Let’s be real: finding the right brand designer can feel a little like dating. There are a lot of options, everyone’s showing off their best side, and you’re just hoping to find someone who gets you. Except, instead of a soulmate, you’re looking for someone who can translate your business’s heart and soul into visuals that actually resonate.
So, how do you cut through the noise and find “the one” for your business? Here’s your no-fluff guide to picking a designer who won’t ghost you halfway through your logo revision round and will actually deliver.
What Does a Brand Designer Actually Do?
A good brand designer isn’t just someone who whips up a cute logo in Canva and calls it a day. They’re part designer, part strategist, part therapist (kidding… kind of). Before they even think about colors or fonts, they dive into the soul of your business—your mission, vision, audience, goals, and whole vibe.
That strategy work? It’s not fluff. It’s the blueprint.
A great brand designer will guide you through the big questions:
- What is your purpose?
- What problem are you solving?
- Who are you trying to reach?
- What do you want them to feel?
- What makes you different (in a good way)?
- And how can your visuals support all of that?
Only then do they start crafting the visual identity that brings it all to life.
Think:
- Logo suites that work across print and digital
- Typography that speaks your brand’s language
- Color palettes that reflect your personality, not just your favorite sweater
- Tone and voice guidelines that help your messaging sound as good as it looks
- And the kind of consistency that makes you look like you’ve got your stuff together (even when you’re winging it most days)
Wait—What’s the Difference Between Brand Strategy and Brand Design?
The pre-design phase. This is where the magic starts, brand strategy.
Think of strategy as the “discovery” phase. It’s where we uncover who you are, what makes you shine, and how you want your brand to show up in the world. This includes understanding your values, audience, positioning, tone, and message. It’s the foundation.
Design, on the other hand, is the beautiful, visual expression of all that groundwork. But here’s the thing—great design only happens after strategy. Without that clarity, you’re just making something pretty with no purpose (and we both know you deserve better than that).
TL;DR: Strategy is the blueprint. Design is the dream house built from it. No skipping steps.
What to Look for in a Branding Designer
Not all designers are created equal. Some specialize in custom logo design services, others focus on complete brand strategy packages for small businesses. Here’s what to consider:
- Portfolio Power: Look for a range of styles. If every logo looks the same, maybe think twice.
- Process & Communication: You want someone who explains their process clearly and keeps you in the loop. Not someone who disappears into a design cave for three weeks with no communication—not even a smoke signal.
- Style Fit: Find someone whose aesthetic matches what you’re drawn to, but who’s also not afraid to challenge you creatively.
- Small Biz Friendly: Bonus points if they’ve worked with small businesses before. They’ll understand your budget, your time constraints, and your dream to scale without sacrificing your identity.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
- Do you offer strategy or just design? Strategy comes before design. Always.
- What’s included in your branding packages?
- How many revisions are allowed?
- What files will I receive? (Will I receive files I can actually use, hello, vector logos!)
- What’s your timeline?
Pro tip: If they can’t answer these questions clearly, swipe left.
What’s Usually Included in Branding Packages?
Most creative branding and design packages (especially those tailored for small businesses) include:
- A brand strategy recap
- A primary logo + variations
- Brand colors and typography
- A moodboard or creative direction
- A brand guide so you know how to actually use everything
- Sometimes, bonus goodies like social media templates or business card designs
If you’re only getting one logo file slapped on a white background… You deserve better.
Final Thoughts (and a Shameless Plug)
Hiring a brand designer is a big deal—this is your business’s first impression, after all. So take your time, trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The right designer will make you feel seen, heard, and a little bit like a badass CEO.
Looking for a brand designer who gets small businesses? Let’s chat and see if we’re a good fit → hello@katagraphics.com
