So, you’ve heard the term ‘brand’. You didn’t know what it was, but you did your research, and now you’re ready to start creating your brand.
The only problem is, Adobe products are not the cheapest. You are just getting started so you don’t quite yet have the budget to afford an Adobe subscription.
No worries. I am here to help. Below are 5 free and amazing websites that I have used in the past to help clients create stunning logos and graphics.
1. Canva
Canva is an AMAZING product. It is extremely easy to use (compared to other counterparts), with a beautiful interface that will make you want to come back and design over and over again.
Canva has apps for both tablets and mobile devices, so you can create graphics from anywhere.
Additionally, Canva has a free plan that will allow you to start creating a brand for little to no money.
The only problem I had with Canva was the limitations when it comes to file formats.
Canva doesn’t have an option to download SVG files, which is an essential feature when creating logos.
2. YouIDraw
Youidraw is a step up from Canva in someways and a step down in others.
It’s a step up because it is as close to Adobe Illustrator without being Adobe Illustrator.
For example, unlike Canva, Youidraw has a pen tool. The pen tool allows you to freely draw complex shapes with your hand.
Canva, only allows you to create simpler shapes like squares, rectangles, triangles, circles, stars and a few more.
Another step up from Canva is the fact that with this software, you will be able to download SVG files. However, in order to enable this feature, you’ll have to opt into the paid version of the software, which starts at $9.99/month.
Youidraw is a step down from Canva because as you can see, the user-interface is not as inviting.
Furthermore, the learning curve for using YouIDraw is steeper than that of Canva.
3. Google Fonts
The choice of a typeface (font) is one of the most important steps to any design project.
Typefaces can convey certain emotions in a reader. So, the choice of a font can give the right or wrong first impressions.
If you have the budget, you can explore options such as fonts.com, fontsquirrels.com, or even myfonts.com. On those websites, you can search for, and buy premium fonts, uniquely crafted by expert typeface designers.
If you don’t have the budget, Google fonts is a great option.
Google fonts, like Canva, has a great user-interface and is easy to use. You’ll be able to easily look for fonts, filter by type or size, and download the fonts you need for immediate use.
4. Fontpair.co
Speaking of fonts, Fontpair.co will make choosing fonts much easier for you.
One of the most difficult things in creating a design is choosing a set of fonts that go well together.
Fontpair gives you suggestions about different typefaces that go well together.
Additionally, the software allows you to visually check to see if the fonts feel right next to one another.
Finally, Fontpair also allows you to easily choose what kind of typefaces you want to pair together.
For example, you can view ‘Serif + Serif ‘ pairings only, or you can choose to view ‘Sans-serif + serif’ pairings.
Don’t forget, the pairings you will see on this website are mere suggestions. Be sure to explore typeface pairings that are similar to the ones on the website, but not exactly the same.
5. Coolors.co
Coolors.co is one of my absolutely favorite website to use.
This web app helps you create beautiful mood boards with beauty and ease.
The user-interface is as good as that of Canva or Google fonts.
Moreover, Coolors.co has a feature to randomly generate colors. So, if you’re ever out of inspiration, you can go to the website and get hundreds of automatically generated mood boards.
Like fontpair.co, the colors are mere suggestions. So, you can play around with different hues, change values, and increase or decrease saturations to find the perfect color for you.
Final Words
So, there you have it: 5 free websites that will help you get started creating your brand.
These are just starting points. When you can afford it, you can move on to better/easier options such as hiring a developer or subscribe to one of the Adobe Creative cloud plans and streamline all your creative apps into one.
Did I forget some websites? What are some of the apps/websites that you use? Leave a comment below and let me know.