DIY vs Professional Brand Design: How To Know When It’s Time To Invest
Today, we're talking about all things brand design! As someone who's been crafting brands since 2010, I'm excited to deep dive into whether investing in branding is the right choice for you at your current stage in business. I have seen start-ups and established businesses alike grapple with the big decision of undertaking a do-it-yourself (DIY) branding endeavour or engaging the expertise of a professional brand designer.
I'm here to give you an honest review of DIY vs investing in professional brand design; we will be analysing the differences between the two options and how to decide which brand design option is right for your business. Let's go!
The Allure of DIY Branding
Let's start by exploring the appeal of the DIY route. Various enterprises, particularly those in the early stages or operated by individual entrepreneurs, are drawn to the prospect of personally curating their brand identity. The appeal lies in the freedom to shape and tailor the visual elements of their brand, and the excitement to have a go at designing things themselves (which, as a designer, I get, it's a lot of fun!) if business owners have specific ideas in mind that want to explore, this can feel like an excellent option to choose.
Let's talk about some of the considerations when weighing up your choices.
Cost Considerations
If you are doing the work yourself, you won't have to invest in a designer or someone who can work on the brand for you, making it the cheaper option. With many brand and logo templates available in Canva, you could likely do an okay, even good, job yourself!
But it's important to mention that although these tools often present cost-effective solutions, the fundamental question revolves around the enduring value of a brand that may fall short of making a lasting impact if it's designed by someone without the appropriate training.
Creative Freedom
AKA the fun part that everyone loves to do! The DIY approach's autonomy allows businesses to experiment and express their unique brand vision and design. Choosing fonts and colours and designing a logo is undeniably super fun and something many start-up founders enjoy doing.
However, this creative freedom necessitates a careful balance to ensure your brand aligns strategically with the business's overarching objectives and mission, which can be easily forgotten when enjoying yourself with brand design.
Free Online Design Tools
The good news is that many online design tools are available, exemplified by platforms such as Canva and Figma, which have democratised design capabilities - and we fully support that! There are free courses on using these tools, and many excellent tips and tricks designers give on social media.
However, while this accessibility is incredibly important, the only issue with online design tools is that even if they're free, and offer free training on how to use them, you still need to learn how to design…
Time
The time argument can go both ways, but let's focus on the positives in this section. If you are designing your own brand, *hopefully* you can dedicate the time that's needed to develop your brand and logo without having to spend time looking for a brand designer. Once you've found your designer, most established brand designers have a wait list until they can get started on your project, so if you're after something instantly, it might be quicker for you to work on the brand yourself.
The Advantages of Hiring A Brand Designer
While DIY branding may seem like an attractive and budget-friendly option, it's important to be aware of the potential catches. Despite the apparent advantages, there are several challenges that you might face along the way. Let's explore some of the common pitfalls of DIY branding that you should consider before choosing this route.
Professional Expertise
Design is so much more than just aesthetics. It's a blend of creativity, functionality, and, most importantly, strategy that can make or break a brand's success. Without professional expertise in design principles or brand application, you risk compromising the visual sophistication and strategic alignment of your brand that only comes with the use of a pro brand designer.
The strategic insight of professional designers surpasses just the visual aesthetics. Professional designers bring a wealth of expertise and industry knowledge to the table, ensuring a brand that not only looks appealing but aligns strategically with industry trends and target audience expectations.
Brand Design is a Time-Consuming Process
DIYing your brand may seem like a time-effective solution in the short term, but it can lead to significant delays and additional costs in the long run. Building a strong brand requires a combination of creative skills, marketing knowledge, and experience, which can be time-consuming to acquire.
As a result, attempting to design your own logo, website, or marketing materials can lead to subpar results that may not resonate with your target audience. Plus, if you have to redo your branding efforts down the line, it can be even more time-consuming and costly than hiring a professional from the start. Investing in professional branding services can save you time, money, and effort in the long run and help you build a strong, consistent, and recognisable brand.
Consistency Across Platforms
The most common problem I see with people who have DIYed their own brand is maintaining a consistent brand image across various platforms. You must be consistent with the application of your brand to be memorable to your audience. And brands that are remembered are more successful.
Creating a consistent and memorable brand image is a key element of professional design services. With the help of comprehensive brand guidelines, designers can weave together a stunning brand presence that truly stands out. They carefully coordinate visual elements across a wide range of platforms and touchpoints, resulting in a cohesive and unforgettable customer experience that captures the essence of your brand.
Making an Informed Decision
Businesses can confidently chart a course towards success by carefully weighing the pros and cons of various branding strategies. By leveraging the strengths of each approach and mitigating any potential weaknesses, companies can elevate their brand to new heights and capture the attention of their target audience. With careful planning and execution, the sky's the limit for businesses seeking to make their mark on the world.
Assessing Business Goals
Starting a business can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it's important to consider your goals and intentions before diving in. Are you looking to turn your business into a full-time venture or simply hoping to make some extra cash on the side? Whatever your aspirations may be, it's worth considering whether hiring professional help is the right choice for you.
If you're serious about growing your brand and making a name for yourself in the industry, investing in a professional designer could be a game-changer. With their expertise and experience, they can help you create a strong visual identity that resonates with your target audience and sets you apart from the competition.
On the other hand, if you're just getting started and are still determining where your business will take you, taking the DIY route could be a good way to test the waters and see what works. You can experiment with different designs and branding strategies, and learn valuable skills along the way.
Ultimately, hiring a professional or going DIY should be based on a clear understanding of your brand's long-term objectives. Are you looking to secure funding, expand globally, or make a little extra doing what you love? By considering your goals and intentions, you can make an informed decision that sets you up for success.
Evaluating Your Resources
One of the most critical considerations for businesses is evaluating the available resources, which include budget constraints, time, and internal capabilities. This is essential in conducting a thorough assessment to determine the most viable branding approach.
If you're on a tight budget and can't afford to invest in professional branding, don't worry! The DIY route is a doable option, and it can be a great way to get started.
Timing is also crucial when it comes to investing in professional branding. We believe that the best time to invest in professional branding is when your business has gained traction, you've had your first few customers, and your idea has been validated.
Whether you choose the DIY route or professional branding, the key is to make an informed decision that best suits your business needs. You can be successful with either route!
Considering Brand Complexity
Building a brand is not an easy task, especially when multiple product lines or services are involved. The complexity of a brand can significantly influence the best branding approach. That's where professional designers come into play. They are adept at handling intricate branding challenges and ensuring a seamless and sophisticated brand narrative.
A brand is not just a logo or a slogan; it's people's overall perception of a company or organisation. A strong brand can make a company stand out from its competition, create a loyal customer base, and increase sales. However, building a strong brand is not a one-time job. It requires consistent effort and attention to detail.
Professional designers understand the importance of a strong brand, and know how to create a brand that resonates with the target audience. They have the expertise and experience to translate a brand's message into a visual language that communicates the brand's values and personality. They can create a consistent brand identity across all touchpoints, ensuring the brand experience is seamless and memorable.
Plus, brand specialists can handle complex branding challenges, such as creating a brand architecture for a company with multiple product lines or services. The complexity of your brand can greatly influence the right branding approach for you.
Deciding the Path Forward
Whether you decide to take the DIY route or opt for professional branding, it is crucial to make a strategic decision that aligns with your business's vision, values, and long-term aspirations. As we have highlighted, a well-thought-out branding strategy can lay the foundation for enduring success.
At Studio 77, we understand the importance of branding and its impact on your business's success. If you want to discuss your branding options, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our expert team is always ready to help you take your business to the next level.
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