Today, we’re answering a question not for ourselves, but for our brands: Where are we going? Wherever that is, I’m sure we can agree on one thing - It’ll be a hell of a lot easier to get there with a map.

Maps help us get from point A to point B, hopefully via the best route for avoiding heavy traffic. Do you see where we’re going yet? We’re talking about Brand Guides.

Your Brand Guide = The Map for Your Brand

& every brand needs deserves a brand guide.

Why Every Brand Needs a Brand Guide

LAYING YOUR FOUNDATION

Your brand guide is more than just a beautiful book full of logos and colors and pretty brand things; it’s the foundation of your brand’s identity. By clearly outlining your mission, vision, values, and purpose statements, you’re creating a solid guide that informs your decisions moving forward - you’re identifying why you exist (Purpose), what you plan to do (Mission), how you plan to get there (Values), and where you plan to go (Vision).

PLANNING WITH PURPOSE

When you set big goals, you aren’t just dreaming; you’re paving the way for strategic choices and growth. A brand guide helps you map out those ambitions, allowing you the opportunity to use your guide to make informed decisions that keep you on track. It’s all about growing with your end goal in mind.

CONSISTENCY IS KEY

Want people to recognize your brand? Consistency in design is your secret weapon! By outlining purposeful design choices like your brand color palette, logo usage and typography, your brand guide ensures that everyone, from your team to external partners, uses your visuals correctly. When you show up the same way across different spaces, you build recognition and gain trust. It’s all about creating a unified front that your audience will feel good connecting with.

COLLABORATION MADE EASY

When it's time to work with designers, marketers, or partners, having a brand guide is like handing them a treasure map!  It allows you to pass along guidelines that ensure everyone is on the same page and fully comprehends your messaging, culture, brand voice, and visual rules. This way, all creative work reflects and amplifies your brand’s unique voice and vision.

Creative Additions for Your Brand Guide

Creating a brand guide might sound like a daunting task, but it’s actually a really fun opportunity to dive deep into the purpose of your brand. Your brand guide can be as unique/wild/classy/minimal/funky/bold/etc as you are! & although they require work to complete, they are the gift that keeps on giving.

So let’s rush past the usual points that you want to touch on in every brand guide: your brand foundation (mission, vision, values, purpose), logo variations, color palette, typography, visual style examples, messaging…

& jazz it up a bit! Here are some creative elements you can incorporate into your brand guide to make it work even harder for you -

BRAND STORY

Share the narrative behind your brand’s creation. This adds depth and emotional connection with your team and partners as you grow.

MOOD BOARDS

Visual inspo that captures the essence of your brand - colors, textures, and imagery that evoke the feelings that represent you. This will help to communicate and set the tone for *~*your vibe*~*

BRAND VOICE

Outline how your brand speaks. Include examples of language that aligns with your brand’s personality, whether that’s playful, professional, or edgy

SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES

Provide direction on how to maintain your brand’s voice across different platforms

DO’S AND DON’TS

Add a section that showcases what to embrace and what to avoid. Develop clear guidelines on what to do and not-to-do when representing your brand visually and verbally.

BRAND PARTNERSHIPS

Outline how to select and work with partners that align with your brand values to ensure successful and valuable collaborations.

Ready to Create a Brand Guide that Rocks?

Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your existing guide, let’s make sure your brand stands out with clarity and confidence. If you need help or have questions when crafting your brand identity, I’m just an email away!

Keep it bold, keep it YOU!