I need some advice...

[MWerner]

I hired a calligrapher on Etsy.com to design me a logo for my brand. In a nutshell, for $25 I've put her through a slew of revisions, and I just don't feel like she's able to create what I have in mind. I feel bad making her do all these revisions, but I don't want to use her anymore. I'm going to go a different route.

I thought about just picking one of the versions she did for me and using it for a little while, and then changing it again, but that's kinda dumb. I've also thought about picking one to just end the deal finally, and just not use the logo. But then, if she's following me on Facebook or my blog, she'll see that I definitely didn't use her logo, and I'll feel bad.

How do I tell her?

[beatles2]

To me there are times you have to do what your heart says. I would use it till you get what you really want.
For me feelings matter.

[stevoarnold]

I can see how this kind of situation can quickly become very awkward, but you mention that it is for your brand - which for me seals the deal... what is more important to you? somebodys feelings who you dont know and probably will never meet, or your brand, your image that defines who you are to the world and the people who will make snap decisions about whether they should spend money with you based on their first impression?

Once you establish a brand it is very difficult to change it - I would go with getting it right first time. Politely part ways with the artist, perhaps by shifting any blame your own way for "not being able to express your needs" or "being too indecisive" (or something like that, whether true or not)... If you have paid her for her time then I am sure that she cannot have too many complaints.

[Free]

You can't expect too much for $25, just put it down as a (tax deductable) learning experience. Say sorry, we can't seem to get something exactly what I'm after, here's your money thanks for trying.

[hibou]

After a slew of revisions she's probably as bored of this as you are, so just be honest. You paid her, it didn't work out, move on. Business is business, it doesn't have to be a big guilty thing.

You shoula went with my recommendation

I've met several Etsy sellers. Some are very skilled and motivated...some are just motivated. A lot of them view it as an easy way to make money while staying at home, but few actually sell enough to make it worth their time.

Agree with the others...send her the $25 and say "Ya did your best, but I'm going another route".

[natek313]

I agree with everyone else; it is what it is. She couldn't get exactly what you're looking for. It's not an insult to her. Reassure her of that.

The logo is a reflection of you, so I understand you want it to be just right. I'd just give her the $25, thank her, and move on. I agree with hibou; she's probably tired of it as well.

[gturner]

People pay agencies big money and walk away - it is just the way it it.
She gets $25 whether you put it on a billboard or throw it in the bin.

[MWerner]

Originally Posted by hibou

After a slew of revisions she's probably as bored of this as you are, so just be honest. You paid her, it didn't work out, move on. Business is business, it doesn't have to be a big guilty thing.

Thank you! I was hoping someone would say something like this to me. You're right, I'm sure she is tired of it too. And I mean, it is only $25. No big deal. If I had invested hundreds of dollars on it I would be working harder to acheive what I had in mind, with her.

[hibou]

No prob! At my day job we just paid a "graphic designer" almost $4K to make a logo that looks like it was hacked together with clipart so I'm really feeling this topic