StockLogos Logo Designer Profile: Melanie McDonald

Chris Dickman Tue, 05/29/2012 - 05:50

Melanie McDonald has been successfully running her own design firm for the past seven years but has found time to combine that with building a collection of logos on StockLogos as Melanie D. There's no doubt that she has developed a recognizable style that has found favor with site visitors. Below we've included examples of both her StockLogos designs and work created for the clients of her design firm.

Could you please tell us about your background and how you got into logo design? What design and illustration qualifications and skills do you have?

I’m a 28 year-old graphic designer from Ontario, Canada. My passion for artistic expression has always been a part of my life in some form or another. This passion led me to furthering my education in the direction of Graphic Art at Georgian College Design and Visual Arts. I received my diploma in a three-year program, graduating with honors. Each year I was invited to take part in the annual scholarship show, where top students showcased their design work. Each year I received the first place award, from an external panel of graphic design judges. After graduating in April of 2005, I decided to create my own graphic design firm, which is now in its seventh year of operation. My company operates as a full service graphic design firm. I also have business arrangements for contract work with several other larger design firms. I’m passionate about logo designing and StockLogos is an excellent platform for me to showcase my logo design concepts.

Marquiel Exclusive Tailoring - Logo for a new company that provides tailored men’s
shirts and furnishings (cufflinks, ties, socks, etc.)

What tools do you use for your logo creations?

As a professional graphic designer, I use Mac computers, with an assortment of Adobe software. My logo designs are created using Adobe Illustrator CS5, as well as hand-drawn sketches and renderings that are imported into the software to make final artwork enhancements and to apply color.

Treedom

Does your logo work have a unique look to it? How would you describe your design style?

I feel that my logo designs are unique, as I strive to develop each logo from my own creative ideas. My style is modern, clean and relevant in today’s marketplace. It’s ever-evolving and has the flexibility to adapt and transform in order to master many different styles when needed. I like diversity and exploring different techniques to be able to deliver unique logos that stand out among the competition.

Fox Field Farms - Sold

Of your own logos, which is your favorite? Why?

This is a difficult question, as I have many favorite logos. However, if I had to select just one, I’d select the recent StockLogos sale of the logo shown below. I really love this, as I developed this unique logo by pairing a beautiful silhouetted lady with the exquisite patterns and colors of a peacock’s tail.

Jewel Goddess - Sold

Are your sales on StockLogos all from the public marketplace?

I do sell most of my logo on the marketplace, however I have sold quite a few
through briefs or contests on StockLogos.

Botswana

If you are also participating in contests posted on the site, how does your process of logo creation for this differ from logos created for the marketplace?

The difference is that I’m designing for a specific need of the client and perhaps a specific style that they may be requesting. My customized logo experience is a great asset when participating in a logo contest. The difference between designing for a contest and the general marketplace logos is that I need to translate a client’s ideas, project scope and preferences into a professional and unique logo design that is strong enough to be the winner of a contest.

Humm

How important is the choice of font for the text element of the logo?

Choosing the right font can either make or break the overall design. The font selection should not be overlooked or selected in haste. I often spend a significant amount of time in font selection to capture the exact feel and style that I’m trying to incorporate into my logo. Sometimes font modification is necessary in order to achieve the final desired look.

SmartWatch - Logo for a free mobile app that allows users to create or join electronic
neighborhood watch groups. The app allows users to capture and share information
and photos related to crime prevention and then send that information via alerts
to their group or groups.

How do you determine what price to charge for a logo?

I base my prices on the actual logo concept itself, the amount of time required in the development process of the concept, as well as the overall uniqueness and distinctiveness of my final product within the marketplace.

Yellophant

Is it common for those buying your logos on StockLogos to request changes? And what do these changes typically consist of?

Yes, it’s fairly common that once the logo has been purchased, I receive a request to incorporate their business name into the logo design. It’s not very often that any other revisions are required, such as color.

Gnerdz.com - Sold

What countries are purchasers of your StockLogos designs located in?

My logos have been purchased by various countries, such as Australia, USA, Canada and a couple from Middle East countries, such as Israel. I also had one sale from China and one from Africa. It’s very diversified.

Flower Lady

How do you manage the different demands of work, life and play?

I find that being a graphic designer requires me to have exceptional time management/organizational skills in order to balance out my work priorities with my personal life. However, it is a career that has been extremely rewarding and I love what I do every day!