Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in software and equipment, build your foundation with books written by working designers and business owners. These resources cover both the creative and operational sides of running a logo design business, helping you avoid common mistakes and understand what clients actually expect.
Logo Design Love by David Airey
This book teaches you what makes a logo work visually and strategically. Airey breaks down real client projects, showing you how to think through concept development, justification, and presentation. For a logo designer, understanding these principles is more valuable than any software tutorial because clients will ask you to defend your work—this book teaches you how.
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The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman
This classic covers how people actually interact with visual communication. You’ll understand visual hierarchy, usability, and why certain design choices work better than others. When clients ask “why should we do it this way?”, Norman’s principles give you the language to explain it.
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Business Adventures by John Brooks
These case studies show how real business decisions play out. While not design-specific, it teaches you how companies think, which directly informs the conversations you’ll have with clients about their brand positioning and competition.
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The Win Without Pitching Manifesto by Blair Enns
This short book changes how you sell your design work. Instead of competing on price and doing unpaid pitches, you’ll learn to position yourself as a strategic partner. This one shift can increase your rates by 30-50% because you’ll attract clients who value expertise over discounts.
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Equipment You Need
Logo design is software-heavy and doesn’t require much physical equipment. A reliable computer, design software, and a monitor are your main investments. Everything else is secondary to those three essentials.
Computer
- MacBook Pro (M2 or M3 chip) or Windows laptop with 16GB+ RAM: Logo design doesn’t demand the absolute top specs, but you need enough power to handle multiple design applications open simultaneously. A 14-inch or 16-inch screen is practical for detail work.
- Desktop computer (optional but recommended): If you’re doing this full-time, a desktop setup gives you better performance per dollar and a larger monitor footprint. Many logo designers use a desktop with a second display.
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Design Software
- Adobe Illustrator: The industry standard for logo work. Your clients will expect files in this format, and it’s the best tool for creating scalable vector graphics. Available as part of the Creative Cloud subscription ($55-80 per month).
- Adobe Photoshop: Secondary tool for mockups and presenting logos in context. Also part of Creative Cloud.
- Figma (optional): Growing alternative for logo sketching and client collaboration. Free tier available, paid plans start at $12/month.
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Display and Peripherals
- Secondary monitor (27-inch, 4K if possible): A second display dramatically improves workflow. You can reference inspiration on one screen while designing on another. Aim for at least 2560×1440 resolution.
- Graphics tablet (optional): A Wacom or Huion tablet ($50-150) is useful if you sketch concepts by hand before digitizing them. Not essential—many logo designers work entirely with the keyboard and mouse.
- Mouse and keyboard: Invest in ergonomic options since you’ll spend 8+ hours daily using these. A wireless mouse and mechanical keyboard reduce strain.
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Office Setup
- Adjustable desk: Sitting all day at a fixed height causes back problems. An electric standing desk ($300-600) lets you switch between sitting and standing.
- Ergonomic chair: You’ll spend more time here than anywhere else. Don’t cheap out—expect to spend $200-400 for one that supports your back properly.
- Desk lamp with good color temperature: Proper lighting reduces eye strain. Look for 5000K-6500K color temperature (daylight range).
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Client Presentation Tools
- Presentation software (Adobe XD, Keynote, or PowerPoint): You’ll present logo concepts to clients. Adobe XD is built for design presentations but Keynote works fine for beginners.
- Portfolio website or Adobe Portfolio: A simple portfolio hosted on your own domain or through Adobe Portfolio (included with Creative Cloud) shows your best work to potential clients.
- Project management tool (Monday.com, Asana, or Notion): Free or low-cost tools help you track client projects, deadlines, and revisions. Critical once you have multiple clients.
What to Buy First vs Later
Start lean and add equipment as your revenue grows. Your first investment should total $1,500-2,500, not $5,000+.
- Month 1: Computer (if you don’t have one), Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. That’s it. You don’t need the second monitor yet.
- Month 2-3: Once you land your first 2-3 paying clients, invest in a second monitor ($250-400). This pays for itself in time saved.
- Month 4-6: Add an ergonomic chair if you’re working daily. Back pain becomes expensive.
- Month 6+: Graphics tablet, standing desk, premium presentation templates—these are improvements, not necessities.
New vs Used Equipment
Buy new for computing hardware and software. A used computer is a liability—you don’t know its history, and design work demands reliability. Don’t save $200 on a used laptop and lose $2,000 in client work when it fails mid-project.
For office furniture (desk, chair, monitor), used or refurbished options are reasonable. Check Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or office liquidation sales for high-quality used office chairs at 50% of retail price. Chairs especially hold up well secondhand. For monitors, buy refurbished from reputable sellers like Amazon Renewed or manufacturer refurb programs—new ones are cheap enough ($200-300) that refurbished savings are marginal.
Where to Buy
- Adobe Creative Cloud: Purchase directly from Adobe.com. No middleman, automatic renewal, fastest installation.
- B&H Photo Video: Computer equipment, monitors, and graphics tablets. Better selection and pricing than Amazon in some categories, with excellent customer service.
- Adorama: Similar to B&H for tech equipment. Often runs sales on graphics tablets and displays.
- Best Buy: Local pickup on computers and peripherals if you need something immediately. Price-match policy helps on larger purchases.
- Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Used office furniture. Meet in person, test the chair before buying, and negotiate.
- Wayfair: Office furniture (desks, chairs, shelving). Free shipping on orders over $35, good return policy.
- Local office liquidation companies: When offices close or downsize, liquidators sell brand-name furniture at 40-60% off retail. Search “[your city] office liquidation” to find these.