Halloween Costumes By notmargaret on Flickr

We’ve all been victims to Trick-or-Treaters showing up at our doorstep with a crappy sheet over their heads – those kids that look like they’re either a ghost or a member of some unsavory organization.

AND we’ve all seen that kickass Superman costume that looks like it was custom-tailored to fit like a glove.

Who do you like to give candy to the most?

Business is One Giant Costume Competition

The same “rules” that apply to the best costumes should also apply to design.  Do you want something cheap and confusing (or just double-cheap) or do you want that expensive custom fit that makes people want to give you their candy (money)?

Sure, you could go to Elance and get a logo design and a web site bundled for $50, but it’s most likely going to be a cookie-cutter logo (here’s a graphic, please insert text for complete logo) with a free template web site.

On the other hand, you could seek out a professional designer or design agency and jump through the hoops of describing your business, what your expectations are, etc.

That long, complicated process will get you a logo that has  been worked on for hours (including research and understanding your company), a web site that is created specifically for you, and a great Halloween costume that fits like a glove.  This is BRAND development.

Why Pay More For Such a Long Process?

If you want to win a costume competition, it’s going to cost.  If you want to have a great design, it’s going to cost.   The biggest difference here is that a professional design will pay for itself with more than just a blue ribbon.

Invest your money on a brand with a professional designer, make sure that you market it appropriately, and your business will be more likely to succeed.  Waste your money on the cheapest option, have a weak brand, and you’ll be stuck working harder than you have to.

And for the designers out there – start charging more and working harder.  It’s a good time investment in your own business, and you won’t be undercutting for work anymore.  Undercutting is mean.

For More Blunt Advice…

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Oh…we almost forgot…

Happy Halloween!