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Let’s have an honest chat: if your logo is just sitting there looking “fine” but not attracting the right clients or making your brand feel cohesive, then it’s probably not doing its job.
And nope…a Canva icon and your biz name smushed together does not count as strategy.
Here’s what actually makes a logo work (and what you need to focus on before you even open Canva).
Why You Shouldn’t Start With a Logo
I get it.
The logo feels like the fun part. It’s visual, it’s creative, and it feels like the badge of legitimacy.
But if you’re starting your branding journey with a logo, you’re skipping the entire strategy that makes that logo meaningful.
Instead, start with:
- Brand foundations (who you help + how)
- Visual direction (your vibe, style, energy)
- Fonts and colours that reinforce your message
Your logo should be the fourth step, not the first.
What a Good Logo Actually Needs
A great logo isn’t just “pretty”, it’s purposeful. It connects to your brand’s story, values, and tone. It shows your audience that you’re legit, trustworthy, and have your act together (even when you’re still in pyjamas behind the screen).
A great logo is:
- Simple (but not boring)
- Conceptual (think: meaning, not just trendy aesthetics)
- Scalable (works at 20px or on a billboard)
- Flexible (has multiple versions: stacked, horizontal, icon-only, etc.)
And most importantly: it supports your brand identity instead of trying to be the brand.
Don’t Let a Logo Define You
Your logo is one small player in the whole team of your visual brand.
It’s important, yes…but it’s not the MVP.
If you’re feeling like your logo needs to carry the entire weight of your brand’s personality, vibe, and value prop? Let that go.
Your fonts, colours, design elements, templates, and consistent visuals as a whole are what tell your audience: “Hey, this biz knows what they’re doing.”
What to Avoid When Designing Your Logo
Let’s talk common traps:
1. Overcomplicating it.
If it’s too intricate to work on a business card or Instagram story highlight, it’s not helping you.
2. Using Canva templates.
They’re great for inspiration but not so great for building a unique, trademarkable brand.
3. Forgetting to export it properly.
Your logo should be saved in transparent PNGs and vector formats so you can use it literally everywhere.
Canva Logos: What You Can Do
You can design a great logo in Canva. I’ve helped hundreds of students do it inside DIY Design My Biz.
Here’s how to make it work:
- Build it after your foundations are set
- Create your own icon from scratch (shapes, lines, pen + paper)
- Skip Canva’s pre-made templates + elements
- Save it properly in multiple formats (hello, versatility!)
The Final Word: Strategy Over Aesthetic
Pretty is lovely. But purposeful is what sells.
A good logo supports your credibility, builds trust, and makes your brand feel cohesive…but only when it’s backed by real brand thinking.
So let your logo be what it is: a team player. Not the entire brand.
And if you’re ready to DIY your brand the right way (with a designer in your back pocket), I’ve got a free live masterclass where I’ll walk you through it step-by-step.
Get your free ticket to the Design Masterclass 👉 https://www.whitedeer.com.au/designmasterclass
WORK WITH JACQUI:
// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb
// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub
// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio
