Before you go any further in this article, make sure you read the first post in this series. It explains why, as a small business owner, you need to know why it is you do what you do. You can't expect to inspire anyone to buy your product, if you don't know why you're providing it in the first place. All the heavy lifting is done in answering the WHY question.

After answering that question, everything else falls into place. My answer was I make logos because the signature of your brand should set you apart from everyone else. What comes next is How and What. How am I going to create a logo that sets a brand apart from everyone else? I do this by crafting logos that are custom-made to your distinct identity and needs as a business. This answer was derived from my answer to WHY. It really all goes back to why.

If I'm going to create a logo that will set a client apart from everyone else, it can't be an out of the box stock logo. It has to be meticulously created through high craftsmanship and, in the end, be unique to who you are as a business. The WHAT is the easy part. It would be logos for me. Do you know your WHY and HOW? Stay tuned for more to come in this series.

A goal of mine this year is to draw more. Drawing can be a healthy way to let off steam and exercise your mind. The following are a few drawing tools I would recommend.

Pigma Micron Pens are a favorite among creatives. They are one of the leading pens for illustrators. They come in a variety of sizes, giving you the ability to create different line weights. Micron Pens will give you a consistently even flow. You can read more about why they are so special at Pigma's website.

Yes, good old Sharpies have been in my arsenal for awhile. They are relatively inexpensive and come in many different colors and types. I especially like the Chisel.

The best thing about these is you can get an ultra sharp point using Staedtler's Lead Sharpener Tube. It's nice to have this when you're doing very detailed work.

This pen is awesome for calligraphy. It takes some practice, but changing the amount of pressure you're applying as you use this pen allows you to go from thick to thin lines.

Have you ever forgotten to put the cap back on your pen, and you came back a few hours later to find your brand new pens all dried out? With Staedtler's Lumocolor you don't have to worry about this. This pen won't dry out, even if you leave the cap off for days. It comes in many different colors and tip sizes. I use the Broad tip. It's like Sharpie's Chisel and gives you a nice edge to work with.