blog, Graphic Design Caitlin Shogren blog, Graphic Design Caitlin Shogren

Why you DON'T want to use Canva logo design templates for your small business

With a graphic design background, you might feel like I’m too hard on anyone who uses a Canva logo design for their business. That’s a fair point. I have my packages to sell, and there’s a conflict of interest against others using a Canva logo design template.

To contest my point, here are 3 of my reasons, reiterated by Canva’s help center, why you should not use a Canva logo design template.

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blog, Graphic Design Caitlin Shogren blog, Graphic Design Caitlin Shogren

What your brand mark design icon should look like for your small business

I’m glad more people are confident enough to work on their business’ brand. It can be a personal process for many business owners, making the process difficult when handing the reins over to a branding expert or a graphic designer.

So, for those of you who are learning or wanting to develop your business’ brand identity as a D.I.Y. project, here are my recommendations for a great brand mark.

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blog, Graphic Design Caitlin Shogren blog, Graphic Design Caitlin Shogren

How to design alternative logos and how they can expand and develop your brand identity

Alternative logos are similar but not the same as a primary logo. Some examples might be that you use an object or animal that many people associate with your brand identity. Others might conceive acronyms or use a founding date or year for alternatives.

Many brands create multiple logos for businesses because it’s easier to reach more people this way.

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blog, Graphic Design Caitlin Shogren blog, Graphic Design Caitlin Shogren

4 file types and formats you can create for your logo in Adobe Illustrator

As a creative entrepreneur and business owner, you probably know your file types by now. You know the ones you need, the ones you can use, and the ones that you want to avoid at all costs.

As a graphic designer, you’ll need to be able to tell your clients the type of file formats they’ll need and want for their new business. When you have completed the logo or logos for your client, always provide your client with at least these 4 file types and formats.

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blog, Graphic Design Caitlin Shogren blog, Graphic Design Caitlin Shogren

Why the pen tool is the best tool for beginners to learn how to use Adobe Illustrator

Once I decided to go back to school, I saw how much impact learning how to use Adobe Illustrator would have on my graphic design career.

One of the best business tools that I’ve learned in Adobe Illustrator is the pen tool. I’d say the pen tool is my favorite and most recommended tool to acquaint yourself with when you’re starting as a beginner.

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blog, Graphic Design Caitlin Shogren blog, Graphic Design Caitlin Shogren

How to use Adobe Illustrator to develop your brand identity strategy

It can be daunting when you first learn how to use Adobe Illustrator and it can be difficult to acclimate yourself to using some of its tools.

When I first started learning how to use Adobe Illustrator, I wish I had a mentor to show me these business tools first and then cut me loose to explore. These tools will help you develop a brand strategy for any project you jump into.

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