Visual
identity
Logo, colors, fonts, motifs, layouts – or how to bring a brand to life through graphic elements
Logo, colors, fonts, motifs, layouts – or how to bring a brand to life through graphic elements
Toud – we help you tell your story
The process of creating a visual identity can only begin after the brand strategy process has been completed or, in the case of older brands, after a brand audit has been carried out. Toud does not undertake this stage without first going through the steps mentioned above.
Moreover, Toud believes that any attempt to create a visual identity without having a brand strategy or a brand audit is pointless.
We say this because it’s not enough for a brand to be visually “beautiful”; it must also be relevant. Relevance comes from aligning with all the elements defined in the brand strategy.
For us, every project, even in the design sphere, is a step towards a sustainable impact, in business results and in the lives of the people involved.
Visual identity is the translation of the brand strategy into visual elements. Thus, a set of motifs, symbols, colors, typography elements, that is, visual elements, illustrate what the brand is, the brand strategy. The visual identity must not only be beautiful, balanced, simple, and easy to understand, but also relevant to the audience, meaning in harmony with the strategy.
Visual identity is the first element with which the public interacts. The simpler, clearer, stronger it is, the easier it will be for the public to understand the brand and love it.
The logo, fonts, colors are the elements you keep in mind about a brand, along with the name. It is important that they are relevant and actively participate in achieving the organization’s objectives.
Logo – is that symbol meant to help the public identify the brand – it can exist in the form of a motif (a graphic element), a series of letters that describe the brand name, or formed from both elements. A logo can have multiple colors, or it can be single-color. More about logos can be found on the dedicated page.
Fonts (typeface) – a suite of fonts that will be used across all materials and communication channels (website, printed materials, social media), designed to illustrate the brand story. They play a major role, helping differentiate the brand and facilitate communication.
Graphic motifs – in addition to the logo, a system of graphic motifs can be built to differentiate the brand. These will be included in all communication materials.
Colors – the brand must have a set of colors that build its personality, ensure differentiation, and contribute to shaping the brand’s overall image.
Layouts – in this process, a series of layouts must be designed to illustrate a unified image: layout of business cards, Word, Excel, Power Point documents, email signatures, etc. All communication must be unified to strengthen the brand.
Photography – defining a graphic system for the use of photography (layouts designed to differentiate and highlight the messages communicated through images). Additionally, a set of rules must be established for how photographs should be taken or how stock photos should be selected (colors, atmosphere, included elements, etc.).
Style guide – document that clarifies all the above elements. It exemplifies for each how to use it and even how not to use it. This document will be used as an internal guide, as well as for future suppliers, whether we are referring to design or printed materials.
Toud – we help you tell your story
Today, visual identity plays an important role in the life of any organization. First and foremost, through the logo, it helps the organization, or its products and services, to be recognized. Secondly, it communicates some of the brand elements, thereby strengthening the brand. These are the reasons why organizations must allocate resources and time to properly build, implement, and maintain a brand’s visual identity. Without consistency in this area, the brand image will suffer.
The visual identity must be built in alignment with the brand elements and for the audience the organization serves. The logo, an important part of the visual identity, will be created following the same process. Fonts, colors, and geometric shapes should be chosen to reflect the character of the brand. Among all these elements of strategy and visual representation, there must be harmony and a natural connection.
The process becomes even more complex in the case of rebranding. This is because the logo and the entire suite behind it no longer represent “an empty vessel” into which the full meaning of the brand can be poured. Instead, it is a filled vessel that must be transformed to make room for new meanings as well.
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Toud Resources – branding, design, visual identity