How to use a Brand Style Guide
How to use a Brand Style Guide
One of the things that I believe is so imperative to receive (or create) when you are developing
your brand is a brand style guide. Many people overlook the importance of a brand style guide,
or they simply have no clue what it is or how to use it. First, let's figure out what it is. A brand
style guide is your brand blueprint. It is a document that displays everything from your logo,
alternate logo, colors, fonts, patterns and images that make up your brand. It is something that
you can reference back to ensure that you are keeping your brand consistent.
Let me break it down for you so that you can start to use yours effectively.
MAIN LOGO
Your main logo should be at the top of your brand style guide. This logo will be used most
often with your brand. You will find this logo on your website, and most of your business
stationery. You should be provided with a color version (if your logo includes color) + a black
and white version.
ALTERNATE LOGOS
Alternate logos are meant to be used in places that your main logo cannot fit, or when using a
variation of your logo is preferred. Alternate logos are also known as sub-marks, monograms,
or secondary logos. Think of it like your logo's visual tagline or nickname, if you will. It's a
smaller version of your logo that can be used on things like social media, stickers, or stamps.
COLORS
This section specifies your primary and secondary brand colors. You should be provided with
color values for each color, i.e. RGB (used for web), CMYK (used for print) and Hexadecimal.
Your main brand colors should be used on your website and business stationery. The
secondary colors should be used for blog and social media images, or small pops of colors
where you use your main brand colors.
TYPOGRAPHY
Keeping your fonts consistent on your print and digital design is imperative to cohesive
branding. It should include the name of the fonts used, plus I like to have it all laid out so that
you can see what all of the letters and numbers look like in each font. I suggest having two or
three different fonts for your brand.
PATTERNS OR UNIQUE DESIGN DETAILS
If you have a pattern, illustrations, or specific design elements in your brand it is important to
also include this element on your brand style guide. You do not want to use it everywhere, as it
can start to feel a bit gimmicky Some places that you can use your pattern on includes web
buttons, or on your business stationery.
STYLED IMAGERY
Clearly defining the look of images that are to be used with your brand is crucial. By including
images it helps remind you and other designers the aesthetic and quality of photography that
the brand demands. Photography plays a huge role in your brand. By showing whether your
imagery should be bright colors, black and white, clean, white space, or something else it will
help everyone stay in line with your brand.
You may not have all of these elements figured out for your brand at this time, and that is
alright. As your brand grows and evolves, keeping all of this information on a single document
will help you keep everything cohesive throughout the different avenues in your business. Are
you in need of a brand style guide? Does yours go into more detail, and if so what do you have
included in yours? I'd love to hear!
If you are interested in learning more about how to take your brand to the next level, or if you
simply just need a brand style guide created for you let's chat!
big thanks to our guest blogger
lindsay
