Should I be a logo designer? 🎨

Imagine walking down the street, and suddenly, you spot a logo — a simple swoosh, a bitten apple, or a golden arch. You instantly know the brand.

Photo by Jurij Kenda on Unsplash

What if YOU were the creative mind behind a logo that millions of people recognize and see every day?

If you thought, "yes," then what are you waiting for? Let's find out if you've got what it takes to create designs that shape the world!

Logo designers create the face of the brand — the logo. The logo tells the brand's story and values and helps people recognize and remember it.

As a logo designer, you help brands stand out, build trust, and connect with their customers.

Every line, color, font, and shape matters. You'll be the creative brain behind people's first impression of a brand.

Photo by Joseph Barrientos on Unsplash

Think of the Nike swoosh. It's one of the most recognizable logos in the world. It's simple, yet it's able to convey the idea of motion and speed.

You don't really need a degree to become a logo designer...but it can help!

Some people go to art or design schools or take specific courses in graphic design,such as color theory, and typography. These programs are great for building important skills in software like Adobe Illustrator and learning design principles.

They're also a great way to make connections — whether through internships, networking events, or classmates who might later help you out in your career.

Photo by M ACCELERATOR on Unsplash

But many designers are self-taught through online tutorials and just building a strong portfolio!

Yes, you do.

Future clients want to see what YOU can DO, not just what you studied.

So get practicing — learn through online tutorials, watch YouTube videos, and get familiar with design tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator.

Image created by the author using Canva

You can gain hands-on experience and start building your portfolio with personal projects, doing internships, or volunteering to create logos for family/friends, small businesses, or non-profit community groups.

You can also try joining The Daily Logo Challenge, where you'll receive fun, new design challenges straight to your inbox, or use design prompt generators like Goodbrief to give you a fake client to work with.

You'll level up your skills in no time and have amazing design work to add to your portfolio.

As a logo designer, there's flexibility in where you can work.

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

• Design studios — you'll work with a small team on branding and design projects. You'll tend to have a more rounded skill set.

• Design agencies — you'll work on many diverse projects/brands with a larger team.

• In-house — working for big companies like Google or McDonalds. You'll have a deep understanding of one brand.

• Freelancing — you'll have the freedom to take on as many or as few clients/projects that interest you. Anytime, anywhere.

What's a typical day at work like?

• Morning: You can start with client meetings or emails, and gathering ideas for a new logo.

• Midday: You get the creative juices flowing — brainstorming, sketching, and using design software like Adobe Illustrator, to bring ideas to life.

• Afternoon: Review client feedback and make any necessary changes.

• End of day: Prepare final logo files to be submitted or prepare for the next project.

Photo by Milad Fakurian on Unsplash

In the US, the avg. base salary (USD): $61,416.

In Canada, the avg. base salary (CAD): $73,604.

With these average salaries, remember that it's also dependent on your experience and location. For example, if you work in New York, someone who has the same experience but works in California or Florida might earn more or less than you.

If you're a freelancer, you could earn more or less than the average. It depends on how many clients/projects you take on.

• You're creative and enjoy working with colors, fonts, and shapes. You love expressing your artistic side.

• You're a problem-solver. You can take complex brand ideas and turn them into a simple, yet effective visual.

• You're flexible. You can do solo or teamwork and handle client feedback.

• You value making a visual impact. You help brands tell their story and connect with customers.

• You're excited to see your work in the real world!

But it's not for everyone. You might dislike it if...

• You don't like working under tight deadlines.

• You get frustrated with all the constant changes to the design.

• You prefer routine tasks instead of creative work.

• You don't like competition.

Now that you've got the deets, are you ready to explore a career in logo design? Image by benzoix on Freepik