Best Online Logo Maker 2017

Remember that time I was trying to launch my side hustle, the one selling artisanal, hand-knitted cat sweaters? Yeah, good times. I had the yarn sourced from ethically-raised alpaca (don't ask about the shipping costs), the patterns were chef's kiss Pinterest-worthy, and I'd even practiced my "charming small business owner" smile in the mirror. The only thing missing? A logo. A proper, professional-looking logo that screamed, "I'm serious about these fluffy feline fashion statements!"

So, I dove headfirst into the rabbit hole of "how to design a logo." Suddenly, I was bombarded with terms like "kerning," "color theory," and "brand identity." My brain felt like it was being attacked by a flock of aggressive pigeons. My cat, Bartholomew, who, by the way, is the unwilling muse for my entire business, just blinked at me from his sunbeam nap. I swear he was judging my logo-designing abilities.

After a solid weekend of panic-induced Googling and nearly deleting all my progress on the cat sweater website (which, by the way, was also a dumpster fire of DIY design), I discovered the magical, glorious world of online logo makers. And let me tell you, it was a game-changer. No more pigeons attacking my brain!

Now, fast forward to 2017. The landscape of online logo makers has exploded. Seriously, it's like everyone and their grandma decided to build a logo generator. But with so many options, how do you find the best one? The one that won't make your business look like it was designed by a toddler with a crayon? That, my friends, is the million-dollar question. Or, you know, the $50 question, depending on your budget.

Navigating the Logo-Making Minefield of 2017

Okay, so before we dive into the nitty-gritty of which logo maker reigns supreme in 2017, let's have a little chat about what makes a good online logo maker. It's not just about slapping some text on a background and calling it a day, right? We're aiming for something that's:

1. User-Friendly (No Pigeon Attacks Allowed!)

This is paramount. If you need a degree in graphic design to figure out how to change the font color, it's a fail. We want intuitive interfaces, drag-and-drop functionality, and clear instructions. Think of it as building with digital LEGOs, not trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions (we've all been there).

2. Feature-Rich (But Not Overwhelming)

A good logo maker should offer a decent selection of templates, icons, fonts, and color palettes. But it shouldn't feel like you're drowning in options. The sweet spot is having enough to be creative, but not so many that you freeze up with decision paralysis. You know, like when you're at an ice cream shop with 100 flavors? Too much choice can be a bad thing!

3. Affordable (Because We're Not All Tech Moguls)

Let's be real, most of us starting out aren't rolling in cash. The best logo makers offer a range of pricing plans, including some really budget-friendly or even free options for basic needs. You should be able to get a professional-looking logo without breaking the bank. If it costs more than Bartholomew's annual alpaca yarn budget, we're probably in the wrong place.

4. Output Quality (No Pixelated Nightmares!)

This is non-negotiable. You need high-resolution files that you can use across all your platforms – website, business cards, social media, that giant billboard you're planning (hey, a girl can dream, right?). Pixelated logos are the digital equivalent of wearing socks with sandals. Just... no.

The Contenders: Who's Making Waves in 2017?

Alright, drumroll please! After extensive (and I mean extensive) testing, scrolling, and a few existential crises about my own design skills, here are the top contenders for the "Best Online Logo Maker of 2017" title. These are the ones that consistently impressed me with their ease of use, creative output, and reasonable pricing.

Canva: The All-Rounder Extraordinaire

Ah, Canva. Is there anything this platform can't do? For logo making, it's an absolute powerhouse. If you've ever dabbled in social media graphics, you've probably encountered Canva. And that's its strength. It’s already familiar territory for so many.

What I love about Canva for logos is the sheer abundance of templates. They're not just generic; many are designed with a professional aesthetic in mind. You can easily customize colors, fonts, and elements. Plus, the drag-and-drop interface is a dream. You can literally spend hours playing around and not even realize it. It’s that addictive.

The pricing is also super accessible. They have a robust free tier that's honestly good enough for many small businesses starting out. For a bit more cash, you get access to premium templates, stock photos, and other cool features. It’s a steal, really.

Pro tip: Don't just stick to their pre-made logo templates. Use their general design tools to create something truly unique. Think outside the box (or, in Bartholomew's case, outside the yarn ball).

Tailor Brands: The Smarty Pants Logo Generator

Tailor Brands is a bit different. It uses AI to help you create a logo. You answer a few questions about your brand, your preferences, and voilà! It spits out a bunch of options for you. It’s like having a little digital design assistant who’s a bit bossy but ultimately helpful.

I found the AI-generated suggestions to be surprisingly good. They often hit the nail on the head with color palettes and icon combinations that I might not have thought of myself. It's a fantastic option if you're feeling a bit uninspired or if you have a clear idea of your brand but struggle with the visual execution. It takes a lot of the guesswork out of it.

