First thing first...
What is a Brand ?
Credit: Luis Quintero | Pexels
A brand is more than just a company name or logo. It’s the perception people have of a company, product, or service. A brand encompasses every interaction a customer has with a company, from the first time they hear the name to the way they feel after using the product or service.
What is a Brand Identity?
You can think of the brand Identity as the starting point of any brand, but there are several layers more to any brand, including marketing, brand PR, brand positioning and more, so it’s important to differentiate the two.
Similar terms you might hear
Corporate Identity:
A corporate identity or corporate image is the manner in which a corporation, firm or business enterprise presents itself to the public.
Visual Identity:
Visual Identity refers to the visual aspects of identity in an organizational communication, leaving out all non-visual aspects of the brand’s identity.
Elements of Brand Identity Design
Every Brand Identity shares some basic elements. The brand identity design can encompass a huge spectrum of different areas from social media to motion graphics or physical installations, but here are some of the basics that any brand needs:
1. Logo Design
2. Color Palette
A brand’s color palette is the selection of colors that are part of the brand identity. A good color palette will help your brand stand out and be memorable, so it’s important to choose your colors wisely! Plus, consistency is key – using the same colors across all your brand assets helps create a strong and cohesive brand identity.
3. Typography
4. Visuals and Imagery
Other graphic resources can be included as part of the brand identity, such as patterns, illustrations, social media profiles, layout templates or photography and art direction.
What are Brand Guidelines?
Examples of Brand Guidelines
Starbucks
Starbucks even has a separate website that covers the different use cases of the logo and brand assets and showcases some inspirational examples of the brand in use.
Spotify
Spotify is a good example of a Design Guideline aimed at developers building software products and integrations with their platform.
Netflix
The Netflix logo is constantly used as an overlay on different backgrounds, making it important to specify the correct usage of the logo in this context.
Why having a strong brand is important
👁️ Recognition and Awareness
A strong brand needs to always be recognizable to stay top of mind for it’s audience. Recognition involves consistent use of visual elements and messaging, while awareness requires effective marketing efforts. Together, they build brand loyalty, trust, and credibility.
💍 Customer Loyalty
🏃 Competitive Advantage
🎯 Consistency
Consistency in branding builds trust and recognition. A clear and consistent brand message, visual identity, and customer experience across all touchpoints and channels can help establish a strong brand that is easily identifiable and trusted by it’s customers.
🫶 Emotional Connection
By creating a brand identity that resonates with customers on an emotional level, brands can forge deeper, more meaningful relationships with their audience, leading to increased loyalty and advocacy for the brand.
Steps to Develop an Effective Brand Design
1. Research and Analysis
2. Define Brand Strategy
Defining brand strategy involves establishing the brand’s purpose, values, voice, and personality. This helps create a cohesive brand identity that is aligned with the business goals of the company.
3. Design Brand Identity
4. Develop Brand Guidelines
5. Implementation & Launch
My conclusions
today’s world, where businesses are competing for attention in an ever-expanding global market, brand design has become more crucial than ever. With the right approach to brand design, businesses can distinguish themselves from their competitors, build lasting relationships with customers, and drive growth in their industry.
As we continue to connect and engage with a wider audience, the need to stand out becomes even more important. That’s why, whether you’re a designer or a business owner, it’s essential to prioritize uniqueness and differentiation in your brand design.
So don’t be afraid to take risks, be creative, and think outside the box, because being distinctive and memorable is your strongest asset!
Need a brand design for your business?
At Fun Studio we design complete brand identities to help your business stand out.