![\"Brand](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1706185514\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/33b8c369-dbee-4181-8cf0-fb47290d3f1b-e1592316934167\/33b8c369-dbee-4181-8cf0-fb47290d3f1b-e1592316934167.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBrand guide by Ian Douglas<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Visual identity is how you shape perception and create an impression through the visible elements of your brand. Images are a powerful form of communication, specifically because they do not communicate with words. They speak on a primal, emotional level and are thus more persuasive. Case in point, a survey conducted at 99designs by Vista showed that the majority of small business owners (84%) believe visual branding helps attract new customers and 88% find that it also helps build customer trust. Furthermore, 78% revealed that visual branding significantly contributes to revenue growth1<\/a><\/sup>. But with great power of communication comes great responsibility: You\u2019ll want to be extra cautious that you\u2019re not sending the wrong message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To make sure your visuals are communicating the way they should, we\u2019ve compiled this guide to all things visual identity \u2013 by the end you’ll be prepared to create one that will inspire customers to pay attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A colourful, playful & fun visual identity design by pecas<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Visual identity is all of the imagery and graphical information that expresses who a brand is and differentiates it from all the others. In other words, it describes everything customers can physically see, from the logo to the interior design of a store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Often, visual identity culminates in the development of a brand style guide<\/a> which provides consistent instructions on how the brand should be visually represented at all times and in any situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The purpose of visual identity is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visual identity has an intrinsic relationship with brand identity<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the one hand, brand identity is a holistic expression of everything that makes the brand what it is. It includes visual identity along with non-visual elements such as a brand voice, copy editing guides, a mission statement, core values, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the same time, visual identity is a distinct discipline that involves a different thought process and approach from brand identity as a whole. Though there is overlap, there are usually different professions involved in each. Brand identity is overseen by marketers, and visual identity involves designers and creative directors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In short, brand identity describes who a brand is on the inside whereas visual identity expresses who a brand is on the outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visual identity is essentially a brand\u2019s visual language. As such, its individual elements are, like words, the building blocks that allow the messenger to create meaning. Here, we\u2019ll look at these separate elements that come together to form a cohesive visual identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Graphics, in the context of visual identity, are picture assets that are drawn or designed. They can be as simple as forms and shapes \u2013 consider a Lego block or the Coca-Cola bottle and how these distinctive silhouettes signify their respective brands. Or they can be more complex, such as a logo, icons, or even full-scale illustrations or animations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lettering by ::scott:: <\/a> via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Typography is the shape or styling of the text you use in your branding. There are many different types of fonts and each one can have a different effect on the viewer, including different degrees of legibility. For the purposes of visual identity, you\u2019ll want to consider the wordmark to your logo, a headline font and a body copy font (which should be the most legible).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Colour is used to identify a brand through a scheme (no more than three colours are generally recommended) of very specific hues, shades and tints. This means brands do not simply use red or green but shiraz and seafoam. When used correctly, colours can generate some of the most powerful emotional responses in the viewer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n Label design by _Ossob\u00fcko_<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Though the colour palette often begins with the logo, these colours should be repurposed for all brand materials. Designers will generally need to assign a primary colour (the main colour for your brand), a secondary colour (to be used in the background), and an accent colour (for contrast on assets such as a CTA button). Keep in mind that the absence of colour, such as black and white, is a perfectly valid colour choice as well.<\/p>\n\n\n Branding design by artsigma<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Imagery describes photography and video content as well as any spokespeople who act as the living \u201cimage\u201d of the brand in advertisements. When it comes to visual identity, designers must curate only those images that are the most representative of the brand\u2019s personality and, most importantly, its customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Imagery is the element most related to the target audience because people empathise with faces and naturally want to see themselves reflected in the brands they consume. This means, for example, creating guidelines around whether any stock images or videos used should read as corporate or showcase everyday people, depending on whom your visuals are meant to be speaking to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Physical assets are the material objects that contribute to a brand\u2019s visual identity. Strictly speaking, this may not apply to brands who don\u2019t have a physical presence and the nature of these assets will vary even within businesses that do. But as this is an important element of visual identity for physical brands, it is worth going over.<\/p>\n\n\n Brand design by Huntress \u2122 <\/a> via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Physical assets can include the layout and design of a store (think of how all Apple Stores look alike with white interiors and glass storefronts), the uniforms that customer-facing employees wear and the china, cutlery and tablecloths used in restaurants. All of these send a message to consumers, including the lack of consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Graphic design is the process that takes visual elements and moulds them into a cohesive visual identity. The following are the common instances in which a brand will create visuals, where graphic design will act as a roadmap for keeping them consistent, as well as aesthetically pleasing.