Your Brand’s Design Journey: When to DIY and When to Partner Up
We get it.In today’s fast-paced business world, you’re juggling tight budgets, impossible deadlines, and the relentless demand for fresh, impactful visuals. It’s no wonder your team has embraced tools like Canva to keep up with the demand. We’ve been there, and we understand the allure of these user-friendly platforms.
But as your partners in visual communication, we want to have an honest conversation about design maturity and what it means for your brand’s growth. Let’s explore together whether it’s time to consider a more comprehensive approach to your design needs.
The Canva Convenience
Canva has revolutionized the way many businesses approach design. Its intuitive interface and vast library of templates have made it possible for anyone to create decent-looking graphics in minutes. For small businesses, startups, or teams without dedicated designers, it’s been a game-changer.
Maybe you’ve used Canva to whip up a quick social media post or to create a last-minute presentation slide. It’s great for those moments when you need something visual, and you need it now. We’ve seen teams use it effectively for internal communications, simple infographics, or even quick mockups to illustrate ideas.
Understanding Design Maturity
But as your business grows, so should your approach to design. This is where the concept of design maturity comes in. Design maturity isn’t about how fancy your graphics look – it’s about how integrated design thinking is in your overall business strategy.
Think of it as a spectrum:
- At the beginning, design is ad-hoc, often an afterthought.
- As you progress, you develop more defined processes and standards.
- Further along, design becomes a managed, strategic asset.
- At the highest level, design is fully integrated into every aspect of your business.
Where do you think your company falls on this spectrum? Understanding your current position is the first step in elevating your brand’s visual identity.
The Limitations of DIY Design
While tools like Canva are fantastic for getting started, they do have limitations. As your brand grows, you might find that:
- Your designs start to look similar to your competitors’
- You struggle to maintain consistency across different materials
- Your visuals don’t quite capture the unique essence of your brand
These are common growing pains, and they’re often signs that it’s time to evolve your design approach.
The In-House Design Dilemma
Many companies reach a point where they consider building an in-house design team. There are definite advantages to this approach:
- Your designers deeply understand your brand and industry
- You have more control over the design process
- It can be cost-effective for companies with constant design needs
However, in-house teams face their own challenges:
- Limited resources can lead to creative burnout
- It’s hard to stay current with the latest design trends and technologies
- Small teams may lack the diverse skill sets needed for various projects
If you have an in-house team, how can you support them? Consider ongoing training, tools to streamline their workflow, and opportunities to collaborate with external creatives for fresh inspiration.
The Agency Advantage
This is where partnering with a design agency like Obsessed can make a real difference. We’re not here to replace your in-house team or diminish the value of tools like Canva. Instead, we offer:
- A wealth of experience across industries and design disciplines
- Access to the latest design technologies and methodologies
- Fresh perspectives that can breathe new life into your brand
- Scalable resources to handle projects of any size
Working with an agency can complement your existing design efforts, fill in gaps, and elevate your overall design maturity.
Finding the Right Balance
The key is finding the right mix for your business. Here’s what we often recommend:
- Use Canva for quick, internal communications or initial concept sketches
- Leverage your in-house team for day-to-day design needs and brand maintenance
- Partner with an agency for major campaigns, rebrands, or specialized projects
Every business is unique, so take some time to assess your specific needs. Consider factors like your growth goals, target audience, and competitive landscape.
Case Studies
Let’s look at a real-world example. We worked with a mid-sized tech company that had been relying on Canva and a single in-house designer. They were growing rapidly but felt their brand wasn’t keeping up. By partnering with us to develop a comprehensive brand strategy and design system, they were able to:
- Create a distinct visual identity that set them apart in a crowded market
- Empower their in-house designer with professional-grade templates and guidelines
- Increase brand recognition by 40% in just six months
- Taking the Next Step
Wherever you are in your design journey, there’s always room for growth. Here are some steps you can take:
- Assess your current design process. Are there bottlenecks or areas where quality suffers?
- Look at your competitors. How does your visual identity compare?
- Consider your growth goals. Will your current design approach support them?
Remember, improving your design maturity is a journey, not a destination. It’s okay to take it one step at a time.
At Obsessed, we believe that thoughtful, strategic design is more than just making things look pretty – it’s a powerful business tool that can drive growth and build lasting connections with your audience.
We know change can be daunting, especially when it comes to something as personal as your brand. But we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking to level up your in-house capabilities, need support for a major project, or just want to chat about where your brand could go, we’re here to help.
Ready to explore the next phase of your design journey? Let’s talk. No pressure, no hard sell – just a conversation about where you are and where you want to be. Because at the end of the day, we’re not just here to design for you – we’re here to help you succeed.
