Table of Contents
1. Company Bio
2. Interview – Duane Kinsey
3. Site Overview
4. Social Media – Profiles & Marketing
5. Contact Info
Name: LogoBird Designs Pty Ltd
Run By: Duane Kinsey
URL: http://www.logobird.com.au
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Established: May 2009
Staff: Duane and Natalie Kinsey
History in 100 Words-or-less: Logobird Designs is a graphic design studio located in Melbourne, Australia that specialises in logo design and brand identity. Logobird also runs a growing blog, focusing on identity design and social marketing.
I feel quite fortunate to have struck up a friendship with Duane in the short time we’ve known each other. We met online somehow (Twitter, I think?) in the early months of 2010 and met for the first time at the recent ProBlogger Training Day.
A really down-to-earth guy, Duane was happy to catch up with me to talk about his business to help me better understand what was involved in running a logo (graphic) design business.
Laneth Sffarlenn: Thanks for taking the time to talk to me and share your story for me and my readers Duane, it’s greatly appreciated.
Duane Kinsey: Hey, no worries Laneth, it’s a pleasure.
LS: Firstly, can you tell us briefly how you got into graphic design to begin with?
DK: I first got into graphic design when doing my masters degree in IT about 9 years ago. I took a few multimedia classes and got a pretty good grasp of both Photoshop and Illustrator. That gave me a bit of foundation, and from there I am really just self taught. I spent a lot of time studying on my own and doing the odd side project for family or friends.
I started freelancing more seriously when I came back from a few years working over in Japan. I was really sick of wearing a suit and tie everyday, and wanted to launch my own business. That is when I really started taking graphic design seriously.
My wife, Natalie is also the second half of the business. She studied Art at college in the U.S. and had always had a keen eye for design. Her talent never ceases to amaze me.
LS: What drew you to logo design in particular?
DK: Trying to condense the image of a brand into a single mark is not easy. I just really enjoy the challenge of designing logos. I get a great deal of satisfaction from seeing a logo we designed in use.
LS: Obviously the demand is there for logos and brand identities to be created professionally, but how hard was the decision to go into business for yourself, specialising in this niche?
DK: I found it was something I just naturally gravitated to. I am not sure I can exactly put a finger as to why. My wife also loves logo and identity design. We are very lucky to be doing what we love.
LS: What’s your opinion on crowd-sourcing and sites like Design Crowd and 99Designs?
DK: I could really go on forever here, but nobody says it better than my friend at The Logo Factory, Steve Douglas. Here is a link to a recent article he wrote about the topic – The plain truth abut logo design contests.
LS: You work with your wife – is this a good working relationship? Have there been any differences of opinion on any jobs you worked on together, or do you each handle your own tasks?
DK: We have a great working relationship. As I said earlier, we really love what we do. There has been the odd squabble over a design, but nothing too serious. We tend to agree on most things, and are enjoying working together too much to ague over small things.
LS: Running the business as you do, do you still find time to sink your teeth into some design work, or does your wife do the bulk of the design and you’re the CEO / PR / Admin guy?
DK: It really varies from day to day. I have been working very hard in recent weeks to promote the business, and in that time Natalie has taken more control over the design work. I still like to be as hands on as possible however.
LS: Just finishing up, you also write regularly for your own blog and have written guest articles for other sites – what sort of content could readers expect to find on your blog?
DK: As of yet, I have only written one guest post over at Design Informer, which was quite popular. Guest posting is something I want to do more of, as it is quite enjoyable. I just need to find the time!
On Logobird readers can expect to find a range of articles, mostly related to logo and brand identity design. We also have a monthly resource round-up, a popular interview series, as well as some more opinion driven articles.
As the blog grows, I am also hoping to start a logo design/vector tutorial series. My wife will probably write most of these, however I might get some great guest posters in as well.
Big picture, I am also thinking about perhaps launching and iPhone app and eBook sometime in the future. No solid plans for those yet however. I have so many huge ideas floating around in the back of my head. It is just a matter of time and focus.
LS: Thanks for your time Duane, was great of you to share a bit of your story for my readers and really nice of you to take the time to talk to us.
DK: No problem Laneth. I sincerely appreciate this opportunity.
Logobird Designs is an award-wining graphic design studio, located in Melbourne, Australia. We specialise in logo design and brand identity. Please visit our site to see our work, read our blog, and get in touch.
Duane and LogoBird Designs can be found around the internet at the following profiles:
Be sure to search for and follow Logobird’s profile in other social services you use to keep up with his recommendations and favourite sites.
Logobird can be contacted through their website at http://www.logobird.com.au
