If you’re just starting out, creating your brand identity on your own is not only doable—it’s smart. You don’t need a five-figure agency to look like you’ve got your act together. With these DIY brand design tips, you’ll learn how to build a cohesive brand with a strategy, a vibe, and a few visual rules to keep things on track.
How to Check If You’re on the Right Track
By now, you’ve probably tackled your brand strategy and built a mood board. If you’re feeling good about your foundation, it’s time to assess whether it’s truly reflecting your brand’s core essence. Ask yourself:
Let’s break it down.
Your brand isn’t just a logo—it’s how your business makes people feel. Start by asking yourself:
Those answers? They shape your brand personality. Once you know the vibe, the visuals come easier.
Think Pinterest, but make it purposeful.
Collect images that scream your brand energy: interiors, fashion, fonts, packaging—whatever helps lock in the look and feel you’re going for.
Hot tip: Don’t just pin logos. Think world-building.
Color isn’t just pretty—it communicates. Want calm and elevated? Soft neutrals or blues. Want bold and punchy? Think saturated jewel tones.
💡 Feeling stuck? Pick one color that feels like “you,” then build a palette with lighter/darker tones of it. Stick to 3–6 colors, max. Trust: you don’t need a rainbow.
You’re not designing the next Nike swoosh. A clean, type-based logo can look way more polished than something overloaded with symbols.
Less is more. Let it breathe.
Pick 2–3 fonts:
Pro move: If you’re overwhelmed, use fonts from the same family (like different weights/styles of one typeface) and create hierarchy by size and spacing.
Need font inspo? This is probably my favorite place to get inspiration on the internet.
This includes your:
You want enough assets that your brand shows up consistently—across IG, email, website, all of it.
Use high-quality images that reflect your vibe. Whether it’s flat lays, lifestyle shots, or candid portraits, stay consistent in editing and tone. If your vibe is “moody and editorial,” don’t randomly throw in a bright stock photo of a smiling group at brunch.
DIYing your brand can be exhilarating, but it’s also easy to burn out if you’re not careful. Here’s how to manage the process without feeling like it’s taking over your life:
A DIY identity is perfect for launching. You’ll learn what works, gain confidence, and figure out what you really want in a brand.
When the time (and budget) is right, you can invest in a pro to elevate it. But you’ll be miles ahead because you’ve already done the soul-searching.
Here’s how to know it’s time:
Start with strategy, build the vibe, design with consistency, and don’t overthink it. You’ve got this. Your future self (and your clients) will thank you.
DIY not your thing, let’s chat!
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