You’ve got the idea. You’ve got the vision. But now comes the big question: Should you design your own logo or hire a professional?
Every founder faces this dilemma. Your logo isn’t just an icon; it’s the face of your brand, the first thing people notice. Get it wrong, and you risk looking amateurish. Get it right, and your brand becomes instantly recognizable and trusted.
So, what’s the right move for you? Let’s break it down. By the way, we have solutions for both, keep reading!
Why Every Founder Should Understand Branding
Before deciding whether to DIY or hire a designer, here’s something crucial: You need to understand the branding process.
A logo isn’t just about picking a cool font or a trendy color. It’s about:
✅ Communicating your brand’s values and personality
✅ Making an impact on your target audience
✅ Standing out in your industry
✅ Looking professional and trustworthy
Even if you plan to hire a designer later, knowing the basics of branding helps you communicate your vision clearly. It ensures you don’t waste time and money on endless revisions or, worse, a logo that doesn’t represent your brand.
When DIY Logo Design Makes Sense
Let’s be real - hiring a professional designer isn’t always an option when you’re just starting out. If you’re a bootstrapped founder, a DIY logo might be the best move. Here’s why:
1. You Don’t Have the Money to Spend
If you're still exploring your brand’s direction, investing in a designer too early might not be the best move. DIY allows you to experiment and refine your vision before committing to a professional design.
2. You Don’t Have Clarity on What You Want
When you DIY, you can experiment, tweak, and refine your logo as much as you want—without waiting on a designer.
3. You’re in the Early Stages
If your business is still evolving, a temporary DIY logo can work until you have a clearer vision of your brand.
🚨 But Beware…
Many DIY logos look amateurish because founders don’t follow basic design principles. If you go this route, make sure your logo:
Looks good in different sizes
Uses consistent colors and typography
Feels professional and aligned with your industry
When You Should Hire a Professional Designer
DIY is great—until it isn’t. At some point, a professional logo becomes necessary to establish credibility and scale your brand. Here’s when you should invest in a designer:
1. You’re Ready to Be Taken Seriously
First impressions matter. If you’re pitching to investors, reaching out to customers, or planning to scale, a DIY logo won’t cut it anymore.
2. You’re Spending on Marketing & Advertising
If you’re investing in ads, marketing campaigns, PR campaigns, or packaging, your logo needs to be polished. An unprofessional logo can hurt conversions.
3. Your Logo is Holding You Back
Does your logo feel outdated or inconsistent? If your branding is limiting your growth, it’s time for a refresh.
4. You Finally Know What You Want
Many founders rush into hiring a designer without understanding their own brand. This leads to miscommunication, frustration, and wasted money.
When you understand branding basics, you can communicate your vision clearly, saving time and revision costs.
The Smartest Approach? Learn Branding First!
Whether you DIY or hire a pro, understanding branding is key.
What You’ll Gain by Learning Branding:
✔️ Confidence in your brand identity
✔️ The ability to create a decent DIY logo in the early stages
✔️ A clear vision when you’re ready to hire a professional
✔️ A logo and brand that grow with your business
That’s why we at The Designventory designed a workbook specifically for non-designers—a step-by-step guide to help you:
✅ Understand the branding process
✅ Avoid common design mistakes
✅ Create a DIY logo that actually works
✅ Clearly communicate your brand when hiring a pro
Final Thoughts: What’s Your Best Move?
Here’s the bottom line:
If you’re just starting, DIY might be your best bet—as long as you follow branding fundamentals.
If you’re scaling up, hiring a professional designer will elevate your brand and make you look legitimate.
Either way, learning branding ensures you make the right decision and don’t waste time or money.
To help you navigate this process, we’ve created a Branding Workbook—a practical guide for founders who want to get branding right from day one. It’s not just about designing a logo, but about understanding how branding shapes your business.
📌 Want to build a strong brand foundation? Download our Branding Workbook and start your journey with confidence. Get it here!
Comments