Your logo is often the first visual touchpoint your audience has with your brand. It’s not just a graphic, it conveys identity, professionalism and trust. But how much should you expect to pay for a logo? The answer depends heavily on how you create it. In this article, we’ll walk through six common ways to design a logo, show typical cost ranges in 2025, and explain when it makes sense to invest more in your brand identity.
1. Design a Logo Yourself
If you have design tools (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape) and some experience, creating your own logo is the lowest-cost route.
Cost range: $0 – ~$50 (mainly your time and any minimal software or resources).
Pros:
- Minimal out-of-pocket cost.
- You maintain full control and flexibility.
- Fast iteration and tweaks.
Cons:
- Requires design skills (layout, typography, vector work)
- High risk of ending up with a logo that looks amateur or resembles others.
- Time-intensive if you’re not experienced.
When it makes sense: If you’re a very early stage startup, side-project, or working on a tight budget and you’re comfortable with design tools.
2. Buy and Customize a Logo Template
This is a step up: you purchase a pre-designed logo template and adapt it (color, name, font) for your brand.
Cost range: ~$20 – $200.
Pros:
- Affordable.
- Faster turnaround than starting from scratch.
Cons:
- Often less unique (others might use the same template).
- May require some design software and skill to edit.
- Licensing/commercial-use rights can vary.
When it makes sense: If you need something quick, decent, and cost-effective—but uniqueness is less critical (e.g., internal project, side hustle).
3. Use an Online Logo Maker
Tools that let you input business name, industry and pick from generated logo concepts (sometimes using AI) then customize them.
Cost range: ~$20 – ~$360 (depending on platform and file types).
Pros:
- Very fast and intuitive.
- Low cost relative to hiring a human designer.
Cons:
- Designs may feel generic.
- Similar logos may exist elsewhere.
- Customization is limited compared to a bespoke designer’s work.
When it makes sense: If you’re launching quickly, budget is low, and you prioritize speed over uniqueness or deep strategy.
4. Crowdsource the Design
You open a contest on a platform (e.g., 99designs or similar) so multiple designers submit ideas and you pick one.
Cost range: ~$130 – ~$700 (and possibly more) for the contest/fee.
Pros:
- You get many design concepts/options from various designers.
- Good for exploring visual direction if you’re unsure what you want.
Cons:
- Quality can vary widely.
- You may spend more time reviewing submissions.
- Other brands might pick similar concepts if platform is public.
When it makes sense: When you have moderate budget, want creative variety, and have time to review multiple submissions.
5. Hire a Freelance Logo Designer
Engage a freelance professional designer (via platforms like Upwork, Behance, Fiverr) to craft a logo tailored to your brand.
Cost range: ~$300 – ~$2,000 (and possibly higher depending on experience, region, complexity) for a freelance designer.
Pros:
- More personalized, custom design.
- You can collaborate closely on vision, iterations, deliverables.
Cons:
- Quality and reliability vary—important to check portfolio, reviews.
- Communication and revision costs may add up.
When it makes sense: If you have a solid budget for branding, desire a unique look, and value professional execution without full agency price tag.
6. Hire a Logo Design Agency
Working with a full-service design or branding agency—often includes research, strategy, multiple deliverables, brand guidelines etc.
Cost range: Starts around $2,500+ and can scale into tens of thousands of dollars (or more) for complete branding packages. For more complex, high-end projects in major markets, costs can reach $5,000-$10,000+ or much higher.
Pros:
- Deep strategic work: positioning, market research, brand identity beyond just the logo.
- High quality, polished deliverables, and often full file sets and brand usage rights.
- Agency will handle multiple aspects (logo, visual identity system, guidelines).
Cons:
- Higher cost, may be overkill for very small or new business or tight budget.
- Longer timeline.
When it makes sense: If your brand matters significantly (e.g., you’re going to market at scale, raise funding, or need a cohesive brand identity), or you want a premium, distinctive design.
Key Factors That Influence Logo Cost
When choosing your path and budgeting, keep these factors in mind:
- Designer or agency experience & expertise: Established designers/brands cost more.
- Complexity & deliverables: Custom illustration, multiple logo variations (responsive, monochrome, icon+wordmark) will add cost.
- Revision rounds & concepts: More options and more feedback iterations mean more time and higher fees.
- File types, rights & usage: If you need vector formats, style guide, trademark rights, social media assets, etc.—budget accordingly.
- Location & market: Rates differ by region and local cost of living.
- Brand scope & strategy: If your logo is part of a full branding system or you’re targeting large markets, expect higher investment.
Why consider Intellia Studio:
Working with an agency like Intellia Studio (based in Boise, ID) ensures you get professional design clarity and execution. They specialize in UX/UI, digital products, and design strategy, offering a strong foundation for branding (though note: their primary services are UX/UI and web development) If you’re seeking a logo but also thinking of website, digital product design, or a brand that scales, an agency of this caliber can bring significant value.
