I want todesign a logo for a research consultancy I am involved in - what can I use?

[Jazzicatz]

Do I need specialist software or can I just use what I already have?

Depends. I use Photoshop and Illustrator to design logos (or anything really), but it depends how techy you are and how good you are at drawing.

There's no reason why you can't draw it by hand and then scan it into the computer if you dont have the right software.

You will probably need to provide it in a variety of different file formats though if it is to be used on lots of different things (e.g. website, headed paper, business cards, signage etc.

HTH....

Gimp is a very good free package for creating a logo. It is as good as Photoshop, which is the 'standard'.

Try this its really good and simple to use. It is ?49 for the full package though. Trial version is free but limited.