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Graphic Design
9 min read

Logo Design: DIY Tips for Entrepreneurs and Hustlers alike

Written by Rich Burt 

Let's face it, we weren't all born with an innate skill for design, and for those of us who were, well, aren't you lucky!

But for the rest of us mere mortals, the world of logo design can seem as intimidating as a Picasso masterpiece. And when those pound signs start flashing in front of your eyes, you can't help but wish for a fairy god-designer to swoop down and magically manifest an irresistible logo.

Fear not, brave entrepreneur! Your rags-to-riches story won't be halted by a logo-less nightmare. This guide is here to introduce you to your fairy godmother of logo design -- the world of free tools.

But, remember, in the realm of design, a tool is as good as its operator, not its price tag.

So, let's dive in, shall we?

Say aye, all aboard!

Imagine your brand is a ship sailing through the vast ocean of commerce, where every wave is a potential customer, and each competing ship is vying for its attention.

Your logo is the flag that flies high on the mast, proudly announcing your presence and identity. It's the first thing that catches the eye of those elusive wave customers, and if it's not distinctive, well-designed and memorable, your ship might as well be invisible in this sea of competition.

So, it's not just about having a flag - it's about having a flag that stands out!

A well-executed brand design is the difference between being a whimsical paper boat bobbing aimlessly in a pond, and a majestic galleon commanding the ocean.

It's what separates the side hustles from the serious enterprises, the hobby projects from the bona fide businesses.

With the right tools and a dash of creativity, you can hoist a flag that is truly worthy of your brand.

Hobby vs. Brand in Logo Design

Think of a hobby as an indulgence that you savour in your solo time, a personal refuge that gives you joy but isn't necessarily meant to resonate with anyone else.

A brand, on the other hand, is a melody that you play out loud, designed to strike a chord with your audience, to solve a problem they are facing, and make their lives a tad bit better, simpler, or more interesting.

Let's put this into perspective with a colourful anecdote, shall we?

Meet Bob. Bob loves making bespoke wooden furniture. It's a craft he honed over countless weekends, eventually perfecting the art of designing minimalist, sturdy, and aesthetically pleasing wood things.

He thrived in his hobby, but it was something he did for himself, tucked away in his garage.

Now, let's say Bob decides to share his talent with the world and establish a brand.

He isn't just making furniture anymore; he's solving a problem.

Bob's offering a solution to those who are tired of mass-produced, impersonal furniture, and yearn for something crafted with care and personality. He's targeting an audience that values craftsmanship and sustainable materials.

Bob's logo, the face of his brand, needs to reflect this ethos. It's no longer just about Bob and his passion; it's about his audience and their needs.

In this transition from hobby to brand, remember the role of your logo. It's the visual lighthouse, guiding your audience towards your brand in a sea crowded with competitors.

Armed with the right free tools, you can create a logo that encapsulates your brand's story and resonates with your audience.

So, let's venture forth, shall we?

The ABCs of Branding: Consistency and Recognition

Before we dive headfirst into the realm of free logo design tools, it's crucial to grasp the importance of two fundamental elements of branding: consistency and recognition.

Consistency, in branding terms, is like that old pair of jeans you love - comfortable, reliable, and always fits just right. It involves maintaining a steady and dependable image across all platforms, ensuring that your brand's voice, aesthetics, and principles remain unvarying.

It's all about making sure your brand is always wearing its favourite pair of jeans, so to speak.

On the other hand, recognition is your brand's secret handshake.

It's about creating visual, verbal, and emotional associations that your audience instantly ties to your brand.

When done right, recognition can turn into brand recall, where your customers remember your brand even when they're in the deepest dungeons of their memory palace.

Now, a story about a famous brand that got it just right.

The Golden Arches: A Tale of Consistent Recognition

Ah, McDonald's - the fast-food giant that has its golden arches recognized far and wide. But have you ever wondered why a simple "M" has such a powerful recall?

The secret lies in consistency and recognition.

Years ago, McDonald's embarked on an ambitious rebranding program. They wanted to modernize, but they also knew they needed to retain the familiarity their customers loved.

The golden arches, originally part of the architecture of the first McDonald's restaurant, became the hero of the story.