The pricing is also pretty reasonable, especially if you consider the value of the AI assistance. They offer different packages, and you can often find deals. It's a good investment if you want a logo that feels sophisticated and well-thought-out without spending hours tweaking things manually.

Side note: I sometimes wonder if my cat has some AI built into him. He always knows when the fancy tuna is coming out. Maybe Tailor Brands is onto something!

Logo Garden: The Veteran with a Twist

Logo Garden has been around for a while, and they’ve certainly honed their craft. What sets them apart is their massive library of pre-designed icons. If you can imagine it, they probably have an icon for it. From abstract shapes to incredibly specific images (like, I don't know, a tiny alpaca wearing a crown?), their selection is mind-boggling.

The interface is straightforward, and while it might not be as sleek and modern as some of the newer players, it’s incredibly functional. You select an icon, customize the text, and play with colors. It's no-nonsense, efficient, and delivers solid results. They offer a range of pricing options, including free low-resolution downloads, which is great for testing the waters.

They also have this cool feature where you can browse by industry, which is a helpful starting point if you're not sure where to begin with icons. For businesses that need a very specific visual element, Logo Garden is a strong contender.

Just saying: Imagine trying to find an icon for "artisanal cat sweaters." Logo Garden probably has it. Bartholomew would approve.

Shopify's Logo Maker: The E-commerce Essential

Okay, this one is a bit more niche, but if you're planning to sell anything online, especially through Shopify (which, let's be honest, is a huge chunk of the e-commerce pie), their logo maker is a surprisingly good option. It's designed with online stores in mind.

It’s super simple to use. You input your business name, choose some keywords related to your business, and it generates a bunch of logo ideas. You can then tweak fonts, colors, and icons. It’s not as feature-heavy as Canva, but that’s often a good thing for people who want quick, clean results.

The best part? If you're already on Shopify, it's seamlessly integrated. And the logos it generates are generally professional and suitable for e-commerce. It's a great starting point, especially if you’re on a tight budget or just need something functional now.

My two cents: If you're building a brand that's heavily reliant on your online store, a logo maker that understands e-commerce is a definite plus. It's like having a designer who already speaks your business language.

Beyond the Big Names: Other Worthy Mentions

While the above are my top picks for 2017, there are a few other online logo makers that are definitely worth exploring. They might have slightly different strengths or target audiences.

Placeit: For the Video and Mockup Lovers

Placeit is awesome because it’s not just a logo maker. They have a huge library of mockups, video templates, and design assets. Their logo maker is integrated into this ecosystem. If you want to see your logo on a t-shirt, a mug, or a website mockup instantly, Placeit is your jam.

The logo creation process itself is pretty good, with a decent selection of templates and customization options. It’s a great all-in-one solution if you’re thinking about branding beyond just the logo itself. The subscription model gives you access to everything, which can be a fantastic value.

Totally random thought: Imagine creating your cat sweater logo and then instantly seeing it on a model wearing one of your sweaters. That's the dream, right?

Ucraft: The Freebie Champion

If "free" is your favorite word, then Ucraft's logo maker deserves a spot on your radar. They offer a surprisingly robust logo maker with a decent selection of icons, fonts, and colors, all for absolutely no cost. You can download your logo in PNG format with a transparent background, which is pretty darn good for a free tool.

While the interface might be a bit simpler than the paid options, and the template selection might not be as extensive, it’s an excellent starting point for anyone who is just dipping their toes into the branding world or has a very, very limited budget. You can’t argue with free!

Shhh, don't tell anyone: Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best. Don't underestimate the power of a well-chosen free tool.

The Final Verdict: Which One Should YOU Choose?

So, after all this scrolling and contemplating, how do you pick the absolute best online logo maker of 2017 for your needs? It really boils down to a few things:

• Your Budget: Are you looking for free, affordable, or are you willing to invest a bit more for premium features?
• Your Design Skills (or Lack Thereof): Do you want a guided experience with AI, or are you comfortable tinkering with elements yourself?
• Your Brand's Needs: Do you need a super specific icon, or are you happy with more general templates? Are you focused on e-commerce?
• Your Patience Level: Do you want a logo in 5 minutes, or are you happy to spend an afternoon exploring?

For the general user who wants a great balance of ease of use, creativity, and affordability, I’d lean towards Canva. It’s versatile, has a massive community, and you can achieve truly professional results. If you want a bit more guidance and a tech-driven approach, Tailor Brands is a fantastic choice.

If your priority is a vast icon library and a no-fuss process, Logo Garden is a solid bet. And if you’re building an online store, don’t discount Shopify's Logo Maker.

Ultimately, the "best" is subjective. The most important thing is that you find a tool that empowers you to create a logo that you love, one that accurately represents your brand, and one that makes Bartholomew proud. Now go forth and design! And if you happen to create an amazing logo for your cat sweater business, do send it my way. I might need some inspiration for Bartholomew's next line.