What I Learned About Logo Design While Working with Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Sep 23 2025

When I stopped designing for myself and started designing with purpose

Early in my journey as a designer, I loved creating logos. But here’s the truth: most of those logos were more about me than the people I was designing for. I chose fonts I liked, played with colors that looked trendy, and added clever details that made me feel proud.

Then I started working with aspiring entrepreneurs.

People launching their very first product. People with small budgets, big dreams, and no clue where to begin with branding. That’s when everything changed.

I realized that these founders didn’t need “cool.” They needed clarity. A logo that helped people understand them. A design that made them feel confident about showing up online. Something they could grow into.

And the more I listened to them, the more I grew as a designer—and a collaborator.

Helping real people, not just building portfolios

Learning to ask better questions

When I worked with entrepreneurs, I couldn’t start with a blank canvas. I had to start with them. Their story, their product, their audience. I began asking things like:

  • What do you want people to feel when they see your logo?
  • Where will this logo appear most often—Instagram? Packaging? Business cards?
  • What brands do you admire, and why?

These questions helped us get to the heart of the business—not just the aesthetics. And often, it turned out that what they thought they wanted visually didn’t match what their business needed strategically.

Explaining without jargon

Most of my clients weren’t designers. If I said “vector format” or “negative space,” their eyes glazed over. So I shifted my language. Instead of design-speak, I said things like:

  • “This version will stay sharp when printed small.”
  • “Let’s try a simpler shape that’s easier to remember.”
  • “We want it to look just as good in black and white.”

By speaking their language, we worked better together. They felt heard, and I learned to simplify my own process.

Working with real-world constraints

Startups don’t always have full brand books or custom color codes. Sometimes they just need a logo they can upload to Instagram tomorrow. That pushed me to think practically:

  • Will this look good as a profile picture?
  • Can it be embroidered on a shirt or printed on a shipping label?
  • Will it work with the free website builder they’re using?

I started testing logos across all kinds of surfaces and platforms. The goal wasn’t just beauty—it was usability.

Using tools that empower beginners

Some entrepreneurs wanted to experiment on their own, which I fully supported. I pointed them to tools that made the design process less intimidating. One that I often recommend is Turbologo—it offers a beginner-friendly way to test ideas, explore color palettes, and see instant previews without feeling overwhelmed.

In fact, I’ve seen some founders take their first steps toward a professional identity by creating an AI logo—something quick, functional, and surprisingly effective for an early-stage business. It wasn’t about replacing designers, but about lowering the barrier to entry and giving people confidence to move forward.

What I now believe about logos—and business

A logo isn’t the brand, but it’s the start of the story

It won’t carry the whole business, but it’s the first visual handshake with a potential customer. If it feels mismatched or unclear, people may not stick around to learn more.

Simplicity wins, every time

Most entrepreneurs think they need to say everything in their logo. But the best results come from simplifying: one color, one clear shape, one strong message. Simple doesn’t mean boring—it means focused.

People need to feel proud of their logo

This might sound emotional—but I’ve seen it firsthand. When someone feels proud of their logo, they show up more. They post more often, pitch with more confidence, and stick with their branding longer. That confidence is invaluable in the early stages.

It’s okay if the first version isn’t perfect

For many entrepreneurs, the first logo is just that—the first. It doesn’t need to be final forever. It just needs to work now. I always remind clients: it’s better to start simple and grow than to overthink and delay your launch.

Final reflections—and encouragement

Working with aspiring entrepreneurs taught me to let go of design ego and lean into design purpose. Every project became a collaboration, not a showcase. I learned to listen more than I talked, test more than I tweaked, and prioritize clarity over cleverness.

If you’re just starting out—whether you’re building a business or creating a logo—know this:
You don’t have to be a designer to create something meaningful. You just need to understand what you stand for and communicate that in a simple, honest way.

Start small. Be clear. Use the tools that give you confidence. And most importantly—be proud of what you’re building.

Your logo doesn’t need to win awards. It just needs to work—for you, and for the people you’re trying to reach.

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