Three logos. Three designers. Zero satisfaction.
That’s the story I saw in a Facebook comment last week, and I couldn’t believe it. Not because design mishaps are rare but because this kind of spiral is avoidable. If you’re a solo or small business owner trying to get a logo that actually fits your brand, this post will save you money, stress, and at least one awkward designer conversation.
Three different designers and still no result that feels right? That’s a red flag—but not necessarily just on the designer’s side. Let me be upfront, we don’t just do logos. As I’ve explained here, that’s not really how we work. And maybe that’s why I was so surprised this situation. On the rare occasions we have done logos on their own, the client’s been crystal clear on what they want—and we’re clear on what we’re delivering.
Even so usually when things go that wrong, it’s a combination of issues on both ends. So here are a few things that could cause problems.
1. Unclear logo direction
If you’re not sure what you want, it’s hard for anyone to hit the mark. A good brand designer should absolutely guide you—but we’re not mind readers. If the brief is vague or open to interpretation, you’ll end up with something that might look okay, but won’t feel aligned. Get clear first, or at least be open to a proper discovery process.
2. Mismatch in style or logo expectations.
Not every designer suits every client—and that’s not a bad thing. I never take on work just for the sake of it. If I can tell we’re not on the same page stylistically or I know I won’t enjoy the project (yes, that matters), I’ll say no. I’d rather point someone elsewhere than waste time on something that’s not going to land. You want your designer to be confident in the work—not half-hearted.
3. Not enough back-and-forth
If there wasn’t a clear brief, decent feedback, or space for proper revisions, you’ll almost always end up disappointed. Most professional designers have a process in place that outlines how this works. I walk my clients through it upfront so there are no surprises. Design is a collaborative process—not a one-shot deal.
4. Budget vs value disconnect
This is a big one. Sometimes people go cheap and hope for the best. Other times they go expensive thinking that’ll guarantee gold. But neither extreme works if there’s no communication or clarity. A higher price doesn’t mean better unless the processbehind it is solid.
5. No one owning the process
This one hurts to say, but it’s common: designers afraid to lead, and clients afraid to speak up. I actively encourage my clients to be brutally honest when something’s not working—there’s zero point in tiptoeing around when you’re trying to build a brand that feels like you. You’re paying for a result that works, not to protect someone’s feelings.
So what can you take away from this?
If you’ve been burned in the past (even once, let alone three times), know that it’s fixable—but it starts with clarity and communication. Pick someone whose work you actually like, talk honestly about what you want, and trust the process and actually engage with it.
Want to avoid logo pain? Ask questions. Set expectations. And don’t be afraid to say, “This doesn’t feel right,” early in the process.
Thinking about branding—or rebranding?
We don’t just hand over a logo and wish you luck. We work with small and solo businesses to build brands that actually feel like you—clear, consistent, and confident from the inside out.
If you’re sick of starting from scratch or stuck in the “meh” zone, let’s talk.
