When I first started exploring AI tools, I wasn’t aiming for perfection, I just wanted to take action.
So, I set myself a challenge:
Could I create a complete brand – logo, visuals, messaging – using only free tools, without any tech or design background?
The answer was yes.
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how I used ChatGPT and Canva to build a pretend beauty business brand in just a few hours. It was simple, fun, and confidence-boosting – and you can absolutely do it too.
Step 1: Brainstorming the Brand with ChatGPT
I started with an idea: a natural skincare brand aimed at promoting confidence and simplicity.
To kick things off, I opened ChatGPT and used this prompt:
Prompt:
“I’m creating a skincare brand that focuses on natural, glowing skin. Can you suggest a brand name, tagline, and a short About section for the website?”
Within seconds, I had multiple brand name options, tagline ideas, and a mini “About Me” I could use across social media or a website. The suggestions were better than I expected – creative, clear, and on-brand with what I imagined.
Pro Tip:
If the first response doesn’t quite fit, ask ChatGPT to refine it by adding tone (e.g. “modern and feminine”) or target audience (e.g. “young women who love minimal skincare”).
Step 2: Designing Brand Assets with Canva
Here’s what I created:
- A logo using one of Canva’s editable templates
- A testimonial-style Instagram post
- A short promotional video
- A mood board with fonts and colour palette
I used Canva’s AI-powered tools and drag-and-drop editor. Every design was done with free templates, slightly tweaked to match my brand vibe.
Beauty By IzzyThis is where Canva really shines: you don’t need to design from scratch. You simply choose a template and start customizing.
What This Experience Taught Me
Here are a few takeaways from this small but powerful experiment:
- AI is accessible, not just for developers or designers.
- Prompting is a skill, and you get better the more you use it.
- Canva makes visual branding approachable, even if you’ve never designed before.
- Action creates clarity. Starting, even with a pretend project, builds confidence.
I didn’t overthink this. I just started – and that’s where real learning begins.
Want to Try It Yourself?
To help you get started, I’ve created a free beginner prompt sheet, simple ChatGPT prompts to help small business owners brainstorm names, content, and brand messaging. No jargon. No overwhelm.
This brand experiment wasn’t about launching a real business – it was about learning by doing. And what I discovered is that you don’t need to be an expert to create something you’re proud of.
If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” or the perfect tools… consider this your sign to begin.
I’m building this blog to share exactly these kinds of real, honest experiments — so you can follow along, try them for yourself, and gain confidence using AI one step at a time.