<\/p>\n\n\n Logo and branding by AZ-Designs<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Logo<\/a> and branding design is at the heart of establishing visual identity. A logo is the foremost symbol for a brand, and it informs many of the graphics, colour and typography choices of the visual identity going forward. This category would also include identifying materials such as business cards<\/a>, letterheads and social avatars\/cover images, where the aim is primarily to distinguish the brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Advertising is where businesses use their visuals to actively reach out to customers. This can come in the form of flyers<\/a>, brochures<\/a>, billboards, TV\/magazine\/banner ads and more. Because customers rarely seek advertising, the visual elements must identify the brand while going the extra mile to impress, entertain and persuade viewers.<\/p>\n\n\n This digital brochure by Terry Bogard<\/a> implements visual identity using branded colors and shapes via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Digital design is the space where consumers get to directly interact with your visual identity. Visual identity elements here are often expressed through hero or website images, interface colour schemes and layout, social media content, animations, icons, buttons and much more. Because digital tools are made to be used, visual identity here must unobtrusively assist the user towards completing their task.<\/p>\n\n\n This web design by \u262aekidot<\/a> balances bold visuals with unobtrusive white space via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Your brand identity should guide the visuals, not the other way around. After all, your visuals are meant to express who you are, so it would make sense to first figure out what you’re all about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you don\u2019t have to have every aspect of your brand figured out (as brands can and should evolve over time), decide on the basics of your brand strategy: What is your mission statement? What are your core values? How does your brand help people? Who are your buyer personas? What is your communication style?<\/p>\n\n\n Picturing your brand as a person can help you decide what visual \u201coutfits\u201d fit. Design by NataMarmelada<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Questions like these, and many more, help you see your brand as a character, what she would look like and sound like if she were a real person. Seeing your brand as a person will make it much easier to recognise which visual \u201coutfits\u201d fit and which don\u2019t when crafting your visual identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like chemistry, graphic design is made great by mixing the right elements. Logo design by Graphoenik<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n In order to construct a visual identity that resonates with people, you must first be familiar with how visuals speak. This is where graphic design becomes important \u2013 it is also known as \u201cvisual communication\u201d for exactly this reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on how you implement them, each of the 6 basic elements of design<\/a> will have built-in associations that customers will make, and only a select few will be appropriate for your particular brand. For example, some brand fonts<\/a> might read as old-fashioned while others will read as modern. Some colour meanings<\/a> will convey passion while others will express coolness. Graphic design is ultimately a tool for visual expression, and a tool is only as strong as its user. It can make your life easier if you know how to use it, or it can be a hazard if you don\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While graphic design is useful for communicating ideas visually, those ideas must come together to tell a captivating story about your brand. Visuals have the power to grab attention, but stories have the power to involve people. They root for the underdog, they scorn the villain, they swoon over the hero.<\/p>\n\n\n by Ezanov<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Good stories are rooted in characters and conflict. Decide who your protagonist is and give them an obstacle to overcome: Whether it\u2019s your customers and their pain points or it\u2019s your business and the noise of other brands who are neglecting their needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take, for example, Ezanov\u2019s logo for My Green Heroes. The green shades convey a sense of nature, and the geometric style of the leaf (along with the iPhone photo) show us that the brand is about technology. But it is the way the logo is arranged upright, with the colours transitioning from dark to light, that tells the story of an upward climb against environmental destruction. The photo of a modern man confidently sporting a suit gives us our character, poised to take action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Above all else, your visual identity must adhere to storytelling\u2019s most cherished rule: Show, don’t tell.<\/p>\n\n\n by isuk <\/a> via 99designs by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Clearly, there are a great number of messages, ideas and stories your visual identity can communicate. So many options can be a blessing and curse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To avoid confusion, it\u2019s best to focus on one message at a time. Consumers will take in visual information within a matter of seconds, and unless they are actively seeking out your brand, they will move on just as quickly. You have limited time to make an impression, so it’s essential to home in on the single most important takeaway, and focus the visuals around that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Given the sheer amount of brand collateral that will accumulate over years of business, your visual identity will inevitably involve many moving parts. The challenge is to make sure that every visual element, no matter its specific purpose or medium, looks like part of the same brand. This is where having well documented brand style guidelines<\/a>\u00a0can be crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n by goopanic <\/a> via 99designs by Vista<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The other challenge that comes with visual consistency is redundancy: A brand that is too predictable can fade to the background. One of the core principles of design that separates design elements from the background is contrast. Look for opportunities to infuse your existing visual brand with new and varied contrast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider, for example, the way the branding design for Nippon Week above begins with a logo and goes on to repurpose the shapes, colours, and typography to create brand new visuals from the old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This packaging design by Mj.vass<\/a> takes advantage of its visual identity\u2019s bold colors hand-drawn, curved shapes to stand out on store shelves via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n You might assume that the purpose of a visual identity is to be noticed at all times. After all, it\u2019s hard to communicate visually if no one is paying attention. But there are times when the best visual identity is one that flies under the radar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider a website that users are trying to navigate or a newsletter where they are looking for information. Having a web background of vibrant yellow might align with your brand colour guidelines, but imagine how distracting that would be for a user trying to read your copy. Visual communication often works on an unconscious level, and you can trust that your message is getting across even with a minimal implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, sometimes it makes sense to wear your visual identity loud and proud, if you’re attempting to differentiate your product from other products on the same shelf, for example. It’s important to recognise when it’s time to stand out and when it’s time to step back.