It's the first thing people notice, and it's what they remember. Creating a consistent and memorable visual brand is essential for leaving a lasting impression. Here's how to build one, from start to finish.
Start with a Brief
Every successful project begins with a clear brief. This document sets the foundation for your brand's visual identity. It should answer crucial questions like:
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Who is your target audience?
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What are your brand's goals or reasons for rebranding?
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What are your competitors doing in terms of visual branding?
Having these answers upfront ensures everyone is on the same page and understands the task at hand.
Research Thoroughly
Research is a vital step in the branding process. It involves finding a balance between being recognizable in your field and standing out from the crowd. Here's what you should focus on:
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Competitor research: Identify what's consistent in your industry and what sets your brand apart.
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Uniqueness: Discover what makes your brand different from competitors.
For example, if your brand is more corporate, you might opt for a cooler color palette to convey trustworthiness. On the other hand, if your brand is about homemade, natural products, warmer colors and hand-drawn fonts might be more fitting.
Brainstorm and Experiment
This is the creative phase where ideas come to life. Start by thinking about the message you want to convey and then explore creative ways to express it visually. Consider color schemes, typography, and design elements that align with your brand's goals.
For a corporate brand, a colder color palette with shades of blue or green might work, while a natural product brand could use warmer colors and hand-drawn fonts.
Brace for Feedback
After brainstorming and experimenting, present your top two or three design options to your team or client. Offer different directions to gauge their preferences. It's common to combine elements from different options to create a final design that resonates with everyone.
Tips for Building a Visual Brand
Creating a visual brand is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Here are some tips to help you along the way:
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Stay on Top of Trends:
As a visual designer, keeping an eye on design trends outside your brand is essential. Trends evolve, and staying current helps you adapt and innovate when necessary.
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Don't Be Afraid to Take Risks:
Innovation often comes from thinking outside the box. Don't hesitate to propose unconventional ideas. The worst that can happen is a rejection.
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Never Stray Too Far from Your Goal: Despite changing design trends, always keep your brand's mission and target audience in mind. These core elements remain constant.
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Create Flexible Assets:
Design your assets to be versatile and adaptable. For logos, consider variations for different backgrounds. For video, ensure assets work well with various aspect ratios.
Build a Consistent, Memorable Visual Brand
Spin Creative isn't just a branding agency; we're your dedicated branding partner. We understand the importance of crafting a compelling visual brand that resonates with your audience and leaves a lasting impression. Say hello to us today, and let's embark on a journey to create a visual brand that truly represents your unique identity and sets you apart in the marketplace.
About Us
Founded in 2009, Spin Creative excels in merging artful brand strategy with research-based insights, embodied in our distinctive "Brand in Motion™" methodology. We design bold campaigns that make a lasting impression, grounded in our dedication to comms planning and emotive storytelling. At Spin, we go beyond just crafting content; we spark brands to life. With our roots in Seattle and an office in London, we're architects of powerful connections. Crafting brand magic with strategy and imagination.
