In need of a Logo/Watermark/Brand

Hi guys & girls,

I've taken the plunge after a few years of toying with the idea and im taking my hobbie to the next level - PAID PHOTOGRAPHY!
It's a huge step for an Auto Technician and I need a bit of help in the branding field, I'm starting with weddings (as i've been asked to do a couple over this past summer) and will probably move into more types of event photography, including sports and maybe some studio work, we have a stuido in town that can be rented out for personal use.

I'm not sure weather to use my name in my business name of try to come up with an "original" name that isn't too cheesy lol

My Name is Jason Milich, I live in a city of 60,000 people and one of the more recognised photographers in the Wedding field is my second cousin (whom i've never met) who goes by the name "Stacy Milich Photography" so I'm not sure I want to be "Jason Milich Photography"

I wouldn't mind at all if anyone would like to design a logo for me, maybe I could offer up a little prize if someone makes up a design I decide to use.

Cheers,
Jason

How about Photography by Jason as your brand, logo, etc.?

And don't take this wrong, but I would think you should have some knowledge of a graphics program to whip out a simple design using that name, or whatever you choose, if you are getting into the photography business. I'm no pro by any means, but I do know that photos often times need some tweaks via such programs.

Just a suggestion, please don't think I am attempting anything other than offering suggestions, and good luck on your venture!

barn9 wrote in post #15719155
How about Photography by Jason as your brand, logo, etc.?

And don't take this wrong, but I would think you should have some knowledge of a graphics program to whip out a simple design using that name, or whatever you choose, if you are getting into the photography business. I'm no pro by any means, but I do know that photos often times need some tweaks via such programs.

Just a suggestion, please don't think I am attempting anything other than offering suggestions, and good luck on your venture!

Thanks for the feedback, I've played around with logos and watermarks and I like them for a while and then . . . .I get sick of them, when if comes to graphics, I have a better ability to critique than create
I know there are a whole lot of people out there who are excellent with illustrator that might be able to help me out here, I wan't to do this right and have it look professional from the start, you know what they say "first impressions last"

actually, "First Impressions Photography" sounds allright . . . lol

It looks like you are suggesting people compete for a prize. If you say what the prize is, you might get more bites in this site.

You could also take it to a crowd sourcing design site and list your fee for the contract.

losangelino wrote in post #15719323
It looks like you are suggesting people compete for a prize. If you say what the prize is, you might get more bites in this site.

You could also take it to a crowd sourcing design site and list your fee for the contract.

I was thinking of offering a $20 voucher for a popular store, but the only problem is that POTN members come from all over the world so setting a prize Is a bit harder than I first thought . . . I should say, the prize will not be big at all, just a little token of my appreciation.

could you tell me more about this "crowd sourcing design"

I am not associated and have not used any of these services but here are a few:

http://www.designcrowd​.com/crowdsourcing

http://99designs.com/

http://www.crowdspring​.com/

the prize money is usually a few hundred dollars.

losangelino wrote in post #15719394
I am not associated and have not used any of these services but here are a few:

http://www.designcrowd​.com/crowdsourcing

http://99designs.com/

http://www.crowdspring​.com/

the prize money is usually a few hundred dollars.

Cool, thanks, It looks like i'm a bit of a cheap skate well I guess you gotta start somewhere

You have to be more creative than that. I see everyone naming their websites firstlastnamephotograp​hy.com and branding this way. You become one of millions here. Be creative, and use something like jlight or bluecamera.

I do logos and branding for living, this is why it is critical to not get lost among the millions of photographers. Just my 2c in your quest to start up.

Good luck!

bikfoto wrote in post #15744947
You have to be more creative than that. I see everyone naming their websites firstlastnamephotograp​hy.com and branding this way. You become one of millions here. Be creative, and use something like jlight or bluecamera.

I do logos and branding for living, this is why it is critical to not get lost among the millions of photographers. Just my 2c in your quest to start up.

Good luck!

Thanks! I appreciate your feedback, I think a whole lot of people jump into the photography business without giving it too much thought, to be fair, it is one of the easier business to "have a go" at, I realy want this to work and I want it to look good from the outset.

IMO... The best thing you can use is your name. After all, what you are actually selling is you... Your talent, your creativity, your ability to provide your paying customer with what they want. I believe using your name is actually what sets you apart from other photographers.