They simplified their logo to the iconic "M" we know today, and it worked!

McDonald's understood that their brand wasn't just about burgers and fries; it was about an experience, a feeling of comfort, and a sense of familiarity.

They remained consistent with their symbol while modernizing the elements around it, achieving a successful rebrand while maintaining robust brand recognition.

So, as you embark on your journey of logo design remember, to be like McDonald's - be consistent, be recognizable, and don't be afraid to supersize your branding efforts.

Now, back to our logo design quest!

Logo Design Tools

Logo design

Welcome to the magical world of logo design tools, where even a small business or side hustle can morph into a recognizable brand. You don't need to have a Scrooge McDuck-sized fortune, or the artistic prowess of Michelangelo to craft a logo that sticks.

In this digital age, there are a plethora of free tools at your disposal that can make your logo design journey smoother than a well-blended milkshake.

Always remember, these tools are as powerful as their operators. So, buckle up, my entrepreneurial Picasso, it's time to dive into the treasure trove of free logo design tools!

Canva

Canva is like the friendly neighbour of a logo maker, always there to lend a helping hand (or a perfectly designed template). With its user-friendly interface and intuitive features, logo creation becomes as easy as a delicious homemade pie.

And speaking of pie, just imagine the sweet aroma of a freshly baked apple pie, with its golden crust and warm filling... Mmm... Now that's the kind of satisfaction you can expect when using Canva for your logo design needs.

LogoMakr

Simplicity is the name of the game with LogoMakr. Its intuitive interface and collection of over one million graphics have garnered a dedicated user base. The story of 'Baked and Wired', a home bakery that used LogoMakr to design a logo that went viral, is a testament to its effectiveness.

LogoTypeMaker

A true gem in the world of AI-powered tools, LogoTypeMaker boasts a robust algorithm that generates unique logo designs based on your preferences. It's been the secret weapon of over 3 million small businesses and solopreneurs worldwide.

Logomaker by VistaPrint

Introducing VistaPrint's Logomaker, a logo creation tool so intuitive, it feels like it was designed by a psychic with an uncanny understanding of your brand vision.

With an extensive collection of templates tailored to every industry imaginable, Logomaker ensures that your logo perfectly captures the essence of your business.

It's like having a design genie at your fingertips, ready to grant your creative wishes and bring your brand to life in ways you never imagined.

So go ahead, explore the limitless possibilities and unleash your creativity with VistaPrint's Logomaker.

Designhill Logo Maker

Designhill Logo Maker is like the Swiss Army knife of the logo design world - versatile, functional, and surprisingly easy to use.

This free online tool offers a plethora of choices, so you can craft a logo that is as unique as your side hustle. Just feed this creative beast with a few details about your business, and watch it whip up a feast of logo options faster than you can say "brand identity".

Moreover, it allows you to see your logo in action, showing how it would look on business cards or T-shirts.

So, if you have an insatiable appetite for creativity but are slightly short on the moolah, Designhill Logo Maker has got you covered.

TailorBrands Logo Maker

Meet TailorBrands Logo Maker, the tool that's basically the graphic design equivalent of a smoothie machine - throw in your preferences, hit blend, and voila, a delicious, bespoke logo is ready for consumption.

Packed with a plethora of customizable designs, this handy tool puts the power of creativity right into your hands just like Thor's hammer (but with a lighter touch).

Simply input your business name and industry, sprinkle in a little bit about your brand's personality, and watch as the tool crafts a logo that's as unique as your business.

Whether you're starting a new side hustle or looking to revamp your small business's image, TailorBrands Logo Maker is your one-stop shop for a logo that's as brilliant and individual as your vision.

Go ahead, give it a spin and see where your creativity takes you.

Adobe Express Logo Maker

Welcome to Adobe Express Logo Maker, a creative powerhouse that is the logo design equivalent of a treasure chest full of branding jewels. Think of this tool as your personal logo genie, ready to grant your brand image wishes at the click of a button.

Adobe Express's intuitive interface ensures that even non-designers will feel like Picasso, with a variety of templates, fonts, and colour palettes at their disposal. Simply input your business details, choose your stylistic preferences, and voila, a logo that screams "Look at me" is born.

