remote wadi
You can by all means make branding, logos, a company name, and all that without registering the trademark. There's little impact to "public image" to doing so - it's really to solidify some legal protections that you are very unlikely to need early on.
I'd say to register yourself an LLC and start developing your brand! Once you've gotten a feel that your branding is "finalized" and you'd like some legal options if needed, then registering a trademark will make sense. Definitely don't feel like this bit of legal paperwork is something your customers will care about a new small business owner.
fluid dust
surreal spoke