Whether you are starting a new company, or refreshing your existing business, one of the most important items on your list should be to develop an eye-catching and effective corporate logo. Why? Just think of the thousands of businesses worldwide that are easily identifiable by people of all ages just based on the logo that they see on a marquee, awning or sign.

If you don’t have an art background, don’t worry. No one expects you to sit down and design your own company logo, which is why a lot of companies look for experts in the field.

However, many people look for quick-fix, DIY methods of logo design. Using logo clip art can be quick, easy and less expensive than finding a professional. However, there are some significant drawbacks that can come from that decision.

Many online logo design companies use clip art images and pass them off as custom artwork. If they offer a 24-hour turnaround on custom logo design, they have no time to brainstorm and develop a solid creative direction, so they bypass this step, and clip art is the quick fix.

Because clip art includes images that are available for repeated use by anyone, another company may be using the logo you wanted already. A lack of uniqueness has another drawback: You may find it difficult – if not impossible – to trademark the logo as your own.

Using clip art can pose other issues as well. Having branded apparel with your logo can be an outstanding way to promote your company, and the clip art you choose for your logo may not be suited for such a purpose. If you want to create custom retail gift bags, with your logo on them, the same principle applies.

Finally, clip art license agreements may not permit the use of the artwork for logo purposes, so all the time, effort and money spent on a logo may all be for naught. What new businesses need is a logo design firm that will create custom logo designs from scratch, offer unlimited alterations, and allow direct communication with an in-house design team. The upfront investment will be well worth the long-term return.

You’ll quickly learn that by doing it the right way the first time, you’ll save time and money that can be better directed to getting your new business off the ground.