THE BUDGET-FRIENDLY BRANDING TOOLKIT FOR FREELANCERS & FOUNDERS


DIY Branding with meaning and method

The training course and resource toolkit to empower business owners and freelancers to confidently create their own visual identity without the upfront cost of hiring a designer. We all know that AI enables you to DIY branding but does it empower you to create branding with true meaning and depth?

If you’re ready to take the step to build an identity with meaning and method that stands out from the crowd (and the bots!) the BETA version of the toolkit is launching later this year. Join the waitlist now to keep up to date when it launches.

Feel confident

Grow your confidence in creating consistent and beautiful assets for your brand

Feel proud

Of the business (and now brand!) that you have built

Feel represented

Create a identity that reflects the quality of the product or service you provide

You know your branding needs work but feel stuck and overwhelmed with where to start…

With the increased accessibility of tools such as AI and Canva, many business owners like you are choosing to design their own visual identities. Tech is enabling anyone to pick up tools and design brands themselves. However, access to these tools means people are enabled but not empowered to use the tools available to them in the most meaningful and effective way for their business. The DIY Toolkit will empower you to design your own visual identity from scratch, saving you time, money and energy to focus on building your business.

Yes, you could utilise an AI tool and ask it to generate you a logo and suite of assets in mere minutes. However, the result will not be rooted in meaning, and will lack the depth your brand deserves. The bots may promise speed but you may find yourself hours later still agonising over why it still doesn’t feel or look right for your brand. This training will guide you through the process at a steady pace to leave you with an identity rooted in meaning and method.

Who is the toolkit designed for?

  • Freelancers and Founders ready to give time and thought to their professional identity 

  • Small business owners in need of a visual brand but that don’t yet have the budget to work with a designer directly 

  • Early-stage startups working on an MVP

Learn how to think for your brand

You will learn:

  • How to get started through research and where to search for inspiration 

  • How to turn insights about your audience, market and brand personality into actionable ideas to inspire your identity 

  • How to come up with an engaging and memorable concept for your identity 

  • How to create a visual plan to inform your designs 

  • How to choose colours meaningfully and with consideration for accessibility 

  • How to select typefaces that represent your brand voice and help tell your story 

  • How to design a logo that feels innately you 

  • How to build brand guidelines that are simple and usable

  • How to start building a bank of templates that will save you time so you can focus on what you do best

  • How to maintain your brand on an on-going basis

This is for you if…

  • You have big ideas for your brand but you don’t necessarily know how to execute those ideas

  • You dabble in design but are not proficient and would benefit from some guidance and education along the way 

  • You want to create a brand identity that stands out from the crowd for the right reasons 

  • You are testing things out, iterating and learning as you go and need a “scrappy” DIY approach to your branding while you get things off the ground  

  • Want ownership and creative control over your brand but are overwhelmed and don’t know where to start 

It is not for you if…

  • You would rather work directly with a designer. If this is you, feel free to get in touch about working with me 1:1

  • You are not ready to invest £495 in your brand

  • You’re not ready to push your skills and creative thinking outside your comfort zone

  • You’re an established brand or business with 5+ years behind you or funding backing you. In this instance, if you’re thinking about refreshing your visual brand, get in touch 

What’s included:

3 x detailed modules: 

  • Module 1: Meaning

  • Intro to design strategy and holistic brand design 

    • The 5 A’s:

      • Ambitions

      • Audience

      • Awareness of others

      • Attributes & Archetypes

      • Alignment

  • Module 2: Method

    • Creating a visual plan 

    • Choosing colours 

    • Selecting the right type 

    • Designing the logo & symbols 

    • Building out your brand assets - shape, texture and iconography 

  • Module 3: Making the most of your brand

    • Creating helpful brand guidelines 

    • Building a bank of templates 

    • Bringing it to life in the real world

    • Maintaining your brand long-term

  • 1:1 Slack access to Maddy, a designer with 8+ years of brand experience and a D&AD award for her work

  • Access to a community of business owners who are in the same brand-building boat

  • Workbook, resources and downloadables to support you as you work

  • Training videos on how to make the most out of your new assets

  • Lifetime access to the course content 

£495 (can be paid in full or instalments)

A strong brand can help your business to:

  • Stand out in a crowded market

  • Increase sales

  • Grow a community

  • Build your personal profile

  • Position yourself as an expert

  • Grow brand awareness

BUT, it’s no good just having a brand that only lives in your guidelines or style sheet. Knowing how to implement your brand in the real world is what will help take your business to the next level. I can help you to not only learn how to design your brand from scratch, but you will also learn the tools you need to apply and maintain your brand on an on-going basis.

  • "Working with Maddy is effortless and enjoyable and I'd reccommend her to anyone looking for design and branding help."

    Beth Gladstone - Content & SEO Strategist

  • "A game-changer for our home fragrance company. We gained invaluable insights into crafting a unique brand identity that truly resonates with our target audience. Thanks to Maddy we feel equipped to tell our story in a way that captivates customers and sets us apart in the competitive home fragrance market. This workshop was the perfect blend of inspiration and practical strategies—highly recommended for any business looking to elevate their brand!"

    Julie Miller - Co-Founder: Miller & Ward

  • "She gets right under the skin of you and your brand... you feel like she is on this journey with you. The result is heartfelt, standout and kick ass branding."

    Gemma Sewell - Career coach

  • "Our last workshop was so inspiring. We left feeling SO motivated and excited and can honestly say Maddy had a really big influence and impact on the Seed Sisterhood's growth last year."

    Ellie Sadler - Co-Founder: Seed Sisterhood

  • "I am over the moon with the look and feel of Project Fearless and PROUD of the visual identity that is our brand."

    Mérida Miller - Founder: Project Fearless

  • "We now feel confident that we have a truly strong brand identity."

    Paola Kuhn - Marketing Executive: Altnets

The Design it Yourself Toolkit is opening its doors Autumn 2025. Sign up to the waitlist to receive updates about when it launches.