but far from nice!
OK, let’s talk shop. Specifically, let’s talk about that moment every graphic designer experiences at some point: the client who arrives with a collection of “ideas” generated on platforms such as Canva or a Pinterest board. Now, don’t get me wrong, they have their place – it’s fantastic for Aunt Carol’s cake sale or your nephew’s 5th birthday party invitation. But for your business’s brand identity? That’s where we need to have a little chat.
It was once explained to me as the “that’ll do” mentality. It’s when a business owner thinks, “Well, this looks pretty good for free/cheap!” and then presents it as the guiding light and north star for their brand. My inside voices, however, are often a bit more dramatic: “Oh, please, for all that’s holy, no!. “that’ll do’ is soon going to turn to ‘that really didn’t do.”
The Force of DIY design is strong in this one
I get it, you can whip something up in minutes, pick a trendy font, drag and drop a stock icon, and BOOM! You have a logo. But here’s the towel flick to the nether regions: so does everyone else.
When you use off-the-shelf templates and generic assets, you’re not building a brand; you’re just adding to the white noise.
A graphic designer doesn’t just “make things look pretty.” We’re strategic thinkers, visual problem-solvers, and brand storytellers. We consider:
Your Target Audience: Who are you trying to reach, and what resonates with them?
Your Brand’s Personality: Are you playful, serious, elegant, edgy? Your visuals need to reflect that.
Memorability & Uniqueness: How will your brand stand out in a crowded marketplace? We custom-craft elements, so your logo isn’t just another coffee bean in the wild.
Scalability & Versatility: Will your logo look good on a tiny favicon, a massive billboard, and everything in between? (Spoiler: that pixelated Canva export probably won’t.)
Consistency: Every touchpoint – from your website to your business cards – needs to sing the same visual song.
Marketing is Not a Game of Chance, But a Journey
Beyond just a pretty logo, lies the much larger sleeping beast: marketing. And folks, marketing is not something you just prod or play with. It’s not a dartboard where you throw random ideas and hope to hit a bullseye. It has to be a meticulously planned strategy designed to take your potential customers on a journey – from curiosity to loyalty
Think about
Awareness: How do people first hear about you? (Hint: a generic ad with a Canva template usually gets scrolled past or confused with what has been seen before, “designed” by someone else.)Consideration: What makes them want to learn more? Your website, social media, and initial marketing materials need to be professional, compelling, and tell your unique story.
Conversion: What persuades them to make a purchase or engage with your service? Clear calls to action, trustworthy visuals, and a seamless user experience are key.
Loyalty: How do you keep them coming back? Consistent branding, engaging content, and a memorable experience foster long-term relationships.
Every piece of marketing material, from your slick new website to that perfectly designed flyer, is a touchpoint on this journey. If those touchpoints are inconsistent, amateurish, or simply unoriginal, you’re essentially handing your customers to the competition.
The True value of Professional Design
Hiring a professional graphic designer isn’t an expense; it’s an investment. It’s an investment in:
Credibility: A polished, professional brand instills trust and confidence.
Differentiation: You’ll stand out from the competition, not blend in.
Consistency: A cohesive brand identity across all platforms builds recognition and memorability.
Long-Term Growth: A strong brand foundation is essential for sustained business success.
Have a good think
So, the next time you’re thinking about your brand, ask yourself: Am I aiming for “that’ll do,” or am I striving for “Wow! Where have you been all my life?” If it’s the latter, then let’s chat. We’re here to turn your vision into a visual masterpiece that truly rings your customers bell and sets your business up for the success it deserves.