Why a good logo design doesn’t cost $100

…and why your brand deserves better.

Check out the final brand design for EV-XPLR here

If you’ve ever used a DIY design program or browsed a site offering $100 custom logos, you could be wondering—isn't that good enough?

Here’s the thing: a great logo is never just a logo. It might look simple, but it’s the result of a thoughtful creative process that considers much more than just looks. And when it’s done well, it can help elevate your entire business. 

But here’s the part many people overlook: a logo alone is rarely enough.

Here’s why working with an experienced designer (and investing in your brand as a whole) pays off in ways you might not expect.

What Makes a Custom Logo Different

A high-quality, minimalist logo might look effortless, but there’s a lot behind the scenes: research, strategy, experience, and a bit of talent. It’s built specifically for you—your story, your audience, your goals.

When I design a logo, I take time to understand who you are and what sets you apart. I begin every project with a thorough questionnaire that asks questions like:

• What excites you most about your business?

• Who is your ideal customer?

• What are 3 emotions you want your brand to evoke?  

From there, I sketch and develop original concepts rooted in strategy, not trends. Every design decision is intentional—and meant to reflect your brand in a way that’s authentic and memorable. 

What does that process look like? Well, it’s definitely not linear. Here’s what my workspace looks like for a typical client project:

Check out the polished result of this design process here

You don’t get that dedication from a template or a $100 logo. Those options might look nice at first glance, but they’re often generic graphics with no real connection to your brand—and no way of ensuring that they’re exclusively yours.

Why Your Brand Needs More Than a Logo

Designing a well-crafted logo is an important step for your business—but it’s still only the beginning. On its own, it can’t carry your brand across platforms, tell your story consistently, or create a memorable customer experience.

That’s where a complete visual identity comes in.

Through a more in-depth creative process, we create not just your logo, but a complete visual system for your business: supporting brand marks, color palette, typography, hierarchy guidance, and visual elements that empower you to bring your brand to life—across your website, packaging, marketing, and beyond. This thoughtful process helps clarify your voice, sharpen your presence, and set the tone for how your brand is experienced at every level.

With my Essential Brand Identity Package, we go beyond the logo to build a visual system that supports your business at every touchpoint. That includes:

• A custom logo suite (primary and supporting variations)

• Color palette

• Typography styling

• Supporting visual mockups

• A detailed brand guidelines document for how to use it all cohesively

A strong brand identity helps you communicate with confidence, connect more deeply with your audience, and build consistent recognition…and this kind of presence ensures your logo will make an even greater impression.

Why This Matters for You

Whether you’re starting something new or building something established—you deserve more than a generic design. Your brand should feel true to who you are and resonate with the people you’re trying to reach. When you work with a designer like me, you’re not just hiring someone to make things look nice—you’re collaborating with a creative partner who’s invested in the success of your brand. 

When you invest in thoughtful design, you’re not just paying for a package of files—you’re investing in:

• Clear messaging through visuals

• A better client or customer experience

• Greater recognition and trust

• Assets you can actually use across print, web, packaging, and beyond

When you think about all the ways that good design can support your business and its future growth, it's easy to see the importance of taking it seriously from the beginning.

“Can’t I Design My Brand Later?”

This is a common question—and a valid one. Sometimes, starting with just a logo feels like the easiest way to get your business off the ground. There's certainly a lot of priorities that can compete for your business's time and budget. I offer an efficient Logo Design Package for that exact reason: to give new or evolving brands a helpful foundation without a major commitment upfront. That said, there are real advantages to designing your logo alongside the rest of your brand identity. When we build your visual system all at once—logo, typography, colors, supporting elements—it allows everything to work together seamlessly, with a unified voice and clear direction. Waiting to “fill in the gaps” later can often lead to inconsistencies, lack of clarity, or extra design work down the road. So while starting small is totally okay, if you have the vision (and the opportunity) to go deeper from the beginning, the results tend to be more cohesive, polished, and successful. 

Let’s Create Something (Meaningful) Together

If you’re ready to move beyond the DIY stage—or you’re launching something new and want to do it right from the beginning—I’m eager to collaborate. Whether we start with a strategic logo or dive into a complete brand kit, my goal is to create something that feels original, refined, and true to you.

Explore my branding services to see what’s possible, or reach out to start a conversation about your vision. I’d love to hear your story.

-Anna