How to DIY Your Design

You have a small business. You know that consistent brand design is important, so you’ve hired a professional to create a logo and a brand book for you.

This is very important - so *snaps* for you! However, that should be your FIRST step in design, not your last.

Unfortunately, many small business don’t have the money to hire on a full-time graphic designer. So, here are a few design resources that you should definitely take advantage of:

Canva:

This is basically a much easier version of Photoshop. Canva is a graphic design tool website (so no downloading any software on your computer!) that is used by non-designers and professionals alike. It uses an drag-and-drop feature for easy designing that can be used for both web & print media design.

Canva is already loaded with tons of images, photo filters, icons/shapes, and fonts that help make designing your next social media post, presentation, email header, and so much more just that. much. easier.

Move from overwhelmed to ahead-of-the-game through our monthly design support

Creative Market:

It is exactly what it sounds like - it is an online creative marketplace that sells design tools such as graphics, website templates, fonts, stock photography, branding mockups, email templates... should I keep going?

Creative Market is one of my go-to’s for fonts and graphics when creating logos and brand books. The best part? It is a platform for handcrafted design from independent creatives around the world. Meaning, if you buy something from Creative Market, you are helping another small business!

Unsplash:

Have you ever wonder how business get those perfect Instagram photos? You know the ones I’m talking about - the perfectly clean, yet cluttered desk with the perfect Macbook, or the sleek lay-flat image with their calendar, planner, and coffee… Take a look at Unsplash, and you’ll know where they get them (ok, maybe not ALL images, but some that are similar!).

Unsplash has beautiful, free, high-quality images that you can download and use for any project. Whether you’re looking for your next social media image, email header, or just need a few images for a mood board, this is the place to go. And if you can find the photographer on Instagram, be sure to credit them. Although it’s not necessary, it’s a nice gesture ;)

We’re always looking for new design resources, so if you have a favorite then let us know in the comments below!

About our shop:

We serve growing businesses with branding and design support through monthly design retainers and weekly consultation calls. Send us an email to learn more!