Best Online Logo Maker 2017

Alright, gather 'round, folks! Let's talk logos. Specifically, 2017 logos! Yes, I know, we're way past 2017. But trust me, this is still relevant because the lessons learned from the Great Online Logo Maker Wars of '17 still hold true. Plus, it's a good excuse to reminisce about the time dial-up internet was still a thing... kidding! (Mostly.)

So, picture this: You've got a brilliant business idea. You're going to revolutionize the market for, I don't know, artisanal cat sweaters! (Hey, it could happen.) But before you can rake in the millions, you need a logo. Something that screams "sophistication" and "warmth," but also subtly hints at the impending feline fashion domination.

You could hire a fancy-pants designer. But let's be honest, your budget is currently hovering somewhere between "ramen noodles" and "a slightly nicer brand of ramen noodles." That’s where the online logo makers come in.

The Arena of Awesomeness (and Occasional Horrors)

2017 was a glorious year for these digital design tools. A veritable free-for-all of drag-and-drop interfaces, questionable font choices, and a whole lot of clip art. The internet was bursting at the seams with promises of professional-grade logos for, like, five bucks! It was the Wild West of branding, I tell you!

Now, which ones reigned supreme? Well, that depended on your tolerance for slightly-too-cheerful stock photos and whether you knew the secret incantation to unlock the "actually good" design options.

Disclaimer: This isn't an exhaustive list of every logo maker from 2017. We're focusing on the ones that stood out, either for their amazingness or their... well, let's just say "unique" qualities.

The Contenders (and Their Quirks)

First up, let's talk about the juggernauts. These were the platforms that everyone and their grandma (who was also starting a blog about competitive bird watching) were using.

Tailor Brands: This one was pretty popular. You answer a few questions about your business, and BAM! Instant logo! The AI promised to understand your brand. Sometimes it did, sometimes it suggested a logo that looked suspiciously like a sentient pickle wearing a top hat. Still, worth a shot!

Squarespace Logo Maker: Simple, sleek, and integrated with their website builder, this was a solid option for anyone already in the Squarespace ecosystem. Think of it as the Apple of logo makers: user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing, but maybe a little... predictable? (No offense, Squarespace!)

Logaster: This was a big one! Logaster was known for generating tons of logo options based on your keywords. The sheer volume was impressive, even if 90% of them were, shall we say, "not quite right." It was like sifting through a mountain of digital pebbles to find a diamond.

But wait, there's more! (Imagine me doing a dramatic infomercial voice.)

We also had some smaller, but equally interesting contenders. These were the platforms that offered something a little different, a little…special.

Canva: Okay, Canva wasn’t just a logo maker, it was a design Swiss Army knife! Posters! Social media graphics! Birthday cards! (For your cat!) The learning curve was gentle, and the sheer number of templates was mind-boggling. However, the downside was that everyone else was also using Canva. So your "unique" logo might end up looking suspiciously similar to your competitor's.

DesignCrowd (Sort Of): Okay, DesignCrowd wasn't technically a logo maker per se. It was more of a "crowdsourcing" platform where you could post a brief and have a bunch of designers compete to create your logo. This was a good option if you had a bit more budget and wanted something truly custom. The downside? You had to wade through dozens (sometimes hundreds!) of submissions, some of which were... let's just say, creatively bankrupt. (Think clip art and Comic Sans. shudders)

Lessons Learned in the Logo Trenches

So, what did we learn from the Great Online Logo Maker Wars of 2017?

AI Isn't Always Your Friend: While AI-powered logo generators are getting better, they're not quite ready to replace human creativity (yet). Don't blindly trust the algorithm. Use your own judgment!

Templates Are a Blessing and a Curse: Templates can be a great starting point, but don't be afraid to customize them. Tweak the colors, change the fonts, and add your own unique flair. Otherwise, your logo will just look like everyone else's.

Cheap Doesn't Always Mean Good: While you don't need to spend a fortune on a logo, remember that you get what you pay for. A free or super-cheap logo might look amateurish and unprofessional.

Font Choice Matters (A Lot!): Seriously, don't underestimate the power of a good font. Comic Sans is never, ever the answer. (Unless you're running a clown college. Then, maybe.)

Most importantly: A great logo isn't just a pretty picture. It's a reflection of your brand. It should be memorable, relevant, and scalable. It should tell a story. So, take your time, experiment, and don't be afraid to ask for feedback.

And who knows, maybe those artisanal cat sweaters will be a global phenomenon after all. Just make sure you have a logo that can handle the success. (And maybe a patent on those tiny, adorable mittens.)