And no, it doesn’t start with Canva
It’s one of the most common mistakes I see new founders make: diving headfirst into branding by picking colours, downloading a trendy font, or hiring someone to design a logo before they really know what their brand is all about.
And look—I get it. When you’re excited to launch something new, it’s tempting to skip straight to the visuals. But the truth is? A beautiful brand isn’t built in reverse. It’s built from the inside out.
Whether you’re DIY-ing it or working with a designer, these are the three foundational steps I walk every client (and DIY Brand Kit buyer) through. Think of it as your pre-Canva checklist. Your clarity-before-colour map. Let’s get into it:
Step 1: Know Who You Are
Before you name your business, choose your colours, or export a single PNG—you need to know what you stand for.
👉 Who do you serve? What do you want to be known for?
👉 What beliefs guide your work? What makes your offers meaningful?
👉 What’s your story? Your vibe? Your voice?
This is where real brand clarity begins. Because when you know what you believe and who you’re speaking to, your brand starts to shape itself. You’ll stop second-guessing your tone, your content, or your direction—and start building something rooted in intention, not trend cycles.
Step 2: Make It Tangible
Once your vision is clear, it’s time to bring it into the real world.
👉 Brainstorm brand names that reflect your identity
👉 Check domain names and Instagram handles
👉 Start a rough content plan or theme ideas
👉 Think about how you’ll show up and share your work
This step is about connecting the dots between your idea and your audience. It’s where your vision becomes something others can see, understand, and connect with.
No need to overthink it. You don’t need a full launch plan or 10-step funnel. You just need to get your idea out of your head and into a form that feels real—and shareable.
Step 3: Create Your Visual Identity
This is the part everyone’s excited for—but it works so much better when it comes last.
👉 Pick 3–5 colours that express both your brand and your personal style
👉 Choose 2–3 fonts that feel like you but are still legible
👉 Design a logo that’s simple, clear, and uniquely yours
👉 Think of your brand like your wardrobe or home decor—what would you wear or love to see every day?
This isn’t about being trendy. It’s about choosing visuals that reflect your values and energy. Because when you pick a brand palette that you genuinely love, it’ll stand the test of time—and make every Canva template feel like you.
Final Thought: You Don’t Have to Guess Your Way to a Beautiful Brand
If you’re in the early stages of building your brand, remember this: it’s not about doing it all at once. It’s about doing it in the right order.
- Know who you are
- Make it tangible
- Then bring in the visuals
And if you want a shortcut that doesn’t skip the substance? My ready-to-go DIY Brand Kits are made for this exact moment. They’re more than just good design—they’re built to help you show up with clarity, confidence, and cohesion, right from the start.
Let’s make your brand look as good as it feels to build.