<\/p>\n\n\n Colors and type choices will differ depending on the medium. Design by sheva\u2122<\/a> via 99designs by Vista.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n No visual identity exists in a vacuum: Once you develop any visual asset, the time will come to send it off into the real, or digital, world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A visual identity for an online brand will naturally look different from a brick-and-mortar brand, where tactile experiences such as textures and die cuts will go a long way with consumers. Different media can even drastically change how your visual elements come across: Colours that appear bright in the digital sphere will be darker when printed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, serifs are considered the most legible typeface style in print, but sans serif are more legible on a computer screen. Wherever your visual identity takes you, make sure you\u2019re adequately prepared for the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visual identity is a powerful tool for telling a brand\u2019s story and connecting with customers. Because it is so effective at communication, the wrong message can have dire consequences. Understanding your own brand identity will guide you on your visual journey, but the best way to make sure you get a visual identity that fits is to work with a great logo and branding designer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Data collected via online research firm Corus in June 2022 from 1,061 decision makers from small businesses with no more than 100 employees across North America, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.\u21a9<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n This article was originally published in 2020. It has been updated with new examples and information.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/a>What is visual identity?<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"playful](\"https:\/\/blogadmin.merch.vpsvc.com\/hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/99d-uploads\/2017\/07\/attachment_106132721-700x700.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Visual identity vs. brand identity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>The elements of visual identity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Graphics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Typography<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Hair](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1706185510\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/attachment_73168801-e1592299580445\/attachment_73168801-e1592299580445.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nColour palette<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Label](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1706185505\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/eda70635-a501-4ba9-9679-37ffc646f366-scaled-e1591897100211\/eda70635-a501-4ba9-9679-37ffc646f366-scaled-e1591897100211.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"Yoga](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1706185500\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/attachment_99684600-e1591897249631\/attachment_99684600-e1591897249631.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nImagery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Physical brand assets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Logo](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1706185498\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/attachment_109969800\/attachment_109969800.jpeg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a>How graphic design applies visual identity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Logo](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1706185497\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/attachment_118011277\/attachment_118011277.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Logo and brand assets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Business and advertising<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Bold](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1706185490\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/629e3201-07f4-403e-a5d0-b9bda0866801-e1591898197573\/629e3201-07f4-403e-a5d0-b9bda0866801-e1591898197573.jpg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWeb and digital design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Web](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1706185485\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/attachment_118170982-e1591898384557\/attachment_118170982-e1591898384557.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a>How to design an outstanding visual identity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Define your brand identity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Character](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1706185484\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/attachment_76783921\/attachment_76783921.jpeg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFamiliarise yourself with the elements of design<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1706185480\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/attachment_83467858-e1591898869217\/attachment_83467858-e1591898869217.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a>Tell a compelling story<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Environmental](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1706185479\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/attachment_117752339\/attachment_117752339.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"Poster](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1706185475\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/attachment_83307559-scaled-e1591915635235\/attachment_83307559-scaled-e1591915635235.jpeg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a>Aim for simplicity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Balance consistency with contrast<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1706185463\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/attachment_97386245-e1592306240412\/attachment_97386245-e1592306240412.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"Versatile](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1706185471\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/attachment_97386245-1-e1592301494608\/attachment_97386245-1-e1592301494608.png?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a>Know when to step back and when to stand out<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Packaging](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1706185469\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/attachment_87804613\/attachment_87804613.jpeg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"Logo](\"https:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/vistaprint\/images\/v1706185467\/ideas-and-advice-prod\/en-us\/attachment_89194825-1\/attachment_89194825-1.jpeg?_i=AA\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPicture your own visual identity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n