Graphic design is an integral part of any marketing strategy. Your brand’s logo is what will help buyers recognize you, and the appearance and feel of your products should also match your marketing campaigns. With more DIY design programs being introduced, it may seem like a smart decision to forgo a professional graphic designer and enlist the use of AI tools. Is this really a smart decision, though? There are many benefits of tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Vista Create, and online logo designers, but by utilizing them instead of a professional designer, you may wind up costing yourself more in the long run.
How Is At-Home Design Software Useful?
If you’re looking to create a rough idea of an image, software such as Canva is a great place to start. Its library of images will allow you to draw inspiration, and its user-friendly interface will not require much time. This can be a useful tool when creating a design outline, or drawing a template for professional design.
This software is usually relatively inexpensive, which makes it a great option for a cottage business with limited spending. Many creators on marketplaces such as Etsy utilize low-cost or free design software to create logos and decals. If you’re a brand new business, at-home design tools can be a great starting point.
Why is Professional Always Best?
Even though you may feel adept at logo and sign design, there are many drawbacks to relying completely on a product such as Canva or VistaPrint for all of your business needs.
Since these programs utilize stock images and templated design, you will run the risk of creating a logo anyone else with the software can also create. Instead of having a custom-made design that is specifically created for your business, you’ll be pulling from a template thousands of other users have access to. It’s hard to create a memorable first impression with a logo when it is similar to other competing companies.
The color gamut is also something to consider. A color gamut is the spectrum of colors that can be reproduced on an output device. If you are thinking of designing a logo that will not only go on your website, but be printed for business cards and decals, an image created in at-home design software may not translate exactly when printed on various devices. In short, the color you see on the screen of your website may not be the same shade that prints from your printer at home. This is harmful for brand recognition and branding overall – even slight color or line design discrepancies can make your brand harder to recognize across various mediums. This can also become a costly mistake – can you imagine spending thousands of dollars on printing marketing assets, only to realize there was a color variance? Not only would you be stuck with unusable materials, but you would have to pay to get the job done all over again.
Printing standards also vary by project type. The USPS has a set of standards for what can and cannot be mailed. Partnering with a knowledgeable agency who can get your print job done correctly the first time is important if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to advertise.
Website design is also something that is best left to the professionals. Many websites offer templated designs, but a custom-designed website will ensure your website has the full capabilities and functionality it needs, such as plugins that allow clients to book online, or purchase directly from your website. ADA compliance is also something that can be done by a custom-website build, but may not be possible with a less expensive, DIY option.
How Do I Design Professionally While Being Cost-Conscious?
Graphic design for branding assets is an investment in your business. By hiring a professional company like Kymera, you’ll have custom-created graphics that are sure to look the same whether they are used online or in print. You’ll also completely own the images and design, unlike stock-provided images which can be used by anyone who owns the same software you do. When it comes to website design, the only way to ensure your website fully operates with all of the functions you want it to is by having a custom-built website. If you’re ready to get started with our team of experts, contact Kymera today.