But don't be fooled by its user-friendly nature – Adobe Express packs a punch when it comes to features. From thousands of professionally designed icons to high-quality typography, this tool has all the bells and whistles to help your logo stand out in the cluttered landscape of brands.

So, whether you're a side hustler launching your first venture or an established small business looking to add some spice to your branding, Adobe Express Logo Maker has got your back.

Unleash your creativity and let Adobe Express transform your ideas into a logo that is as innovative and unique as your business.

Placeit Logo Maker

Let's strut into the world of Placeit Logo Maker, the unsung hero of logo design that's as reliable as your morning coffee. This nifty tool is like your business's fairy godmother, turning the ordinary into extraordinary and making your logo dreams come true.

With Placeit, you're not just designing a logo – you're crafting a story that resonates with your audience. And the best part? You don't need to be a seasoned designer to use it. It's as simple as choosing a template, customizing it with your brand details, and clicking download.

The result? A logo that not only looks professional but also reflects the essence of your business.

Placeit's charm lies in its versatility. Whether you're a solopreneur looking to make a splash in the market or a small business aiming to revamp your brand image, Placeit has the tools you need. With a vast library of icons, fonts, and colours, you can design a logo that's as unique and dynamic as your business.

So, roll up your sleeves and dive into the creative pool with Placeit Logo Maker. It's time to create a logo that leaves an indelible mark.

Looka Logo Maker

Next up, we're walking down the digital aisle of logo design towards Looka Logo Maker. Imagine Looka as an artist with a beret and paintbrush, only it's you wearing the beret and wielding the paintbrush. This AI-powered tool is like having your personal Da Vinci, creating logos that are masterpieces in their own right.

Looka brings to the table an easy-to-use interface that makes designing a logo as effortless as ordering your favourite takeout. With a seemingly endless collection of fonts, colours, and symbols, Looka lets you transform your logo vision into a reality, with no design degree required.

Whether you're a dog walker with a flair for the dramatic or a tech startup ready to conquer the world, Looka adapts to your needs. It's all about crafting a logo that captures the unique spirit of your business. So, slip into your creative shoes and start designing with Looka Logo Maker. Your brand identity is just a few clicks away.

Turbologo Logo Maker

Fasten your seatbelts as we zoom into the world of Turbologo Logo Maker, the design equivalent of a Formula 1 car. Speed and precision are the name of the game here, with Turbologo promising a quick yet high-quality logo design experience.

Imagine Turbologo as your friendly, ultra-efficient pit crew, armed with a toolbox brimming with fonts, icons, and colour palettes. Whether you're a sassy boutique owner or an ambitious app developer, Turbologo caters to all with its user-friendly interface and vast design library.

And the best part? No need for a driver's license. Turbologo's intuitive design process makes it as easy as cruising down a highway on a sunny day. All you need to do is input your preferences, sit back, and watch as Turbologo crafts a logo that fits your brand like a glove.

So, put the pedal to the metal and kickstart your logo design journey with Turbologo Logo Maker. The finish line? A stunning logo that will get your business racing ahead of the competition.

And that's a wrap...

And there you have it folks, a pitstop tour of the best and brightest free tools to design your very own logo. A little sweat, a dash of creativity, and these nifty tools are all you need to visualize your brand's spirit. But remember, tools are only as good as their operators. If you're feeling a little lost or you're ready to shift gears and take your brand to the next level, we're here to lend a helping hand.

At Nova Internet, we're more than just your average digital agency. We're your co-pilots, your pit crew, your partners in this branding race. From fine-tuning your logo design to setting up an engaging website and propelling your digital marketing efforts, we've got your back.

So, why wait? Get in touch with us today and let's embark on this exciting branding journey together. After all, your brand deserves nothing less than the best. And we're committed to delivering just that.

Originally published 10th August 2023
Last edited 18th November 2023

Written by Rich Burt

Rich Burt is a Director at Nova. An expert in web tech, including the stuff he hasn't heard of yet - just give him a minute. Has been known to support multiple customers at once, whilst in the gym. You can find him on LinkedIn and Facebook.

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