Let's be real about this decision—it comes down to your budget, timeline, and how comfortable you are with design tools. Both approaches can absolutely work for small businesses, and Enji's seen successful brands built both ways.
If you're just starting out or have a tight budget, DIYing your brand identity is totally doable. Tools like Canva make it easy with minimal design skills, while Adobe Illustrator gives you more advanced options if you're willing to learn. You can also purchase logo templates to customize yourself, which gives you a professional starting point without starting from scratch.
The DIY approach means you'll learn your brand inside and out, have full control over the process, and can make changes whenever you want without additional costs. Plus, you can start immediately instead of waiting for designer availability or going through revision cycles.
But here's when hiring a designer makes sense: if you have the budget, want professional polish from day one, or need technical expertise for complex applications. Freelance graphic designers on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr offer qualified design help at affordable rates—you don't have to hire a high-end agency to get good results.
Enji's recommendation? If you don't have the budget to hire a professional designer right off the bat, consider a hybrid approach. Start by getting clear on your brand strategy and voice (which you need regardless of who designs your visuals). Create a basic version yourself to test and refine your brand personality, then hire a designer later to elevate the visual execution.
Once you have your brand elements—whether DIY or professionally designed—upload them to Enji's brand asset management system. This keeps everything organized and accessible, so you look polished regardless of how you created your brand identity.
