I'm releasing an app in a couple of weeks if all goes to plan. My question is, how important is the icon/logo? Should one hire a professional designer for this? Do you sketch out your idea first and then take it to a pro?
It's interesting to look back; it appears most startups make do with anything (e.e Sergey Brin's Google logo with GIMP) but it seems more and more are very polished.
You can see my effort at theoctopusapp.com.
Nothing sucks more then wanting to use an app you haven't used in a few weeks, but not being able to find it swiping past numerous other apps on your phone.
I'm a programmer, but I always like to sketch out what I want first. Setup some ground rules - color, major design points, etc... then give it to a designer and let them take over.
Ask for 2 or 3 versions - possibly even ask multiple designers for a version and see what you like best.
EDIT: I guess this is on the cards, but you should first redesign the landing page on octopusapp.com. All the best!