted something 300 dpi and the logo I sent her was 72 dpi.

I asked her what file she sent. She said "the JPG file. It's the only one I could open". I then explained to her that she should send the EPS file that is on the CD I sent her. She asked where to find it. I told her "look in the folder titled LOGOS FOR PRINT".

Aude · 02-08-2013, 08:11 PM

Thanks for your advice. Unfortunately, the decal they got was not a proof, it was the real thing from those Pantone colors. So yes, I am certainly going to charge for whatever time I am putting in this project.

PrintDriver · 02-08-2013, 08:53 PM

I'm with Buda and Cosmo. I'd definitely ask this client if the first designer sent a disk or a packet of files and they just happened to send you the one they could open.
It's far too frequent an occurence to not check.

Sketcher · 02-08-2013, 09:27 PM

Originally posted by Cosmo View Post

I agree. In fact, just today I got a call from a client who was mad that the logo I sent her wasn't high enough resolution for her business cards to be printed. She said the printer wanted something 300 dpi and the logo I sent her was 72 dpi.

I asked her what file she sent. She said "the JPG file. It's the only one I could open". I then explained to her that she should send the EPS file that is on the CD I sent her. She asked where to find it. I told her "look in the folder titled LOGOS FOR PRINT".

I always send the client a pdf document detailing the file formats I was including and what each one is used for.

I would tell the client you need a vector .ai file. If they don't have one, tell them to get one from their designer. If their designer can't give them one because all they know is Photoshop, then the client will know they got screwed over and will hire a real designer next time.

Aude · 02-09-2013, 12:19 AM

I actually have access to all the logos on Dropbbox, as my client wanted it so. And they do have a disk. The problem is that this logo is created in Photoshop and the "designer" then created a rasterized copy for Illustrator. I just couldn't believe my eyes. And the logo sucks, but they like it. Shoot me.

This is all water under the bridge, so it looks like we're having a meeting next week and will discuss color modifs for the logo. They have 50 vehicles, so this has to be done right. I wish I could redo it for free for them, LOL, but I'm not nice enough :-)

Sketcher · 02-09-2013, 03:08 PM

Just tell them you have to charge to recreate the logo in vector because their designer didn't design it properly. We do that all the time. Then go over the Pantone issue with them and see if those are the colors they want.

PrintDriver · 02-09-2013, 03:48 PM

Yep. Brand Identity Specialist. Sure was special wasn't it.
You sure you designer types don't want to regulate your industry???

Aude, after you're done, would you like to write up a post describing what your client is going through from hiring a hack? It might just help other business owners avoid the same issue. Not hopeful, but every little bit helps.

Dooka · 02-10-2013, 01:02 PM

Recreating would help them in the long run. Sell them on the fact that they could have a vector image with process colors for all their printing needs in the future. It will be a wrestle for them for every vendor they go to withnthere current file. Headaches

Issues trying to fix a company logo (created by another designer)

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