DIY vs Professional Logo Design: The True Cost of Going Cheap
Your logo is one of the first things people notice about your brand. It sets the tone for how you're perceived, whether you're seen as credible, creative, trustworthy, or... well, not quite there yet. And in the early days of business, it’s tempting to DIY your logo or grab a cheap one off a freelance site just to get going. But is saving money upfront worth the cost in the long run?
This blog breaks down the real difference between DIY and professional logo design, from what each really gives you to how it affects your brand growth, reputation, and bottom line.
Why DIY Logos Are So Common (And Sometimes Okay)
Let’s be real. Not everyone can drop hundreds or thousands on branding at the start. DIY logo design is popular with startups, side hustles, and small businesses trying to stretch every penny. And in some cases, like testing a business idea or launching a one-time project, it might be a decent short-term move.
DIY logos can work when:
You’re validating a business idea or MVP
You’re not yet ready to invest fully in your branding
Your audience isn’t design-savvy and you need something fast
But as your business grows, the cracks in a DIY logo usually start to show.
The Hidden Costs of a Cheap or DIY Logo
1. Missed First Impressions
A logo that looks homemade or generic can turn off potential clients before they even read what you offer. People make snap decisions based on design, and cheap logos rarely give off the right vibes.
2. No Brand Strategy
DIY logos often lack intention. They’re designed without clarity on audience, positioning, or long-term brand goals. A pro designer builds your logo around these things, making it work harder for you.
3. Inconsistent Visual Identity
That Canva-made logo might look fine on your Instagram profile, but does it scale well on a website header? Business card? Packaging? Most cheap logos aren't flexible enough for real-world use.
4. Wasted Time
You might spend hours trying to make your DIY logo “look right,” going back and forth with edits or crowd-sourcing opinions online. That’s time you could be spending growing your business.
5. The Rebrand Cost
Many businesses who start with a cheap or DIY logo end up paying more later to fix it, often at a stage when changing your visuals affects everything from packaging to signage.
Why Canva Logos Aren’t a Long-Term Solution
Canva is great for creating quick graphics, but it’s not where your logo should come from. Here’s why:
You can’t copyright it. Canva’s logo templates are available to anyone, which means your design isn’t legally protected.
You don’t own the rights. Canva technically retains the rights to its templates, which limits how you can use the logo commercially.
You can’t trademark it. If you ever try to trademark your Canva-made logo, you’ll likely be denied — because the assets are shared across thousands of users.
You won’t stand out. There’s a high chance another business has used the same design or something nearly identical. That’s not exactly a recipe for brand recognition.
Your logo should be as original as your business. If it’s built using the same building blocks as everyone else’s, it won’t help you carve out your space in the market.
What You Actually Get With a Professional Logo
A professionally designed logo is more than a pretty icon. It’s the tip of a much bigger strategic iceberg. Here’s what you’re really paying for:
Brand strategy and research
Typography that aligns with your tone of voice
Colour theory and psychology
Versatile logo formats (for print, web, merchandise, and more)
Scalability, legibility, and usage rules
Visual consistency across platforms
Most importantly, it gives you confidence. You show up differently in your business when you feel proud of how your brand looks.
Real Talk: Is It Ever Worth Going Cheap?
If your budget is really tight, consider:
Starting with a simple, clean type-only logo (use a strong font and solid spacing)
Avoiding Fiverr-style marketplaces where designs are often recycled or plagiarised
Planning to reinvest in branding once you’ve validated your business idea
But don’t mistake temporary branding for something that can grow with your business long-term.
How to Know It’s Time for a Professional Logo
You’re probably ready to invest in professional logo design if:
You’re attracting the wrong audience or not standing out
You feel embarrassed sharing your business visuals
Your logo looks fuzzy, unbalanced, or dated
You’re expanding your offer and need a stronger brand presence
You’re charging more and want visuals that match your value
Final Thoughts: Cheap Logos Can Cost You More Than You Think
A DIY or bargain logo might seem like a smart save when you're starting out. But if it holds you back from standing out, building trust, or raising your prices, it's not a saving at all.
Good branding pays for itself by attracting better clients, supporting higher rates, and giving you the confidence to market your business properly.
Ready to Upgrade Your Logo?
If your current logo isn’t cutting it, don’t panic. You’re not alone. A professional brand doesn’t have to be stuffy or scary. Let’s create a logo that feels like you and actually supports your business growth.
Book a free design chat and let’s talk about what’s next for your brand.