Where do I even start?

A Brand Audit or Creative Consult is usually the best first step — both are designed to bring clarity before you commit to anything bigger. Every consult comes with a complimentary high-level brand review.

How does the process work?

Every project starts with a discovery consultation to understand your business, goals, and vision. From there, we move through creative direction, design development, revisions, and delivery — with clear communication throughout.

How long does a project take?

Visual Identity projects run 3–4 weeks, Brand Identity 4–6 weeks, and Custom Websites 6–8 weeks. Timelines are shared upfront so you can plan accordingly.

What file formats will I receive?

You'll receive files for digital, print, and vector formats — everything you need for real-world use across all branding packages.

Do you work with clients outside your area?

Yes — Mallow Design is based in Winchester, Virginia, but works with creative small business owners all over the country. Everything runs smoothly remotely.

What's the difference between a logo and a brand identity?

A logo is one piece of the puzzle — it's the mark. A brand identity is the full system around it: your color palette, typography, supporting design elements, and the guidelines that explain how to use them consistently.

What's included in a brand style guide?

A brand style guide covers your logo variations and usage rules, your color palette with exact codes, your typography pairings, and any supporting design elements — the rulebook that keeps everything looking cohesive.

Do I need a brand identity if I already have a logo?

Maybe — and a Brand Audit is the honest way to find out. Some logos are a strong foundation worth building on. Others were designed before the business was fully defined. Either way, you'll know exactly where you stand.

How much does brand design cost for a small business?

Investment varies by scope. A Visual Identity package is the most accessible starting point, while a full Brand Identity or Custom Website is a larger investment. Exact pricing is shared during your consult.

Can I still use Canva after you design my brand?

Absolutely. Having a professionally designed brand makes your Canva templates better — because you'll know exactly which colors, fonts, and styles to use. Some packages include branded Canva templates as part of delivery.

How do I know if my current branding is working?

If you feel embarrassed sending people to your website, look inconsistent across platforms, or feel like your brand doesn't reflect where your business actually is anymore — those are signs. A Brand Audit is designed to answer this question with a professional, objective eye.

What Logo Files to Send Your Printer (So Your Brand Prints Perfectly)

Mar 16

Written By Shayla Body

Quick Answer: Send your printer an EPS or PDF vector file whenever possible — these scale to any size without losing quality. If they ask for a raster file, use a PNG or TIFF at 300 DPI minimum. Never send a JPEG or a file exported from Canva for professional printing. When in doubt, ask your printer which format they prefer before you send anything.

If you’re ordering business cards, packaging, signage, or promotional materials, you may find your printer asking for a specific logo file format.

If you’re not sure which one to send, don’t worry—it’s actually pretty straightforward.

Here’s what printers usually need.

Vector Files Are the Gold Standard

Most professional printers prefer vector files because they can scale to any size without losing quality.

The most commonly requested formats include:

PDF
EPS
AI

These formats allow printers to work with your logo without worrying about pixelation or resolution issues.

Many of these files are originally created in professional design programs like Adobe Illustrator.

Why Vector Files Matter for Printing

Printing often requires logos to be much larger than they appear on screen.

For example:

Posters
Store signage
Apparel
Packaging

If a logo isn’t vector, enlarging it can make it appear blurry or jagged.

Vector files avoid this completely.

When PNG Files Work

In some cases, printers may accept high-resolution PNG files.

These can work well when:

The logo size is relatively small
A transparent background is required
The resolution is high enough

However, vector files are still the safest option whenever possible.

Quick Tip for Sending Files

If a printer asks for your logo, a good first option to send is:

PDF or EPS

These formats are widely compatible and typically preserve the highest quality.

If they need something different, they’ll usually let you know.

Shayla Body

Shayla Body is the founder and creative director of Mallow Design Co., a brand identity studio based in Winchester, Virginia. With 17 years of experience in small business operations, branding, marketing, and design, she specializes in helping creative entrepreneurs build brands that are intentional, elevated, and genuinely theirs. Shayla works with small business owners nationwide — and she's seen just about every branding situation there is.

What Logo Files to Send Your Printer (So Your Brand Prints Perfectly)

Vector Files Are the Gold Standard

Why Vector Files Matter for Printing

When PNG Files Work

Quick Tip for Sending Files

What Should Be Included in a Professional Logo Package?

Why Your Logo Looks Blurry (And How to Fix It)