So, you’re ready to conquer the world with your amazing brand, huh? Well, hold on tight because we’re about to embark on a journey to create a brand board that will make your competitors weak at the knees.
No, it’s not easy — you need a good pair or experienced eyes to master it – but knowing to do it yourself will save you a lot of time and money in the future. Not to mention the amazing brand you could be creating.
But enough with the chit-chat, let’s get to it.
Understanding the Purpose and Benefits of a Brand Board
Now, before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s get one thing straight: What the heck is a brand board anyway? Simply put, it’s like your brand’s personal mood board — a visual representation of its identity, values, and personality. It’s that tiny element that helps you maintain a consistent and recognizable brand.
In it, you should have the guidelines that will enable any marketer or designer to create content that stands out in the market and ultimately, sell your product or service. After all, you can’t increase brand awareness and loyalty if your customers don’t really understand who and what you are, no?
Step 1: Defining Your Brand Identity
Before you slap colors and fonts onto your brand board like a toddler finger-painting, you need to understand who you are as a brand. So you need to ask yourself a few important questions.
Who’s your target audience? What do you stand for? And why should anyone care?
If you start building your brand identity without knowing these 3 answers, you won’t know how to market your products and services, which results in a brand that’s set to fail. I know – not nice, but true.
Step 2: Choosing the Visual Elements
Okay, now we’re getting to the fun part—visuals! Your brand board needs to catch the eye like a supermodel on a catwalk. Start by carefully selecting a color palette that speaks to your brand’s vibe. Are you bold and vibrant or classy and sophisticated? Let those colors sing your brand’s anthem.
When building the visuals, keep your target audience and mission in mind. There’s no point in building a neon pink board when you’re trying to build a brand of eco-friendly yoga products aimed at environmentally conscious individuals who prioritize sustainability…
And same with typography – what are you trying to express? Is it playful, elegant, or downright badass? Choose fonts that scream your brand’s personality and make it stand out. And don’t forget about imagery and graphic elements. They should be the supporting actors that bring your brand’s story to life.
Step 3: Designing the Layout
Now, it’s time to arrange all those visual elements into a masterpiece. Layout matters — it’s like the frame that holds your brand together.
Picture a seesaw: if you pile all the visual elements on one side, it’ll look like a hot mess, so balance is key. Distribute the elements evenly, creating a visually pleasing composition.
Then, establish hierarchy by giving importance to key elements like your logo, while supporting elements play complementary roles.
Finish off by adding harmony to it all — colors, fonts, images, and graphics should work together seamlessly. Experiment, find the right arrangement – you probably won’t do it on the first try, but you’ll learn a lot in the process
Step 4: Including Key Brand Assets:
What’s a brand without its signature assets? That’s like a singer without their killer vocals — basically nothing! Your brand board should showcase those key assets that make your brand instantly recognizable and memorable, so here are the main elements:
Logo: Your logo is the face of your brand, duuh. It’s the visual representation that people will associate with your business. Make sure your logo takes center stage on your brand board. It should be clear and recognizable, and also capture the essence of your brand and leave a lasting impression.
Tagline: A catchy tagline can be a powerful weapon in your brand arsenal. It encapsulates your brand’s message and promises in just a few memorable words. Incorporate your tagline into your brand board, placing it strategically to reinforce your brand’s values and mission.
Iconic Visuals: Think of the visual elements that have become synonymous with your brand. It could be a specific color palette, a unique pattern, or an iconic image that instantly evokes your brand’s identity. Include these visuals on your brand board, giving them the spotlight they deserve. Ensure they align with the overall aesthetics and messaging of your brand, creating a cohesive visual story.
Step 5: Assembling and Presenting the Brand Board
Now is the time to assemble your brand board with a clean and organized layout. You have the flexibility to use your preferred software or even create a physical board.
For instance, if you only need to build and distribute the brand book as it is, Canva is a great option. On the other hand, if you plan to use the brand book to design a website, go ahead and create a Figma design. Choose a tool that aligns with your purpose and makes you comfortable while working – it’s all about finding the right fit for your needs.
Maintaining and Evolving Your Brand Board
Congratulations, you’ve created your brand board! But hold on – the work doesn’t end there. Just like a fine wine, your brand needs to age gracefully and adapt to the ever-changing times. Let’s dive into why maintaining and evolving your brand board is crucial for long-term success.
- Regular Review and Updates: Your brand board is not set in stone. It should be a living, breathing document that evolves alongside your brand. Set aside time for regular reviews to ensure it stays fresh and relevant.
- Embrace New Trends: The world of branding is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. Keep an eye on emerging design trends, color palettes, typography styles, and visual aesthetics.
- Maintain Consistency: Despite the need for evolution, consistency remains paramount. Your brand board acts as the guiding light, ensuring that all brand elements align harmoniously. As you update your board, maintain consistency in your visual elements, messaging, and tone of voice.
- Team Alignment: Your brand board is a shared resource for your entire team. Make sure everyone is on board (pun intended) and understands the guidelines outlined in your brand board. Encourage your team to embrace the board as a sacred text, following its principles with unwavering dedication.
Embracing new trends while maintaining consistency ensures that your brand remains captivating and resonates with your target audience. So, gather your team, embrace change, and let your brand board guide you toward long-term success.
You’ve made it to the end of this guide, armed with the knowledge to create a brand board that’s as irresistible as a puppy wearing a bowtie. Remember, building a strong brand takes time and dedication, but with your brand board as your trusty sidekick, you’ll have the power to make waves in your industry.
If you’re looking for expert assistance in crafting a captivating brand board that truly represents your brand’s essence, I’m here to help. As a professional brand consultant, I specialize in creating visually stunning and impactful brand boards that leave a lasting impression. Contact me to discuss your brand board needs and take the first step toward making your brand shine like the superstar it was born to be!